LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
14.31.26-DUKE asks if REAGAN considers himself a "big picture" politician who isn't interested in the small details. REAGAN takes pause, delivers very "earnest" response, contends his job is to sell the overall goal to CONGRESS. 14.32.02-DUKE prods REAGAN with discussion of charges by REPUBLICANS on hill that the WHITE HOUSE Congressional Relations Staff is arrogant and high-handed. Shot of REAGAN as DUKE speaks, sits ABSOLUTELY still, composure unruffled, as DUKE runs down a litany of strong criticism. REAGAN denies that it's true, that that criticism is the result of isolated incidents being blown out of proportion (evidently examples don't always stand for the whole?). Claims to be actively involved in overseeing his Congressional staff, unaware of any serious problems. 14.34.00-DUKE presses the issue, asks if REAGAN has delegated too much authority. REAGAN decides that a simple "no" is all the answer he needs to give. DUKE asks complex question, whether WHITE HOUSE actions undermine REPUBLICANS' efforts to make deals in CONGRESS with DEMOCRATS. REAGAN-takes pause, answers by example, argues that he has to draw lines about compromising on certain issues. 14.36.25-DUKE asks if more vetos are on the way. REAGAN says that he will veto any excessive APPROPRIATIONS bills. DUKE asks about the coming ELECTIONS, states that REPUBLICANS may lose seats in CONGRESS, asks how REAGAN will react if the DEMOCRATS gain a larger majority in the HOUSE. REAGAN pooh-poohs the concern, says that first term Presidents always lose support in midterm elections, exudes "can-do spirit". 14.38.08-DUKE brings up REAGAN'S battles with TIP O'NEILL, O'NEILL'S wish that REAGAN "Was a little more Irish and a little less Republican". REAGAN allows himself a chuckle, allows that his differences with O'NEILL are not personal, or even political, but "philosophical", alludes to his past belief in NEW DEAL liberalism, explains that he can't support that philosophy anymore, but "come six o'clock, we're friends". 14.39.03-DUKE asks if REAGAN ever wishes he had run for the SENATE instead of the PRESIDENCY. REAGAN denies ever considering the SENATE, EMPHATICALLY insists that he was "drafted" to run for Governor, and got into politics because others wanted him to, not because he personally wanted power (THIS IS A HUGE COMPONENT OF THE REAGAN CULT OF PERSONALITY, LAID OUT VERY SUCCINCTLY IN HIS OWN WORDS). 14.40.31-DUKE wraps up interview, thanks REAGAN. REAGAN says it's been his pleasure. Shot of REAGAN sitting silently after the end of the interview, keeps quiet until microphone is turned off, remarks "Now it's off to Camp David", shakes DUKE'S hand as technicians move into frame to undo microphones, 14.41.06--OUT