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Conversation 040-103

TapeTape 40StartWednesday, June 13, 1973 at 11:02 PMEndWednesday, June 13, 1973 at 11:03 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Price, Raymond K., Jr.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon called speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to commend him on the quality and tone of a recently televised address regarding the economy. The President emphasized that the primary objective was to project confidence and an upbeat perspective to the public during a time dominated by negative media coverage. Nixon credited Price's work for providing a necessary, positive contrast to the ongoing political climate surrounding Watergate.

Economic policyPresidential speechwritingPublic relationsWatergateMedia coverage
AudioNARA Description

On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Raymond K. Price, Jr. talked on the telephone from 11:02 pm to 11:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-103 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 40-103

Date: June 13, 1973
Time: 11:02 pm - 11:03 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Raymond K. Price, Jr.

     President’s speech on the economy
           -Content
           -Price’s role
           -Price’s evaluation
                 -Television [TV]
           -Reaction
                                             -85-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                       (rev. March-2011)

           -Tone conveyed
                -Upbeat and positive
           -Response to Watergate
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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. Price.
Yes, sir.
I thought you should know a number of people have talked about what a fine content the speech had, and so I just wanted you to know you did a hell of a job.
Well, thank you.
I must say I enjoyed watching it, and I thought it came off very well.
Well, we've gotten good reactions to it, you know.
The main thing was to do it in a positive, upbeat way.
They liked the beginning and the conclusion, which I think was very important.
you know, in addition to all the substance, because we had to give a feeling of confidence, you know, to the country.
Don't you think that was the important thing?
I think it was.
And I thought it came out very well and very strong.
And a good change from all the things that have been on TV the last couple of weeks.
Oh, yeah.
Well, at least we had our day.
Okay, Ray.
Thank you.
I've just been
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