by Ira Shapiro
196 Lugar drafted and circulated a compromise proposal: Lee Dembart, “Lobbying for City Aid Stepped Up as Proxmire Unit Ends Hearings,” New York Times, June 14, 1978.
196 predicted the committee would approve it: Lee Dembart, “Senate Panel Votes 12-3 to Back Guarantees for New York Bonds,” New York Times, June 16, 1978.
197 less than four weeks after the committee hearings: Congressional Record—Senate, June 29, 1978, pp. 19577–19628.
197 gave an extraordinary, perhaps unprecedented, performance: Statement of Chairman William Proxmire, ibid., pp. 19577–19580.
197 “we are setting a number of undesirable precedents: Ibid., p. 19580.
198 “New York Day in the Senate”; “a national blessing”: Statement of Senator Jacob Javits, ibid., pp. 19583–19585.
198 Moynihan injected an extraordinary personal note: Statement of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, ibid., pp. 19585–19586.
198 With a mischievous smile, Baker observed wryly: Statement of Senator Howard Baker, ibid., pp. 19586–19587.
199 “if New York has one quality above all, it is that fantastic brass”: Marjorie Hunter, “Senate Votes New York Aid Bill; Carter Expected to Sign in City,” New York Times, July 27, 1978.
CHAPTER 12: CLOSING DAYS
201 Byrd had expressed optimism: Richard L. Lyons, “Senate Leadership Girds for Filibuster on Gas Price Bill,” Washington Post, August 1, 1978.
202 described the negotiations with the Senate as a “descent into hell”: Kaufman, Henry M. Jackson, p. 346.
202 declared the energy crisis to be “the moral equivalent of war”: Text of Carter’s address, “Carter: Oil and Natural Gas . . . Are Running Out,” Washington Post, April 19, 1977.
202 Finally, after eight more months of haggling: Robert G. Kaiser and J. P. Smith, “Changing Face of ‘Centerpiece’ Gas Bill,” Washington Post, September 9, 1978.
202 A Washington Post analysis commented: Ibid.
203 Abourezk and Metzenbaum held a news conference: Richard L. Lyons, “Two Senators Set to Fight Gas Bill Again,” Washington Post, August 2, 1978.
203 A coalition of unions and citizens’ action groups: Richard L. Lyons, “Accord on Natural Gas Threatens to Come Unstuck,” Washington Post, August 4, 1978.
203 Bennett Johnston, a key architect of the compromise: Peter Barnes, “Byrd, Jackson Say Compromise Gas Bill Can Still Be Saved,” Washington Post, August 13, 1978.
203 he met with key conferees in both houses: Richard L. Lyons, “In Big Victory, Hill Conferees Clear Gas Bill,” Washington Post, August 19, 1978.
204 Long confirmed that he would vote against: Ward Sinclair, “Senate Opponents See Tide Turning Against Gas Bill,” Washington Post, August 25, 1978.
204 On August 31, he invited the critics: Robert G. Kaiser and Edward Walsh, “Carter Pushes Harder for Gas Measure,” Washington Post, September 1, 1978.
204 back from a brief recess for Labor Day: Robert G. Kaiser, “Senate Showdown on Gas Decontrol Is Set Next Week,” Washington Post, September 9, 1978.
204 Long and Clifford Hansen sent a mailgram: Ibid.
204 received endorsements from the National Council of Mayors: Fred Barbash, “Byrd Gaining Hope on Gas Compromise,” Washington Post, September 10, 1978.
205 On September 12, the Senate debated for a second day: Richard L. Lyons, “Lineup on Gas Bill Remains Very Close,” Washington Post, September 13, 1978.
206 On September 14, he engineered a breakthrough: Richard L. Lyons, “Senate Will Begin Voting Tuesday on the Gas Bill,” Washington Post, September 15, 1978.
206 On September 19, Jackson, Byrd, and the supporters: Richard L. Lyons, “Senators Reject Attempt to Scuttle Gas Compromise,” Washington Post, September 20, 1978.
206 the Senate approved the natural gas compromise: Richard L. Lyons, “Senate Approves Compromise Bill on Natural Gas,” Washington Post, September 28, 1978.
206 finally claim significant, if incomplete, progress: Carter, White House Diary, p. 258.
207 Carter noted in his diary: Ibid.
208 Eagleton hated the amount of waste and fraud at DoD: The brief effort to establish a statutory Inspector General at the Pentagon is based on my personal experience handling the legislation for Senator Eagleton and the Governmental Affairs Committee.
209 “Ira, Chairman Brooks is on the phone for you”: This also reflects personal experience during the frenzied closing days of the Ninety-fifth Congress.
