The 1972 Republican National Convention, where Richard Nixon was nominated for president and Spiro Agnew for vice president, was not only a significant political event but also the subject of a unique documentary titled *Four More Years*. Produced by Top Value Television (TVTV), this film offered a distinct perspective on the convention, moving beyond the staged events typically covered by mainstream media. It was TVTV's second production, following
their coverage of the Democratic Convention a month earlier, and aimed to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the political spectacle in Miami Beach, Florida.
The Guerrilla Television Approach
*Four More Years* emerged from the guerrilla television movement, characterized by its unconventional and often critical approach to media production. While the filmmakers did not conceal their leftist sympathies, they also made an effort to allow all parties to express themselves without overt ridicule. The documentary deliberately avoided extensive coverage of formal speeches and performances, instead focusing on the less polished, more spontaneous moments that unfolded away from the main stage. This included shots of the convention hotel and the convention floor, both when bustling with activity and when empty, providing a more intimate and less controlled view of the event.
Interviews within the film were conducted in an informal and spontaneous style by Skip Blumberg and Maureen Orth. These interactions were often punctuated by irreverent moments, such as Blumberg playing the harmonica on the convention floor, which further underscored the documentary's departure from traditional news reporting. The film notably eschewed voice-over commentary or added music, relying instead on still shots of official and protest campaign buttons to provide context for the interviews. These buttons ranged from pro-Nixon slogans like "Get to know a Nixonette" and "Nixon's the One!" to protest messages such as "Vietnam Veterans Against the War" and "McGovern for President of North Vietnam."
Capturing Unofficial Moments and Diverse Perspectives
The documentary made a point of interviewing politicians and their family members, but often in transitional or unofficial moments rather than during their formal appearances. For instance, interviews were conducted with Nixon's daughters, Julie Nixon Eisenhower and Tricia Nixon Cox, as well as Tricia Cox's husband, Edward Cox. The camera operators were known to extend interviews as long as possible, even following subjects like Cox as he retreated into private sections of the convention floor. A memorable exchange involved Maureen Orth asking Henry Kissinger, as he entered a vehicle, "How are the girls?" to which he replied, "They're very pleasant." This focus on candid, less guarded interactions offered a different dimension to the public figures.
One exception to the focus on unofficial moments was an extended scene featuring Ronald Reagan delivering a speech to the Young Republicans, with a young woman vocally expressing her support in the audience. Members of the Young Republicans were also interviewed, expressing their frustration with media reports suggesting their participation was orchestrated by the Republican Party rather than being self-organized. This highlights the documentary's interest in capturing a range of perspectives and challenging conventional narratives.
Media Scrutiny and Protester Voices
Beyond politicians, the TVTV crew also sought opinions from news teams, asking questions not only about the convention itself but also about news coverage in general. They interviewed prominent journalists on the convention floor, including Cassie Mackin, Tom Pettit, and Douglas Kiker from NBC, Herb Kaplow from ABC, and Mike Wallace and Roger Mudd from CBS. Notably, Roger Mudd was the only one who declined to answer TVTV's questions. A longer interview with CBS anchor Walter Cronkite took place in an editing room, where he defended his decision not to stand for the national anthem, a choice criticized by Reagan, citing his journalistic duties. Cronkite also advised viewers to seek news from multiple sources and critically evaluate them for a functioning democracy, a message that resonated with the documentary's own ethos.
The film also prominently featured protesters outside the convention, including student activists and Vietnam Veterans Against the War. The decision to move the convention from San Diego to Miami was partly due to concerns about potential Vietnam War protests in California. The atmosphere outside the hotel was starkly different from within, marked by the presence of the National Guard, the use of tear gas, and a scene showing a congressman struggling to enter the Convention Center due to heightened security. Republican bystanders were shown criticizing the protesting veterans. The documentary concluded with a powerful juxtaposition: activist Ron Kovic shouting, "Stop the bombing! Stop killing! Stop the war!" set against Republican delegates popping balloons that fell from the ceiling after Nixon's confirmed candidacy, underscoring the deep divisions present at the time.
