Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Source Description
This file contains:
J. Parker to Charles Rhyne re: Listening posts and Speak to Nixon-Agnew Program status report, with attachments. 11 pages. [Memo], n.d.
Craig Truax to Charles Rhyne re: Status report of campaign as of September 20, with attached breakdown by state. 5 pages. [Memo], 9/21/1968
Wuerthner to Citizen's Staff, RNC Staff, New York Staffs, Citizen's field operation and GOP Leaders re: progress report on enlisting 5 million volunteers, with attachments. 5 pages. [Memo], 9/25/1968
Pat Hitt to Women for Nixon-Agnew re: October 19 being designated National Nixon-Agnew bumper strip day. 1 page. [Memo], 9/19/1968
Telegram: Simmons Fentress with Nixon re: Nixon finances. He says his net worth in 1967 was $250,000, wants to know how it doubled since then. 1 page. [Other Document], 10/9/1968
Kevin Phillips to Len Garment re: Last four weeks strategy with appendix. 8 pages. [Memo], n.d.
Kevin Phillips to Len Garment re: Wallace, HHH and the need for an RN second offensive. 4 pages. [Memo], n.d.
Rose Mary Woods to Haldeman re: turning down Duggan and St. Louis Invitation. 1 page. [Memo], 10/7/1968
Herb Klein to Haldeman re: congratulatory call to Al Kaline. 1 page. [Memo], n.d.
Rose Mary Woods transcription of telegram from Kermit Roosevelt re: finding jobs in Administration. 1 page. [Other Document], 10/3/1968
Rose Mary Woods to Nixon re: call from Gov. Rockefeller's office about Agnew's appearance at Conservative Party fund-raising dinner, with attached Rockefeller telegram. 3 pages. [Memo], 10/9/1968
Draft of Nison'w MT Governor Babcock endorsement tape. 1 page. [Other Document], n.d.
Ellsworth to Haldeman re: plan for HHH to confront Nixon along the campaign trail to challenge him to a debate. 1 page. [Memo], 10/8/1968
Haldeman memorandum of conversation with Pat Hitt, regarding status of HHH campaign from inside informant. 4 pages. [Memo], 10/7/1968
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
26126957
label
WHSF: Returned, 36-7
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
26126957
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
WHSF: Returned, 36-7
description
This file contains:
J. Parker to Charles Rhyne re: Listening posts and Speak to Nixon-Agnew Program status report, with attachments. 11 pages. [Memo], n.d.
Craig Truax to Charles Rhyne re: Status report of campaign as of September 20, with attached breakdown by state. 5 pages. [Memo], 9/21/1968
Wuerthner to Citizen's Staff, RNC Staff, New York Staffs, Citizen's field operation and GOP Leaders re: progress report on enlisting 5 million volunteers, with attachments. 5 pages. [Memo], 9/25/1968
Pat Hitt to Women for Nixon-Agnew re: October 19 being designated National Nixon-Agnew bumper strip day. 1 page. [Memo], 9/19/1968
Telegram: Simmons Fentress with Nixon re: Nixon finances. He says his net worth in 1967 was $250,000, wants to know how it doubled since then. 1 page. [Other Document], 10/9/1968
Kevin Phillips to Len Garment re: Last four weeks strategy with appendix. 8 pages. [Memo], n.d.
Kevin Phillips to Len Garment re: Wallace, HHH and the need for an RN second offensive. 4 pages. [Memo], n.d.
Rose Mary Woods to Haldeman re: turning down Duggan and St. Louis Invitation. 1 page. [Memo], 10/7/1968
Herb Klein to Haldeman re: congratulatory call to Al Kaline. 1 page. [Memo], n.d.
Rose Mary Woods transcription of telegram from Kermit Roosevelt re: finding jobs in Administration. 1 page. [Other Document], 10/3/1968
Rose Mary Woods to Nixon re: call from Gov. Rockefeller's office about Agnew's appearance at Conservative Party fund-raising dinner, with attached Rockefeller telegram. 3 pages. [Memo], 10/9/1968
Draft of Nison'w MT Governor Babcock endorsement tape. 1 page. [Other Document], n.d.
Ellsworth to Haldeman re: plan for HHH to confront Nixon along the campaign trail to challenge him to a debate. 1 page. [Memo], 10/8/1968
Haldeman memorandum of conversation with Pat Hitt, regarding status of HHH campaign from inside informant. 4 pages. [Memo], 10/7/1968
citationUrl
collections
Richard M. Nixon's Returned Materials Collection
Returned White House Special Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
26126957
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
a664a873580167f9
ocrText
Richard Nixon Presidential Library
White House Special Files Collection
Folder List
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
36
7
n.d.
Memo
J. Parker to Charles Rhyne re: Listening
posts and Speak to Nixon-Agnew Program
status report, with attachments. 11 pages.
36
7
09/21/1968
Memo
Craig Truax to Charles Rhyne re: Status
report of campaign as of September 20, with
attached breakdown by state. 5 pages.
36
7
09/25/1968
Memo
Wuerthner to Citizen's Staff, RNC Staff,
New York Staffs, Citizen's field operation
and GOP Leaders re: progress report on
enlisting 5 million volunteers, with
attachments. 5 pages.
36
7
09/19/1968
Memo
Pat Hitt to Women for Nixon-Agnew re:
October 19 being designated National Nixon-
Agnew bumper strip day. 1 page.
36
7
10/09/1968
Other Document
Telegram: Simmons Fentress with Nixon re:
Nixon finances. He says his net worth in
1967 was $250,000, wants to know how it
doubled since then. 1 page.
36
7
n.d.
Memo
Kevin Phillips to Len Garment re: Last four
weeks strategy with appendix. 8 pages.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Page 1 of 3
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
36
7
n.d.
Memo
Kevin Phillips to Len Garment re: Wallace,
HHH and the need for an RN second
offensive. 4 pages.
36
7
10/07/1968
Memo
Rose Mary Woods to Haldeman re: turning
down Duggan and St. Louis Invitation. 1
page.
36
7
n.d.
Memo
Herb Klein to Haldeman re: congratulatory
call to Al Kaline. 1 page.
36
7
10/03/1968
Other Document
Rose Mary Woods transcription of telegram
from Kermit Roosevelt re: finding jobs in
Administration. 1 page.
36
7
10/09/1968
Memo
Rose Mary Woods to Nixon re: call from
Gov. Rockefeller's office about Agnew's
appearance at Conservative Party fund-
raising dinner, with attached Rockefeller
telegram. 3 pages.
36
7
n.d.
Other Document
Draft of Nison'w MT Governor Babcock
endorsement tape. 1 page.
36
7
10/08/1968
Memo
Ellsworth to Haldeman re: plan for HHH to
confront Nixon along the campaign trail to
challenge him to a debate. 1 page.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Page 2 of 3
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
36
7
10/07/1968
Memo
Haldeman memorandum of conversation
with Pat Hitt, regarding status of HHH
campaign from inside informant. 4 pages.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Page 3 of 3
Smale
MEMORANDUM
Summary.
TO:
Charles S. Rhyne
FROM:
J. Parker
SUBJECT: Weekly Report
The first of a thousand Listening Posts was established in
the Willard Hotel during this week. As a result of publicity generated
in more than 12 newspaper articles, three radio stations and two
television stations in the Washington, D.C. area more than 20 people
per day have been recording messages to Mr. Nixon. Our goal of establish-
ing 1,000 Listening Posts throughout the nation was commenced with a
starter kit which is a complete "how to do it yourself" which has been
mailed to three hundred state and county Citizens" and G.O.P. chairmen.
To date, we have established 123 Listening Posts. In addition to this
mail-out, we have sent starter kits to:
New York City
50
Westchester County, New York
50
Florida
50
Indiana
30
California
15
Tennessee
10
Our goal in the Speak to Nixon-Agnew Program was to conduct
39 programs by September 20; to date, we have conducted 42 programs in
23 states. The results from 26 of these programs have been an average
of 23 column inches of text, six square inches of photographs for a
total of 27 column inches. There was an average of 6 1/4 minutes of
television, ten minutes of radio with 103 audience participation and
30 messages recorded per program.
We were able to furnish our own panelists which included three
United States Senators, four governors, two 1t. governors, four congress-
men, a general, a distinguished author, 12 popular entertainers, 16 can-
didates for congress and two ambassadors.
Our 23 field representatives have established 116 Nixon Clubs,
4 mobile units and conducted 5 special ghetto programs -- in Washington,
D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit.
An examination of 21 of the 26 programs has resulted in 712
interviews audited which showed that 20% of those who spoke, spoke on
law and order issues, 19.9% on domestic issues, 10.9% on fiscal policy,
31% on foreign policy and 18.4% on other issues.
To establish our community antena television participation
program, this effort when approved should result in the organization
of 200 cable systems servicing more than 11 million voters with an
unlimited number of cable casting hours.
The expenses for the above programs have averaged under $400.
SPEAK TO NIKON-AGNEN
SEPTEMBER 10-20 -
TOTALS, REPORTED cries
CITIES Personne
NEWS Price
TELEVISION RADIO AUDIGNCE MESSAGES
SCHEDINGS EXECUTED REGIONS
Text GL.IN. PHOTO So TOTAL
BRONDERSTSERS
BEAST Secs
COL.IN.
