CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Government Buildings"
U.S. Capitol Building. Host Edwin Newman (VO) talking about the practice of honoring past leaders of Congress by naming buildings after them. Sam Rayburn House Office Building. Joseph Cannon House Office Building. Nicholas Longworth House Office Building. Everett Dirksen Senate Office building, Richard Russell Senate Office building. Philip Hart Senate Office building. Host Newman standing in Mansfield Room of Senate wing in the Capitol Building; portrait of U.S. Senator Mike Mansfield (D-MT). Newman discusses varieties of leadership in Congress and how different Congressional leaders exercise their influence; mentions the four Congressional leaders to be discussed within program: Senator Howard Baker, House Representative John Dingell, Senators Sam Nunn and Lowell Weicker.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Howard Baker"
U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) discussing how he operates as Majority Leader, which is through persuasion.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Howard Baker"
Host Edwin Newman (VO) says U.S. Senator Howard Baker's powers of persuasion were most conspicuous during the Senate Watergate Hearings when he convinced the nation he was on the side of justice, while convincing fellow Republicans he was being fair to the Nixon administration. 1973 Senate Watergate hearings; panel of Senator Edward Gurney (R-FL), Senator Howard Baker (R-TN), minority counsel Fred Thompson, Senator Sam Ervin (D-NC), and Chief Counsel Samuel Dash. Adult Caucasian male press members situating themselves between panel and witness seat. President Nixon campaign aide Herbert Porter testifying, explaining the depth of his loyalty to the President, claiming he's known him longer than anyone else to be brought before the Committee. Senator Baker interrupts to say he has known the President longer than Mr. Porter has been alive and the greatest disservice a man could do to the President of the United States would be the abdication of his conscience. Newman (VO) states the Watergate Hearings catapulted Senator Baker into national prominence and, as Vice Chairman, acted as a counterbalance to Senator Ervin's folksy personality. Sen. Baker speaking. Sen. Sam Ervin speaking. Sen Baker taking friendly verbal jab at Sen Ervin saying "he's just a country lawyer" by pointing out he graduated with honors from Harvard Law School.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Howard Baker"
Howard Baker running for Tennessee Senate seat as a Republican, speaking to a small group of adult Caucasian men and women.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Howard Baker"
Host Edwin Newman (VO) notes the Reagan landslide in 1980 put Republicans in the majority in Congress, making Senator Baker one of the most powerful men in Congress. U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) in meeting, sitting next to U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Press conference, Senator Baker accepts post of Senate Majority Leader, says the first responsibility is to receive recommendations of the Republican administration and implement them as best as possible. Newman (VO) says Senator Baker found that being majority leader meant institutional responsibilities as well as those to his party, meaning the job would test his powers of persuasion and camaraderie. Senator Majority Leader Baker speaking with Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV).
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Howard Baker"
Edwin Newman (VO) references interview on "The Lawmakers" where Senator Howard Baker explained the transitions the new Republican majority power in the Senate had to make. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) recalls, as majority leader, an instance where he needed to instill in his party that they have an obligation to govern, to lead the way in enacting policies, thereby testing their own ability to govern; Paul Duke and Linda Werthiermer conducting interview. Newman (VO) says Senator Baker keeps the idea of positive obligation to govern to marshal the forces needed to pass legislation. Senator Baker in meeting with unidentified Senators and Vice-President George H.W. Bush. Senator Baker discusses how he promotes compromises and tries to keep everyone's points of view in mind. Newman (VO) says Senator Baker's accommodations also includes being on the same page with House Republican leaders and the White House. Senator Baker at an outdoor press conference, surrounding by adult and middle-aged Caucasian male and female members of the press. Senator Baker says he considers himself the President's point man in the Senate and an advocate for President Ronald Reagan's policies as long as he can do so in good conscience.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Howard Baker"
Christmas phone call to President Ronald Reagan from U.S. Senators Robert Byrd (D-WV) and Howard Baker (R-TN); Senator Byrd compliments Senator Baker on being a fair and effective Majority leader in the Senate. Host Edwin Newman (VO) notes that Senator Baker's compromises and coalition building have inevitably earned him some criticism from more conservative factions of the Republican Party.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Howard Baker"
National Director of the Conservative Caucus Howard Phillips attacks Senator Howard Baker for accepting too many compromises. Edwin Newman (VO) says Senator Baker's colleagues have a different view. U.S. Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) praises Senator Baker's leadership, states: "It doesn't matter if you're a Republican or Democrat, Howard Baker is a master at running the Senate."
