THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

November 3, 1983

MEMORANDUM TO DAVID R. GERGEN

FROM: BRUCE CHAPMAN p

SUBJECT: The Days After "The Day After": A Teach-in

People are going to want to talk out the feelings of despair

with which "The Day After" leaves one. The greatest danger in
the film is the uses to which the "No Nukes" people--including
the film's producers and actors--will put i t afterwards. Teach-
ins in church basements all over the country and media echo
effects will heighten the political fall-out for us.

You are dealing with a number of ideas on this subject, I know.

I have one to suggest. The Public Broadcasting System (or ABC)
should air a long "National Teach-in on Nuclear War" on a night
as soon after November 20 as possible. That will focus the
debate aspect of the issue and bring to the public the arguments
in favor of deterrence, build-down, and the rest of the Adminis-
tration position.

We have many excellent speakers to pit against those on the

left--but they seldom get a chance to argue the issues in the
same forum in front of a neutral audience.

The teach-ins of the left will hurt us because they will be

emotional and one-sided. A TV teach-in, on the other hand could
help, since i t would show the public how seriously our side
considers nuclear war and how well-considered is our strategy for
preventing it.

I understand that ABC is planning a half-hour panel discussion

after the program itself. This will be helpful, but i t will not
do the job. A longer debate format the following night would
give concerned people a chance to tune in when the shock effects
of the film have worn off somewhat.