Si 39
42 26*
582
176
697
9760
15,270
2700
770
(2%hm)
AVERAGES, REPRETED CITIES of
[39 39 42 26 26] 23
6
27
375
570
105
30
a
(th mm)
(10mm)
September 21, 1968
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Charles S. Rhyne
FROM;
Rodger Kesley
SUBJECT: Weekly Report
General Operation:
1. Expense reports were received from the fieldmen,
processed, and approved. Their checks have been
written and wired directly to them.
2. Received the signature machine and checked the
security of its installation
3. Ordered and received continuous form stationery
and printed envelopes to be used for Mr. Nixon's
personal acknowledgement letters.
4. Established a system with the Controller's
office for expediting expense checks
5. Contacted and obtained personalities to serve
as panelists for our first 36 programs
6. Sample acknowledgement letters are presently
being written and will be ready for approval
shortly
7. Received air travel credit cards and business
cards for fieldmen (additional cards are
being ordered for new staff members)
8. Ordered letterhead, however, this has not been
delivered due to a change in administrative
personnel appearing on the letterhead
9. Had lock on the closet in Room 305 changed for
security purposes
10. Received permission and obtained additional rooms
for storage of tapes and other material -- - Rooms
243 and 221
Page two
Memorandum to C.S.R.
September 21, 1968
Weekly Report
11. Hired additional staff, both. volunteers (4) and
salaried (3), to fill vacancies incurred by
changes in personnel
12. Changed the physical layout of our offices to
establish a more effecient operation'
13. Presently having an intercom system installed
for more effecient communication within our
separate offices
14. Set up a schedule for weekly staff briefings
LISTENING POST ACTIVITY REPORT
Week Ending September 21, 1968
George F. Haney, Coordinator
The Listening Post program demonstrated its publicity-
getting value last week when the first of 1,000 Posts to be
established across the country was formally opened in the
lobby of the Willard Hotel. Largely as a result of the pub-
licity generated in a dozen newspaper articles and by news-
casts on major radio and television stations in the Washington,
D. C. area, more than 20 people per day have been coming to the
Willard to record a message to Mr. Nixon. When our goal of
1,000 Listening Posts throughout the nation is reached, and if
each of these Posts is even half as successful as our first,
at least 10,000 messages per day will be pouring into Nixon-
Agnew Headquarters from Listening Posts around the country.
To facilitate the establishment of these Listening
Posts by local volunteers, Starter Kits, complete with "how
to do it" instructions, samples, and display materials, have
been sent to all State Chairmen of Citizens organizations, all
Nixon-Agnew Clubs, and to another 300 individuals suggested
by the State Chairmen. The Chairmen are currently being soli-
cited for thousands of additional names of people they feel
might be willing and able to set-up and operate a Nixon-
Agnew Listening Post.
The geographical distribution of the Listening Post
Kits sent out so far is fairly even throughout the 50 states,
except for the following concentrations:
New York City
50
Westchester County, N. Y.
50
Florida
50
Indiana
30
California
15
North Carolina
10
Tennessee
10
September 20, 1968
MEMORANDUM
To: Jay Parker
From: Arthur J. Collingsworth
Subject: Participation Politics Issue Feed Back
An examination of 712 taped interviews during the last week has resulted
in the following issue feed back. The sample considered includes interviews
from twenty-one cities in twenty different states and the District of
Columbia.
ISSUE
PER CENTAGE
LAW AND ORDER
GENERAL
5.5%
CRIME AND FEAR
3.7%
CAMPUS UNREST
1.7%
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE AND RIOTS
3.7%
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND POLICE
4.4%
SUB TOTAL
20.0%
FISCAL POLICY
GENERAL
3.3%
INFLATION
2.3%
BALANCED BUDGET
1.3%
TAXES
3.0%
OTHER
1.0%
SUB TOTAL
10.9%
DOMESTIC
GENERAL RACIAL, URBAN AND DOMESTIC
5.5%
RACE RELATIONS AND CIVIL RIGHTS
3.0%
URBAN PROBLEMS
1.3%
POVERTY PROBLEMS
2.0%
SOCIAL WELFARE
1.7%
OTHER
3.7%
SUB TOTAL
19.9%
FOREIGN POLICY
GENERAL
7.8%
VIETNAM
16.2%
PUEBLO
1.7%
FOREIGN AID
1.0%
ARAB ISRAELI CONFLICT
1.0%
COMMUNISM
2.0%
CZECHSLAVAKIA
1.3%
SUB TOTAL
31.0%
-2-
ISSUE
PER CENTAGE
OTHER
GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION
6.6%
PROBLEMS OF YOUTH
2.0%
DRAFT
4.4%
LOWER VOTING AGE
4.4%
LABOR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS
1,0%
SUB TOTAL
18.4%
GRAND TOTAL
99.3%
TO: J.PARKER, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF PARTICIPATION POLITICS
FROM: TOM GHERARDI, COORDINATOR, SPEAK TO NIXON-AGNEW
REPORT OF OPERATIONS, SEPTEMBER 10 -20
From the first, it has seemed appropriate to measure the success of
the entire Speak to Nixon-Agnew project by four yardsticks: (1) the "pre-
sence" of our programs in diverse population centers throughout the United
States and among all of the social and political segments represented in
those centers, (2) the publicity that each individual program generates for
our candidates and for the proposition that "Nixon and Agnew listen to the
people," (3) the participation of voters in our unique program format, and
(4) the costs of the results achieved. I am pleased to be able to report
that our first ten days of: programs have surpassed even our fondest hopes
for success in presence, publicity, praticipation, and cost.
1. "Presence" Thirty-nine Speak to Nixon-Agnew programs had been
scheduled in thirty-nine cities. Forty-two were conducted. Popular and press
attraction of the programs is detailed below, but it should be noted that
citizens, state and local political leaders, and panelists have been phoning to
express their great interest in our programs as means of overcoming the dis-
appointment and apathy that generally characterize the cities in which the
candidates are not scheduled to make personal appearances during the cam-
paign.
Very large cities To compensate for the dilution of: "presence" that
is to, be expected in sprawling metropolises, special programs (including
mobile listening posts, man-on-the-strect interviews, and radio telethons)
have been used in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. Similar variations
are planned for Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaulkec, and other cities. Washington,
D.C. is being used as a "control" area, programs already being conducted in
locations as diverse as the luxurious Tyson's Corners Shopping Center in
Virginia and Northwest 14th Street in the District.
Campuses Campus 'presence" seems essential to overcoming student apathy,
antipathy, or reluctance to associate with any candidate. We have developed,
and on September 23rd will begin to implement, a twenty-five-campus Speak
to Nixon-Agnew tour that will be aimed at generating campus press and
participation as well as at establishing RN presence in academia.
Ghetto areas The special problems encountered in establishing a presence
in black population areas are being circumvented to sofie extent by what we
have denominated "liquid" taping programs - those that take any size or shape
necessary to bring RN's concern for black sentiment home to the ghetto resident
in an appropriate manner. Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and New
York are cities where such "liquid" programs as "black is beautiful" street-
corner taping sessions, etc., are presently in operation. More are planned.
Foreign countries Through the good offices of former Ambassador
Farland, Speak to Nixon-Agnew progams have reached into South and Central
America, where resident United States citizens, as well as concerned Latins,
have been given the opportunity to "Speak to Mr. Nixon" More foreign programs
will be arranged whenever possible.
2. Publicity The press, radio, and TV coverage of our programs has been
generated exclusively through the efforts of our field personnel (Participation
Politics Representatives). It has been superb. The theme "Nixon and Agnew are
listening to the people" has reached prime newspaper pages, prime radio and TV
time, in every section of the country during our first ten days. The
"column inches" and "photo area" statistics presented in the accompanying charts,
though amazing in light of the lack of media experience of our field men,
still do not tell the whole story: for those inches often represent front
page, editorial page, or feature page coverage. (A scrap-book of news clippings
is being assembled and will be available by September 24th.) Radio coverage
has ranged from brief community calendar notices to ninety-minute talkathons
featurung our field man or panelist. At least on program received live coverage,
while many others were taped by local stations and rebroadcast. In all
radio time for the programs reported here amounts to four hours,
15 minutes. TV coverage of our programs has been very good. Feature
reports broadcast dunuring early and late evening newscasts make up the bulk
of the 2 hours, 45 minutes of TV time reported here.
It should be noted that all media coverage figures included in this report
are conservative, and are based upon clippings or broadcast time estimates of
our field men. A clipping or monitoring service might prove a wise investment,
since we presently heve no way to keep track of coverage received after our
field man leaves town immediately after his proram.
3. Participation Participation is only a partial index of a programs
success, but the attendance of voters, celebrities, and panelists at Speak
to Nixon -Agnew events has been outstanding in all but three cities thus
far.
Audience One hundred to one-hundred-fifty persons is the number we
originally fixed upon as optimum for an audience participation event of the
"Speak to" variety. Local circumstances, including the size and location of
the meeting hall, as well as its exposure to pedestrian traffic, influence
the actual audience size for each program. Thus, our average audience of
10:5 persons is well within the range of our optimum audience goals.
Celebrities and panelists It became apparent early in our project that
we would have to attract celebrities and panelists ourselves. Literally hun-
dreds of man hours have been consumed by our own Coordinators in our effort
to secure distinguished or popular personages to "front" our events. Thus far
three U.S. Senators or former Senators, four Governors or former Governors,
four Congressmen or former Congressmen, a General, a distinguished author,
a dozen popular entertainers or sports figures, and many local officeholders
and candidates.
and candidates have given their assistance.
