Trashing and Gassing in Miami: The 1972 Republican Convention

This tape was shot in August 1972 by the same crew that had convened for pioneer video collective TVTV’s (Top Value Television) project Four More Years. Videotaped at the 1972 Republican Convention, it begins with the cameraman taping from inside the press area, with protestors from the People’s Band outside at the fence. There is footage of girl- and boyscout groups. A group of protestors are shown calling for non-violent blockades of the delegates' entrance. Tear gas is feared, and there are interviews with tear-gassed people and medics. The distressed cameraman asks himself, “Why am I doing this? For Michael Shamberg!” (TVTV founder). He asks other journalists to share their gas masks with him, but to no avail. Later footage is shot inside the convention, where a group of Vietnam veterans, including Ron Kovic, shout, “Stop the Bombing!”