210 I found Eagleton in the Monocle restaurant with Muskie: This is one last personal anecdote.
210 Byrd gave the Ninety-fifth Congress a grade of “A”: Richard L. Lyons, “Congress Quits After All-Night Session,” Washington Post, October 16, 1978.
211 Polls showed overwhelming public admiration: Glad, Outsider in the White House, p. 153.
211 incumbents were extremely vulnerable: Robert Lindsey, “California Tax Revolt: Lesson for Legislators,” New York Times, June 12, 1978.
211 A New York Daily News poll: “Nation: All Aboard the Bandwagon,” Time, June 26, 1978.
211 the GOP launched a seven-state campaign: Bill Peterson, “GOP Starts Push for Tax Cut Bill,” Washington Post, September 21, 1978.
211 trying to atone for the Panama Canal treaties: Ibid.
212 Roth observed: “We have helped the rich”: Ibid.
212 Short won the Democratic primary: “Nation: To Candidates, Right Looks Right,” Time, September 25, 1978.
212 had brushed aside their concerns: Rowland Evans and Robert Novak, “Percy: The Lessons of ’78,” Washington Post, November 6, 1978.
212 The number of corporate PACs exploded: Lichtman, White Protestant Nation , p. 303.
213 Republican operative Lee Atwater later wrote: Ibid.
213 the five best-funded independent Political Action Committees: Ibid., p. 307.
213 Republicans also benefited from small contributions: Ibid.
213 Clark’s brother-in-law called him: Interview with Senator Dick Clark, November 9, 2010; interview with Peter Hart, July 6, 2010.
214 Loeb had been gunning for McIntyre: Jorden, Panama Odyssey, p. 526, described McIntyre’s speech as “the one most likely to be included in anthologies of great Senate speeches. . . . Its central theme was the low level to which American politics had sunk in the recent past. . . . It was a courageous exposure of the tactics used by a handful of vicious and narrow-minded political manipulators whose main weapons were exaggeration, distortion, prejudice and fear.”
214 Helms was reelected by a comfortable margin: Link, Righteous Warrior, pp. 199–200.
214 he had created a new model for a senator: Lichtman, White Protestant Nation , pp. 310–311.
214 “the first all purpose Political Action Committee of the right”: Ibid., p. 311.
216 Kennedy delivered one of the most memorable speeches of his career: Clymer, Edward M. Kennedy, pp. 276–277.
216 Bill Clinton, the young governor of Arkansas: Ibid., p. 277.
216 Hamilton Jordan, the White House chief of staff: Ibid.
216 Kennedy had not yet decided to challenge Carter: Ibid.
216 the United States would establish diplomatic relations: Glad, Outsider in the White House, p. 119.
216 events began to spiral out of control in Iran: Ibid., p. 167.
217 “This is the month that blood will triumph”: Ibid.
217 hit Washington without warning: Ibid., pp. 168–169.
217 The Carter administration offered the shah support: Ibid.
217 one comprehensive Department of State memo: Ibid., p. 170.
217 understood the severity of the situation: Ibid.
218 Brzezinski believed that the shah’s only option: Ibid.
218 Byrd undertook a major trip to the Middle East: Interview with Hoyt Purvis, January 14, 2011; interview with Joe Stewart, June 14, 2010.
218 Byrd had a personal interest in Iran: Byrd, Senate Addresses, vol. 2, p. 588; Purvis interview.
218 Before leaving Wa
shington, Byrd met with Brzezinski: Byrd, Senate Addresses, vol. 2, p. 588; Purvis interview.
218 bonfires could be seen: Byrd, Senate Addresses, vol. 2, p. 587.
218 the grim conversation through the long evening: Ibid., p. 588; Purvis interview.
218 When Byrd met with the shah: Byrd, Senate Addresses, vol. 2, pp. 588–589.
218 Having concluded that the Shah’s days were numbered: Purvis interview.
219 “A single misstep could produce unforeseeable consequences”: Glad, Outsider in the White House, p. 170.
CHAPTER 13: BEFORE THE STORM
223 twenty new senators, a record number: Amer, “Freshmen in the House of Representatives and Senate.”
223 decided to continue meeting for lunches: Interview with Senator Alan Simpson, February 2, 2010.
224 Stevens stopped attending the group’s breakfasts: Interview with Wayne Schley, April 12, 2010.
225 Levin had rented a bulldozer: Interview with Linda Gustitis, July 12, 2010.
225 “We’ve come of age as a political force”: Bill Peterson, “Foes of Abortion Aim at Hill ‘Deadly Dozen,’” Washington Post, February 11, 1979.