Taped messages Our average of thirty taped messages recorded per program
indicates some success in overcoming the timidity with which many persons
approach a microphone. With the average message lasting almost two and one half
minutes, programs average seventy-five taping minutes, plus introductory time,
pauses, etc., or just over one and one half hours.
4. Costs Preliminary estimates indicate that each city "Speak to" is
costong between three and four hundred dollars in all. No costs have been
incurred for advertising or securing media coverage; the greatest bulk of
our costs being living and travelling expenses of our field men and panelists.
In closing this report, I want to acknowledge the excellent support of
Rodger B. Kesley throughout this period. Although he is "Coordinator of the
Response Center" by title, he has been indispensable as troubleshooter
and resident expert on planning and promoting "Speak to Nixon-Agnew."
Thomas G. Gherardi
Coordinator, Speak to Nixon-Agnew
TO:
CHARLES RHYNE, CHAIRMAN
FROM:
CRAIG TRUAX
DATE:
21 September 1968
SUBJECT: STATUS REPORT AS OF SEPTEMBER 20
General Comment
This week has been spent pushing problem areas. I have urged our field represen-
tatives in the strongest terms to establish a working relationship with the New York
Co-ordinators not only to get better results, but to insure that the National
Campaign does not appear to be confused or two-headed. This will be worked out.
I am also phoning each regular State Chairman on a courtesy-touch base format. Reaction
good so far.
The two big complaints are: (a) No cash on hand at the State level as yet. This,
because of the late convention and contest, is natural, I am encouraging them to use
their credit or borrow funds. (b) The allegations of poor performance by our material
supplier. This will resolve itself.
On the favorable side, the "Wallace" influence in the Northern states is not unduly
detracting our forces from doing work for Nixon and from remembering that HHH is the
opponent. In the deep Southern region, our leadership is taking a generally positive
attitude and is not trying to wrestle with Wallace on his terms (Negro).
During the coming week, we should put heat under state level leadership by:
1. Sending a letter from RN to all county chairmen in the U.S. The
letter would brag on state leadership, and suggest that we are
pleased that state leadership has gotten the campaign down to the
county level.
2. Send a letter from you, the candidate or Mr. Mitchell, to every
precinct committee member in the United States, bragging on their
state and county leadership -- and enclosing a small pamphlet out-
lining our campaign theme and programs.
This is mechanically possible. Lists can be gotten within 72 hours
via a request from Nitchell's office or by Ray Bliss. This move would
hold state and county leadership responsible for moving programs down-
ward toward the people -- and get them off the business of having
paperwork flow upward to create a good impression. The voters at the
National Headquarters level are already in the "committed" category.
The States:
ALABAMA
No serious problems reported. Have directed field man to set up key people
and communications system on standby basis sq that we can move if Wallace
fumbles.
2
ALASKA
No field report. Our man will not go there unless he is directed by you
or Mr. Mitchell's office.
ARIZONA No specific report this week. Bob King is scheduling it for next week. Will
work with Dick Kleindienst.
ARKANSAS Campaign headquarters opened Friday this week. Celebrity Tex Ritter present.
Ran into a Feely-Wheeler material problem, but it is resolved. Our field
man will report fully on Monday. No problem reported.
CALIFORNIA
Bob King doing a good job. New York apprised of all important develop-
ments. A northern and southern "executive director" have been employed.
State is being organized at intermediate and county levels at least on
paper. Immediate dollar investment is needed. Our man pushing specific
programs such as clubs, etc. All personalities are talking with each
other.
COLORADO: No specific report. Wes Phillips will go in next week. His main problem
has been Washington state.
CONNECTICUT:
DELAWARE: No problems. Clayton Harrison still in hospital with ulcer condition. I
can report better when I have talked with him about the Wilmington area.
He is a man of good judgment.
D. C.
No real activity yet, although a full time executive director is expected
to be appointed next week. The major problem is money. Urge UCNA National
Headquarters talk on special project to make the Caiotl City look like Nixon
City. Urge an immediate meeting on this with localleadership. If asked,
I will make the pitch, and give the follow-up push.
FLORIDA: Factional problems not serious because people are working. Programs
moving at Congressional District and county level. Our man reports outstanding
convention bills are making a cash-on-the-line operation necessary in Dade
County. Strom Thurmond is going to speak in northern Florida. Okay, but
don't overdo it. The big vote in there is more moderate. We are stressing
organization of all ethnic groups.
GEORGIA: Activity in urban areas. Not much in rural counties. The state has asked
for Agnew. If they will buy him a TV hookup, I recommend a visit. We will
push for statewide contacts in all communities via trade and professional
groups, etc. The switch of key Democrats, of course, helped. Please have
NY shop give sufficient thought to the advertising appeal in Georgia and
similar states. Our leadership. is awaiting guidance. Our UCNA PR shop is
working on this. A statewide seminar is scheduled to explain all UCNA pro-
grams to regional and county leaders.
HAWAII: No report. Our man will not go there unless directed. Bob King does need
name of Fong's top man there on campaign.
IDAHO:
Phillips reports state okay. Has it on schedule for next week.
3
ILLINOIS: No adverse reports. Urgent that materials and programs be pushed into smaller
downstate towns and counties to stir up maximum election day strength. There
is good co-ordination reported between the state and national campaigns.
Lindsey is coming in. We will tie a Negro activity event to this on the theme
of Nixon's black capitalism approach. I defer analysis to Dick Wylie.
INDIANA: Reports good. Programs beginning to move. State chairman is running thin
on money. He has a statewide TV budget of about $100 per week. Barely
got it on the line for this coming week's schedule. He is pleading for
speakers to hit major cities to raise money at $50 and $100 dinners. Please
give priority to this. Have we an issue survey on the Lake industrial belt?
Harry Andrews, WIBC Radio farm program director in Indianapolis wants to help,
and probably should be called by the NY shop. He might touch bese with other
such media men in the midwest for us. A survey taken for the Saturday
Evening Post in Vanderburg County (Evansville) is favorable. Except for 1960,
it has followed national trend since 1900.
IOWA:
No problem noted. A representative of Governor candidate Bob Ray is confident
and says the campaign will be unified.
KANSAS: No adverse reports. Sketchy information. Will check out completely.
KENTUCKY: Our man will go in this week. My info only hearsay. Governor Nunn in charge.
LOUISIANA: R lationship okay with regulars. We will set up through trade groups,
etc., a complete statewide group to take advantage of any break we get.
Defer to Fred LaRue.
Maine:
Morale good and response good. Women and Youth programs moving. County set-
ups in progress. They are using a "listen-in" approach at fairs.
MARYLAND: The lateness of a decision on a chairman generated several do-it-yourself
groups. They are pulling back together. Full time executive director
appointed. Critical shortageof materials at community level. This corrected.
Once again, Feely-Wheeler a block. Suggest Agnew host meeting with all key
Maryland leaders soon and pour out his heart: "I have to be all over and you must
do this. I need you. Do a job we can all be proud of." In terms of organi-
zation, Mrs. Gore has top position in line authority. McCormick is
enthusiastic, and will leave guidance from John Seney, an experienced man.
MASSACHUSETTS: Reports are astonishingly good. Volpe is taking care of home base and
Senator Quinlan is a fireball. State campaign offices take three hotel floors.
Seven other headquarters being set up. Regional directors being named.
Stress will be on personal canvassing activity. Their goal is to sign up
100,000 volunteers by October 14. This example should be used in the weekly
bulletin.
MICHIGAN: Natives restless by delay in formally selecting the state campaign leader.
No real problem in view of abundant talent within state. I have been asked
to meet with all concerned on Monday p.m. in Lansing and will do.
MINNESOTA:
Good shape. Rumor has it that the Minnesota poll this Sunday (22 September)
will be encouraging. Campaign well co-ordinated.
4
MISSISSIPPI Defer to Fred LaRue. Our men are in, and our relationship is good.
Once again, the need is to prepare a team in every county and town to take
advantage of any break on the Wallace situation.
MISSOURI: Heavy emphasis being placed on local and Congress-level campaigns which is
a plus. Furor over our Citizen Chairman's endorsement of local Democratic
candidates restricted to Kansas City area. No reports of serious factionalism.
Urge use of top speakers to back up Nixon-Agnew visits. ; Best team would be
John and Barbara Eisenhower. Danger: Once again, we may underrate the
weight of St. Louis vote. Must move into that city with labor, Negro, civic
leaders, etc.
MONTANA: Okay. Small arguments resolving themselves. More dope next week.
NEBRASKA: No adverse reports. Will have fieldman in next week.
NEVADA: Good reports on Agnew visit and party unity. Bob King stuck with California
this week, but will hit Nevada during the coming week.
NEW
Reports okay. No real factions. They say the Nixon Club movement has
HAMPSHIRE:
taken hold and is in good shape.
NEW
Okay. Skidmore, Case and regulars working together. All programs being
JERSEY: pushed. Some money in sight. Meeting of Negro leaders from 11 cities held
Friday, Sept. 10. Our man covered. Has Case been called by RN? The
Washington Star said he had not in a Sunday, Sept. 15 column. Also named
were Senators Pearson and Cooper. Check.
NEW
Okay. Delegation fight not going to do permanent damage. Romans and Mardian
MEXICO:
went in as a team. We need more of this. The new state chairman is good
but will need someone to put up money so that he can show them that they have
a state chairman. More details later.
