Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Walter Mondale, preparing for Sunday's foreign policy debate with President Reagan, reported attacking CIA manual instructing anti-Nicaraguan guerrillas in techniques of terrorism and political assassinations.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(DC) [MONDALE - accuses administration of violating laws, adverse to national security] Cand.'s challenge to Reagan to fire CIA director William Casey before Sunday's debate, to offer full disclosure, and to define administration's purpose in Nicaragua outlined. [MONDALE - fears effect of lack of leadership now; notes United States combat forces will have to be introduced if Reagan's objective is to overthrow Nicaragua; elaborates.]
REPORTER: Brit Hume

(DC) President's preparations for debate and response to CIA controversy noted. [Vice President George BUSH - attacks Mondale's tone of criticism; criticizes Carter-Mondale administration's foreign policy competence.] White House denial of plans to fire Casey, explanation of United States objective in Nicaragua and claim that President was unaware of CIA manual noted; Representatives Thomas Downey and George Miller reported asking Attorney General William French Smith to investigate as well as seek documents from White House regarding reports that 1982 Defense Intelligence Agency report discussed US-backed guerrillas' political assassinations in Nicaragua. [Secretary of State George SHULTZ - denies administration has considered political assassinations.]
REPORTER: Mike von Fremd