Interview Between Hugh Downs and Randolph A. Hearst

by Sara B.

Downs- "Welcome Randolph, I am sure you have been having a very hard time."

Hearst- "Yes, everyday, I can't stop thinking about where she is, what she is doing, or how she feels."

Downs- "I sympathize with you"

Downs- "When is the last time you have heard from her?"

Hearst- "She sends me tapes every few weeks so I know she's still alive. They don't comfort me at all."

D- "Why?"

H- "She says things on the tapes that makes me think this is my fault."

D- "Although we have all heard the tapes, tell me what in particular bothers you."

H- "Well, on the newest tape for instance, she says she has joined the SLA."

D- Nod

H- "She started off the tape by saying that she wrote it herself, and wasn't forced to say any of it. I know my daughter well and I doubt she would say such things such things about me. She then quoted that George Jackson fellow."

D- "So you think she was drugged?"

H- "More like forced-under threat of death."

D- "What else?'

H- "She also addresses part of it to Steve. She said she doesn't really have feelings for him anymore. I never liked him, but I know they had a mutual love.

D- "Do you think she has stopped loving Steve?"

H- "No, I think she is confused and she doesn't know what she wants. Or, she was forced to read the tape."

A tear appears in Hearst's eye

H- "Her voice sound so weak, I...I..she..."

D- "What do you think about her decision?"

H- "I knew when I heard that, it was not in her words. Patty is a smart, rational woman who would never make a decision like that."

D- "I agree. Could you tell by the tones of her voice what was going on?"

H- "When she said I didn't care about the 'oppressed people' or about what happens to me, and that I was a corporate liar, I knew she didn't mean it. We always had long discussions about my career. She always agreed with my job, and often helped me make decisions."

D- "What about the earlier tapes?"

H- "Most of the tapes had the same message... the food..."

D- "Ah, yes. The PIN donation"

H- "Yes, that really scared me. There is no way in hell I can come up with $400 million. The $2 million was a lot."

D- "Weren't you worried they would kill her?"

H- "The media showed me as being heartless. I was very concerned about her. I wanted to find her. I even hired psychics."

D- "Did it work?"

H- "No."

D- "Couldn't you have sold the Hearst Castle to get the $400 million. I am sure it would cover it."

H- "I could never do that. It doesn't all belong to me, but even if it was mine, I would never sell it."

D- " Even if it means your daughter's life?"

H- " I have no comment."

D- "How were the tapes different? In the beginning?"

H- "She seemed more like herself. She said she wanted to come home and see us. The more time passed, the less she talked about her self and the more she talked about "freeing the oppressed people."

D- "Uh-huh. Now, why is your wife in mourning? Does she consider your daughter a lost cause?"

H- "Many people think she gave up, but she didn't. She is very depressed and I know this really hurts her."

D- "What about Steven? Have you heard from him?"

H- "No, he has basically avoided us. He was in the hospital for awhile with injuries after the kidnapping."

D- "How are your other daughters taking it?

H- "They want their sister back."

D- "I understand. I think the whole world would like to see Patty Hearst home again.

H- Nod"Thank you"

D- "Randolph, thank you so much for sharing your time with us. Patty, wherever you are, our thoughts are with you. From 20/20, I'm Hugh Downs."

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