NEW YORK: John Gilhooley's big problem is money so that he can show action and move
materials. Most of the pre-convention groups are willing towork within the
recommended framework. If there are no objections, I want to get invited
into New York this week. Important that our office gain credentials as a
supporting team for their efforts, and not as G-2 operation. I will set up
with them to mobilize outstate New York, without neglecting the city. Same
in Pennsylvania. Will only go to New York if you approve. A small
problem relating to a field man was resolved.
NORTH
No problems. All leaders working together. Reports encouraging. In one
CAROLINA: area where they felt no one would take a Nixon bumper sticker because of
Wallace, they got a shock. The things were in demand and they have asked
for supply. This is being interpreted down there as a resurgence of RN
strength and feeling is that RN now running ahead of Wallace with HHHI a
poor third.
NORTH
No report of activity. Partly our fault. We will push. My intelligence
DAKOTA:
is weak here and it may be that they are doing a good job.
OHIO:
State Committee and Citizens (Sen. Grey) are running a merged operation with
-- 5
a common pot. This has worked well in past years. Shortage (absence) of
material in counties reported. State chairman has no money in the bank
and must raise it quick. A split of the $1,000 dinner there will go to
Ohio Citizens. Good! The crusader group is sworn in, but has a few out-
standing bills. Without offending them, I suggest that someone might help
pay them off. This would be a good investment, and a fair thing to do.
OKLAHOMA: No word of problems. I am weak on current intelligence. ; Will correct this
but had more pressing work in this region.
OREGON:
Excellent reports of Party activity. Independent survey published by the
OREGONIAN has Nixon 47%, HHH 26%, Wallace 8% and Undecided, 19%. This is
a gain. July read: Nixon 44%, HHH 26%, Wallace 7%, and undecided 23%. I phoned
this result to Herb Klein.
PENNSYLVANIA: It is together. Immediate state level money shortage is temporarily
relieved by borrowed funds. County morale and confidence high. The
state committee meeting of September 13 was one of unity. Most money will be
checked to Dave Maxwell, State Campaign Coordinator. This is OK but they must
regularly fund traditional organization activities such as regular mail
contact with the 18,000 member precinct committee, etc. Scott and Scranton
have top public respect with voters. George Bloom must be consulted. His
knowledge is extensive, his judgment excellent, and his motives great. He
can settle any internal problem. The campaign will have to use at least
$500,000 credit (the sooner the better). And, money will continue to be the
problem. The year's registration period is over, and the GOP slightly increased
its small lead. The figures would be good for national distribution.
RHODE
Help needed. Started operations on $4000 borrowed money against a man's
ISLAND:
house. Governor's office given good rating for cooperation. Will personally
assist. My information sketchy.
SOUTH
All reports are that Strom is doing it. I defer to him. Will get more info
CAROLINA: for next week.
SOUTH
Fieldman Phillips enthusiastic. Says the campaign is moving with a great
DAKOTA:
chairman.
TENNESSEE: Well coordinated, and programs moving. They may have Democrat Negroes
with NAACP credentials who will come over to us. We will follow up. Same
problem with Feely-Wheeler.
TEXAS:
No specifics but good general report. Am getting our field man to meet with
Pete O'Donnell whom he hasn't met. Pete feels that Wallace is clipping HHH,
not us.
UTAH:
Generally good reports but none from on the scene. Bob King will be there
in next week.
VERMONT: Only reports are of good women's activity. Will check out completely.
6
VIRGINIA: Good reports. Campaign leadership is a team. Movement well underway to de-
velop an organization in all counties. State chairman Carpenter very savvy
and working with the Negro whose registration has tripled since 1960. Good
precinct work in progress in northern Virginia. (suburbs.) Several
Democrat rifts in local areas reported. However, put this state on key
list.
WASHINGTON: Lack of activity being corrected UCNA Phillips and New York's McGee
went in Friday (19th) as a team. King County is rolling with a fireball county
chairman. Fieldman will give full details of situation but this info not
available at time of this report. State Chairman Gummy Johnson and all others
were involved in planning meeting.
WEST
Someone let them believe they were being written off. We believe this is
VIRGINIA: corrected, but extra attention should be given NOW by all concerned. We do
not want to be in the back scat anywhere. Check funding. Can we get a
few natives to write a check to the Citizen's Committee? An executive
director has been hired. They smell a state win, despite large Democrat
registration edge.
WISCONSIN:
One of best coordinated and funded states. No problems reported. They
work from mutual funds. Ody Fish has checked in about $25,000 to start Citizens
and they are free to raise extra at the community level. If speaker requests
come in from SE industrial corner of the state, please give priority.
WYOMING: The arrangement with Governor Hathaway on Citizens is OK. No problems.
Volunteers for NIXON-AGNEW
A DIVISION OF THE UNITED CITIZENS FOR NIXON - AGNEW
WILLARD HOTEL
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20004
TELEPHONE: (202) 783-1560
SENATOR HIRAM FONG
J.J. WUERTHNER JR.
Honorary Chairman
September 25, 1968
Director
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Citizens' Staff Willard Hotel; Republican National Committee staff,
Nixon-Agnew New York staffs; Citizens' Field Operation; and GOP Leaders.
FROM:
J.J. Wuerthner, Jr.
This is a progress report on the enlistment of the 5 million volunteers
program to which Richard Nixon has assigned highest campaign priority.
Later this week processing will start on more than 250,000 names and
addresses to store them into the computer and begin preparation of the final
RN personal letter to be mailed a few days before November 5th.
All divisions are requested to send names and addresses promptly -- address
them to me at Room 340, Willard Hotel. So far, names and addresses have been
received only from Nixon-Agnew Clubs, Secretaries for Nixon-Agnew and Doctors
for Nixon-Agnew. We prefer names typed, but can receive and process them from
address plate strips, letters, cards, or in any other manner where the name and
address is legible.
During the weekend we opened up a new Willard Hotel wing on the 5th floor
to receive and process mail returns which are now averaging in the thousands with
each mail delivery in the form of Commitment Cards, LIFE Magazine ad coupons, and
letters which RN requested in the LIFE ad. We are now ready to use unlimited
numbers of volunteers from the D.C., Virginia and Maryland areas for opening,
sorting, reading, processing, addressing, stuffing and mailing of replies within,
24 hours of receipt here in Washington. Volunteer contact is Hank Hamilton, Room
339 and phone 347-8847 or Betty Lantz, phone 347-8864.
Citizens' divisions might consider lending us staff members to help in the
initial reading of the letters and sorting into appropriate categories for answer,
and in development of suitable replies to some of the letters.
Enclosed is mailing going out today to Republican County Chairmen and Vice
Chairmen, plus other interested GOP Groups, on the all-day October 5th Nixon-Agnew
Volunteer Day. Staff assistance will obviously be needed on this program as the
October 5th date approaches.
We invite participation in this exciting program led by Mrs. Eisenhower by
every Citizens' operation. Ask us for extra copies of the memo for circulation
to your key people across the nation.
In the meantime, send us the name and address of every voter you know committed
to our cause plus your lists of campaigners for NIXON-AGNEW.
Volunteers for NIXON-AGNEW
A DIVISION OF THE UNITED CITIZENS FOR NIXON - AGNEW
WILLARD HOTEL
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20004
TELEPHONE: (202) 783-1560
September 23, 1968
SENATOR HIRAM FONG
J.J. WUERTHNER JR.
Director
Honorary Chairman
MEMO TO: Republican County Chairmen and Vice Chairmen
Citizens' Leaders, YR's, GOP Women, TARS
FROM:
J. J. Wuerthner, Jr., Director
Volunteers for Nixon-Agnew
Saturday, October 5th, will mark the start of the stretch
drive to victory with a nationwide NIXON-AGNEW VOLUNTEERS DAY
campaign. Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower has agreed to act as
National Chairman of this all-day 50-state effort to sign up
supporters for the Nixon-Agnew ticket. Mrs. Eisenhower will
hold a press event earlier in that week to initiate the program.
We are asking GOP organization workers to seek out and sign
up committed volunteers of all political persuasions during Sat-
urday, October 5th-- exactly one month before Election Day.
The operating plan 18 simple. It is suggested that cam-
paigners set up card tables outside shopping centers, downtown
street corners and supermarkets or any location where there is
heavy traffic of people on Saturday. Then sign up supporters
of the Nixon-Agnew ticket at these locations. Print your own
Commitment Cards (sample attached), Place the signed Commitment
Cards into boxes and ship express collect to me at Room #340,
Willard Hotel, Washington, D. C. 20004.
Teen-Age Republicans in your area will call you and offer to
supply volunteer help and free coffee for this endeavor. Some of
the TARS organizations also have coffee booths suitable for quick
set-ups in front of supermarkets or shopping areas. They will
contribute the coffee at no expense to your organization. TARS
were highly successful with tests of this "blitz" technique in
two states last weekend.
Also, Young Republicans may contact you. And, leaders of
the local Nixon-Agnew Clubs are anxious to provide volunteer
workers to you for this program.
Volunteer names will be stored in a computer and Richard
Nixon will respond to each in a personal way before Election Day.
This is a vital campaign effort and can be helpful in
enlisting the 5 million volunteers requested by RN as ghe high
priority people-to-people goal of his campaign.
Volunteers for NIXON-AGNEW
A DIVISION OF THE UNITED CITIZENS FOR NIXON - AGNEW
WILLARD HOTEL
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20004
TELEPHONE: (202) 783-1560
September 23, 1968
SENATOR HIRAM FONG
J.J. WUERTHNER JR.