225 Bayh headed the group’s “Deadly Dozen” list: Ibid.
225 scheduled to receive the Hubert H. Humphrey Inspirational award: Megan Rosenfeld, “Tears and Tributes at Cancer’s Society Volunteer Luncheon,” Washington Post, March 29, 1979.
226 “Congratulations on your chairmanship”: Ashby and Gramer, Fighting the Odds, p. 561.
227 the subcommittee chairmen had grown accustomed to their power: Ibid., pp. 562–563.
227 He and John Glenn were barely on speaking terms: Ibid., p. 563.
227 Helms seized upon a provision in the Senate rules: Ibid.
227 the atmosphere was so adversarial: Ibid.
227 Carter led the former California governor 57–35: David S. Broder, “1980 GOP Presidential Field Already Crowded,” Washington Post, January 21, 1979.
227 “Army surrenders; Khomeini wins. Destroying all classified”: Glad, Outsider in the White House, p. 172.
228 Bani-Sadr expressed astonishment: Ibid., p. 178.
228 Khomeini’s goal was “to establish an Islamic Republic”: Ibid., p. 177.
228 many hours talking with the Senate parliamentarians: Interview with Robert Dove, June 9, 2010.
228 “I have stayed on the floor more than any other senator”: Statement of Majority Leader Robert Byrd, Congressional Record—Senate, January 15, 1979, pp. 143–146.
230 complimented Byrd for visiting him: Statement of Minority Leader Howard Baker, Congressional Record—Senate, January 15, 1979, pp. 146–148.
230 the Senate remained on the first legislative day: Richard L. Lyons, “On Capitol Hill,” Washington Post, February 3, 1979; David Broder, “Row over Senate Rules,” Washington Post, February 4, 1979.
230 another long day of talks failed to reach a compromise: Richard L. Lyons, “On Capitol Hill,” Washington Post, February 9, 1979.
231 the Senate reached its resolution of changes: Richard L. Lyons, “Senate Strengthens Rule Restricting Filibusters,” Washington Post, February 23, 1979.
232 Peking’s leaders were consistent in their demands: Robert G. Sutter, “Congress and Foreign Policy: Congress and U.S. Policy in Asia: New Relationships with China and Taiwan,” Congressional Research Service, 1979, pp. 54–71.
232 A political firestorm swiftly ensued: David S. Broder and Bill Peterson, “Credibility of U.S. Hurt, Critics Say: But Most Democrats, Ford Rally Behind President’s Decision,” Washington Post, December 16, 1978.
233 Reagan attacked the administration: Ashby and Gramer, Fighting the Odds, p. 568.
233 charged Carter with failing to meet: Broder and Peterson, “Credibility of U.S. Hurt.”
233 “We owe the Taiwanese more than this”: Edward Walsh and Robert G. Kaiser, “Carter Indicates He’ll Reject Delay Sought by Baker,” Washington Post, December 20, 1978.
233 Carter quickly and publicly rebuffed Baker’s request: Ibid.
234 Goldwater and fourteen other conservative lawmakers: Kenneth Bredemeier, “Goldwater, Other Lawmakers File Suit over Repeal of Taiwan Defense Pact,” Washington Post, December 23, 1978.
234 Jimmy Carter continued to make clear his view: John M. Goshko, “Carter’s Plan for Taiwan Is Criticized in Congress,” Washington Post, January 17, 1979; John M. Goshko, “President Warns Hill on Taiwan,” Washington Post, January 27, 1979.
234 Taiwan posed the first major issue for Church: John M. Goshko, “President Warns Hill on Taiwan,” Washington Post, January 27, 1979.
234 had already petitioned Congress and the president: Ashby and Gramer, Fighting the Odds, p. 569.
235 great mutual respect for each other’s abilities: Ibid., p. 570.
235 On February 5, Church banged the gavel: Statement of Senator Frank Church, Taiwan: Hearings Before the Committee on Foreign Relations, February 5, 6, 7, 8, 21, and 22, 1979, p. 1.
235 Javits dismissed the notion: Statement of Senator Jacob Javits in ibid., p. 11.
236 Christopher noted that the issue of China renouncing force: Statement of Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher in ibid., p. 24.
236 On February 8, Church endorsed a Javits resolution: Robert G. Kaiser, “Woodcock Nomination Is Supported,” Washington Post, February 9, 1979.
236 China launched a major cross-border attack into Vietnam: Robert G. Kaiser, “Taiwan Security Bill Clears Senate Committee,” Washington Post, February 23, 1979.
237 differences between the Church-Javits and Percy formulations: Mary Russell and Robert G. Kaiser, “Bill on Taiwan Ties Survives Early Tests in Senate and House,” Washington Post, March 9, 1979.
