[Five Day Bicycle Race raw #31]

This video contains raw footage shot for "Five Day Bicycle Race," a project comprised of live in-studio commentary and taped edited coverage of the 1976 Democratic National Convention in New York City. Produced by independent videomakers calling themselves The Image Union (including many members of TVTV and Videofreex), it aired on Manhattan Cable for three hours per night for five days during the convention. This video features a Jimmy Carter press conference at the Americana Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

00:00Copy video clip URL This tape begins with a blue screen.

00:33Copy video clip URL Cut to a shot of Maxi Cohen as she and her fellow videomakers make their way into the Americana Hotel. A group of gay rights supporters can be heard chanting “Carter is a bigot” in the background. Once inside, the crew tries to gain access to the room where Carter will make his address. They speak with numerous individuals about gaining entrance to the area. They had apparently set up a agreement with Carter’s Media Adviser, Barry Jagoda, to follow him around during the conference. Once they determine that Jagoda isn’t immediately available, the crew tries to gain access to the conference hall by themselves without proper press credentials.

05:12Copy video clip URL Cohen and the crew sift their way through hundreds of press members in the conference hall. They try to set themselves up for a good shot of Carter and Senator Adlai Stevenson III, a potential Vice Presidential nominee at the time. While walking through the hall, Cohen hears Jagoda’s name called through a loud speaker, but is unable to locate him in the mass of journalists on the floor. Cohen explains that she and the crew weren’t meant to be at the press conference but somehow ended up there. We watch as Cohen and the crew try to get situated. This lasts for several minutes.

08:38Copy video clip URL Accompanied by their wives, Carter and Stevenson make their way up to the podium. Carter says a few words about his meeting with Stevenson and then answers a number of questions about the Vice Presidency. As Carter speaks, there is the constant sound of photographs being taken. After a few minutes, Stevenson answers a few questions as well. This lasts for a good portion of the tape.

16:22Copy video clip URL After Carter and Stevenson finish answering questions, the conference room remains chaotic as a slew of press members begin to make their way out of the room. The camera operator gathers footage of numerous journalists reporting on the conference. This lasts for several minutes.

21:03Copy video clip URL The crew has a run in with photographer Peter Bregg of the Associated Press. He gets a little perturbed after supposedly being shoved by Cohen. Cohen and the crew then try to find Barry Jagoda. Cohen comments on the stress of the press conference.

24:07Copy video clip URL Cohen and the crew wait in the stairway of the 21st floor of the Americana Hotel where Carter and Jagoda are currently located. Security is tight as the crew tries to get a hold of Jagoda. They eventually speak with a woman about their proposed meeting with Jagoda. The woman then takes a note from Cohen to pass along. Looking rather drained from the runaround they’ve been given, Cohen and the crew leave shortly afterward.

28:31Copy video clip URL Tape ends.