Weekend Talk Shows Past - Issues And Answers With Sen. Thruston Morton And Sen. Hugh Scott - 1966
(Senators Thruston Morton and Hugh Scott - their concept of civility and respect would be an anomaly today) The situations may be the same but, as
Sen. Thruston Morton: “ The point that I make is that we as a party going to attack him (Pres. Johnson) on matters of this kind (Vietnam).We’re going to basically support him in the strong policy there. We’re going to point out, as the Loyal Opposition and a responsible, I hope, opposition suggestions we think we can help bring this thing to an honorable close quickly, regardless of the political situation. I think the political situation would die. I think it would at least calm down if the people realized that there is in fact a pacification of the country.”
Sen. Hugh Scott: “(It’s) important that we elect Republican Senators and more of them, and Republican Congressmen and more of them, and this is what we should primarily be talking about. The framework of your questions require us to mention names, but the important thing is that the Republican Party is the party of responsibility; should answer the need of this country for a strong and workable two party system. We can do it by being responsible, respectable and honorable.”
Scott, it must be remembered was very much a vocal supporter of the Vietnam War, as well as our invasion of Cambodia. But he was not considered a "lock-step" Republican and, along with Morton were considered benchmarks for the Moderate wing of the Party. However, their breed appears nowhere in sight today, and it makes you wonder if they're hiding or have become extinct.