The Senatorial Colloquy on American History and Politics at Washington College, Session 02

IdentifierMS 0058_2007-2008_Senate_02

DateCreation: 2007 October 7

Description Presented by the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience. Discussion with Senator Paul Laxalt (R NV, 1974-1989) and  Senator Birch Bayh (D IN, 1963-1981) moderated by Steve Clemons of the New America Foundation. The main theme of the conversation was senate collegiality, the discussion included Laxalt's longtime friendship with Ronald Regan, how senators across the aisle were able to disagree but maintain friendships which seems lacking at the time of recording, the confirmation of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court marking a major party line shift in Congress and how many of the recent nominations have been controversial. Also mentioned is the trend of senators playing up for the cameras now allowed in the chambers, the patience required for the senate to achieve goals, and Laxalt's dealings with President Marcos' removal from power in the Philippines, school prayer, the 25th amendment, the Aids crisis in the 1980s, and the war on drugs. There is also comparisons to being a Governor versus a Senator and candidate likability. There is mention of reducing the filibuster and president chosen by popular vote.

Material TypeDVD

LanguageEnglish

Duration1h 29m 16s

Preferred Citation[item identification], Washington College collection of audio visual materials, MS 0058, Archives and Special Collections, Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland.