Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974
Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974
[00.13.03] [in to DUKE seated in studio] DUKE indicates two dramatic moments in the first night of arguments, both involving REPUBLICAN representatives from Illinois. First, sez DUKE, Rep. McCLORY indicated that he might vote for impeachment on the article of ABUSE OF POWER by President NIXON. Second, Rep. RAILSBACK came close to implicating the President in the Watergate case, leading DUKE to believe that RAILSBACK might vote to impeach, making at least three REPUBLICANS on the committe believed to have deserted NIXON's side. DUKE opines to LEHRER that the evening's debate took place on a generally high level, with most Representatives taking the high road. LEHRER agrees, saying he is also struck by the difference in styles among the congressmen who spoke. [cut to shot of LEWIS interviewing Rep. RAILSBACK. Also holding out a microphone to the Rep. is Sam DONALDSON.] RAILSBACK is discussing his speech, DONALDSON asks one more question, whether RAILSBACK is going to announce his vote yet RAILSBACK says that he's going to listen to the rest of the debate. LEWIS requests more time with the congressman. RAILSBACK expresses his concern that the White House is not cooperating. Another female reporter asks if RAILSBACK believes honestly that NIXON will step forward and give up the evidence voluntarily. RAILSBACK says that yes, he does. [cut back to studio, showing DUKE seated and LEHRER standing next to a bulletin board of photos under categories "AYES", "NAYS", "MAYBE AYES", AND "MAYBE NAYS"] DUKE recaps the night's events, saying there were six who spoke to clearly indicate their vote woudl be for impeachment (all DEMOCRATS), two indicate they would certainly vote against (all REPUBLICANS), and two who indicated they could possibly vote for at least one ARTICLE OF IMPEACHMENT (also REPUBLICANS). [pan/zoom in on LEHRER at board] [zoom in on board] LEHRER discusses the breakdown, 19 "AYES", 6 confirmed "NAYS", 5 leaning toward "NAY", and 7 leaning toward "AYE". Asks LEWIS for input [cut to LEWIS standing with Rep. McCLORY] LEWIS asks whether Rep. McCLORY can state any further his postion on voting for the article on contempt of Congress. McCLORY replies in the affirmative, stating that NIXON should provide all requested materials to the committee. His refusal demands action, and is a valid grounds for impeachment. Says that since the Supreme Court has demanded the WHITE HOUSE TAPES be turned over to the Federal District Court for the criminal trials, this is even further argument that they should be turned over to the Judiciary Committee. Says that he hopes impeachment is not necessary to get the evidence turned over. LEWIS asks McCLORY whether as a Sr. member of the committee he will try to negotiate a turnover of evidence with the White House, possibly through VP FORD. McCLORY says that if the tapes can be gotten within a month or so, that a delay might be in order, but a longer wait than that and the committe will have to proceed [00.22.22]