‘Meet the Press’ transcript for Dec. 2, 2007

MR. BRODY:  And the, and the, and the Huckabee campaign telling me privately that “Get ready in the next month.” They’re not only ready for it, they say that—not necessarily white papers, but it’s, it’s coming—detailed policy positions are coming.

MR. RUSSERT:  And, Michele Norris, talking about debates, National Public Radio will have another debate this Tuesday from 2 to 4 Eastern time.  You’ll be there, we’ll be listening.

And our viewers should know that next Sunday on MEET THE PRESS, the former mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, will be right here for our Meet the Candidates series next Sunday.  We’ll be right back on MEET THE PRESS.

(Announcements)

MR. RUSSERT:  And we are back.  Former Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois served in the House for more than 30 years, and appeared on this program seven times during his career.  In 1998 he led the impeachment against President Clinton.  Hyde reflected on the saga right here, MEET THE PRESS, October 4^th, 1999.

(Videotape)

MR. RUSSERT:  Bottom line, Mr. Chairman, what’s all this done to tour politics?

REP. HENRY HYDE:  I think our politics has suffered, I hope not a mortal blow, but certainly a serious blow.  The name-calling, the negativity, the throwing of mud, the, the institution of the White House, the presidency, and Congress itself, people are looking at this in horror.  We have got to conduct ourselves appropriately with some dignity, with some purpose, and that’s my aim.  I am, not trying to stretch this out.  I am not trying to take political advantage of it.  This helps nobody.  We’ve got to do what’s best for our country, and that’s the bottom line.

(End videotape)

MR. RUSSERT:  Two and a half months later, the House approved perjury and obstruction of justice charges, two of the four articles of impeachment against President Clinton.  But on February 12^th, 1999, the Senate voted to acquit the president.  Henry Hyde retired from Congress in 2006.  Last month he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his long service to the government.  His son, Robert, accepted the honor on behalf of his ailing father.  Henry Hyde died this week at the age of 83.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hyde family.

And we’ll be right back.

(Announcements)

MR. RUSSERT:  And a reminder, next Sunday, exclusive in-depth interview with Rudy Giuliani as part of our Meet the Candidates series.  Rudy Giuliani right here next Sunday on MEET THE PRESS.

That’s all for today.  We’ll be back next week.  If it’s Sunday, it’s MEET THE PRESS.  Won’t make me popular here in the studio or in Washington, but go Bills, beat the Redskins.

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