Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) President Richard Nixon recalled beginning use of Watergate phrase; anniversary pieces in newspapers and on television shows noted.
REPORTER: Roger Mudd

(DC) Reforms resulting from Watergate incident examined. [John DEAN - recalls informing President of "cancer growing on presidency."] [NIXON - denies being a crook.] Nixon's resignation rather than risk impeachment recalled. [Gerald FORD - believes "nightmare is over."] [Representative Peter RODINO - considers administration attempting to weaken some reforms.] [Associate attorney general Rudolph GIULIANI - disagrees.] Issue of special prosecutor, arising from Elliot Richardson's role in Watergate investigation, discussed; case of Hamilton Jordan cited as illustrating criticism of special prosecutor. [GIULIANI - considers program too involved.] campaign. spending restrictions examined; PACs contributions to Congress for 1974 and 1982 compared on screen. [Common Cause pres. Archibald COX - considers PACs dangerous.] Freedom of Info. Act noted changed by Watergate. [GIULIANI - notes negative aspect of act.] Issue of financial disclosures considered. [Senator Orrin HATCH - cites concerns of the wealthy.] [RODINO - doesn't believe public will allow weakening of Watergate reforms.] [STUDENTS - comment on Watergate.]
REPORTER: Bob Abernethy