Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974
Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974
[00.22.22] [cut to LEHRER/DUKE in studio, LEHRER standing at "scoreboard"] DUKE comments that LEWIS has managed to draw a very strong indication from McCLORY that he is prepared to vote for one or more ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT. After some discussion, LEHRER moves the square block with McCLORY'S photo from the "MAYBE NAY" to "MAYBE AYE" section of the board. The consensus is that no NAY'S have probably changed, but that Rep. SMITH is likely a "NAY" vote for sure because his interest in the bombing of CAMBODIA is unlikely to become an ARTICLE OF IMPEACHMENT. [the photo square is moved from "MAYBE YEA" TO "NAY".] Of the "MAYBE AYES", LEHRER says that Rep. RAILSBACK is the only one to have spoken today, and did not commit to one position, in spite of indications that he was leaning toward voting for impeachment. LEHRER and DUKE reach the consensus that those are all the changes that can be made on the scoreboard. DUKE reintroduces TUCKMAN, asking her for her impression of the night's debate. TUCKMAN says that she was struck by Mr. HUNGATE'S remark that "the American People have a right to expect" certain kinds of conduct from the President. Says that this is a basic issue in the whole affair, and that many institutions are seeming to fail or not live up to expectatins of conduct. Makes the comparison to the Medieval period, a generally "bad time for humanity", in the idea of "three estates". Says that problems occurred in both times when one "estate" overstepped bounds or failed in it's scope to do it's job. [TUCKMAN apologizes for the rambling analogy, and is rather flustered, but it seems valid, if from left field] DUKE thanks TUCKMAN for her contributions, tells LEHRER that he was struck by the historic occasion. LEHRER announces the batting order for the next day, first Rep. WIGGINS, pro-NIXON, then Rep. CONYERS, a severe critic of NIXON, announces the beginning of coverage, signs off. [weird capitol dome rotating graphic with title "IMPEACHMENT DEBATE"--NPACT ID--PBS network ID] [00.30.54--tape out]