Advanced Search
LAWMAKERS
Title sequence - "The Lawmakers".
LAWMAKERS
DUKE in studio. After end of CONGRESS recess, CONGRESSMEN finding that the REAGANOMICS package was not working, causing political panic for legislators that endorsed the plan. SENATE held CONFIRMATION HEARINGS for SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR. WERTHEIMER introduces report on O'CONNOR, describes her demeanor as calm, cool, circumspect. Guest analysis by former SUPREME COURT justice Abe FORTAS. Color video still of JUSTICE FORTAS in office. FORTAS discusses the CONFIRMATION process as a grueling one, but necessary and good, one never knows what kinds of questions will come up, what political agenda will be advanced.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE hearing room from back of audience. Close up of Sen. JEREMIAH DENTON (R-Alab.), announcing his opposition to ABORTION as a factor in any consideration he makes. Shot of STROM THURMOND (Whig, South Carolina), interrogating. Shot of Sen. CHARLES MATHIAS (R-MD), asking if O'CONNOR has advocated major revisions of the CONSTITUTION. Shot of Justice FORTAS in legal chamber, says it's inappropriate for the SENATORS to try to pin O'CONNOR to any position she took as an advocating lawyer.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of O'CONNOR seated in hearing, Shot of Sen. MAX BAUCUS (D-MT), asks what the most important issue facing the court in years to come will be. O'CONNOR says it would be impossible to name any one issue, COURT hears all of them. Shot of a Senator asking for O'CONNOR'S view on ABORTION. Shot of O'CONNOR replying, somewhat nervously, that the resolution of issues before the court are matters of law, not of her beliefs. Shot of Sen. JOHN EAST (R-NC), also asks opinions on ABORTION. O'CONNOR responds, declines to advocate a particular policy on ABORTION. EAST continues to pound the abortion issue. O'CONNOR states that it is not appropriate for her to comment on ROE V. WADE since the case may be back before the court.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of WERTHEIMER interviewing Justice FORTAS, asks about O'CONNOR being the first woman on the court. FORTAS says it won't make any difference by virtue of the function of the court. Shot of O'CONNOR, claiming to be pleased to represent millions of other women, indebted to the talents of her predecessors in the field of law. Responds in good humor to a "what do you want on your tombstone" question from a Senator, "here lies a good judge".
LAWMAKERS
Shot of STROM THURMOND (Whig, SC), asking if O'CONNOR most wants to be remembered as a justice that "upheld the Constitution". O'CONNOR agrees that would be an apt epitaph.
LAWMAKERS
DUKE/WERTHEIMER in studio. Discussion of O'CONNOR'S performance. WERTHEIMER says SENATORS were likely very impressed, O'CONNOR one of calmest witnesses ever to sit before the judiciary committee. Few clues given about O'CONNOR'S potential votes as a JUSTICE, WERTHEIMER calls O'CONNOR a "shoe-in".
LAWMAKERS
DUKE introduce report by COKIE ROBERTS on political fallout from the FAILURE OF REAGANOMICS.
LAWMAKERS
COKIE ROBERTS - REPUBLICANS are taking heat for deficit, high interest rates.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of TRENT LOTT gloating about getting the REAGAN BUDGET passed. Shot of a DEMOCRAT rep. Complaining about losing on the budget debate. Shots of CONGRESSMEN in debate, include DELBERT LATTA (R-OH) and TIP O'NEILL. Shot of Rep. RICHARD BOLLING calling REAGAN'S pressure on CONGRESS to pass budget "excessive". Shot of Rep. JIM WRIGHT argues against REAGAN BUDGET.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of Rep. JOHN ERLENDORN (R-IL), claiming that the days of "tax and spend" Democrats are over. Shot of REAGAN wrapping up a WHITE HOUSE luncheon speech. Shot of REAGAN at a Press conference, laughing. Shot of REAGAN amidst a crowd of REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMEN. Shot of Rep. BILL HEFNER (D-NC), says that young Congressmen were easily overwhelmed by REAGAN'S media blitz for the budget.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of TIP O'NEILL in Speaker's office, hair disheveled, says he has never seen a man as popular as REAGAN at the moment. Shot of O'NEILL speaking to HOUSE, asks if the CONGRESS should be so easily persuaded by REAGAN. Shot of O'NEILL in speaker's office, making phone call, congratulating REAGAN on getting the BUDGET passed. Shot of REAGAN over long buffet table, speaking to crowd of SENATORS. Close up of REAGAN speaking to Senators.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of Rep. BILL HEFNER (D-NC), says that REAGAN will have a hard time convincing people to cut the DEFENSE budget, because neither REPUBLICANS nor CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRATS will approve. Shot of TRENT LOTT, says that he thinks there are possible cuts in DEFENSE. Shots of Rep. ROBERT MICHEL in office, giving press conference. Says that the REPUBLICANS in CONGRESS can approve budget cuts without repercussions if they let REAGAN take responsibility, discussion of LINE-ITEM VETO.
