Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Dan Rather) Report introduced.

(DC: Bill Plante) Supreme Court nomination Doug. Ginsburg's alleged drug use discussed. Ginsburg's assertion that he is not an addict noted. [President REAGAN - maintains support for nomination and acknowledges Ginsburg's youthful mistake.] Reagan's anti-drug campaign and dilemma of a former marijuana user being nomination to Supreme Court discussed; scenes shown. [President REAGAN - comments on dangers of drug abuse.] [Nancy REAGAN - cites moral implications of drugs.] Ginsburg's image as protector of justice said tainted by drug issue. [President REAGAN - cites why he nomination Ginsburg.] [Former White House aide Edward ROLLINS - discusses Ginsburg situation.] Secretary of Educ. William Bennett's urging Ginsburg withdrawal noted.

(DC: Rita Braver) Supreme Court nomination Ginsburg's alleged marijuana use when he clerked for Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall and while teaching at Harvard Law School reported [Senator Robert DOLE - comments on implications of drug use beyond Ginsburg's teenage years] [Harvard Law professor Hal SCOTT - discusses party at which Ginsburg had smoked marijuana.] Scott and Attorney General Edwin Meese asserting Ginsburg's limited marijuana use should not prevent confirmation reported [MEESE - discusses views on limited drug use and employment.] Justice Department and FBI security clearance forms not containing specific questions regarding drug use noted. Photos of Ginsburg family shown.

(DC: Phil Jones) [Senator Larry PRESSLER - talks about nomination and drug use.] Ginsburg refusing to comment on possible withdrawal due to damaging publicity noted. [Senator Robert BYRD - describes committing illegalities while teaching law.] [PRESSLER - comments on Ginsburg telling him he had nothing to hide.] Scenes of Senators shown. [Senator Steve SYMMS - condemns self-righteousness of Senator] [Senator Jesse HELMS - cites disapproval of Ginsburg's actions.] [Senator Orrin HATCH - defends Ginsburg.] Democrat Senators' reactions noted. [Senator Edward KENNEDY - urges waiting for all facts before judging.] Public opinion cited as crucial in determining whether or not Ginsburg to withdraw nomination Senator Joseph Biden named.