LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
IN 14.18.08 14.18.08-VERY INTERESTING FOOTAGE OF MOMENTS BEFORE START OF BROADCAST INTERVIEW, REAGAN COMPOSING HIMSELF FOR THE CAMERA, CANDID MOMENTS. Shot of Paul DUKE facing camera, RONALD REAGAN back to camera, in study setting (WHITE HOUSE?), in moments before interview. DUKE trying to get some casual chat going. REAGAN seems a bit confused, "I can't recall". Shot of REAGAN, sitting very placidly, waiting for start of on-camera interview. Technician intrudes on frame to fix DUKE'S microphone. REAGAN continues to be very still, expression unchanging. 14.19.24-Start of interview for cameras. Discussion of REAGAN'S success in dealing with CONGRESS. REAGAN'S demeanor is modest, but alludes strongly to his record as Governor of California in dealing with DEMOCRATIC legislators. Claims to have an attitude of common sense in consulting with CONGRESS and relies on unusually frequent meetings. REAGAN is maximizing the "aw shucks" factor. 14.20.40-DUKE questions REAGAN about his instincts for dealing with CONGRESS, alludes to REAGAN'S reputation for charm. REAGAN chuckles demurely at this. DUKE-did acting give REAGAN these skills? REAGAN-skirts question of acting (probably knowing it's a target for his critics), credits Sen. HOWARD BAKER and Rep. ROBERT MICHEL, REPUBLICAN leadership on hill with helping him deal with Congress. 14.21.49-REAGAN-discussion of White House's CONGRESSIONAL STRATEGY team, claims to make policy of being very up-front with CONGRESS and not pulling surprises. REAGAN paints dealing with CONGRESS as a very civil and friendly endeavor. 14.22.57-DUKE prods REAGAN on the subject of CONGRESS, notes REAGAN'S reputation for charm. Shot of REAGAN while DUKE says this-REAGAN is completely still, expressionless. REAGAN gives a classic REAGAN answer-"I don't know if it's a skill or not, but I like people" (Aw Shucks). Discussion of conflict between PRESIDENT'S duty to "all the people" and CONGRESSMEN'S duty to home districts, striking compromises and such. 14.24.40-DUKE tries to prod REAGAN to cut through the "aw shucks" act, but REAGAN is too good at it, laughs it off, doesn't give any provocative answer about his CONGRESSIONAL opponents. REAGAN stands firm on his claim that he builds consensus in CONGRESS by gentle persuasion. 14.25.57-DUKE-trying a different tack to get behind the "aw shucks", says that REAGAN has surprised the media pundits with his political acumen, asks about the competitive aspect of politics. Shot of REAGAN sitting completely motionless, expression unchanging. Another classic REAGAN moment, laughs off the notion that the WHITE HOUSE and CAPITOL HILL are in a state of warfare, takes a measured pause, gets back to the refrain of gentle persuasion. 14.27.15-DUKE tries and fails yet again to penetrate REAGAN'S act. Asks about the nuts and bolts of making phone calls to CONGRESS, cashing in favors, etc. REAGAN admits that he does not get intimately involved in those decisions, relies on his staff to manage the relationship with CONGRESS. Says his experience in CALIFORNIA has helped with the timing aspect of dealing with CONGRESS. 14.28.35-REAGAN absolutely refuses to be led down the trail by DUKE-this interview is a great example of REAGAN'S command of the media and skill at acting the role of President, love him or hate him. 14.28.45--DUKE alludes to criticism of REAGAN'S knowledge of the issues, tendency toward simplistic views. REAGAN humbly admits to being aware of the criticisms, very calmly denies that they are justified, "sometimes, to use an anecdote saves a lot of words". Contends that examples can illustrate the entire picture (a very accurate summation of REAGAN'S version of political discourse)-REAGAN takes the opportunity to stump for his statement that TROOPS should be sent to LEBANON to keep peace, says that PRESS LEAKS of his LEBANON policy prompted a very agreeable and productive (REAGAN'S characterization) meeting with Congressional leaders (Mr. Nice Guy). 14.31.26