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Conversation 003-161

TapeTape 3StartThursday, May 27, 1971 at 9:14 PMEndThursday, May 27, 1971 at 9:16 PMTape start time03:50:16Tape end time03:52:44ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Goldenson, Leonard H.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AudioNARA Description

On May 27, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Leonard H. Goldenson talked on the telephone from 9:14 pm to 9:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-161 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 3-161

Date: May 27, 1971
Time: 9:14 pm - 9:16 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Leonard H. Goldenson.

     Goldenson's location

     John A. Scali's work

     A cable television matter
          -Charles W. Colson
          -Goldenson's meeting with President

     Goldenson's location
          -Dana Ashley
                                             94

                          NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS STAFF

                                       Tape Subject Log
                                          (rev. 9/08)



     Scali's work
           -Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [SALT] announcement

     American Broadcasting Company [ABC] News
         -Reporting on President
         -Harry Reasoner and Howard K. Smith

     Network news reporting                                       Conv. No. 3-161 (cont.)
         -President's response
         -White House staff response
         -President's press conferences

     Goldenson's health
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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. Goldenson, sir.
I found you were in the hospital, but I thought I could tell you that first two things.
One, how grateful I am for the fine job John Scali is doing in telling you.
Oh, good.
I'm delighted.
Second, that I've talked to Colson, and I think that we have that other matter involving that cable thing pretty much on the track at the moment.
Oh, good.
I think he has been in touch with you, but I've...
After our conversation, I told him to watch it closely.
Fine.
Are you in just for something, just a checkup?
Oh, fine, fine.
Oh, they can't, you're too tough for anything to happen.
And the main thing is not to do what the doctor says, not everything.
Otherwise, you know, you live long, but you won't enjoy it.
Dana actually up here, he's up here every year for a checkup.
Oh, he's right, he's right.
Then just do about 80% of what he says, but the other 20% enjoy it, huh?
Right.
Tell him that's what I said, will you?
Well, I certainly shall.
I'm delighted on Scali.
He's a good man, and I was hopeful that he could do a great job for you.
He's doing a great job.
He's been very helpful in this.
When we had this breakthrough on the arms limitation assault, he was very good.
And there are other things coming along where he'll be just indispensable.
Yes.
Well, I'm delighted.
And thank you very much on the other matter.
All right.
Thank you.
I keep listening to our news people, and I think they treat you very nicely.
Oh, I have no complaints.
Harry Reisner is coming through beautifully.
Yeah, he's a very fine objective.
And, of course, Howard always has been.
Well, Howard's a good, strong man.
And as a matter of fact, you know, you've got to have balance.
Sometimes somebody comes in, gee, look what this guy says to the rest.
I don't care what network it is.
I tell them, well, keep your cool.
Look, we just...
particularly when I have the opportunity, like on Tuesday, I'm going to have a press conference, and I do about one a month.
My goodness, when I go on at prime time, that has an enormous impact.
Oh, there's no question.
You fellows give us that, what can we complain about, right?
I think you're handling yourself in those press conferences very well, and I think you've come through exceedingly well.
Well, I just hope, Leonard, you're feeling okay, and as I say, don't do everything the doctor says.
It'll be very dull.
Okay.
That's what I tell my doctor.
Okay, bye.
Thank you very much.
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