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Conversation 001-059

TapeTape 1StartFriday, April 9, 1971 at 11:01 AMEndFriday, April 9, 1971 at 11:02 AMTape start time02:07:05Tape end time02:07:46ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon instructed Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to preemptively address a speculative Washington Post report suggesting that Paul McCracken, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, was planning to resign. Nixon directed Ziegler to dismiss the story as entirely unfounded during the upcoming press briefing. By affirming the President's full confidence in McCracken’s leadership and policies, Nixon aimed to stabilize the administration's economic messaging.

Paul McCrackenPress relationsWashington PostEconomic policyStaffing rumors
AudioNARA Description

On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 11:01 am to 11:02 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-059 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 1-59

Date: April 9, 1971
Time: 11:01 am - 11:02 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

[See Conversation No. 476-11B]

     Future press briefing
          -Washington Post story
                -Paul W. McCracken
                -President's position
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Yeah.
Yes, sir.
One thing, if you can volunteer, plant at the press conference, is this.
There was a story in the Washington Post that McCracken was thinking of going back or something.
I, of course, I suppose it's on your calendar, I don't know, that I met with him this morning.
Right.
You could say that the speculation about the chairman of the council was completely erroneous.
Totally without foundation.
That the way that Chairman McCracken has
and his policies have the complete confidence of the president.
Just lay it that way, okay?
Yes, sir.
Good luck.
Right.
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