Conversation 210-009

TapeTape 210StartTuesday, September 12, 1972 at 9:04 PMEndTuesday, September 12, 1972 at 9:15 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Colson, Charles W.Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire

President Nixon and Charles Colson briefly discuss the political implications of public outbursts, specifically referencing an individual named Lutz. Nixon posits that such negative displays can ironically serve the administration's interests by highlighting the dissatisfaction of opponents in contrast to the public's general perception that the country is doing well. The conversation remains speculative and concludes without any formal policy directives or significant operational decisions.

Public relationsPolitical strategyPublic perceptionLutzElection campaign

On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 9:04 pm to 9:15 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 210-009 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 210-9

Date: September 12, 1972
Time: 9:04 pm - 9:15 pm
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

The President talked with Charles W. Colson.

[See Conversation no. 142-7; one item has been withdrawn from this conversation]

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Now, I was thinking a little bit about the Lutz thing.
And one thing that occurred to me is that perhaps when outbursts like that may not be just bad in the sense that, in one sense, that a lot of people really think that everything is fine.
You see what I mean?
And I mean, it's just one of those things.
I don't want to repeat the question.
Yeah.
Okay, fine.
Thank you.