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Conversation 021-027

TapeTape 21StartWednesday, March 8, 1972 at 9:59 AMEndWednesday, March 8, 1972 at 10:00 AMTape start time01:09:26Tape end time01:10:34ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Skelton, Richard ("Red")Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon calls comedian Red Skelton to express appreciation for his upcoming performance in Florida and to reinforce their political rapport. During the brief exchange, Nixon explicitly requests that Skelton conclude his act by reciting his well-known monologue, 'The Pledge of Allegiance' (referred to as 'The Flag'), as a personal tribute. Skelton affirms his total support for the President and agrees to incorporate the requested performance into his show.

Richard SkeltonFloridaThe Pledge of AllegiancePublic relationsPolitical support
AudioNARA Description

On March 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Richard ("Red") Skelton talked on the telephone from 9:59 am to 10:00 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-027 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 21-27

Date: March 9, 1972
Time: 9:59 am - 10:00 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Richard (“Red”) Skelton.

[See Conversation No. 681-2B]

     Florida
           -Appreciation
           -Skelton’s support
           -Skelton’s act
                -The President request
                      -“The Flag”
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hello.
Mr. Skelton, sir.
Hello.
Good morning.
Well, I just wanted to thank you for going down to Florida, Red, and I, as you know, have to stay here and concentrate on the problems of state, but I'm glad I got a few friends that are willing to say hello down there.
I'm behind you 100%, you know.
Well, I appreciate it, and my only regret is I can't be there.
I tell you, you know, I...
I could look at Red Skelton's axe all night, believe me.
Thank you.
And incidentally, as a request from me, will you do this?
Will you tell the audience as your last number to do the flag, you know?
All right, thank you.
You know that one?
I will, sir.
Or anything you want, but whatever you're going to wind up with, tell them it's my request, will you?
All right, thank you very much.
Okay.
Very kind.
Not only do we love you, we respect you, sir.
Anything I can do, you don't even have to ask.
Just ask anybody else to ask you to say you did.
Well, listen, I won't ask unless it's for me, okay?
God bless, son.
You take care, sir.
Thank you.
We love you.
Bye.
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