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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN POLITICAL MEDIA ANALYSIS September 14, 1972 The Administration dominated the news yesterday and this morning. On balance the day was probably ours. In terms of hard news, unrelated directly to the campaign, the massive trade deal reportedly being worked out with the Soviets by HAK got major mention last night, and leads some Eastern papers this morning. In Philly, it led, topping McGovern's appearance there. McGovern's political news in both press and television was as light as we have seen it in a week. However, McGovern continues to get excellent wire copy from his swing with Teddy Kennedy. FOR OUR SIDE Maurice Stans' spirited attack on the Banking and Currency charges against him for the first time, in our view, "personalized" the story to our benefit. Her was an individual fighting back, defending his integrity against malicious charges a more sympathetic posture, in our judgment, than some of our other responses in the Watergate affair. It was Story Number One on the networks last night. Further, Maggie Heckler did a fine job on butting in on Mr. Patman on camera, for which she deserves kudos from us. Our charges against O'Brien, in counter-suit, were well played also. On the down side, the Democrats claim another bug found at Watergate. On television we got a good report on the surrogates, marred only by Rather's customary debunking, along with the story. Also Garrick Utley for NBC put on a piece on a blue-collar Ohio town, leaning Nixon, that could have been produced by Trelevan & Associates. In addition to Henry's arrangements with the Russians, many papers front- page large China wheat deal. On the down side, HKSmith was negative on states versus cities aspect of revenue sharing, opposed to it, and Saxbe's attack on our "no new taxes" pledge was no help got good wire and press play. Another very negative story shaping up is this morning's Wall Street Journal lead piece that Department of Agriculture kept secret a report that Soviet harvest was dismal. Had farmers had this in hand, they could have swung a better deal on their grain with Soviets. This piece is grist for the mill of McGovern. ON THEIR SIDE McGovern contined to get excellent wire play, very positive on crowds and enthusiasm, and "turning the corner. 11 (Though facts would not seem to altogether substantiate this, wehn reading the numbers.) On down side, Sperling has another good piece for our team this