Director
Honorary Chairman
MEMO TO: Republican County Chairmen and Vice Chairmen
Citizens' Leaders, YR's, GOP Women, TARS
FROM:
J. J. Wuerthner, Jr., Director
Volunteers for Nixon-Agnew
Saturday, October 5th, will mark the start of the stretch
drive to victory with a nationwide NIXON-AGNEW VOLUNTEERS DAY
campaign. Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower has agreed to act as
National Chairman of this all-day 50-state effort to sign up
supporters for the Nixon-Agnew ticket. Mrs. Eisenhower will
hold a press event earlier in that week to initiate the program.
We are asking GOP organization workers to seek out and sign
up committed volunteers of all political persuasions during Sat-
urday, October 5th-- exactly one month before Election Day.
The operating plan is simple. It is suggested that cam-
paigners set up card tables outside shopping centers, downtown
street corners and supermarkets or any location where there is
heavy traffic of people on Saturday. Then sign up supporters
of the Nixon-Agnew ticket at these locations. Print your own
Commitment Cards (sample attached), Place the signed Commitment
Cards into boxes and ship express collect to me at Room #340,
Willard Hotel, Washington, D. C. 20004.
Teen-Age Republicans in your area will call you and offer to
supply volunteer help and free coffee for this endeavor. Some of
the TARS organizations also have coffee booths suitable for quick
set-ups in front of supermarkets or shopping areas. They will
contribute the coffee at no expense to your organization. TARS
were highly successful with tests of this "blitz" technique in
two states last weekend.
Also, Young Republicans may contact you. And, leaders of
the local Nixon-Agnew Clubs are anxious to provide volunteer
workers to you for this program.
Volunteer names will be stored in a computer and Richard
Nixon will respond to each in a personal way before Election Day.
This is a vital campaign effort and can be helpful in
enlisting the 5 million volunteers requested by RN as ghe high
priority people-to-people goal of his campaign.
Volunteers for NIXON-AGNEW
A DIVISION OF THE UNITED CITIZENS FOR NIXON - AGNEW
WILLARD HOTEL
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20004
TELEPHONE: (202) 783-1560
SENATOR HIRAM FONG
J.J. WUERTHNER JR.
Honorary Chairman
September 22, 1968
Director
URGENT MEMORANDUM
TO:
County Chairmen and Vice Chairmen
Republican Organizations
FROM: J. J. Wuerthner
A highly sophisticated computer system for storing and retrieving
voter information is now being designed to process the 5 million
volunteers goal which Dick Nixon has given highest campaign priority.
You were notified August 29th about this program by Republican
National Chairman Ray Bliss and you may have seen the LIFE ad last week
on this unprecedented volunteer effort.
Dick Nixon will express his appreciation to every volunteer worker
through a personalized and localized letter just before election day, us-
ing the high speed typing facilities of the computer.
In the meantime, I'm sure you want to include in the computer
storage the names and addresses of GOP officers and workers in your
county, plus contributors lists, and names of other interested voters
who are working in our cause.
Remember, every voter's name you send us will receive the RN
letter before election day.
May we have your lists, please?
Cordially,
J. J. Wuerthner
Director
P. S. Address your lists as follows:
J. J. Wuerthner
Room #340-A
Willard Hotel
Washington, D. C. 20004
102
F.Y.I
WOMEN FOR NIXON
Mrs. Patricia Reilly Hitt, National Co-Chairman,
Nixon For President Committee and Director of Women's Activities
September 19, 1968
TO:
WOMEN FOR NIXON-AGNEW, ALL LEVELS
FROM: PAT HITT
October 19 has been designated as NATIONAL NIXON-AGNEW BUMPER STRIP DAY!
We have been asked to take the lead in this dramatic project involving all
phases of the Nixon-Agnew Campaign.
As soon as possible, get together with the leadership of: United Citizens
for Nixon-Agnew, Youth for Nixon-Agnew, your Women for Nixon-Agnew, the local
GOP leadership, Young Republicans, Federated Republican Womens Clubs, TARs, etc.,
and plan the project for your area. Enlist as many volunteers to help as you
can--since October 19 is a Saturday it will be ideal for pre-teen, teenage and
college-age youth, as well as for adults.
Set up teams to cover the parking lots of all the shopping centers (or
football stadiums where games are scheduled), from 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. until
6:00 or 7:00 p.m. (or whatever time is best for your area). As shoppers get
in or out of their cars, have someone ask, "May I put a Nixon bumper-strip on
your car?" If the answer is yes, do it for them. (Those not applied then
probably never will be and we can't waste them.) If the answer is no, say,
"Thank you, anyway" and move on.
Bumper strips are seen by hundreds of drivers every day and are tremendous
advertising for our candidates. The impact of a sudden explosion of bumper-
strips on automobiles all over the nation at the same time could well be the
most dramatic moment of the campaign. ,This will only be possible if we enlist
the help and support of all elements in the campaign.
We are asking you to start the planning and preparations for October 19--
NATIONAL NIXON-AGNEW BUMPER STRIP DAY!
One word. of advice: Be sure that you have plenty of bumper strips on
hand for that day. They must be ordered from the catalogue and paid for in
advance. Allow plenty of time for delivery! All of you working together can
guarantee that the supply will be there.
1726 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
Phone a.c. 202-783-4201
Vandrews
TELEX SERVIC
DEA981 M CB422 DPR PD TDC PWS NEWYORK 9 525P CDT 1968 OCT 9 PM 8 58 5
SIMMONS FENTRESS, WITH NIXON
HOLIDAY INN MOLINE ILL
FOR NATION'S NIXON STORY: RE HIS FINANCES: IN THE SUMMER OF
1967 NIXON LISTED HIS NET WORTH FOR US, PLACED IT AT AROUND
250,000, AND CALLED HIMSELF A "QUARTER MILLIONAIRE. " WOULD
LIKE TO KNOW HOW HE ACCOUNTS FOR THE DOUBLING OF HIS ASSETS
IN SOME 16 MONTHS
PARKER TIME INC NEWYORK
10.
Done.
file
TO: Len Garment
FROM: Kevin Phillips
RE: Last Four Weeks' Strategy
I) RN Contemporary Position. RN is very far ahead of
HHH, perhaps to the extent indicated by the Gallup Poll (15%).
This vast lead is a product of the decline of liberalism, the
rise of George Wallace and the breakup of the Democratic party.
Wallace's boom has torn away blue-collar, rural and Southern
Democratic strength, moreover he has come on so strongly that
many Northern moderates have moved to RN as the only plausible
alternative in this year of conservative protest. The chief
casualty is the non-charismatic HHH.
On a regional basis, RN is solid in the West, Rocky Moun-
tains and Midwest. He is far ahead in the Northeast, but likely
to fade somewhat if HHH can stage his expected mini-recovery.
RN is also ahead in the Border, but not by too much because of
Wallace strength. As a result of Wallace strength, RN and Wal-
lace are neck and neck in the Peripheral South, while the Deep
South is firmly in Wallace's corner.
Broken down by candidates, my present geopolitical estimate
is:
Wallace: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South
Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas and Tennessee
HHH: Rhode Island and the District of Columbia
RN: Everything Else
II) Trend. The above situation is highly unstable. HHH
and George Wallace are very unlikely to hold this present posi-
tion viz one another (HHH - 28%; Wallace - 21%). Wallace must
either advance still farther, probably shattering the Democratic
party, or he must fade as HHH stages a mini-recovery (such an
HHH advance would erode Wallace by pushing Nixon-leaning Wallace
voters back to RN as the contest re-emerges as one between RN
and HHH). I believe that an HHH mini-recovery is much more likely
albeit I think it will relate more to fear of Wallace-LeMay than
actual HHH appeal. In such an event, RN will gain in the Border
and Outer South (from Wallace) and slip in the Northeast (to HHH).
But this change should not be on too large a scale. My projection
for November, allowing for an HHH mini-recovery and Wallace slip-
page, is as follows:
-2-
Wallace: Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana,
Arkansas, and South Carolina (?)
Humphrey: D. C., Rhode Island, Massachusetts and
Hawaii (?)
RN: Everything Else
We are presently way ahead in New York, Pennsylvania, Michi-
gan and Connecticut an HHH mini-recovery would close the gap,
but not enough for HHH to win. On the other hand, HHH's recupera-
tion and Wallace's slippage should push RN-leaning Wallace voters
back to RN in states like Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tenne-
ssee and Virginia.
III) Tactics:
1) Scheduling-Tour-Budget: The states to emphasize are
those in which we can expect a) RN fade to HHH (New York, Michi-
gan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts) and b) RN
pick-up from Wallace (Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia and
North Carolina). Both types of states will be close, but for
different reasons. On one hand, while contemporary polls put
RN ahead in New York and Connecticut by leads of near landslide
proportions, RN's ultimate margin of victory is not likely to
be more than 4-6%. On the other hand, although polls presently
put RN behind in some of the peripheral Southern states, ulti-
mate slippage of Wallaceites to RN should produce a string of
RN victories. By and large, these two groups are the key states,
however, Ohio and Missouri, two mixed-pattern states, should
also be stressed.
Given the present levels of RN strength, as well as any now-
conceivable trend, California, Illinois, Wisconsin and New Jersey
are safe for RN and do not require the same emphasis as the other
battlegrounds.
2) Impetus - Attention must be given to creating a "second
wave' RN surge after October 15 so that huge crowds and increased
re-alignment issue-fanning will give RN a November 1 crest. Then
a few days of statesmanship and rest and an election eve appear-
ance.
