LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
14.10.44-ROBERTS intro report on the role of FOOD in LOBBYING. 14.11.06-A congressman notes that the quickest way to a Congressman's heart is through the stomach. Shots of trays of food at a buffet. An Agricultural Committee staffer says that food is integral to LOBBYING because it makes lobbyists less annoying to the Congressmen. ROBERTS v.o.-this banquet is to lobby for a resolution that makes CHILI the national food. A CHILI advocate explains the bill. A congressman says (I think only half-jokingly) that he'll give it the most serious consideration. Shots of Congressmen chowing down on Chili. Rep. WES WATKINS (D-OK) says he ran in between votes to scarf down some chili. Shots of LOBBYISTS dishing out grab bags of different chili brands to Congressmen. C/S young staffers, who say they enjoy a break from cafeteria food and aren't shy about sneaking in uninvited. More shots of Congressmen chowing down. The Committee staffer says that good food is key to getting the Congressmen themselves to show up to be lobbied. More shots of Congressmen loading up at the buffet table, this time on the Crab industry ticket. 14.13.43--Sen. TED STEVENS (R-AK) lobbies for the Marine Fisheries industry. Shots of a Barbecue sponsored by Rep. JIM WRIGHT, evidently lobbying for JIM WRIGHT. Lots of shots of Congressmen chowing down on big slabs of meat. A former Congressman marvels at WRIGHT'S ability to schmooze. A Committee staffer says that good food and drink is a great way to promote agreement and civility. Shot of Rep. SILVIO CONTE (R-MA) in chef's outfit, preparing to grate a hunk of parmesan which ROBERT MICHEL sniffs. CONTE discusses his regular Italian luncheon for House leadership, to promote some good fellowship over good food and wine. C/S of Cannoli on the table. CONTE says legislation is like seasoning food. 14.15.38-DUKE-notes that this is the earliest adjournment for Congress since 1965. Commentary by Otis Pike on TV COVERAGE of Congress-TV isn't suited to the unpredictable events in Congress which aren't scheduled. TV can't show ideas like the consequences of war, or "democracy" or "freedom of speech"-people need to keep in mind the big ideas when confronted by the individual examples on TV. 14.17.48-DUKE-gives props to the research and production staff, signs off. Closing credits/transcript information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 14.19.31-OUT