LAWMAKERS, April 19, 1984
LAWMAKERS, April 19, 1984
DO NOT USE STILL PHOTOS 20.06.37-DUKE in studio. Introduces segment on Sen. RUSSELL LONG (D-Lousiana), one of the last old-school DIXIECRATS in CONGRESS. 20.07.09-LINDA WERTHEIMER reports from CAPITOL, standing at base of COLUMNS. States LONG is a fascinating figure in the SENATE. Shot of guests dancing at a fundraising dinner for LONG. Shot of LLOYD BENTSEN at podium introducing LONG. LONG telling story about his uncle, EARL LONG, humorous tale of political opportunism, audience laughs. WERTHEIMER discusses the LONG family, Gov. EARL and RUSSELL'S father HUEY LONG. Still photo of HUEY LONG. Old footage of LONG in SENATE, arguing fiercely, pounding his fist, shot of LONG "EVERY MAN A KING" BUTTON. Shots of HUEY LONG and supporters on old, yellowed film stock. WERTHEIMER v.o. remarks that HUEY LONG'S assassination didn't prevent him from passing SENATE seat to his son. 20.09.40-RUSSELL LONG discusses trying to find political identity separate from HUEY LONG. Shots, old-looking stock, of RUSSELL LONG in SENATE COMMITTEE, LONG calling committee meeting to order, LONG chairing meeting. LONG v.o. comments on the power of FINANCE COMMITTEE, oversight of half of all money spent by government. Cartoons shown of LONG as juggler of interests, puppeteer of CAPITOL. 20.10.42-Jack MOSKOWITZ, United Way Lobbyist, discusses LONG'S political aptitude and strength. Another lobbyist discusses LONG'S legislative tricks. Sen. LONG discusses letting other SENATORS add amendments to bills as a form of POLITICAL FAVOR that wins allies. 20.12.00-shot of FISHING TRAWLER leaving dock in LOUISIANA, shot of nets hanging from mast. WERTHEIMER v.o. discusses LONG'S ability to look out for LOUISIANA interests in WASHINGTON, Oil and Gas industries. Shot of OIL DRILLERS working a rig. Bob DOLE credits LONG with representing the interests of his state, denies LONG is a tool of the OIL INDUSTRY. LONG says that if politicians work only to get reelected, they're not doing badly, because serving the people leads to reelection. Still shots of LONG with Presidents NIXON, FORD, and CARTER. 20.12.51-FINANCE COMMITTEE group photo, shows BILL BRADLEY. WERTHEIMER v.o.-BRADLEY compared meeting LONG to playing BASKETBALL as a rookie against BILL RUSSELL. BRADLEY says that RUSSELL has seen every political move in the book and already knows how to help or defeat you. Discussion of LONG'S ability to build winning majorities for his bills. Shot of former Sen. Gaylord NELSON, telling stories of LONG'S masterful skill in gaining majorities. 20.14.20-WERTHEIMER v.o.-LONG lost some power in late 1960's to TED KENNEDY. Still photo of LONG and KENNEDY. WERTHEIMER v.o.-LONG got a bit depressed at this, but turned around when he married his wife, Caroline. Shot of LONGS on couch, Mrs. LONG says she feels the two share the job. Former aide confirms that Mrs. LONG "best thing that ever happened" to Sen. LONG. 20.15.02-Shot of REAGAN supporters celebrating 1980 victory, one holds newspaper with headline "REAGAN LANDSLIDE". Shot of SENATE chamber, SENATORS. WERTHEIMER v.o.-LONG lost chairmanship in 1980 to Bob DOLE. Shot of DOLE, HOWARD BAKER leaving SENATE CHAMBER, DOLE shakes a hand. Shot of DOLE sitting in easy chair, DOLE said he was worried about stepping on LONG'S toes by taking chair. Shot of LONG and aides walking office hallway. Shot of LONG entering committee room, taking seat at semicircular table, LONG v.o. says he made some mistakes out of habit his first meeting as non-chairman. 20.16.02-WERTHEIMER v.o.-could LONG regain his power if DEMOCRATS win big in 1984? Shot of REAGAN and LONG, former aide says REAGAN wants tax simplification, not LONG'S style. Shot of Sen. BRADLEY. BRADLEY says LONG expects to be chairman again, will relish it, and will be effective. Shot of LONG meeting with aides. WERTHEIMER comments LONG has experience and works hard, usually gets his way. 20.17.13-DUKE/ROBERTS in studio. Discussion of LONG'S political acumen. ROBERTS, as a LOUISIANA native, is familiar with LONG'S career and his family. DUKE recalls a humorous debate by LONG.