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Draft Reform / Nixon / Laird / Hershey #205580

CBS Evening News for Friday, Sep 19, 1969
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(Studio) Pres, Nixon reduces draft calls for rest of year and announces reforms.
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite

(DC) [President NIXON - says draft calls of 32,000 for November and 18,000 for December to be canceled, October draft to phase out over 3 mos. Vietnam reductions brought about draft reduction. Submitted plan on May 13 to remove 20-26yr. olds from draft. 19-yr. olds would be picked by lottery. If Congress doesn't act, I'll move toward objective with executive order.] [Defense Secretary Melvin LAIRD - says purpose is to remove draft inequities. 19-yr. old will know before he's 20 whether he'll serve or not,]
REPORTER: No reporter given

(DC) Draft reform aimed at spurring South Vietnam progress and convince enemy of reduced American war dissent. Also, President Nixon hopes to defuse home opposition and begin towards volunteer army.
REPORTER: Dan Rather

(Studio) Draft Director Lewis Hershey calls decision idealistic.
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite

Reporter(s):
Cronkite, Walter;
Rather, Dan
Duration:
00:04:10

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