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:
Suggestions Regarding Appearances of the Vice President (working copy). 31 pages. [Memo], 8/1/1960
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
26127247
label
WHSF: Returned, 45-16
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
26127247
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
WHSF: Returned, 45-16
description
This file contains:
Suggestions Regarding Appearances of the Vice President (working copy). 31 pages. [Memo], 8/1/1960
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
26127247
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
3dc9a98a96b7f715
ocrText
Richard Nixon Presidential Library
White House Special Files Collection
Folder List
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
45
16
08/1960
Memo
Suggestions Regarding Appearances of the
Vice President (working copy). 31 pages.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Page 1 of 1
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
SUGGESTIONS REGARDING
APPEARANCES
OF THE
VICE PRESIDENT
august,
Masselr, 1960
Suggestions Regarding Appearances
of the Vice President
Your primary function as Advance Man is to serve as a personal
representative of the Vice President in the advance planning of
all the facets of his visit to a given area. It is your further
function to be on the scene at the time of the visit to insure
that all details pertaining to the visit are carried out as
planned and in a way that will make the trip one of maximum
effectiveness. You are responsible for maintaining local con-
tact and for the development of the program and activities for
the Vice President and his party during the time they are in
your area.
The success of the Vice President's appearances will
depend on the advance preparation.
It will be appreciated if you will make a special
point of checking every one of the applicable items
in this memorandum to make certain that the local
committees have the situation well in hand.
Please do NOT give a copy of this memorandum to the
local committees or anyone else. Instead, pick out
the pertinent portions which are applicable to the
90 them with
particular visit and make them available to the
local people in charge.
- 2 -
GENERAL POLICY
1. You must always bear in mind that your responsibility
is to the Vice President. At all times this responsi-
bility supersedes your responsibilities to the local
committee or anyone else. Often the wishes of the
local committee will be in conflict, and your job is to
effect a compromise satisfactory to all, if possible,
but in any event never one which is unacceptable to the
Vice President.
2. The Washington office will help you in every way possible
to smooth out differences.
3. Let the Secret Service worry about the Vice President's
security. They are concerned with his personal pro-
tection by authority of Federal Law, and will coordi-
all
nate
security arrangements to fit his local
schedule of events and appearances.
In this connection, the Secret Service are also responsi-
ble for all contact with local law enforcement authorities
and will take care of this part of the arrangements for
you. It is undesirable for advance men to deal directly
with city, county or state police officials for a number
of reasons and all of such dealings should be handled
directly by the Secret Service rather than by the
Advance Man.
For this reason, it is important that you work out your
plans in close conjunction with the local Secret Service
personnel so that they are fully aware of all arrangements
- 3 -
being made and are also aware of any changes as they
occur in the plans so that they can coordinate with
local law enforcement personnel.
4.
Do not grant interviews or issue any press releases or
announcements. Publicity stories should be released
through local committees.
Local committee should NOT advise press of the arrival
of the Advance Man.
- 4 -
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
(Follow in Order Listed)
1.
The itinerary and instructions will be furnished from
Washington.
2.
Get in touch by phone with the local contacts and let them
know when you will be arriving, length of stay, etc. Also
notify local Secret Service office.
3.
Proceed to assigned location and meet first with local key
political contact--check general preliminary plan with him
for overall OK. Determine any potential complications from
him before meeting local overall arrangements chairman.
Keep in touch with him as plans are developed and settled.
4.
Contact local overall arrangements chairman--get completely
informed of developments to date, discuss plan of visit and
arrange meeting of local committee. Lay out tentative time
schedule for VPs visit.
5.
Contact local Secret Service and go over tentative schedule.
6.
Meet with local committee (include Secret Service) and set
up chairmen for the following:
Publicity
Press facilities
Radio & TV facilities
Airport pailwad facilities
Greeting committee
Motorcade
Hotel arrangements
Meeting arrangements and program
- 5 -
7.
