Conversation 032-042

TapeTape 32StartWednesday, October 25, 1972 at 3:05 PMEndWednesday, October 25, 1972 at 3:06 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Andrews, John K., Jr.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

President Nixon and John K. Andrews, Jr. discussed final revisions for an upcoming farm speech scheduled for October 27, 1972. Nixon questioned the omission of the "revitalization of rural America" theme, but ultimately deferred to the judgment of John C. Whitaker and Secretary Earl L. Butz’s staff, who argued that such language might alienate farmers concerned about rural development. Having confirmed the reasoning behind the draft, Nixon approved the speech for release as written.

farm policyrural developmentspeechwritingRichard NixonJohn K. Andrews Jr.Earl L. Butz

On October 25, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John K. Andrews, Jr. talked on the telephone from 3:05 pm to 3:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 032-042 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 32-42

Date: October 25, 1972
Time: 3:05 pm - 3:06 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with John K. Andrews, Jr.

[See Conversation No. 372-36]

        The President's forthcoming farm speech, October 27, 1972
            -The President's revisions
            -Revitalization of rural America theme
                -Inclusion in speech
                     -Rural revenue sharing
                     -John C. Whitaker and Earl L. Butz's staff members
                          -Objections
            -The President’s view

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yes, sir.
Back to that speech, there's only one.
I marked it okay, but was there any reason, did you have any reason for not mentioning the theme we've used so often of the revitalization of rural America and so forth?
I know rural revenue sharing is bad, but...
You know, I think farmers like to hear about the fact that we're going to pay as much attention to the farm as we are to the city.
Well, I took that up with John Whitaker and with Secretary Butz's man, and their feeling was that that just sort of dilutes the main thrust to the farmer, that sometimes farmers are a little worried when we say rural development.
They don't want all those people moving in next door.
All right, fine.
I thought there might have been a reason.
And so it's okay as it is.
It can be run.
Thank you very much.
Okay, fine job, sir.