[The 90’s Election Specials raw: Al Hofeld fundraiser]

Raw tape for The 90's election specials. This tape covers the 1992 Illinois Senatorial primary between incumbent Alan Dixon, Carol Moseley Braun, and Al Hofeld. At a campaign fundraiser, Hofeld walks around shaking hands at this expensive event, and he gives a speech. Hofeld was notable for the fact that his campaign was entirely self-financed.

00:00Copy video clip URL The tape opens with a man collecting money for the Hofeld fundraiser, accepting up to $1000 per person. Hofeld greets people, and chats with donors in a dimly lit hotel lounge.

05:45Copy video clip URL Shots of the caterer and banquet, and of a fountain set up behind him. Hofeld continues to speak with his well-dressed guests.

10:21Copy video clip URL A man introduces Hofeld at a podium, and the camera turns to the crowded room to reveal a mostly white and rich group of people.

12:29Copy video clip URL Hofeld comes onstage. He briefly talks about the debate: “They won’t let an outsider in.” The tape cuts, and Hofeld promises a win.

15:08Copy video clip URL Hofeld finishes speaking and the camera returns to the party. Videomaker Diane Abt interviews people about why they support Hofeld. By and large, it seems to be a group of people who are jaded by politics and support Hofeld because he is a non-politician “outsider,” who especially stands out because the incumbent, Dixon, has been in office for 12 years. Many people at this event haven’t previously been involved in politics at this level, and know Hofeld personally. Most also say that they trust him because he is not beholden to any special interests.

24:45Copy video clip URL A man has a pin that says “Dump Dixon,” and is impressed with Hofeld’s “sincerity.” “I think he truly wants to help society.” A woman expresses a strong anti-Dixon sentiment because Dixon had voted to confirm Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. She isn’t sure that Braun is running for any other reason than the fact that she’s a woman and of color.

31:16Copy video clip URL Videomaker Diane Abt interviews two older gentlemen. One of them, a lawyer, says he feels Hofeld could be bought. His friend says that Hofeld is a leader and “the guy who likes everything and stands for nothing.” They are embarrassed with the current state of politics. A Republican working for Hofeld talks about being a lawyer, and a lack of ties to contributing corporations. He defends Hofeld’s large use of his own funds.

40:54Copy video clip URL A woman likes Hofeld’s views on education and health care. She likes that he’s “not a politician” and isn’t influenced by endorsements. A man says that Hofeld is “a breath of fresh air,” and thinks that no one should be in office more than two terms. They all like his idea for college students doing community service for credits.

53:17Copy video clip URL End of tape.