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1984 Vote / Al Smith Dinner #87325

ABC Evening News for Thursday, Oct 18, 1984
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(Studio) President Reagan noted attending Al Smith dinner for Catholic charities in New York City tonight, hosted by Archbishop John O'Connor.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(NYC) Walter Mondale's decision not to attend dinner discussed; function's history reviewed. 1960 dinner hosted by late Francis Cardinal Spellman with John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon recalled. Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan's presence at 1980 affair mentioned, shown. Spiro Agnew remembered replacing Nixon at 1972 Al Smith dinner; O'Connor noted refusing to allow Geraldine Ferraro to attend in place of Mondale. [FERRARO - is disappointed.] Mondale staff's belief that O'Connor snubbed Ferraro due to their continuing battle over abortion policy noted. [Governor Mario CUOMO - is disappointed as well that Ferraro didn't receive same respect as Agnew.] [O'CONNOR - hopes Mondale's showing at polls won't be affected by affair.] Concern that Mondale chose not to attend out of fear of facing heavily Republican audience noted.
REPORTER: Sander Vanocur

Reporter(s):
Jennings, Peter;
Vanocur, Sander
Duration:
00:02:10

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