Top of page

Exhibition Drawing Justice: The Art of Courtroom Illustration

Drawing Justice: The Art of Courtroom Illustration

Daniel Ellsberg and the Public

Donna Denton to Meet the Press. Manuscript letter, May 1973. Lawrence E. Spivak Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (070.00.00)
Enlarge
Donna Denton to Meet the Press. Manuscript letter, May 1973. Lawrence E. Spivak Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (070.00.00)
Enlarge
Donna Denton to Meet the Press. Manuscript letter, May 1973. Lawrence E. Spivak Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (070.00.00)
Enlarge
Edith M. Power to Meet the Press. Manuscript letter, May 29, 1973. Lawrence E. Spivak Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (071.00.00)
Enlarge

Daniel Ellsberg and the Public

On the heels of the mistrial, Daniel Ellsberg appeared on a May 20, 1973, broadcast of Meet the Press. Ellsberg served as a lightning rod for public opinion regarding patriotism amidst an unpopular war, the role of citizens in supporting or protesting U.S. policy, and the legitimacy of government secrecy. As these letters reveal, some Americans believed he had acted with a courage that was "rare anymore in the U.S." Others viewed Ellsberg as a "thief, coward, [and] stool pigeon."