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Howard Baker"
U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) announcing candidacy for President. Host Edwin Newman (VO) notes his campaign faltered, and he was an early dropout, but that he had learned some valuable lessons. Sen. Baker shaking hands with young adult and adult Caucasian men and women. Sen. Baker waving to supporters and walking off stage. Sen. Baker (VO) says he realized you have to be devoted full-time, to give your time and energy, for two to three years when running for President.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Howard Baker"
Host Edwin Newman (VO) states that U.S. Senator Howard Baker would announce in his home state that he would not seek re-election to the Senate in 1984, opening up the possibility that he might run for President. Sen. Howard Baker (R-TN) at press conference; adult African American and Caucasian cameramen.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Analysis of Senator Howard Baker"
Host Edwin Newman and Senior Editor Norman Ornstein contrasts the quiet style of Senator Howard Baker to that of his father-in-law Senator Everett Dirksen, who was a fan of the limelight. The same could be said of Senator Dirksen's counterpart, Lyndon B. Johnson, who also liked the limelight and have his hand in everything, and making sure people knew it. Ornstein separates President Johnson from the other two due to Johnson's innate ability to twist arms to get his way, which was not the style of Senators Baker and Dirksen. Newman segues from party leadership to the leadership role of the Committee Chairman and how the rules for governing their committees has changed.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Rep. John Dingell"
U.S. House Representative John Dingell (D-MI) chairing various House Energy and Commerce Committee hearings, beckoning committee members to him. Norman Ornstein (VO) describes Rep. Dingell as brash, brusque, and someone who isn't afraid to wield his gavel. Unidentified middle-aged adult male being silenced by the gavel. Rep. Dingell takes time out of a hearing to remind a lawyer their only purpose at a hearing is to advise their clients of their constitutional rights. Ornstein (VO) continues to describe Rep. Dingell as a tough committee chairman on a tough committee filled with Congressmen and women who have high ambitions. Rep. Dingell is suited for the committee as he thrives on confrontation. Ornstein calls him a shrewd parliamentarian and describes a former director of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) often getting "the Dingell treatment." Various middle-aged adult Caucasian male and female members of the House Congressional Committee listening or speaking in hearings. Rep. Dingell grilling former EPA director Anne Gorsuch, who was withholding information from committee; Gorsuch admits to refusing to comply with the subpoena; Rep. Dingell says she is without legal justification, threatens contempt ruling; Gorsuch says the refusal to provide documents under subpoena is done so regardless of the opinion Rep. Dingell puts forth; he understands this, proceeds to lay out the next steps in legal proceedings that may end in criminal penalties being laid against Gorsuch. Ornstein (VO) says Rep. Dingell is just as tenacious on passing legislation, especially when it comes to bills affecting Michigan's auto industry. Rep. Dingell in well of the House of Representatives, debating a bill to protect the U.S. auto industry. Rep. Dingell, in office, says he tries to present a fair case and get his colleagues' attention.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Rep. John Dingell"
