Mondale Reverses Choice On Top Party Job (Press, 17 July 1984)

On 17 July 1984, significant political developments unfolded at Lake Tahoe, California, ahead of the Democratic Party's national convention. Charles Manatt, who had been removed from his position as head of the Democratic Party by Walter Mondale, was reinstated, albeit with diminished responsibilities. Mondale's earlier decision to replace the popular Manatt caused considerable surprise and concern among delegates preparing for the convention. This abrupt change was initially seen as a potential disruption to the event. Mondale's press secretary, Maxine Isaacs, indicated that the decision to retain Manatt came at the suggestion of Bert Lance, who had recently been appointed Mondale’s general campaign chairman. There had been speculation that Lance would take over Manatt’s position, which heightened tensions among party members. While defending his original choice to replace Manatt, Mondale expressed that it was a traditional prerogative for a nominee to select their own chairman, referring to his commitment to making the right decisions for the campaign. The day also saw a private meeting between Mondale, Manatt, and campaign director Jim Johnson. Isaacs announced that while Manatt would retain the title of Party Chairman, he would focus on fundraising and finance, though specifics regarding his tenure were not clarified. Additionally, Michael Burman was appointed director of administration and political matters for the Democratic National Committee. Complications arose from criticisms concerning the selection of Lance, who had previously resigned as President Jimmy Carter's Budget Director amid controversy over alleged financial improprieties, although he was later cleared of those claims. Some delegates from rival candidate Senator Gary Hart’s camp expressed concerns that they might switch allegiance to Hart if Lance became chairman, with one source calling the idea "the stupidest thing Mondale could do." Ultimately, many party leaders deemed the conflict as relatively minor. In a related societal context, San Francisco witnessed two large, opposing marches in support of the Democrats as the convention approached. Around 200,000 union members, marching to a rally in support of the Democrats, were led by American Federation of Labour-Congress of Industrial Organisations president, Lane Kirkland. Meanwhile, approximately 100,000 homosexuals and lesbians paraded to the convention centre, advocating for gay rights. The police ensured the two groups marched in separate directions to maintain order. The LGBTQ+ marchers were accompanied by vibrant banners proclaiming their rights, and their presence emphasized the Democratic platform's inclusivity. The mood of the gatherings was uplifting, particularly for the gay community, who aimed to highlight the importance of representation and equality within the party. Despite the scale of these demonstrations and various political implications presented, police reported no significant unrest during the events, indicating a peaceful display of political support.

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