Go over entire route, starting from landing position of
plane, to determine exact routes and times--both on foot and
by car. See below for specific arrangements to be made at
each point on route. Be sure to walk and drive at speed
which will approximate that of VP and party. Have Secret
Service and overall chairman accompany you.
8.
Draw up, with Secret Service and overall chairman, an exact
schedule for entire visit with all details included. Make
sure that all understand that no changes are to be made in
see below
this schedule without your prior knowledge. Always allow
for specific instructions on preparation of schedule
least avtwo-hour period for Stall work for the Vice
President in his hotel room prior to any major appearance.
Keep in mind the possibility of a suitable separate schedule
for Mrs. Nixon.
9.
Transmit schedule to Washington office-with any questions or sug-
gestions. This will be cleared with staff and VP by VI's
aide and re-confirmed to you. Do not confirm schedule to
local chairman until VPVB Office aide has re-confirmed to you.
10. Make courtesy calls to all major Republican officials in the
area--give them quick rundown on general plans. Include
Governor, Senators, Congressmen, National Committeeman and
woman, State Chairman and local, regional or state Nixon
chairman. asks each ofthem to send Office mmme diately a
One page memo on local issues and heir sugg est one for VPS
11. Confirm schedule and final arrangements with local committee speech,
and Secret Service.
12. Arrange to maintain regular telephone contact with overall
chairman, key political contact and Secret Service. No
- 6 -
changes are to be made by them without your OK. Be sure to
clear all changes with Washington Office.
13. Plan to arrive in the city well in advance of VP's party--
so you can recheck all plans and be prepared to meet the
plane. Transmit any last minute revisions to VP's aide as
soon as the plane lands.
14. Be prepared to guide party through the visit, maintain
schedule, meet emergencies, handle local committee contacts
for party and be sure everything proceeds as planned.
- 8 -
SPECIFIC ADVANCE ARRANGEMENTS
delants
Airport Arrival
1.,
Determine with airport manager exact location for spotting
plane, waiting area for press and greeting committee, lo-
cation of general public, motorcade lineup. arrange so crowd
to concentrated in one area - not spread out.
2.
Arrange room for press conference--1f specified in in-
structions.
3.
If a crowd of any substantial size is expected at the air-
port, arrange facilities for VP to address the crowd.
Unless there is a planned ceremony or activity and the
assurance of a large crowd at the airport, the best arrange-
ment is to have a sound truck out of the way some place with
a microphone on a long extension line. A hand mike is
satisfactory. Do not have a platform or any obviously
prepared arrangements. It is much better to let the VP
speak informally, standing on a baggage truck or the hood
of a car, using a hand mike. If the stop calls for a
scheduled speech or acceptance of an award or other such
ceremony at the airport, and you are sure there will be a
big crowd, then it is OK to have a regular platform and a
standup mike.
For overnight dops
4.
Make arrangements for fast removal of staff and press
baggage from plane and transfer to baggage truck. (Secret
Service will handle Nixon personal baggage.)
E
5.
Motorcade cars should be lined up on the air strip near the
plane whenever possible to make such arrangements with air-
port authorities (unless press conference is held in
- 9 -
terminal building, in which case cars should be lined up at
most convenient exit).
Motorcade
1. Motorcade transportation from the airport into the city and
to all points visited should be furnished by the local
committee.
can
Driver for the Vice President's will
be furnished by the Secret Service. He
a local Secret Service agent or
usually will be ben an area policeman in plain
clothes who knows the territory thoroughly
and will give full time and attention to
driving, (not talking to the Vice President).
Each driver of the other automobiles should
be a young person entirely capable of
fully familiar with the local area and
handling an automobile in traffic and motor-
cade formation. Paid professional drivers
are preferable to VIP volunteers and should
be used wherever possible.
The motorcade cars should be lined up at
the airport and ready to go one hour ahead
of time. Each car should be numbered.