Norman Ornstein (VO) says U.S. House Representative John Dingell doesn't have the power past committee chairs have, and he himself voted for such reforms because he benefited from rules that gave more power to Subcommittee chairs; now, as Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he's paying for that rebellion. Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) taking seat in committee meeting. Political scientist at Johns Hopkins University, Robert Peabody, discusses the reforms, says now that Rep. Dingell is the full committee chair he has to contend with his feisty subcommittee chairs and strike a more conciliatory tone. Ornstein (VO) describes one of the head to head battles Rep. Dingell had with Rep. Waxman over strengthening of the Clean Air Act, which was important to Rep. Waxman since his district, Los Angeles, suffered from some of the worst smog pollution in the nation. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the Environment meeting, U.S. House Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) as Chairman. Rep. Waxman describes his disagreement with Rep. Dingell over a Clean Air Act, saying Rep. Dingell wanted to gut the Clean Air Act. Ornstein (VO) says Rep. Dingell wanted major changes to the law, making it easier on the auto industry by reducing emission standards. Rep. Dingell speaking in a committee meeting. H.R. 5252 Bill. Rep. Dingell in office, says he wants to protect both jobs and air quality while his opponents are not concerned about jobs. Ornstein (VO) says this is a conflict of constituent needs, but below the surface this is also a struggle for power between Committee Chairman and Subcommittee Chairman. In the end, the Clean Air Act was not strengthened or weakened, but remained in place. Various Committee and Subcommittee hearings with Chairmen Reps. Waxman and Dingell leading and speaking with fellow members. Subcommittee meeting in progress. Rep. Dingell in office, says he is willing to accept criticism from anyone with a different viewpoint, but he is paid to do what's right.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Sam Nunn"
Host Edwin Newman and Senior Editor Norman Ornstein sitting in the Mansfield Room in the Senate wing of Capitol Hill. Ornstein notes there are several leadership positions in the House of Representatives and these leaders are chosen or elected by their colleagues. However, there are other leaders who are not elected to formal positions. Newman takes a look at an influential "issue leader" U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, who is considered an expert on Defense.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Sam Nunn"
Host Ed Newman (VO) says that when Senator Sam Nunn lands on a military base, he is treading on familiar soil and the soldiers who greet him do so like greeting an old friend; Sen. Nunn's specialty is defense and is respected in that field; Sen. Nunn's interest is not only in the military and national security, but in securing funding for defense work in his home state. U.S. Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA) landing via private plane on military base; middle-aged and elderly adult Caucasian male Air Force personnel waiting for him. Sen. Nunn greeting and shaking hands with adult Caucasian and African American male soldiers. F-4 fighters on tarmac. Two F-4 fighters taking off; two helicopters idle. C-5 cargo plane. C-5 cargo plane's nose slowly opening. Sen. Nunn in Armed Services Committee hearing asking Marine Corps General Paul X. Kelley what plane Prime Minister Golda Meir was describing; Gen. Kelley says, "the one that's built by Lockheed in Georgia, sir." Newman (VO) says Sen. Nunn is an important force in Congress, but unlike other political leaders, he has no formal role. Sen. Nunn in various committee meetings. Political Scientist at Johns Hopkins University Robert Peabody talks to Norm Ornstein about the status of "Issue Leaders" who exercise informal leadership. Former Senator John Culver (D-IA) says Sen. Nunn is heavily respected and influential in terms of his ability to change votes. Newman (VO) says the wealth of knowledge Sen. Nunn possesses makes him an issue leader. Sen. Nunn talking to unidentified adult Caucasian man in his office. Sen. Nunn outdoors, discusses Southerner's heightened consciousness of Defense issues after being defeated in "the war between the States."
