Capitol Journal - Rating Rock and Roll
Capitol Journal - Rating Rock and Roll
Host Hodding Carter introduces new guest discussion panel, Cokie Roberts of National Public Radio, Helen Thomas, White House Bureau Chief for United Press International, and Fred Barnes of the New Republic. Carter brings up U.S. Senator James Exon (D-NE) sentiments regarding the purposes of hearings that aren't asking for legislation. Roberts says the reasons are tied to public relations and the same is done with actresses testifying for farm legislation. She isn't sure no legislation comes out of a topic in which senators' wives are involved. Carter says they promised there would be no request for legislation, but asks Barnes if there should be. Barnes replies there should not be. The industry can police themselves much like the movie industry does with their own rating system.
Capitol Journal - Rating Rock and Roll
Host Hodding Carter segues to news from the executive branch with Helen Thomas, White House Bureau Chief for United Press International. Carter sees the President involved in two sets of negotiations, one with the Russians on Strategic Defense Initiative, and the other with the Congress on trade legislation. He asks Thomas whether U.S. President Ronald Reagan will hold firm on his position on trade. Thomas thinks he has to give in since Congress will likely override him on any veto. Carter asks how can there be further compromise. Thomas expects he will compromise further on an upcoming policy speech on trade. Cokie Roberts adds that Congressional Republicans are hoping President Reagan pre-empts the issue with the speech. Republicans understand this is a tough issue for them. Democrats are on the attack with Democratic leaders Tip O'Neill and Dick Gephardt saying that the President is presiding over the de-industrialization of America or turning Uncle Sam into Uncle Sap.
Capitol Journal - Rating Rock and Roll
Host Hodding Carter asks: "What comes at the end of this process?" Fred Barnes, from the New Republic, says U.S. President Ronald Reagan will compromise. This is a Washington issue that has little "public clamor" outside of Washington D.C. there is not a public clamor for that legislation. People care more about budget deficits and Central America. Helen Thomas, White House Bureau Chief for United Press International, interjects: "I think you see clamor among the industries that are affected." Carter asks: "Is it special interest alone? Is there a public swell of support out there?" Roberts gives a specific examples with textile plants in the Carolinas and reports that members of Congress are just responding to their constituents. Barnes explains that the polls show is that people do not blame foreign imports for economic problems in the United States. Carter brings up the textile bill and Roberts provides details of the upcoming bills, which likely would override a Presidential veto.
Capitol Journal - Rating Rock and Roll
Host Hodding Carter brings up the issue of tax reform. Republican leadership stated tax reform will not be addressed this year. Fred Barnes, from the New Republic, believes otherwise. It will get through the House of the Representatives at the end of October. The question then is whether the Republican Senate going to say no to a Republican President and a Democratic House who are for it and are pushing it. Cokie Roberts, of National Public Radio, reports Speaker Tip O'Neill has said there would probably be a delay on a tax bill. Sen. Dole stated Republicans can't be blamed for not passing a bill not received until Thanksgiving. Helen Thomas, White House Bureau Chief for United Press International, says U.S. President Ronald Reagan there believes there is time to get the bill through the House, but not the Senate this year. Barnes states that once the President elevates the visibility of the tax reform bill to the American people, they will be in favor of it. Carter closes out show.