CBS Evening News for Thursday, May 15, 1969
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(Studio) Before controversy, Fortas's career was classic success story.
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite
(Studio) Fortas born in Memphis, Tennessee. Yale student under Prof. William O. Douglas. Worked with Douglas on New Deal. Undersecretary Int. at 32. Friend and aide to Lyndon Johnson helped him in 1948 Senate election. Worked at Arnold, Fortas, and Porter law firm. With attorney wife, income over $200,000 yearly Client Pablo Casals not charged fees. Established right of poorest defendant to have attorney with Clarence Gideon. [FORTAS - cites every man's right to counsel.] Fortas and wife objected to Supreme Court post because of low pay, but Johnson got Fortas to take seat in 1965. [JOHNSON - cites Fortas abilities.] In 1968 Johnson nominated Fortas for Chief Justice, to replace resigning Earl Warren, but Senator opposed him. Republicans felt new president should appointed Chief Justice. Fortas had advised LBJ while on court, and he was paid for college lectures. Fortas withdrew name and was on court until Wolf son issue.
REPORTER: George Herman
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