3) Ideology: This is a conservative year; the conserva-
tive course followed so far remains entirely suitable. The ful-
crum of re-alignment is the law and order/Negro socio-economic
revolution syndrome, and RN should continue to emphasize crime,
decentralization of federal social programming, and law and order.
It will be necessary to trend into some positive programming as
well as negative criticism, however, the programming should be
consonant with non-disruption of the essentially negative coali-
tion backing RN. Thus, there are situations - Vietnam is one -
regarding which non-specificity is desirable.
-3-
a) Positive Themes
Detailed crime prevention schemes, rural aid, job re-
training, education (school construction, pre-kindergar-
ten education), bloc grants, historic and scenic preser-
vation, federal-state tax-sharing, cost-of-living Social
Security, Preventicare (medical inspection centers), tax
incentives for urban rebuilding, slum clean-up aids.
b) Negative Themes
See accompanying memorandum
4) Vietnam: No articulate or definitive position should
be taken viz the war in Vietnam; any such position would help
Wallace or HHH by sloughing doves or hawks whereas the lack of
an ideological position helps make RN a rallying point for a
cross-section of voters disgusted with the war and our policy
with regard thereto. HHH's new position of (qualified) support
for a bombing halt is no particular menace; it merely under-
scores his own indecision and fluidity. HHH should be continu-
ously linked to LBJ policy and policymaking.
RN should attack the underlying roots of many voters' dis-
content: U. S. over-involvement around the globe. There is a
growing isolationism on both the Right and Left, stimulated by
the faux pas of Vietnam, and this isolationism can be appealed
to with generalities along the lines of "The U. S. can't be the
world's policeman" or "We must get our Allies to fight their
own battles and begin to de-Americanize the Vietnamese war. "
The electorate is growing increasingly isolationist in the hope
of avoiding any further Vietnams, and RN can harp on promising
to avoid such cul de sacs and entanglements, something HHH is
not free to do.
RN must paint himself as a responsible, experienced peace-
maker in the Eisenhower-Korea vein, labeling HHH as an architect
of past war policy and implying that the Wallace-LeMay team is
inexperienced and trigger-happy.
5) Negroes - RN should continue to pitch his mini-campaign
to the Negroes with the white electorate principally in mind. He
should continue to stress how law and order is needed and desired
by Negroes at least as much as by whites.
6) Anti-Wallace: No specific and national anti-Wallace
campaign should be run. First of all, Wallace's great present
strength and plausibility is a plus for RN outside the South
-4-
because of the number of blue-collar Democrats who have been
weaned away from HHH. Granted that Wallace's present plausi-
bility endangers RN victories in the Peripheral South, it is
simultaneously massacring HHH in the Great Lakes and Northeast.
Wallace should be undermined only in certain specific ways.
Wallace's social stances should not be attacked, nor should
RN identify with Rockefeller-Javits-Lindsay type' derogations of
Wallace as a racist or crypto-Fascist. Conservatives torn between
RN and Wallace dislike such Establishmentarian anti-Wallace in-
nuendo. In NY, the Wallace forces are already trying to identify
RN with Rockefeller, Javits and Lindsay.
Fortunately, the selection of General LeMay gives RN his
key tool with which to erode Wallace - the Wallace-LeMay ticket
can be portrayed as inexperienced and trigger-happy. Trigger-
happy imagery undercut the appeal of Goldwater's social con-
servatism in 1964 and it will do so again. The obvious theme
is:
"A team that will talk about running cars over Ameri-
can citizens and about bombing a country back to the stone
age.
this is a team that cannot be trusted to safeguard
the lives and prosperity of the richest nation in the world. "
Luckily the present outer perimeter of Wallace victory
potential - the Peripheral South - is very sensitive to jingoist
and trigger-happy imagery; this area is isolationist and trended
against Goldwater. An anti-trigger happy LeMay campaign should
be used in the areas where Goldwater fell far below RN - the
Ozarks, Appalachian uplands, rural Missouri, Virginia's Shenan-
doah, the Nashville Basin and North Carolina Piedmont.
RN's anti-Wallace effort should be zeroed in on the Peri-
pheral South and Border. Not only should the Wallace-LeMay du
be attacked as above, but RN must be presented as the great
leader against whom Wallace-LeMay pale in plausibility. Large-
scale use should be made of the Power of the Presidency " TV
spot.
7) Use of Agnew: Governor Agnew should be used in the
peripheral South and Border, where he is regarded somewhat more
favorably than in the Northeast. His utterances should be care-
fully planned so as to avoid further bloopers. Agnew is not a
plus factor, in part as a result of his bad press, and he should
not be overexposed.
8) Farmers: Polls show that old-line rural Democrats in
Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky are among our hardest
-5-
nuts to crack in those states; increased emphasis ought to be
put on getting a message across to these (subsistence and mini-
mal livestock) farmers. The cash crop farmers of the wheat and
corn belts are being reached, but the subsistence-type, dirt
farmer of the Border is not.
good
/
9) Old People: RN success among old people varies from
state to state. In Florida and California, he is doing well.
But in the Border, old people are the firmest resisters of
Republican and Wallaceite inroads. They are most tradition-set
in their politics. Missouri, for example, has the second high-
est ratio of old people in the nation, and they are the bulwark
of Democratic strength. Polls show that old people in tradi-
tionally Democratic rural counties in Missouri are the only group
still favoring HHH (21-25 year-old voters in such areas are 5:1
for Nixon and Wallace over HHH). See Appendix.
10) Women: All polls show RN and George Wallace running
much better with men; it is tempting to speculate that HHH pre-
sents an image (weak, vacillating, a tool for LBJ and even
with an oddly-shaped head) that men dislike. Men also respond
better to the "tough" image of RN and Wallace. All this being
the case, RN should pitch to housewives on issues like food
prices, school busing and "little freedoms to walk in parks,
go to movies, etc. Most of the remaining RN gain opportunity
is probably female. See Appendix.
11) Personal Attacks on HHH: Surrogates and media should
be used to blast HHH, as should media, but RN, who is benefiting
from a statesman's image in comparison with terrier-like HHH,
should not hatchet the latter. HHH should be blasted as
a) a second place individual, a puppet of a strong president
b) a mouthy, unreflective individual - in support of this
contention (and, to nail HHH to unpopular stances) RN
should quote HHH's bubbling remarks about Vietnam being
a great and wonderful experience and how he, HHH, could
lead a mighty good riot himself.
c) a vehicle of dissension and division who cannot possibly
achieve a mandate to govern---and who is in his own right
the focal point of the bitterness of a generation
An image of HHH has been fashioned along these lines; it
must be steadily re-inforced. People will not put a man of such
"loser" image in the White House.
-6-
12) RN-HHH Debate - This is not a good idea; nothing can
be gained and HHH might somehow manage to retrieve some stature.
IV) Advertising - Presupposing that Wallace does not con-
tinue to gain and that HHH stages a mini-recovery, the adver-
tising campaign should go as follows:
1) TV - Issue and endorsement spots should be used heavily
in the last two weeks of the campaign. Normally, opinion would
be pretty well fixed by that point, but things are different this
year because of the minor party candidacies. There will be more
last-minute flux. The spots should be concentrated in the battle-
ground states as follows:
a) New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan (and add Massachusetts)
are states in which an HHH mini-recovery would have the
best chance and heavy spot usage should aim at i) in-
hibiting HHH's recovery; ii) shoring up RN re middle-
of-the-roaders; and iii) bolstering anti-HHH (usually
non-voting) decisions on the part of McCarthyites. To
this end, the Vietnam and Crime issue spots should
be used, as well as the Rockefeller, Hatfield and Percy
(and Scott, Romney, Volpe on a local basis) endorsement
spots. This strategy takes something of a chance on
pushing some RN voters to Wallace, but except in New
York, the bulk of the Wallace vote seems to be drawn
from what would normally be HHH strength.
b) Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia
are states in which a Wallace fade ought to help RN.
Spot usage ought to aim at re-inforcing such an RN re-
surgence and accelerating George Wallace's slippage.
To this end, the Order, Crime, Wrong Road and Failure
spots ought to be used heavily, and special emphasis
should be put on the Power of the Presidency spot
(implicitly anti-Wallace and overtly pro-RN). As for
endorsement spots, those for the South are Reagan,
Goldwater, Baker, Bush and Murphy. Also use any hill-
billy spots.
c) Missouri and Ohio are states in which emphasis still
must be placed, but the local pattern is mixed. Issue
spots which are best used include Order, Crime, Vietnam,
Wrong Road, Failure, and as for Endorsements, Dirksen,
Hatfield, Rockefeller, Bush, Percy, Murphy and Baker
(in Missouri and Southern Ohio) are preferred.
d) California, Wisconsin, Illinois and New Jersey are in
good enough shape that a percentage of media dollars
can be shifted elsewhere.