LAWMAKERS
DUKE/ROBERTS in studio, discussion of how CONGRESS now seems willing to let REAGAN hold power, the youth and inexperience of CONGRESS. REPUBLICANS panicking because home district voters are upset with budget cuts. Speculation about REPUBLICANS losing seats in next elections.
LAWMAKERS
DUKE - story on 81st birthday of Rep. CLAUDE PEPPER (D-FL), PEPPER'S support of SENIOR CITIZEN issues.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of Rep. PEPPER shaking hands with some good ol' boys outside a cinderblock building. Shot of PEPPER joking with an elderly woman. Shot of PEPPER shaking hands with black van driver. Shot of a small shack in wooded area, dirt driveway. DUKE v.o.-discussion of PEPPER'S roots, son of poor farmer in ALABAMA. PEPPER v.o.-always remembers roots. Shot of clapboard GENERAL STORE, shot of PEPPER standing in small CEMETERY. Shot of main street in SOUTHERN SMALL TOWN, many PICKUP TRUCKS parked. Shot of PEPPER standing in front of country shack, disc. of hard times in his family, need to remember this in Congress. Shot of PEPPER climbing the rotted steps up to porch of house, standing on PORCH.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of CLAUDE PEPPER speaking at a podium, gathering of SENIOR CITIZEN volunteer group. PEPPER says that that area (south) is good country with good people. B/W still of PEPPER as younger man (age 30?), wearing suit.
LAWMAKERS
DO NOT USE Stills of CLAUDE PEPPER from 1936 SENATE campaign. Still of PEPPER with FDR on a train platform. PEPPER v.o. disc. of FDR. Shot of PEPPER stumping for FDR at SOUTHERN GENERAL STORE or TRAIN STATION.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of CLAUDE PEPPER in office, reminiscing about FDR and NEW DEAL era, praises spirit of generosity and collectivism of the era. PEPPER discusses being branded a "RED" during McCARTHY era for supporting UNITED NATIONS.
LAWMAKERS
DO NOT USE Still of PEPPER speaking in 1956 campaign, DUKE v.o.-PEPPER lost, seen as "soft on Communism". Still of PEPPER shaking hands with JFK on WHITE HOUSE porch.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of CLAUDE PEPPER speaking in HOUSE COMMITTEE. Shot of an elderly woman speaking to microphone at SENIOR CITIZENS center. Shot of PEPPER speaking at Seniors' volunteer group meeting. DUKE v.o. - PEPPER an advocate for SENIOR CITIZENS of U.S. PEPPER encourages SENIOR CITIZENS to take pride in their long service to U.S., they are important to him.
LAWMAKERS
Shot of CLAUDE PEPPER with another elderly man, standing outside door of a building (a VFW hall?). Shot of PEPPER standing with JIMMY CARTER, DUKE v.o.-PEPPER'S proudest achievement-repeal of mandatory retirement at age 65 for federal employees. CARTER remarks that PEPPER, "like my mother, is much younger than I am, and seems to grow younger every day".
LAWMAKERS
Shot of CLAUDE PEPPER on GOLF COURSE, shanks a chip shot into sand trap, expresses discontent. Shot of PEPPER walking back to golf cart, to get sand wedge? PEPPER'S pants are pulled up almost to his neck. Shot of PEPPER hitting his tee shot, v.o.-says he could improve his game if he had more time. Shot of PEPPER speaking to a crowd of UNION MEMBERS on CAPITOL grounds, vows to fight cuts in SOCIAL SECURITY, if SENIOR CITIZENS vote, they can protect SOCIAL SECURITY.
LAWMAKERS
DUKE in studio. Says Congressman PEPPER told him he didn't plan to retire until year 2000. Introduce commentary by OTIS PIKE.