Extracted text

OCR Page 1 of 43
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN NEWS SUMMARY May 14, 1974 (Mon. nets, wires) The major stories: - AP leads: "Top Dem Hill leaders pleaded for end to calls for resignation, saying they' re fanning a flash fire of public opinion that could forever char the republic. 11 UPI leads: "Dem Hill leaders urged colleagues to let const'l process of impchmnt run its course and not 'stampede RN into forced resignation. 111 Led NBC/CBS and #2 on ABC w/ABC/NBC noting Mansfield call to "cool it. 11 Cronkite led by saying as last week ended, DC was awash in calls for resignation and rumors it was about to happen. But w/RN's strong stand and Hill support, it's a different story this week. Similarly, NBC's Mackin called it complete opposite of last week when resignation talk was every- where Bob Byrd on film on all nets warned against mass emotionalism leading to mass hysteria. The solemn and sober judgement needed is threatened, said Byrd Mudd saw the Dem comments as possibly a clever strategic move: Take the high road, demand fairness and reason, get GOPs to back impchmnt and then sit back and wait Similarly ABC's Clark said Dem move may only indicate GOPs have more to lose w/RN remaining Carl Curtis on all nets urging const'l course of impchmnt. And Thurmond on ABC/CBS saying RN's entitled to due process and shouldn't resign unless guilty In other Hill comment, Rhodes on NBC found his district far less upset w/t' scripts than he'd been. The "massive erosion" the Cong. has said would be needed before RN should resign wasn't evident in Phoenix. Wiggins on CBS told his district he won't be con sidering their views; it's up to him to pass on the evidence. Weinberger on all nets said he expressed to RN the hope he wouldn't resign to which RN replied, "Don't worry. There isn't any chance of that whatever. 11 Led ABC; #2 on NBC/CBS w/film on all of RN/Weinberger followed by the Secy. briefing press as he said demands for resignation "are coming from people who feel this would be the easier thing and they wouldn't have to cast a difficult vote. 11 ABC led by saying w/his popularity at all-time