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RE: Convention TV Committee. 19 pgs. [Subject: Campaign] [Report], 12/6/1971
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RE: Convention TV Committee. 19 pgs. [Subject: Campaign] [Report], 12/6/1971
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16
23
12/6/1971
Campaign
Report
Report of the Convention TV Committee. 19
pgs.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Page 1 of 1
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT OF THE
CONVENTION TV COMMITTEE
0
There is something about a national
convention that makes it as fascinating as a revival
or a hanging. It is vulgar, it is ugly, it is stupid,
it is tedious
and yet it is somehow charming. One
sits through long sessions wishing heartily that all the
delegates were dead and in hell--and then suddenly there
comes a show so gaudy and hilarious, SO melodramatic and
obscene, SO unimaginably exhilarating and preposterous
that one lives a gorgeous year in an hour
"
H. L. Mencken
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
December 6, 1971
In our early discussions, we were asked to
"throw away the book" and think purely in terms of the
impact of the convention in 60 million living rooms.
On that basis, we have addres ed ourselves
to a single question: How can we best use these free
network hours to present the most powerful and persuasive
case for the re-election of the President?
If the answer requires departure from past
rules and traditions, we have assumed that this is no
barrier.
At the outset, certain basic considerations
about TV coverage in 1972 should be noted:
Competition. The national political convention is no
longer a TV novelty that people will watch out of curi-
osity or because they have no other choice. In 1972
ABC will be presenting entertainment shows, and most
viewers will also have a choice of movies, sports or
other attractive programs on independent stations or
cable TV. In short, we are like any other TV show:
- 2 -
People will watch us if we are interesting and exciting
and will tune us out if we are dull.
Suspense. In 1972 the main event will have been decided
before the show starts. Even if there is any doubt about
the choice of Vice President, that will not help us on the
first two nights. Lacking the key element of suspense,
we can hold viewers only if we develop excitement, emotion
and pace.
The Young Audience. For some 20 million young adults this
will be the first time they will have watched a convention
as potential voters. In that sense, it will be their first
significant exposure to the Republican Party in action. They
will judge us by what they see, and if we come across as dull
or phony, many will walk away from us right then and there.
On the other hand, we have a great opportunity to prove to
the young people that the party of Richard Nixon is honest,
forthright, forward-looking and concerned.
With the above points in mind, we are attaching
suggestions for each of the three evening sessions. We
are also supplying the reasoning behind each of the specific
recommendations. With regard to all three nights, however,
our suggestions reflect the following general guidelines:
1.
We should concentrate on the
prime evening hours when the great TV audience
is at home and ready to watch. All the routine
- 3 -
and dull business should either be eliminato
entirely or scheduled in the morning session
This would include all "in house" items like
expressions of appreciation to convention
officials, presentation of special badges,
and reports of committee chairmen.
2.
The night-time line-up should consist of the
most attractive and persuasive people we have.
This may involve some hurt feelings, but we
should be as firm as we possibly can in choo
persons who can go on camera and really como
across.
3.
Speeches can be an archaic form of communical
Except for the President's acceptance address,
and possibly the Vice President's, no long
speech made at the convention will hold an
audience, either in the living room or on the
convention floor. In the convention hall,
delegates can mingle in the aisles or read
newspapers during a speech. At home, they
need only flick the dial. "Harry, see what
else in on."
4.
At any first night, the stars in the audience
often generate more interest than those on
- 4 -
the stage. At a convention the speakers on
the podium are very important, but the camera
is often on the delegates and guests. Who
they are and what they are doing can be a
vital element in the total impression of the
convention.
- 5 -
MONDAY EVENING, AUGUST 21
Chairman Dole will call the convention to order
at 5:30 p.m. The preliminary proceedings should have an
accent on youth. A young clergyman for the invocation and
perhaps an 18-year old delegate for the Pledge of Allegiance.
More importantly, we recommend that the Star Spangled Banner
be sung by a youthful singing group, perhaps the Young
Americans, 60 or 80 strong. They could have entertained
during the pre-TV warm-up period and could also be booked
for a song during the evening (This Land Is My Land, for
instance).
It is particularly recommended that a section
be reserved within ready camera range for prominent Americans.
We should have all the entertainment celebrities we can muster,
but we should also have persons prominent in other fields.
These could include astronauts, athletes, Medal of Freedom
winners, clergymen, and well-known minority representatives
including representatives of older Americans. Ideally the
camera would focus on this group during the singing of the
national anthem, and at other times and might occasionally
super-impose names as individuals came into close-ups. In
any event, the presence of persons like Bob Hope, Glen
Campbell, Frank Sinatra, Neil Armstrong, Pearl Bailey, Billy
Graham, Vida Blue, Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, Arnold Palmer,
etc. would have to attract the cameras from time to time and
be duly noted by the audience. This "Famous Americans" section
should be filled all three nights.
