1980 CAMPAIGN BOOK

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-00552R000505400035-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 9, 2010
• Sequence Number: 35
• Publication Date: June 24, 1983
• Content Type: OPEN SOURCE

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/08/09 : CIA-RDP90-00552R000505400035-1
ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT
24 June 1983
1980 CAMPAIGN BRINKLEY: Now about the briefing book, that)
BOOK document made for Carter to use in the 1980 presidential debate,
but then somehow fell into the hands of the Reagan people,
either leaked to them, or stolen, or something. Here's Sam
Donaldson at the White House.
DONALDSON: President Reagan spoke out on the case of the Carter
briefing papers for the first time today. REAGAN: I think
there's much ado about nothing. The letters have gone out in
explanation, that... I m}ts'elf would like to get at the bottom
.of it. I had no knowledge of any such thing, and frankly I
don't think there ever was a briefing book, as such.
DONALDSON: The president said he'd like to get at the bottom of
it, but apparently has made no attempt to do so. Deputy press
secretary Larry Speakes said hr. Reagan has not ordered a staff
investigation and has not asked anyone any questions about the
matter. Speakes said the president does want anyone who has
knowledge of the matter to step forward with the information.
One of those who knew at the time the Reagan camp had Carter
material was Miles "Martele. an outside consultant hired to
coach hr. Reagan for the debate. "Martele told Joe Benton today
he was informed two days before the debate that material from
the Carter camp was on hand. *M ARTELE: I asked about the
importance of the materials and was immediately told that they
were not significant. But at the same time, I was disappointed,
that we had those in our possession and, and suggested that they
be returned to the Carter campaign BENTON: Why return them?
MARTELE: Because I didn't think that we should have them. I
felt that it was a violation of fair play.
DONALDSON: The material was not returned but Reagan officials
have not been able to locate it now. CiA Director William
Casey, then campaign manager, can't recall ever having seen it,
although White House Chief of Staff James baker said Casey gave
it to him. The president said today he doesn't find it strange
people can't remember.such things. REAGAN': Look, ask me what
paperwork came to my desk last week and 1 couldn't tell you.
DONALDSON: White House officials complain that the Democrats
are working hard to stir up this issue for political purposes.
The Democrats are clearly enjoying the administration's
discomfort. But until the mystery is solved, the issue will
remain for stirring up, and the administration's discomfort can
only grow. Sam Donaldson. ABC News, the White House.