Each driver should be at the wheel of his
automobile with motor running, at least
five minutes before scheduled departure
time. This applies to both arrival and
- 10 -
departure and at all stops. This is
necessary even if the drivers have to
leave a meeting or rally before it is
concluded in order to arrive at their
designated station.
Please emphasize the necessity for the
drivers to be ready to proceed at the
appointed time with motor running and
lights on.
The Vice President' car will always be
the No. 1: in the motorcade, and
The Vice President and mrs Nixon.
passengers are: The driver, aide, and
one of the traveling Secret Service Agents
in the front seat; the Vice President Nixon and bon the trip she
Mrs. Nixon in the back seat. If Mis If Mrs. Nixon always with the
is not with the VP, highest local Republican
or Nixon Committee official rides with VP.
Any proposed changes in this seating arrange-
ment must be cleared with the Office in
advance. Can should be marked with cign or
both sides saying "Vice Recident and Mrs Nixon
Pax No. 2: Security. Second traveling
Secret Service Agent and local security
people. A plain, unmarked, 4-door, police-
radio car should be used.
- 11 -
No. 3 and 4: Nixon Staff.
Cars No. 5 and 6: Cars for traveling
photographers and press, (if needed)
each marked with large sign indicating
PRESS.
Cars No. 7, 8, and 9: Cars for local
VIP's (if needed). (Cars of candidates
should show their name or names on the
side.)
Limit of 14 cars in motorcade unless
prior clearance with Washington Office.
Each car in the motorcade should be
numbered with a small card in the
lower right corner of the front wind-
shield. Each can should be decorated - and
occupants identified by large signs on the side in the
One additional car will be required for care of can didate
the Advance Man to precede the party
with police escort This and press - not
car should be numbered "A"
staff
A quiet police escort may be used, only
if conditions absolutely require same.
No sirens except in case of an emergency. Purpose of escort
No. to to keep blowing entire by motorcade motorcade drivers. together, not to protect
the VP. Do not use a lead can or an honor goard
around the VPA can.
The Vice President's auto should not
exceed existing speed limits. Remember
One other additional can should be provided
for Nixon staff to havel indepen dently of the
motorcade, It should be numbered "5"
- 12 -
the tail-end autos in a motorcade are
placed in unnecessary danger of accident
If they are forced to try to keep up with
a too-fast moving front auto. We have
been lucky se far.
Be sure to make a dry-run over the motor-
cade route, taking into consideration
actual conditions that will occur at the
time of the event. Do not rely on local
estimates of driving time or mileage.
Local committee people should arrange vehicles and manpower
for speedy removal and handling of all baggage for the
Vice President's party during the visit.
The traveling Secret Service Agents will supervise handling
of the Nixon's personal baggage.
Hotel Accommodations (You will be advised if complete hotel
accommodations are not needed).
1.
A parlor and two adjoining bedrooms, one on each side of
the parlor, are required for the Vice President and
Mrs. Nixon.
2.
Rooms for the remaining members of the staff should be in
close proximity and on the same floor. The two Secret
Service Agents who will be traveling with the Vice President
secret
should have a twin-bedded room adjacent (not necessarily
This room is not to be used
try
connected) to the Nixon suite of The Vice President's aide
local service police agents
6
should have a single room adjacent to the Nixon suite.
Miss Woods' suite (bedroom and parlor) should be in the
- 13 -
immediate area but not adjacent to the Nixon suite, as
telephone and office activity is centered in her parlor.
Single rooms should be provided for all other members of
the traveling staff.
3.
One extra room should be provided at the farthest end of
the area of rooms occupied by the Nixon staff, away from
the Nixon suite--to be used as a waiting room for local
groups who may be meeting with the Vice President or who
may be conferring with members of the staff. This can be
designated as a reception room.
4.
Traveling press soon should have single rooms in the
same hotel, but on another floor. While the Advance Man
can be of assistance in reserving and controlling the
rooms for the traveling press, it must be made clear that
they or their newspapers are to be billed individually by
the hotel for their rooms.