- 6 -
The main business on Monday night traditionally
has been the keynote address which this committee regards
as an anachronism and a sure tuner-outer. Instead, we
propose a "report to the nation" in two parts - the first,
domestic and the second, foreign.
We recommend that the domestic report be handled
by a team of four, each from a different part of the country.
Since this is the opening act of the convention,
we recommend that we use big guns -- Gov. Rockefeller, Gov.
Reagan, Sen. Brooke, Sen. Howard Baker. If a moderator is
needed, it could be Sen. Dole, or the temporary chairman
who should, of course, be one of our most attractive people.
The talks would be a maximum of 5 minutes each, hard hitting,
and geared to applause lines.
Part II would portray President Nixon the Peacemaker,
and we recommend a 12 minute film introduced by Ambassador Bush.
Visually, the President's world travels make very
exciting film footage whether he is in a public square or
visiting a Pope or a king. Moreover, it is to be hoped that
we will have special footage including an inside look, in
connection with the Peking and Moscow trips.
The theme of the film will be forward looking, and
thus the "keynote" of the evening will end on an upbeat note
- 7 -
looking to the future, a continuation of President Nixon's
journey for peace.
TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST LADY
For the closing section of Monday night, we propose
something that is long overdue and for which the convention
and the country will be ready and eager. A salute to the
First Lady. The committee is unanimous in its feeling that
Americans of all parties are becoming increasingly appre-
ciative of the superb qualities of the First Lady. What we
propose is that the convention formally recognize her contri-
bution to her country and to her family. It could be as warm
and moving a tribute as has been seen anywhere in recent years,
particularly because the country is ready for it.
Specifically we suggest that a proper spokesman,
perhaps Jimmy Stewart, be recognized for a special report. His
theme could be that this convention is here to nominate a presi-
dent. In so doing, it will also nominate a First Lady. The
country has been blessed with having a man of the hour in the
White House. We have also been blessed with a First Lady of
extraordinary gifts and character, etc. Stewart would then
present either a five minute motion picture film about Mrs.
Nixon or perhaps a series of still photos showing Mrs. Nixon
in various aspects of her activities, domestic and overseas,
including her role as wife and mother.
,
At the close, a delegate could be recognized for
- 8 -
the purpose of introducing a resolution of appreciation and
affection for the First Lady which would be passed by a thunder-
ing voice vote and a demonstration. At that point, Mrs. Nixon
would walk into the spotlight and be presented to the convention.
As the demonstration proceeded; she would be joined by Tricia
and Julie and then perhaps by her two sons-in-law. Mrs. Nixon's
remarks could be as brief as she might vish. One appropriate
theme could be that this recognition of her is really recog-
nition of all women who serve in the government.
Properly presented, this tribute could be a mag-
nificent closing moment for opening night.
- 9 -
TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 23
We recommend that the Star Spangled Banner be
sung by Johnny Cash and that it be preceded by one of his
very effective patriotic monologues. Cash could make
this a show stopper, and he could be called on for an
encore later in the evening.
Nomination of the President.
The business of Tuesday evening is the uncontested
re-nomination of an incumbent president. This should be
the most exciting moment of any convention, yet because the
outcome is known in advance, the re-nomination procedure can
be artificial and dull.
In 1956 Ike had a full nominating speech and 8
full seconding speeches. So did LBJ in 1964.
The committee considered the possibility of eliminating
all nominating and seconding speeches in favor of nomination
by acclamation. However, although this idea has considerable
appeal, we have concluded it is not practical. Instead we
recommend that the nominating speech be limited to 10 minutes
at the very most and that there be only 5 or 6 seconding
speeches, each no longer than 2 minutes at most.
In choosing seconding speakers, the most important
test should be how they project. One of them should certainly
be in the 18-21 age group; at least two should be women; and
- 9a -
minority groups, including the elderly, should be represented.
Hopefully, at least one-half could be non-political persons.
If it appears necessary to increase the number to
8, then each should be cut down to 60 to 90 seconds. This
would give each one ample time to state a specific reason
for supporting President Nixon.
- 10 -
Demonstration
As the highlight of the evening, we S.
frecommend that as soon as he is nominated, the 1
leave San Clemente by helicopter and proceed to
Convention to express his thanks. (He would an
his formal acceptance speech would be made the I 1:
night. )
The announcement that the President in
San Clemente should trigger the major demonstra
the evening, building up to the climatic arriva.
helicopter.
The TV coverage would include his leav
Clemente, and we would recommend that an accorpt.
helicopter furnish live coverage of the flight,
shots of the La Jolla Hills and San Diego skylin
approaches.
