February 8, 1999

   Pat Ward, "that sneaky reporter" referred to in one of Margaret Truman's books e-mailed us a letter. She stated:

	During the WhistleStop campaign, I was assigned to ride on the Truman train from Sacramento, CA to Roseville, about a half-hour trip. My chance of getting anywhere near the Presidential party appeared dim, so I busied myself with interviewing all those famous White House reporters in the press car. I asked Press Secretary Charlie Ross if Margaret Truman might give an interview to a "fellow member" of Pi Beta Phi, a women's college fraternity to which we both belonged. Mr. Ross was very friendly and probably amused at my brash request. I was surprised when he came back and escorted me to the dining car where Margaret and other members of the official party were having breakfast.    I didn't believe the President had a chance of being re-elected, so I asked Margaret about that, and she replied that he certainly had her vote. So I predicted my lead on the fact that Truman could be sure of one vote in November-his daughter's. I ended the story with the fact that the trip from Roseville to Sacramento had cost the Bee $2.48.    Unfortunately, word got out to the press corps on the train than an "uppity" woman reporter had gotten an exclusive interview with Margaret Truman. I understand she was very upset and referred to me later in one of her books as "that sneaky reporter."

Chase, Brad, and Megan
Third Grade
Lucy Franklin Elementary
Blue Springs, MO