LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
20.14.36-DUKE-No resolution to this battle in sight. REAGAN has revised ARMS REDUCTION proposals in response to efforts of powerful members of House and Senate. Shots of REAGAN giving press conference on White House lawn. REAGAN says the U.S. will urge a "build-down" to promote smaller but more modern NUCLEAR ARSENALS [great-we end up with the same number of warheads but we have to piss away billions of dollars! Swell idea!]. Says REAGAN is looking for ways to build "Bipartisan" support for his ARMS CONTROL plans. DUKE-the major advisors to REAGAN were the Congressional "Gang of Six", advocates of "build-down" strategy. One is Sen. WILLIAM COHEN (R-ME). 20.15.46-Discussion of national sentiment on ARMS CONTROL. COHEN says there is a developing consensus, names some strong pro-defense Senators as influential (Sam Nunn and Norm Dicks, from Bomber Country, Al Gore from Nuclear Research Country- they all think we need new NUCLEAR WEAPONS...). DUKE asks about REAGAN'S evident change of heart to endorse a reduction plan, says REAGAN personally was never opposed to "build-down", but the State Department and Pentagon had reasonable objections that have now been met through long study. Discussion of a quid-pro-quo involving Congress' approval of the MX MISSILE. COHEN says that the MX is a "stabilizing" weapon, discusses the theory that build-down will promote stability. COHEN says REPUBLICANS were eager not to appear too zealous about ARMS RACE. Could be indicative of improving relations between Capitol Hill and REAGAN on FOREIGN POLICY. 20.20.30-DUKE-intro commentary. Commentary by Charles McDowell of the historic insignificance of the Vice-Presidency giving way to more serious and competent Vice-Presidents in recent years. The office now taking a symbolic importance as DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES are dangling the post to WOMEN and MINORITY candidates. Notes that it is the Democratic Party leadership's fault for not fostering the rise of Congresswomen to high leadership that there are no publicly prominent women candidates. In fact, REPUBLICANS have a statistical lead in number of women in high government posts. 20.22.30-DUKE-signs off. Closing credits/transcript information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 20.24.19--OUT