Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Report introduced.

(DC: Brit Hume) Report by Congress investigating committee on Iran/Contra scandal noted released. Criticism of President Reagan for ultimate responsibility of affair quoted on screen. [Senator Dan. INOUYE - discusses concealment and cover-up by administration] [Representative Lee HAMILTON - criticizes President] No evidence said found that Vice President George Bush was aware of diversion of funds to Contras. Conclusion with regard to roles of Colonel Oliver North, CIA director William Casey and Attorney General Edwin Meese in affair detailed. Conclusions about where proceeds of arms sales came from reported Rebuttal by Republican minority reported [Representative Henry HYDE - calls investigation a witch hunt.] Republican Senators Paul Trible, William Cohen and Warren Rudman said signing major findings. [RUDMAN - attacks minority report] Report said not as harsh as expected.

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Report introduced.

(DC: Sam Donaldson) Response of President Reagan to report reported; details given, scenes shown. [On July 14, REAGAN - says won't comment till hearings are over.] Reagan's refusal to respond to reporter's question about report cited. Stmt. from White House spokesperson Marlin Fitzwater on report given. [Pol. analyst Norman ORNSTEIN - says initial revelation about arms sales was more important than conclusions of report] Issue of pardons for North and John Poindexter reported Roles of ex-Interior Secretary William Clark and Reagan in pardon issue discussed. [Ex-White House political director Edward ROLLINS - says backlash against Reagan would result from pardons.] Impact of affair on Reagan's time and credibility discussed.

(Studio: Peter Jennings) [RUDMAN - explains his criticism of minority report; says President is accountable.]