Portland, Oregon, United States of America / USA



MS Harold Stassen arriving at a live debate with his Republican presidential rival, Tom Dewey, on the issue "Should the Communist Party in the United States be outlawed?" He walks across platform, and is greeted by Thomas Dewey. Also on platform are officials and reporters. MS Stassen and Dewey shaking hands. MS Small audience looking on. CU. Stassen speaking: "...have reached the conclusion that the communist organisations in the world are absolutely directed by the rulers of Russia in the Kremlin". (Nat. sound). LS Stassen on the platform. CU. Stassen speaking: "... should directly make it illegal after its passage to carry on any organisation either above ground or below ground..." (Nat. sound).

MS White, middle American family listening to debate on the radio. CU Wife nodding head in agreement. CU. Stassen speaking: "...destroying the liberties of its people and bringing this country under the domination of the rulers of a foreign power." (Nat. sound). MS Dewey's table surrounded by officials. CU Hand adjusting recording control panel. CU Dewey speaking: "...unalterably, wholeheartedly, unswervingly against any scheme to write laws outlawing people because of their religious, political, social or economic..." (Nat. sound). LS Speakers in background. Sound mixer in the foreground. MS and CU Men in a small factory listening to a portable radio. CU Dewey speaking: "...because I know from a great many years experience in the enforcement of the law that the proposal wouldn't work and instead it would rapidly advance the cause of Communism in the United States and all over the world." (Nat. sound). LS. Stassen speaking. Sound mixer in the foreground. CU Stassen speaking: "I ask them, why is it the Communist Party organisation has been growing so strong in New York." (Nat. sound). CU Dewey speaking: "We have a lot of Communists in New York. We have a great many of them and they cause us great trouble, but we lick 'em." (Nat. sound). CU. A row of reporters typing up the speeches. CU Dewey speaking: "...by the biggest majority in history. Why? Because we kept them out in the open. Because we everlastingly believe in the Bill of Rights. Because we know that if in this country we will always keep every idea that is bad out in the open, we will lick it. It will never get any place in the United States." (Nat. sound).

Note: "Date received" on original paperwork, reads: 20/5/48. All the above shots are mute except where otherwise indicated.