-7-
2) Radio - Radio spots should be used heavily to back up
primary TV campaign.
a) Hillbilly and Don't Waste Your Vote spots for Peri-
pheral South and Border;a very large amount of short
radio spots should be purchased in Kentucky, Virginia,
Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Texas and the Ozark
section of Arkansas-Missouri. Roy Acuff, Tex Ritter,
Clint Walker, Fess Parker and John Wayne spots are ideal,
emphasizing that RN is just "folks", and that he will end
the war and riots.
b) Northern Ethnic Areas - Spots should be played in big
cities telling why Otto Kreuger, Paddy Murphy, Angelo
Spumoni and Casimir Dumbrowski are for RN. The eth-
nics are big on group identification. In New York City,
for example, spots should be played quoting Irish, Ital-
ians, Jews and Puerto Ricans. These spots should relate
to the key ethnic trend groups of the area. They are
less useful in the South where all whites have Anglo-
Saxon names and everybody knows that most of the people
for RN are nominal Democrats.
c) Specialized spots
i) foreign policy for Midwest Germans
ii) food price inflation for housewives/soap operas
iii) agricultural policy stuff next to farm bulletins
in Midwest
iv) senior citizens programs in Florida, California,
and Missouri
1
d) Anti-HHH Radio Spots - Quote HHH comments on his lead-
ing a mighty good revolt" and Vietnam being "our great
adventure--and a wonderful one it is. " Radio spots
should be designed - and played incessantly - to focus
public attention on HHH lack of judgment and verbosity.
APPENDIX - Border Voting Trends by Age and Sex
Monroe County, Missouri*
Conservatism By Age Groups
21-24
25-39
40-59
Over 60
% for Nixon
and Wallace
76%
54%
48%
31%
% for HHH
12
19
32
35
%
for None
or Undecided
12
27
20
34
*
No Democratic presidential nominee has ever won
less than 72.5% of the vote in Monroe County (since
1896).
Conservatism By Sex
Male
Female
% for Nixon
and Wallace
54%
34%
% for HHH
24
35
%
for None of
Undecided
23
31
From Bachelder Poll of Monroe County, Missouri,
September 20-24, 1968
TO: Len Garment
note
FROM: Kevin Phillips
384
RE: Wallace, HHH and the need for an RN Second Offensive
1. As of the end of September, George Wallace has probably
peaked. He has made incredible strides in the blue-collar North;
he is breathing on RN's neck in the Border and he is ahead in
the South. He cannot go any farther without breaking up the
Democratic party. However he appears to have exhausted his socio-
economic support potential. He cannot stand still; if he cannot
continue to advance, his national viability will suffer and he
will slip back, especially in states of the Peripheral South and
Border where his victory credibility will ebb as the two-party
context re-asserts itself. Wallace's crowds have slackened some
in the last week. His choice of General LeMay is a major blunder;
it will cost him many votes among socially conservative non-hawks
accompanying memo
2. Wallace's plausibility interrelates to HHH's. Wallace
strength has made HHH less viable, causing moderate liberals to
move to RN while conservatives have left RN for Wallace. On
the other hand, an HHH resurgence should undermine Wallace
plausibility, detach moderate liberals back to HHH, and pull
conservatives back to RN. In this case, Wallace's ultimate im-
pact would be that of past third parties - bringing change by
influencing the two party system and alignment.
3. As of the beginning of October, there are signs of an
HHH recovery which would complement a Wallace slippage. This
is logical; an HHH recovery is more than due because a) RN's
mid-September impetus of huge crowds, success and ideological
forward motion has ebbed; b) RN is no longer twanging ideologi-
cal gut reaction chords; c) Wallace seems to have reached his
maximum forward motion point; d) HHH's personal image diffi-
culties are lessening as lack of conservative opportunity allows
him to take an ideological stance he is comfortable with; and
e) Democratic politicians are rallying around the flag despite
misgivings to avoid the massive party defeat which now threatens.
4. This is nothing unexpected or potentially upsetting.
HHH, his support slashed down to party bedrock, is now follow-
ing the Left-liberal direction of obvious forward movement.
Consider what happened at Chicago: HHH presented a police state
image to conservatives, alienating his liberal cadres, and far
from increasing his strength among blue-collar workers and
Southerners, he set in motion a disintegration switching an as-
tounding number of them to Wallace. The die of history has cast
the Democratic party in a Left-liberal minority role for the
coming cycle and HHH is slipping into it. The fact that this
obvious opportunity unifies the Democratic party and makes HHH
more comfortable and plausible does not make it a menace: HHH
cannot help but evidence forward motion simply because he is
starting from a pathetic base level and a certain forward mo-
tion potential exists for mere coherence, organization and uni-
fied party drumbeating.
5. HHH's forward motion does not mean that concessions
should be made to his ideology on the contrary, he has now
put himself on the minority side of the ideological future, for-
saking ambivalance which was getting nowhere for a cohesive
party attempt. RN's strength is probably beginning to ebb
slowly from an abnormal lead (15%) over HHH; this re-adjust-
ment should be a cause for neither worry nor ideological mis-
strategizing.
6. The greatest mistake RN could make would be repetition
of the HHH error of going against the ideological re-alignment
thrust of his party. The Democrats are going to be the Left
party and a minority and the GOP are going to be the
Right-Center majority. The tack to take in this conservative
year is hard-hitting conservatism. A liberal or 'fudged' ap-
proach would a) detract from RN's tough or "leadership image;
b) buoy Wallace among conservative-trenders; and c) give cre-
dence to HHH's position and the whole liberal/failure syndrome.
On the other hand, a tough conservative line would a) boost
RN's decisive and tough image; b) tap the ideological tide at
work; c) erode Wallace; and d) drag HHH into the failure morass
of the domestic and international Great Society. The tides at
work in the year 1968 are conservative-trending disillusionment
with liberal failure; RN and Wallace are both profiting from
this (Wallace is a creature of the upheaval) and nothing could
be more ironic and foolish than a conservative party failing
to lead a conservative revolution.
7. The first and very successful phase of the RN
campaign consisted of letting HHH flounder while presenting RN
as a much-applauded winner. This stage of the campaign reminds
me of an incredibly successful foray by a cavalry vanguard which
found enemy resistance so weak and disorganization so wide-
spread
that it rolled up an exposed flank much farther than
anyone dreamed possible (43-28%). But in the face of this ad-
vance, the enemy organized under pressure taking the often
w
fatal route of least organizational resistance
and Sime is now
counter-attacking. This strikes me as no problem because HHH
is extraordinarily vulnerable to an anti-Great Society counter-
this
charge which ought to sweep him off the field. The tactics
to
seem clear:
Post-Columbus Day Second Offensive
New
A. Re-Establish RN Victory and Success Aura - grand tours
in the Chicago-San Francisco-Philadelphia vein are necessary;
big crowds to cheer a big winner. A massively-planned and ad-
vanced Wall Street or Midtown New York tour could be one; Boston,
Cincinnati, Phoenix? Big crowds are necessary to re-establish
the bandwagon impetus.
B. Verbal Toughness - Nobody gets aroused by a Navy gap
or new securities policy; it is time for rousing indictments
of the failures of the Great Society liberal policies---housing
rent subsidies, urban renewal, model cities scheming and red
tape), education (Howe and his Equal Educational Opportunity
gimmicks), job retraining (Youth Corps corruption and the like);
the War Against Poverty (CAP agitation, Job Corps expense and
failure) ; and the Permissive Society (moral decay, crime bill
stalling and rioter coddling) All of these weaknesses have
to be carefully targeted, and sound philosophic and sociological
arguments must be offered against them, but such arguments are
available, and the programs in question are very unpopular with
the public. Thus, RN can propound a tough line on safe ground-
the kind of line on which 1968 re-alignment is pivoting. (See
accompanying memo).
True, people are looking for a "statesman" but many people
are beginning to define a statesman as somebody with the courage
to spell out why and how we have failed and to get the monkey
off the national back. In eras of upheaval like this one, people
are looking for a strong leader--this has helped RN to date and
hurt HHH, and RN must combat HHH's manhood mini-recovery and re-
assert his own strength image. The electorate is not so much
looking for new ideas set forth with exactitude as they are for
a strong man to epitomize and somehow express the inchoate oppo-
sition to what is and has been going on. At this point, Wallace
is the man projecting the strongest political hormones and
opinion polls indicate that the public gives him credit for this-
they are looking for toughness and a rejection of past philo-
sophy and failure. RN should move farther towards these desires.
C. Policy Towards Wallace - Inasmuch as George Wallace is
a populist phenomenon who represents, among his vituperation,
some very legitimate complaints about the direction and thrust
of American socio-politics, he cannot be simply put down. Gen-
erally speaking, movements like Wallace's achieve limited suc-
cess by convincing one of the two major parties to adopt the
valid portion of their cause. RN should not attack Wallace but
should pre-empt the valid portion of his thrust with an intellec-
tually precise and sound but toughly articulated attack on the
false promise and failure of Great Society liberalism. To seize
the fulcrum of re-alignment is to cut Wallace down as third par-
ties have been cut down before.
D. Impugn HHH's Political Manhood and Capability - Although
RN should not wield the hatchet himself, HHH should be put down
hard as a mouthy, not-his-own-man second-stringer who long toadied
to LBJ but is now seeking to issue a pseudo-declaration of inde-
pendence. Emphasis should be put on HHH's womanish quality of
verbosity and especial emphasis should be put on his talking
of Vietnam as a "wonderful experience" and on how he bragged
he'd lead a riot himself. Anyone who checks HHH's weakness with
men in the polls will realize how badly he is hurt by lack of
male self-identification with his (non) prowess
and how RN
will be hurt if HHH is allowed to recover.
All this adds up to a hard-hitting, albeit carefully tar-
geted, conservative and activist campaign in the last three
weeks.
BOB HALDEMAN
I turned down the St. Louis invitation today --
couldn't reach Duggan last Friday night -- and he was MOST
upset. Felt their paper had done a lot for RN and were
making commitments for him -- deserved a commitment from
him. Went on to say this is the third time they've been
disappointed.