5.
Advance registrations should be made for each member of the
party. Staff keys should be in doors--and Advance Man should
have room assignment list for staff to distribute at airport.
also send room assignment list to Fere as for ahead possible as
Press keys should be in envelopes at desk--by name.
6.
Please determine if the local committee will be taking care
of the hotel bills. Do not make a point of this. If the
local committee is not taking care of them, please see that
the hotel mails the bills to the Washington ffice
payment.
Vice Presidents for and
7.
Copies of all local newspapers should be in the Press
Secretary's room5on arrival at each city. Additional
- 14 -
papers should be provided as they are issued during the
stay. The local committee should designate a person to
take care of this.
8.
It is essential that accommodations NOT be made at any
private home. There will be no exceptions. If adequate
hotel accommodations are not available in any given city
or town, arrange accommodations in a nearby city or town.
9.
Be sure that all hotels send a written confirmation of
reservations to the Washington office.
10. Room 361, Senate Office Building, Washington, D. C. should
be left at each hotel as the forwarding address for mail
for the Vice President and Mrs. Nixon and members of the
party.
11. Arrange for the hotel to give fast laundry service.
12. Arrange for the hotel to give fast valet service.
13. Arrange for the hotel to give fast food service.
14. Make a careful check of the hotel switchboard facilities
to determine whether they have adequate trunk lines and
switchbeard personnel to handle the increased traffic
during the time of the Vice President's visit. If their
facilities are net adequate have the hotel put a direct
hotel swithboard
phone line into Miss Woods' office and if the facilities
are really inadequate, also have a direct line put into
the Press Secretary's room. The numbers for these lines
should be provided to the Washington office in advance.
Secret Service n police
15. If a room is provided for the local scourity officers, it
should be very far removed from the Nixon Suite, (to keep down It
must also be autside the serimeter of the Nixon
staff rooms This will help to keep down now,
confusion and inter ference with the staff operation
- 15 -
noise from chatter see
Jadequate size
16. A press room- with tables, typewriters and telephones should
be provided by the hotel for the use of the traveling press during
the entire period of the visit.
17. Arrange with hotel or local IBM office to have IBM typewriter
in office (Miss Woods' parlor) on a regular typewriter stand.
18. Receptions Pick up insert I
1.
Where a reception is scheduled prior to the principal event,
the duration of the receiving line should not be over 45
minutes. At a normal rate of speed this means a total
attendance of approximately 600 people.
2.
No personal receptions or receptions that don't include
the full group attending a function or which are not part
of the planned function itself, should be scheduled. This
does not, however, exclude meeting with a head table group
prior to entering the main event.
3.
In some cases, a large reception may be scheduled as the
principal event. Under such circumstances, the timing
should be based on 800-1000 people per hour going through
the receiving line. If at all possible, the receiving line
should consist only of the Vice President and Mrs. Nixon.
In no case should there be more than 2 additional people in
the line. You can explain to the local committee that there
is no need to introduce the Vice President to the individuals
as they come through the receiving line. Our experience has
shown that a line consisting of only Mr. and Mrs. Nixon is
by far the most satisfactory.
also have a mime ograph machine in the office arrang
to have a competent trained operator stand by to run
the mimeo on short notice at any time during the visit
machine Operator should not wait at the hotel
operators name and phone number should be on the
- 3 -
Secretary so that all members of the party will have their bags packed
and ready to go at the designated time.
Page 18, par. 6 - replace present paragraph
Prior arrangements should be made with the Hotel so that when the baggage
arrives from the airport, it is moved directly to the rooms - both in the
case of press and staff. All bags will be marked with tags identifying
the owner's name. Any baggage that is not so marked should be held by
the bell captain to be claimed by the owner. On departure the members
of the press will be instructed to call the Bell Captain and have their
bags taken to his desk and held there at the designated time. The staff
will have their baggage outside their doors at the designated time and
the advance man should arrange to have the bell captain pick them up and
assemble them with the press baggage to be moved to the airport. Be sure
that the Bell Captain makes a count of the number of pieces of baggage
brought in, and checks this against the number of pieces moved out on
departure.