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Sam Nunn"
U.S. Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA) in office, says that after the Vietnam War many in Congress lost interest in defense spending, wanted to shrink the budget. Edwin Newman (VO) says Sen. Nunn began to fill the defense void, thus earning respect and credit. Due to his influence and reputation on defense, Sen. Nunn is emerging as a party spokesman. Sen. Nunn speaking at committee meeting.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Sam Nunn"
Edwin Newman (VO) says Senator Sam Nunn is called upon by the Democratic Party to represent them in nationally televised debates on defense. U.S. Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA) during 1982 election campaign, in debate sponsored by League of Women Voters Education Fund and moderated by Ted Koppel. Sen. Nunn tells Senator John Tower (R-TX) there needs to be a more carefully thought-out and detailed defense strategy, but says he agrees with some of U.S. President Ronald Reagan's defense priorities including making defense spending the number one national priority. Newman (VO) says Sen. Nunn's critics say he's too conservative and not a team player within the Democratic party, or that Sen. Nunn is too cautious.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Sam Nunn"
U.S. Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA) in office, says he favors a deliberative method rather than making headlines. Edwin Newman (VO) notes this approach has earned him a plethora of supporters. U.S. House Representative Newt Gingrich (R-GA) in office, says he doesn't think there are twenty Senators who can match up to Sen. Nunn and, if he keeps growing, there may not be a half dozen in his league. U.S. Senator and Former Chairman of the Armed Services Committee John Stennis (D-MS) in office, says some Senators swell and some grow; thinks Sen. Nunn has grown into a leadership role in Senate. Sen. Nunn in office, says he doesn't consider himself the most knowledgeable about defense and thinks there are others who know more than he does but he'll accept the credit being given to him.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Lowell Weicker"
Edwin Newman segues from the soft-spoken and unassuming type of informal leadership of U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, to maverick role of leadership embodied by Senator Lowell Weicker. Norman Ornstein says Sen. Weicker is a misfit in the Republican Party, stubborn and perhaps a bit ahead of his time.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Lowell Weicker"
U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT) standing outside small private plane, says he's obligated to use his power to give voice to people who don't have power. Norman Ornstein (VO) says Sen. Weicker stresses his independence from his party and the Senate club. Sen. Weicker getting on private jet after ending conversation with young adult Caucasian man. Sen. Weicker seated on plane and reading a newspaper. Inflight view from over one of the wings, Sen. Weicker looking out window. Sen. Weicker alighting plane.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Lowell Weicker"
U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT) campaigning for the re-election of U.S. President Richard Nixon; audience of adult Caucasian men and women applaud.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Lowell Weicker"
Norman Ornstein (VO) says that less than a year after campaigning for U.S. President Richard Nixon's re-election, U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker was appointed to the Senate Watergate Committee where he became a relentless inquisitor of Nixon campaign officials, with some saying he was tougher than some Democrats. U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT) at Senate Watergate Committee hearings. Sen. Weicker angrily questions H.R. Haldeman, President Nixon's Chief of Staff.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Lowell Weicker"
U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT) in office, says Watergate established his maverick reputation, but the facts conflicted with his normal political instincts. Norman Ornstein (VO) says it is those political instincts that usually put Sen. Weicker at odds with his colleagues.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Lowell Weicker"
U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT) at various press conferences, saying he doesn't want to see the government involved in religion at all; while government and religion founded the United States, he does not want those two entities to also destroy it; as long as the Senate tries to legislate those changes in the Constitution, he'll fight it to the end. U.S. Senator Howard Metzenbaum (D-OH) praises Sen. Weicker's courage. U.S. Representative Barber Conable (R-NY) says a party maverick like Sen. Weicker can be popular among those who want a fighter; mavericks tend to lean on perception rather than reality, which can be disruptive when it comes time to make laws and govern. Norman Ornstein (VO) says Sen. Weicker pays a price on the inside and outside for being a maverick. Sen. Weicker speaking.
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE - "Senator Lowell Weicker"
U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT) says the consequence of being a "maverick" is that he's not on the White House's social calendar too often, but he's satisfied that he can raise hell in the Senate when necessary. Edwin Newman and Norman Ornstein discuss the different kinds of leadership in Congress, both formal and informal. Ornstein notes that informal leaders have more pitfalls, but Newman says the goals are the same: to shape Congressional opinions as the chambers strain to reach consensus and pass legislation. Newman signs off.