Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Dan Rather) Poll results reported indicating that Democrats perceived better equipped to handle drug problem. President Reagan's plan to drop drug indictments against general Manuel Noriega if he would leave Panama mentioned. Reports introd.

(New London, Connecticut: Bill Plante) Reagan reported calling for bipartisan approach to drug problem. [REAGAN - comments on situation.] Reagan noted criticizing Congress for cutting Coast Guard's budget, and praising Vice President George Bush. [Senator Lowell WEICKER - comments on drugs and pols. in election year] [REAGAN - discusses policy of "zero tolerance" against drug use.] [Representative Charles RANGEL - criticizes Reagan's drug policy.] [White House chief of staff Howard BAKER - praises Reagan's stance on drugs.] Reagan's efforts to ensure Republican win in campaign '88 discussed.

(Los Angeles, California: Jacqueline Adams) Drugs reported most important campaign issue. [BUSH - comments on touring crack house ] [Los Angeles police chief Daryl GATES - comments on war on drugs.] DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) figs. with regard to amount of cocaine smuggled into United States given. Democrats noted using Reagan's plan to drop indictments against Noriega to their advantage. [Jesse JACKSON - criticizes plan.] [Michael DUKAKIS - comments on saying no to drugs.] Bush noted attempting to distance himself from Noriega. [BUSH - says won't bargain with terrorists.] Bush's allies quoted with regard to Noriega issue. [Senator Alfonse D'AMATO - comments on Bush.] Difficulty facing Bush noted.