237 Helms had threatened to filibuster the nomination: Robert G. Kaiser, “Envoy to Peking Is Confirmed Easily in Senate,” Washington Post, February 27, 1979.
237 On March 13, the Senate approved the Taiwan bill: Robert G. Kaiser,“House and Senate Adopt Taiwan Bills,” Washington Post, March 14, 1979.
238 The Carter administration’s recognition of the PRC: John K. Fairbank, “The New Two China Problem,” New York Review of Books, March 8, 1979.
238 Although PRC officials objected to the Taiwan Relations Act: Ashby and Gramer, Fighting the Odds, p. 571.
238 initial rage about the U.S. decision to recognize China: Ibid.
CHAPTER 14: ENERGY BATTLES AFTER THE IRANIAN REVOLUTION
241 Global oil production at the beginning of 1979: Sandbrook, Mad as Hell, p. 295.
241 Gasoline prices rose 55 percent in the first three months: Ibid., p. 298.
242 Theodore White wrote: “There was a contagion of fear”: Quoted in ibid., p. 295.
242 a pump failed at Three Mile Island: Ibid., p. 298.
242 On April 5, saying “the future of the country we love is at stake”: Edward Walsh and J. P. Smith, “Carter Moves to Raise Cost, Cut Use of Oil,” Washington Post, April 6, 1979.
243 strongly supported Carter’s proposal: Kaufman, Henry M. Jackson, p. 347.
243 would require oil companies to pay back only $1.7 billion: Art Pine, “Windfall Tax with Mild Bite Sent to Hill,” Washington Post, April 27, 1979.
243 On May 3, Abe Ribicoff jolted the Senate: Steven R. Weisman, “Ribicoff Decides He Won’t Seek a Fourth Term,” New York Times, May 4, 1979.
244 Javits was shocked by his friend’s announcement: Interview with Alan Bennett, July 17, 2009.
244 Billings asked Moore what he thought of the idea: Interview with Leon Billings, February 19, 2010.
245 he ripped into the Carter administration officials: Art Pine, “Windfall Profits Tax Criticized on Hill,” Washington Post, May 8, 1979.
245 The Senate, characteristically, worked on a slower track: Art Pine, “Leaders Plan Prompt Action on Windfall Bill,” Washington Post, June 8, 1979.
245 Kennedy’s intensified rhetoric, ripping into Carter’s proposal: Martin Schram, “Kennedy’s Intensified Rhetoric Fuels ’80 Speculat
ion,” Washington Post, June 11, 1979.
245 told Kennedy he would make a lot of his friends look foolish: Ibid.
246 On June 22, the Americans for Democratic Action: Bill Peterson, “ADA Panel Pushes Draft of Kennedy,” Washington Post, June 23, 1979.
246 Returning from an economic summit in Tokyo: “Nation: Carter was Speechless,” Time, July 16, 1979.
246 most unusual presidential speeches ever given: Ibid.
247 Approval of Carter soon plunged to 23 percent: Ibid.
247 As Carter reeled, Howard Baker refused to pile on: Warren Brown, “Bipartisan Support of Energy Proposals Urged by Sen. Baker,” Washington Post, July 18, 1979.
247 he decided to challenge Carter for the Democratic nomination: Clymer, Edward M. Kennedy, p. 284.
247 the last straw for Jackson as well: John M. Berry, “Kennedy to Win 1980 Nomination, Jackson Predicts,” Washington Post, July 25, 1979.
247 another constant thorn in Carter’s side: Steve Gerstel, “McGovern Backs Race by Kennedy,” Washington Post, July 27, 1979.
248 On July 26, the Senate Energy Committee: Art Pine, “Energy Plan Progress on Hill Is Mixed,” Washington Post, July 27, 1979.
249 Baker’s support for Carter’s energy proposals: Ibid.
249 Rising oil prices raised the economic stakes: Art Pine, “Proposed Oil Tax Becomes a Magic Money Machine,” Washington Post, July 30, 1979.
250 Vice President Mondale chided Congress: Edward Walsh and Richard L. Lyons, “Departing Congress Is Chided About Inaction on Energy Plan,” Washington Post, August 4, 1979.
250 the administration began to give ground: Jerry Knight, “Carter Agrees to Slow His Plans for Synthetic Fuels,” Washington Post, September 12, 1979.
250 On September 18, Senate Finance unanimously approved: “Tax Breaks Favored for Alternative Fuel,” Washington Post, September 19, 1979.
251 Long warned the members: Art Pine, “Finance Panel Votes to Double Solar Credits,” Washington Post, September 20, 1979.
251 Jimmy Carter told a group of out-of-town editors: Martin Schram, “Carter: Nature of Job Breeds Unpopularity,” Washington Post, September 23, 1979.
