CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE
CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE
12.42.15-Ornstein-discusses the debate over the other articles, including Article II, a sweeping charge that Nixon abused his powers as President by spying on his enemies and other Gestapo tactics. Rep. JOHN CONYERS (D-MI) says that there was a secret spy agency, accountable to no one but Nixon, operating out of the White House to spy on citizens and mess with Nixon's enemies. Rep. JOSEPH MARAZITI (R-NJ) defends Nixon against this charge, says that none of the actions of White House staff can be linked directly to Nixon's orders. Rep. WILEY MAYNE (R-Iowa) warns that this article will set a precedent for future Presidents to be impeached for bad judgement or honest mistakes. Rep. SANDMAN mocks the proceedings, says the precedents set will be disastrous for the Government. V.O.-the second article passed by bipartisan vote. Next article charged Nixon with Contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with Congressional Subpoenas to turn over the White House Tapes and other evidence. 12.44.34-Rep. WAYNE OWENS (R-UT) says that impeachment is needed to prevent the President from stonewalling Congress' proper power to investigate the President. Rep. CALDWELL BUTLER (R-VA) argues that the third article would allow Congress to issue specious subpoenas for Presidential documents and then Impeach the President for refusing to honor them, whether or not any real crime had been committed. V.O.-although some started to think the Committee was going too far, majority ruled that Executive Privilege didn't apply to impeachment cases. Further articles of Impeachment failed. Shot of RODINO adjourning the committee. 12.45.48-Ornstein/Newman discuss the aftermath of the Judiciary Committee decisions, with Nixon resigning before a House vote on August 9, 1974 in the face of almost certain Impeachment and conviction. Clip of NIXON delivering RESIGNATION SPEECH. Shot of DICK AND PAT walking to helicopter, Gerald Ford and Al Haig give the thumbs-up to Nixon [considering allegations that it was Haig who was the legendary "Deep Throat", that's interesting]. RODINO says he feels that the Judiciary Committee set a standard of fairness, openness, and responsibility. Rep. WIGGINS says that the impeachment was bad for the country, the Presidency has been weakened-the problem of an overactive President was real, but the reaction by Congress was excessive. RODINO says IMPEACHMENT must be moderate and circumspect, must not be used capriciously. 12.48.04-Newman-the Nixon Impeachment Hearings were an exciting time to study the system of Checks and Balances under strain and led obscure members of Congress into prominence. Over time, the incident appears less linked to Nixon himself and more in the context of the continuing struggle between Congress and the President. Signs off. 12.48.40-closing credits/WETA credit/funding credit/PBS ID 12.50.06--OUT