Page 19, par. 1 at the bottom of the page (replace last sentence)
The Vice President may, however, be available to the press either upon his
arrival at the Airport or at a designated time at the hotel to answer ques-
tions pertaining to current issues. you will be advised.
30
Page 18, par. 7 - replace present paragraph
add
On all movements during the stay in your area, make arrangements to arrive
at each point prior to the arrival of the Vice President at that point so
that you can check out last minute conditions and be on hand to guide the
Vice President's party when they arrive. It is not necessary for the
Advance Man to accompany the Vice President's party on each motorcade tri
- 16 -
ing
The Vice President and Mrs. Nixon are to remain together at
all meetings, unless you have received specific instructions
to arrange a separate schedule for Mrs. Nixon.
Sponsorship of the meetings by individual organizations
should be avoided except when you have been given in-
structions to the contrary.
All Republican and Nixon organizations should be included
in the sponsorship of each meeting, mcluding Women's
Clubs, Young Republicans, and Citizens Groups, etc.
4. A program consisting of band music, community singing, or
other lively entertainment is to be encouraged before the
meeting formally opens. Use union band - no service ban
5.
The chairman of the meeting should arrange for the band to
the campaign song
play "California Here I Come, or other suitable music when
the Vice President first enters the meeting place or comes
out on the platform. The band should also strike up again
when the Vice President is introduced to the audience at
the beginning of his speech.
6.
The chairman of the meeting should be determined by the
local committee. Wherever possible, the chairman should
be an outstanding civic figure. Get can OK on name from
before confirming
7.
Presentation of the colors by local veteran, boy scout, or
other patriotic organization should be made. Don't use mile
8.
Pledge of Allegiance should be led by a veteran whose name
should be given to the Vice President in advance. Invo-
cation should be given by a local clergyman.
- 17 -
9.
Work out the exact details of the VP's entrance with the
committee. Preferably, the VP and Mrs. Nixon enter alone
after the head table or speaker's platform group are
seated. This is the most effective entrance. If, however,
the VP and Mrs. Nixon are to enter with the rest of the
group--be sure their positions in line are decided in
advance.
10. Talks by local candidates and officials should be held to
a bare minimum, both in number and in length.
11. Introduction A.VP should be as brief as possible, and if TV or
radio is used should be only a one sentence introduction.
Introduction should be made by a key public official in
the area, and many places will want to use the Republican
United States Senator or Governor or for candidate this. Get Okfrom Office.
Pg.
12. It is imperative that if Mrs. Nixon is present, she be
introduced by the Program Chairman prior to the introduction
of the Vice President.
13. At the conclusion of the meeting the chairman should request
the audience to remain seated until the Vice President and
his party leave the auditorium if this is necessary because sphysical
arangement a schedule demands, Never do this with captive andrence
14. Pictures of the Vice President with local candidates for of general
public
use by the local candidates in their campaigns should not
or
at public
be taken at the meeting but should be arranged to be taken event that
at the airport arrival, if at all possible. If the
in non-
political
pictures cannot be handled at the airport, it will be
necessary to clear alternate arrangements in advance with
the Washington ffice.
- 18 -
15. No meetings, such as luncheons, etc., should be arranged
which will detract from the attendance at the main meeting,
or which would require the Vice President to make another
speech to the same people who would be in attendance at the
larger meeting.
16. Arrange to keep a passageway open for the Vice President to
and from the speaker's stand. Have a rope available, if
needed, to make a passageway, or use Boy Scouts in uniform.
Avoid using uniformed police.
17. A working press section must be provided near the platform
and an exit door of the meeting place. Be sure specific
places are reserved for the traveling press. No one else
should sit in this section except the working press and the
publicity man handling the meeting Typewriters, paper and
assign a local person to guard this area
carbon should be provided, along with tables and chairs.
