WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 1972 (UPI) - President Nixon let it be known today that he envisions his second term as a period of reform - "reform using money more effectively" - but ruled out any "massive new social programs." The President was engaged at the Florida White House in what was described as intensive second term planning, with little time taken to celebrate his avalanche victory Tuesday over George S. McGovern, while Democrats looked ahead to reshaping their leadership.
McGovern flew off this morning to the Virgin Islands to rest while Democratic National Committee officials quickened plans for a reorganizational meeting one month from today in Washington.
Nixon told Cabinet members and other top aides Wednesday, just after his 49-state election sweep, that significant changes would be made not only in personnel but structure of the executive branch in his new term.
He outlined his reform plans in considerable detail, two days before the election, in an interview with Garnett D. Horner, White House correspondent for the Washington Star-News, published today.
He said he had seen speculation that after re-election, since he cannot succeed himself, "I will now be free to advocate some massive new social programs."
He then declared: "Nothing could be further from the truth."
The reforms he said he had in mind were "reform of existing institutions and not the destruction of our tried values in this country ... reform, not just adding more dollars.
"Reform using money effectively will be the mark of this administration rather than simply coming up with huge new bundles of money to throw at the problems."
Nixon made clear he never had any doubt that he would win. Of McGovern he said bluntly, "He was defeated the day he was nominated. The issue in this election was his views."
In the interview, Nixon said, "When I tell you I am completely confident that we are going to have a settlement (in Vietnam), you can bank on it."
He pledged anew that some U.S. economic aid would be available for North Vietnam when the fighting is over. And while he is expected to concentrate heavily on foreign policy in his second term as he did the first, he doubted "the next four years will be as spectacular as the year 1972" which featured Peking and Moscow summits and major international monetary moves.
Although Nixon's landslide Tuesday carried every state except Massachusetts (plus the District of Columbia), the Democrats gained two seats in the Senate to give them a 57-43 edge and easily retained control of the House.
The results of the congressional elections meant that Nixon, in his second term, would face a highly independent Congress and an even more liberal Senate which is certain to demand more spending and higher priorities for domestic programs.
It was clear, however, that Nixon intends first to reshuffle his own administration, probably even before Congress reconvenes Jan. 3.
Among those expected to quit were Defense Secretary Melvin Laird and Housing Secretary George Romney.
