"Impact on Democratic Campaigns"

[H2O Man]

3. Impact on Democratic Campaigns

It is difficult, if not impossible, to assess accurately the impact of the activities described above on the 1972 Presidential Campaigns.

Donald Segretti testified that one of the tactical objectives outlined for him by Dwight Chapin was "to foster a split between the Democratic hopefuls." In addition, much of the other disruptive activity described above appears to have been intended to "divide the Democrats," in the words of Pat Buchanan. Both Berl Bernhardt, Senator Muskie’s campaign manager, and Frank Mankiewitz, Senator McGovern’s campaign director, testified that the activities described above were successful in dividing the Democratic candidates among themselves.

Bernhardt testified that the "dirty tricks" emanating from the White House and CRP "generated suspicion and animosity between the staffs of the Democratic contenders." Mankiewitz testified that the objective of the "dirty tricks" was:

"….to create within the Democratic Party such a strong sense of resentment among the candidates and their followers as to make unity of the party impossible once a nominee was selected. At that, the effort seems to have been most effective."

From: Chapter II: Campaign Practices; Section 2: 1972 Campaign: Implementation of White House and CRP Strategy – Impact on Democratic Campaign; The Senate Watergate Report; pages 309-310.

(H2O Man’s Note: Think about this when you hear a "journalist" on TV, or read a divisive comment by a "concerned citizen" on the internet. Be awake! Be aware!)

[Me.]

1. Excellent Point

Trying to divide the dems is the only hope they have.

[H2O Man]

3. Know your history.

Some people have disagreed with me about that, but here is an example of the importance of knowing the history of political contests.

[antigop]

2. Divide and conquer....also used as a union-busting technique. n/t

[H2O Man]

5. Very good point.

It's an old and ugly tactic.

[origin1286]

4. Exactly what I said this morning

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3976648

[H2O Man]

6. Very interesting.

I really enjoyed your post.

[H2O Man]

7. I keep thinking

about this. Maybe I'm off-base, but I think it is important today.