The local Western Union office should be alerted to be
love them a complete
available to handle news dispatches for the press. ^ There schedule
should be proper lighting for the press to work. The Vice
President's Press Secretary will be available to the press
at this location throughout the meeting.
18. The size of the meeting place should be consistent with
reasonable expectation of the number of people to attend.
It is much better to have a small place overflowing, rather
than a large place half empty, even though the number of
people in the larger place is greater.
19. Please test the public address system to make certain that
every portion of the meeting place is covered by the horns
- 19 -
being flared properly; the horns must be in front of the
microphone to avoid a feedback into the mike while the
Vice President is speaking; the microphone should be an
all-directional one so as to pick up the Vice President's
voice evenly no matter which way he may be turning his
head during the course of his speech. Whenever possible,
request two microphones for the public address system to
be placed approximately 18 inches apart in front of the
rostrum.
20. If the program is broadcast, and if the meeting is outdoors,
there should be pick-up microphones placed strategically in
the area to pick up the applause and cheers of the crowd.
21. No one should be seated directly in back of the Vice
President. One reason for this is that quite often they
are doing something which the television camera picks up,
and in addition, to avoid any possible distractions from
the Vice President's speech, it is better that the space
be left clear in every case.
22. The lectern should be decorated and should be 40 inches in
height. The top should slant downward toward the speaker.
There must be adequate electric lights on the lectern
itself. Do not rely on house lighting.
23. A pitcher of ice water and a glass should be available on
the shelf of the lectern. Usually it will have shelves
which are not visible to the audience.
- 20 -
24. If you are not satisfied with the lectern, suggest the
American Legion hall, churches, and service clubs as
sources for obtaining a suitable one.
25. If an outdoor meeting is planned, a stand-by meeting
location should be kept in mind in the event of
inclement weather.
26. Technique of having young people down front to trigger
applause works very well, and this might be a good
suggestion to make to the local people.
27. Encourage local committee to put a little life into
the program, and have something prior to the Vice
President's appearance which will warm up the crowd.
20. Be sure to have a tape recording made of all speeches
by the Vice President. Also press conferences--and
informal Q and A sessions. Arrange to pick up
tape yourself at end of meeting and give to Press
Secretary.
-21-
Television Arrangements
1.
No meeting is to be televised live without prior OK. News
coverage onfilm is excepted. Fund-raising events are not
to be televised, since the donor is entitled to a "for-
those-in-the-room-only" appearance of the Vice President.
Also, televising such a meeting may cut down on the attend-
ance and contributions,
2.
The Advance Man should, however, arrange maximum TV cover-
age of the airport arrival and meeting with the press at
the airport, or hotel, if any, and explore the possibility
of other television appearances on local programs (explore
only, always avoid any commitment). In some instances, if
the local committee has the money and is anxious for the
Vice President to go on television in the area can suggest
a question and answer or other interview type program
may be appropriate.
3.
If television is used, following rules apply:
When introducing the Vice President to the television
audience, there should be only a one-sentence introduction.
Long introductions are absolutely taboo.
The political disclaimer should be made from the
studio, if possible.
There should be no cued applause. It is expected
that the Vic e President will always make his first appear-
ance on the television program. When he is introduced on
TV for the first time at the meeting, he will draw a sub-
stantial and enthusiastic applause. In other words, the
-22-
Vice President does not make two entrances: he does not
make his first appearance prior to his speech, sit down,
get introduced, and then get a second applause. He should
get only one applause--when he makes his ONLY entrance.
If possible, on TV appearances, have at least two
cameras one to pick up crowd reaction and the other to
concentrate on the speaker in a close bust shot.
The pre-broadcast ceremony should be stopped
approximately two minutes prior to the start of the TV
program.
110 volt AC line is needed in each television set-
up to terminate within 50 feet of the speakers' stand. This
line is the power feed for cueing equipment.