While the President is en route, a der
would be going on in the hall, and we propose t.
suggest from the podium that the delegates and !
proceed to the parking lot to greet the Presiden
touches down. The band would then lead a massi"
out of the hall, with the delegates carrying 0
This in itself would make an exciting TV sequen
- 11 -
We also suggest that the convention committee
arrange for outside music and a large group of young
people to be gathered in the parking area. These could
be families of the delegates or other loyal young Republicans
from California. (We understand that the available area
will be huge and that the parking lot is fenced and secure.)
An area would be roped off for the landing,
where the President would be greeted by members of his
family and by convention officials, all to the cheers of
the 20,000 people gathered in the parking area.
As scon as the cheering and demonstration
quieted down, the President could speak from a platform
which can be placed near the helicopter.
Thus, the wind up of the night's proceedings
would take place outdoors, Benediction and all. This
should be a very unusual and exciting ending as the
President and Mrs. Nixon board the chopper and take
off into the night. Dissolve.
- 12 -
WEDNESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 23
Under the schedule we have proposed, the program
for Wednesday evening would consist of the nominations for
vice president, roll call, and the acceptance speech by the
vice presidential nominee. Then the grand finale would be
the acceptance speech of the President.
From a television standpoint, the committee is
not in a position at this time to make any specific recom-
mendations about the handling of the vice presidential
nomination since it is not known whether there will be a
contest.
If there is a real contest for vice president,
or even a nominal contest, the traditional procedure for
speeches and roll calls would have to be followed. However,
if it is known that there will be no opposition to the
nominee, then we must consider whether to adopt the Tuesday
night precedent of nomination by acclamation. Clearly no
recommendation or decision can be made at this time.
Whatever else may happen on Wednesday night,
the big event will be the President's acceptance speech,
and it is important that every effort be made to schedule
it not later than 7 p.m. Pacific Time. Therefore, if there
is uncertanty about the duration of the vice presidential
proceedings, we may wish to begin the evening session earlier
- 13 -
than usual on this final night. We understand that there
will be no morning session on Wednesday, and therefore,
it would be plausible to open the single session as early
as 4:30 or even 4 p.m.
After all, the great final TV shot at the con-
vention will be the picture of the President and his
running mate, joined by their wives and all the party
leaders such as Reagan and Rockefeller, in a final visual
demonstration of unity and enthusiasm. This should be
on the national screen not later than 10:30 p.m. in the
east.
- 14 -
MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Young Delegates and Alternates. It is not
this committee's province, but we certainly would favor
a national tommittee policy which would encourage state
delegates to include young delegates and alternates.
Better yet, it might well be that the President could
request the RNC to adopt such a policy at its upcoming
meeting. From a TV standpoint, the presence of many
young delegates, including some in the 18 - 21 bracket,
would be an important plus.
Reading of Roll Calls. To relieve monotony and
provide some variety and representation of various minorities,
could the Convention appoint a number of attractive Assistant
Secretaries, each of whom could participate in the reading
of the Roll Calls?
- 15 -
Visual backdrop. The backdrop behind the
podium is an important visual effect. Traditionally it
has been a giant photograph of the incumbent, but the
committee unanimously believes that something different
should be done this year. The overexposure of such a
picture can be counter productive, both in the hall and
on TV. Fred Reinstein is looking into the practicality
of a changeable backdrop and we will make a further
report.
Mexican Americans. Because of San Diego's
proximity to Mexico, it seems particularly appropriate
that some special recognition be given to Mexican Americans.
As a minimum, there should be one Mexican American clergy-
man for the invocation, and a Mexican American should recite
the Pledge of Allegiance.
Clergywoman. The assistant chaplain of
Vanderbilt University is a 25 year old girl.
She or someone like her might be chosen for the
invocation on one of the evenings.
16 -
Documentary Film. Consideration has been given
to a 30 minute documentary film which will be produced for
the Campaign and which will tell the full story of the Nixon
years; however, we would have no guarantee that the networks
would not cut away from a half-hour film, even though we
showed it in the hall as part of the program. In any event,
we believe that the mixture of film and live that we have
outlined for Monday night is just as eflective.
Finally, if the documentary proves to be a power-
ful film, it should perhaps be saved for intensive use in
October, particularly in the key states. If we fire this
gun in August, it may have lost its effectiveness during
the last crucial days when we get down to the wire.
Flexibility. It is recognized, of course, that
unforeseen events in the next months can affect the recom-
mendations of this report.
In particular, the proceedings at the Democratic
Convention could well have an effect on our own planning
and might require revisions.
- 17 -
Evening News Shows. Because of the time zone
difference, the network evening news programs will be
carried as usual in the east and midwest. This means
that they can include film footage from the morning
sessions. As the morning schedule develops, plans should
be made to insure at least one newsworthy or colorful event
that is susceptible to TV coverage. This committee will
be glad to assist in this when more is known about the
morning schedule; such as the possibility of disputes
about rules or credentials.