I told him I didn't think he should feel that way -- that
RN would like to be able to do this but he could surely
understand his reluctance to make any commitments for the
period between the Election and the first of the year at
this time. We did not want to make the commitment and then
not be able to keep it when the time came.
rmw
10/7/68
MR. HALDEMAN
FROM: HERB KLEIN
Al Kaline of the Detroit Tigers drove in two runs today in the World
Series game, for a final score of 5 to 3 in favor of the Tigers. Since
Mr. Kaline is a fan of RN's, Mr. Klein thought RN might wish to call him
giving him his congratulations.
C -
Says we have already
phoned sent telagram.
L
ckw7 Dick allen +
see if he has talked w/
Roosevelt if not,
RN
ash him again to doso t
Following telegram received in New York today (10/3/68)
tell him of the telegram.
If he has talked with
HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM MIDDLE EAST AND WONDER IF CAN BE OF SERVICE
him find
ON PROGRAMS AND PERSONAL PLANNING TOGETHER WITH ANTHONY MARSHALL*
out what,
AND GEORGE HITTMAN BOTH RECENTLY RETURNED FROM AFRICA. INCIDENTALLY, if any,
THE SHAW SENDS HIS REGARDS.
follow is now
KERMIT ROOSEVELT
needed as a result
of the telegram.
Try to leave it to that
* Mrs. Brooks Astor's son.
allen handles the whole
mwoods
matter.
Done Nec. - followup
(He had placed a call for you a couple of days ago and I asked Kay to have
Dick Allen call him -- do not know whet her or not he has had a chance to
talk with him)
L
Dich albn her phoned.
w hen RWstacte
May want post election job. Had
-
planning hill
no info to offer
/ home A Hen bad
- Wants to help for his own
J interest in Middle East.
Mony again out of county
October 9, 1968
Los Angeles, California
MEMORANDUM
TO:
RN
FROM:
RmWoods
RE:
Call from Gov. Rockefeller's Office
Governor Rockefeller tried to reach you after you had
started on the motorcade this morning -- and then Ann Whitman talked
with me and left the following message:
"Governor is very upset about this report that Agnew is going
to drop into a Conservative Party fund-raising dinner on Monday at the
Waldorf. The Conservative Party is trying to defeat Republican candidates
in the state -- 22 Congressional/ 32 State Senate and 60 in the State
Assembly -- are running against the Republican candidates. Also they
have a candidate against Javits.
"He is very upset about it!
"He did talk to Peter Flanigan this morning and he sent a
telegram to Mr. Nixon at headquarters - it is a very strong telegram.
He is very worked up about it. He feels so badly about it.
"They have had a poll taken at Peter Cooper Village - that
settlement on 23rd street where so many young, bright liberals live -
the Governor carried it three to one. It is now: HHH 61/ Nixon 50/
Wallace 8. As of now, if Agnew does this dinner it will alieniate so many
more of these so-called liberal people in New York State that it will seriously
damage chances of carrying the state.
"The Governor has even suggested that he would be delighted
to have Agnew stay overnight at his apartment instead of going to the Waldorf
since he is dropping by because he is there -- if that would give him an out
the Governor would be delighted."
- 2 -
Ann said again that the telegram was terribly strong
and was not for public consumption.
Pete Flanigan called later -- said that he and John Mitchell had talked this
over -- they suggest we do nothing about this until Mitchell returns tomorrow
-- Mitchell feels they should go ahead and let him go as (I believe it is the
State Chairman) had agreed to this.
TELEGRAM FROM ROCKEFELLER:
I UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR VICE PRESIDENTIAL RUNNINGMATE
IS PLANNING TO COME IN TO NEW YORK TO SPEAK AT A. $25 CONSERVA-
TIVE PARTY FUND RAISING DINNER NEXT MONDAY (Oct. 14). I
RAISE THE QUESTION WITH YOU AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW YORK
STATE REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WHICH IS ALL OUT IN
SUPPORT OF YOU AND THE TICKET FROM TOP TO BOTTOM BECAUSE I
FEEL THAT THIS APPEARANCE WOULD BE MOST UNFORTUNATE; IT SEEMS
INCONCEIVABLE THAT THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE
REPUBLICAN TICKET WOULD BE HELPING TO RAISE FUNDS TO DEFEAT
THE NEW YORK STATE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR SENATOR,
TWENTY-THREE OF NEW YORK'S REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR U.S.
CONGRESS, THIRTY-TWO REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR OUR STATE
SENATE, AND SIXTY REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR OUR STATE ASSEMBLY.
THE APPEARANCE IN QUESTION WOULD NOT ONLY UNDERCUT REPUBLICAN
CANDIDATES THROUGHOUT THE STATE, IT WOULD SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE
THE APPEAL WHICH YOU HAVE MADE FOR UNIFIED SUPPORT OF THE
REPUBLICAN PARTY FROM TOP TO BOTTOM - SUPPORT WHICH THE NEW
YORK STATE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS GIVING IN FULL MEAURE.
NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER
re-type
Following is suggested text for Babcock endorsement tape 8
(phoned from Mr. Holiday in Babcock's office)
file
"I want to take this moment to speak to my many
friends in Montana on behalf of your Governor, Tim Babcock.
"Time and I have been close personal friends as
well as partners in the never-ending quest for effective
government at all levels. It is this quest to which I
address myself.
"In the search for a working relationship between
state and federal government, we need men of responsibility
in both the statehouse and the White House. Tim Babcock and
COMM
VICME
thertively
with
I have n ability
Montana's voice will be heard on matters
affecting agriculture and specialized problems such as the
closing of Glasgow Air Force Base and the force-feeding of
Wibaux (pronounced Webo).
"Good government is a team effort. If you will
re-elect Tim Babcock to the governorship, I can assure you
the line between your capitol and the White House will always
be open for the next four years.
"I want to see Tim re-elected because I want to
work with him in solving the problems of Montana and the
nation in the next four years."
October 8, 1968
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Haldeman (cc: Finch)
FROM:
Ellsworth
There is a studied and definite plan and program
to have HHH in person intercept RN at a rally or an airport
greeting or somewhere along the campaign trail, to challenge
him to a face-to-face debate then and there.
Advance thought and planning should be given as
to how to handle this event should it ever occur.
DETERMINED TO BE AN
ADMINISTRATIVE MARKING
E.O. 12356 Section 1.1
By
NARS Date
24/6/87
October 7, 1968
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
I talked with Pat Hitt on Saturday and she
relayed the following information from her friend who is working
close to O'Brien:
He says they no longer give a damn what McCarthy
does -- whether he comes out or doesn't come out for them.
They feel that HHH's speech accomplished so much for them that
they don't care about McCarthy or Unruh.
In the last week there has been just a dramatic
change in the morale as a result of that speech. They have taken
in around $200,000 - they only spent $70,000, so they are elated.
LBJ has promised them he will go all the way with
them -- anything in the world they want. Lady Bird is going
to be very active all over the country.
They have bought five hours of national television
time between now and the election with an option for another 2-1/2
hours.
Their figuring is that we will concentrate on the
last two weeks. They plan to use considerable part of this
TV time within the next week to ten days so they can come up
while they think we will be "coasting." They are, of course, also
reserving time so they will be able to do whatever they need to do.
(Let's have Shakespeare find out what time they have).
- 2 -
Timing is a vital part of their strategy. They
figure we will slow down for a couple of weeks and this will
give them a chance to go up in the polls.
Another thing -- they are leaking polls favorable
to us -- they are counting on these favorable polls to make us
cocky and start our workers thinking we have it made.
A case in point -- they had a man in Connecticut
leak a poll to the press showing that Republicans were ahead
by 120,000 votes. This is not a true poll -- just something
they put out. They plan to do this in state after state to
lull us into over-confidence. They are trying to plant figures
in all of the key states.
They claim that they have registered 250,000
Democrats in California in the last two weeks.
They feel that their Vietnam speech changed the
whole coloration of this campaign. They feel it was extremely
successful.
They are working with polls -- in Ohio they have
a poll that shows HHH 41/ RN 38 (this is a Quayle poll and they
say this is a conservative estimate of their strength).
Mail reaction has been very heavy to the HHH speech.
Radical change in morale.
They are really functioning now as a campaign
operation for the first time.
- 3 -
They are confident that they will come in with
a strong finish in their campaign.
They have also re-assessed their strategy because
they have had two good days with HHH in the South. Tennessee and
one other state -- they are now taking a big second look at North
Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maryland. They are writing off
Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.
They feel they can carry Florida and Muskie reported
to O'Brien that West Virginia is in the bag.
There is something very peculiar going on in
California -- they think they are going to carry California.
There is something odd here.
They also expect to carry: New York, Minnesota,
Michigan, Missouri, Ohio. Feel they have a fighting chance in
Illinois. They write off Wisconsin. They feel they probably
will carry New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts.
HHH has an hour on October 11th - 1/2 of that hour
are shots done from the convention and 1/2 hour of it is stuff they
taped in his office.
McCarthy has time on October 8th.
They are jubiliant over Agnew.
NOTE: He said that the O'Brien level of the HHH
campaign gets regular reports on RN from Secret Service. Direct
pipeline from SS to O'Brien - evidently everything they overhear
everything that is done - etc.
- 4 -
Pat Hitt called back Saturday evening to say
she had just been told that the Democrats had polled Florida
and that as of October 1st it was: Wallace 377 Nixon 33/
Humphrey 22 -- Undeciced 8.
(They paid $28,000 for the poll so that would probably give
us an idea of how thoroughly they went into the state). .