Lighting is critical. Adequate lighting equipment
and power should be available at the pick-up point.
When discussing television coverage with local com-
mittees, always discuss television time purchase and paid
tune-in ads in newspapers as a single unit. The TV time
purchase should never be separated in the minds of the
local committee from the paid tune-in ad purchase; they
should be one and the same thing and always said in the
same breath.
- 7 -
Advance Publicity
1.
The local committee should designate a publicity man to
handle the entire appearance and he should have already
released the announcement of the Vice President's coming
appearance as soon as it is confirmed,
2. All stories should be hung on local people.
3. Pictures of local committees preparing for event should be
featured at intervals.
4.
Biographies, and glossies or mats, of the Vice President and
Mrs. Nixon should be given to newspapers. Order from office
if needed.
5.
Advance stories should be distributed by the local committees
to the local press.
6.
Newspapers must be given accurate information pertaining to
the visit.
-23-
GENERAL COMMITTEE ARRANGEMENTS
Publicity During the Visit
1. Local committees should see that the event is covered by
representatives of local and surrounding press.
2. If a photographer from the local newspaper is not available,
the local committee should engage and pay for a photographer
to supply pictures to newspapers. If at all possible, try to
have a glossy print of all pictures sent to the Office of
the Vice President, 361 Senate Office Building, Washington,
D. C.
during the visit
3. All press matters should be referred to the Press Secretary
traveling with the Vice President.
4.
Advance copies of speeches usually will not be available
until time of arrival. On many occasions, only excerpts
from the speech will be prepared.
5
The local committee should)have an experienced secretary
available and mimeograph facilities in readiness for the
Vice President's staff upon his arrival.
6.
The local committee should assign a man familiar with press
relations, to handle working arrangements for the press;
especially those in our traveling party. It will be his
responsibility to maintain contact with the Press Secretary
during the visit and to take care of any needs that may
arise. He should also check to be sure there are specifi-
cally reserved seats for each of our traveling press people
at every / event. Also--that there is ample provision for
food for the traveling press and that the press work room
-24-
at the hotel is properly set up. It would usually be his
responsibility to check people in a press conference if
one is scheduled
Advance Data to be Obtained by the Advance Man
1.
The Advance Man should endeavor to make an original
appearance in the city involved as far ahead of the Vice
President's appearance as possible.
2.
As quickly as possible, he should forward the following
information to the Washington office:
a.
names of Republican state-wide elective officials
and nominees if offices are up for election.
b.
names of Republican Congressman or nominee in
District.
C.
name of Republican legislators or nominees in par-
ticular District.
d.
population of locality.
e.
principal industries and agricultural products.
f.
local problems or needs.
g.
what local people think are the principal national
issues.
h.
how the area voted in the last presidential, state
and local congressional election.
(Miost of the foregoing information can be obtained from
the local Chamber of Commerce office or newspaper editor.)
3.
Additionally, the Advance Man should determine what lead-
ing Democrat politicos will be in the city two weeks
before, during and two weeks after the appearance of the
Leckurd 554 Bitty
-26-
2.
Where his principal appearance is a fund-raising or other
closed or private event, it should be much easier to get
a large turnout at the airport.
3.
Outlying Republican and Nixon organizations should be en-
couraged to hire buses and bring in groups of people.
Homemade welcoming signs should be abundant.
4.
Use of noisemakers, bands, groups of college students, and
Young Republican groups, as well as Boy and Girl Scouts in
uniform, should be encouraged. Should insist on having at
least one band, a good high school band is preferable, at
airport receptions and in no case should it be a military
band.
5,
Committee should contact local civic clubs, etc., and invite
them to be represented--also, suggest schools be dismissed
so pupils and teachers can attend.
6.
Suggest to Young Republicans and other groups the advisa-
bility of getting some of their people and signs away from
the airport as soon as possible after the arrival ceremon-
ies so that they can reach the hotel where the Vice Presi-
dent will be staying in advance of his arrival and be on
hand to welcome him there.
