Announcer: It was an off year for elections, but the stakes were big: control of Congress; and when the last votes were counted, the Democrats had scored surprising strength.
In Massachusetts, an old name with a new face, young Ted Kennedy could add Senator to his title.
In California, former Vice-President Nixon missed again. This made it twice in a row. In anger, he attacked the press.
Richard Nixon: "I think that it's time that our great newspapers have at least the same objectivity, the same fullness of coverage, that television has. And I can only say thank God for television and radio for keeping the newspapers a little more honest."
William Leiss: Thalidomide was an unpronounceable chemical formula until something mean and ugly grew out of this innocent-appearing sleeping pill. The number of deformed babies in Europe increased. In the United States, a quiet Public Health Service doctor, Doctor Frances Kelsey, almost singlehandedly blocked the use of the drug until it was proven safe, and for her efforts the President honored her.
President John F. Kennedy: "Well, I know that we're all most indebted to Dr. Kelsey, the relationship, the hopes that all of us have for our children I think indicates how, I'm sure to Dr. Kelsey, how important her work is and those who labor with her to protect our families. So, Doctor, I know that you know how much the country appreciates what you've done."
William Leiss: At the Vatican, the Roman Catholic Church convoked its first Ecumenical Council of this century. A colorful ceremony rich in ritual, heavy with tradition, opened the convocation of Church fathers, as reported by William Sunderland from Rome.
William Sunderland: "Pope John XXIII today called on world leaders to continue top-level discussions and to make the necessary sacrifices for peace. The 80-year-old Pontiff made the statement to representatives of 85 nations and international organizations who have gathered in Rome for the opening of the Ecumenical Council."