7.
Another way to add to the crowd at the hotel is to suggest
use of a sound truck with music in the area immediately
surrounding the hotel about 15 minutes before arrival of
the Vice President. This way can get some people who did
not go to the airport to join in the welcoming at the hotel.
-27-
Press Conferences
1.
Press conferences must NOT be scheduled. The reason for
this should be given to the local committees. It is prim-
arily that all matters of policy are declared by the
President, and, therefore, the Vice President does not
hold press conferences as such. The Vice President may,
however, be available to the press either upon his arrival
at the Airport or at a designated time at the hotel to
answer questions pertaining to current issues. You will
be advised.
2.
Be sure that there is a suitable room available at the
airport or the hotel for the Vice President to meet with
the press (when scheduled). Access to this room should be
restricted to the press and a minimum (not more than three)
of local committeemen or candidates. There should be
stand-up microphones only. Local press chairman should
check people in at the door.
Attendance at Meetings
1.
To insure a capacity crowd, all means should be used, such
as newspaper publicity, signs, street decorations, sound
trucks, mailing notices, telephone campaign and personal
calls on friends and neighbors and transporting them to
the meeting.
2.
The success of the campaign will depend to a great extent
on the enthusiasm and size of the crowds that attend the
pre-election meetings. Please stress this with the local
committees so that the attendance is not taken for granted
nor left to chance.
-29-
ADVANCE MAN PROCEDURE DURING VISITS
1.
The Advance Man will be expected to be on hand and to meet
the Vice President's party on arrival in the city.
2.
Immediately upon arrival, someone from the local committee
should be prepared to step forward and take charge to see
that the proper introductions are made and that whatever
is planned, including photographs, proceeds expeditiously.
with police escort
3.
The Advance Man should have a car available to get him to
the hotel or meeting place fast after the Vice President
has arrived and the arrival ceremonies are underway, and
after he has passed along any pertinent data or briefing
concerning late local developments.
4.
After the immediate events take place upon the arrival of
the party, the Vice President and Mrs. Nixon must be per-
mitted to go directly to their hotel rooms. This gives
the rest of the party an opportunity to re-group and become
oriented to the local situation. All-day schedules should
include maximum use of brief rest intervals in room for the
Vice President and Mrs. Nixon.
5.
Local committee people should assign station wagon or small
pick-up truck to handle baggage for the Vice President and
his party during the visit. Prior arrangements should be
made to speed removal of party's luggage from airplane.
It. is the Advance Man's responsibility to be sure that all
baggage for the entire party except for that of Vice Presi-
dent and Mrs. Nixon is moved to their Hotel and from their
hotel, back to the airport as quickly as possible. The
-30-
Advance Man should also determine the pickup time for the
baggage at the hotel and notify the Vice President's aide
and the Press Secretary so that all members of the party
will have their bags packed and ready to go at the desig-
nated time.
-31-
CONCLUSION
1.
Be tactful, diplomatic, firm and persuasive with local
committees.
2.
Keep in constant communication with the Washington Office.
Please advise of your whereabouts at all times and report
immediately any changes in arrangements.
3.
Any major changes in the planned schedule or itinerary
should first be cleared with the office in Washington.
4.
A time schedule must be made and strictly adhered to. The
Vice President and his party must not be early or late. For
example, the cars in a motorcade must not pass any given
point earlier than planned.
5.
Remember that attention to details makes the difference
between the success or the failure of a meeting. No detail
is so small nor so insignificant that it should escape your
complete attention.
6.
If in doubt on anything, do not hesitate to call headquar-
ters. You have been asked to take on this important
assignment for the Vice President because of your proven
capabilities, and he has complete confidence in you.
7.
Don't forget that at all times during the campaign you are
a personal. representative of the Vice President, and that
he will be judged by your conduct.
GOOD LUCK!