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Conversation 005-141

TapeTape 5StartWednesday, June 23, 1971 at 2:46 PMEndWednesday, June 23, 1971 at 2:48 PMTape start time04:22:40Tape end time04:25:07ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Gubser, Charles S.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon calls Congressman Charles Gubser to commend his recent performance in a congressional caucus and to express support for his plan to challenge fellow California Representative Paul J. McCloskey, Jr. Gubser outlines his intent to deliver a speech in McCloskey’s district refuting claims that the administration is engaged in an indiscriminate bombing campaign in Laos. Nixon encourages the effort, viewing McCloskey’s behavior as politically motivated and comparing him to Representative Donald W. Riegle, Jr. The two agree that Gubser will provide a copy of his speech to the White House for review.

Paul J. McCloskey Jr.Laos bombingCongressional relationsPolitical strategyVietnam War policyPublic relations
AudioNARA Description

On June 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles S. Gubser talked on the telephone from 2:46 pm to 2:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-141 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 5-141

Date: June 23, 1971
Time: 2:46 pm - 2:48 pm
Location: White House Telephone

[See Conversation No. 258-41]

     Gubser's effectiveness on caucus resolution
         -President's conversation with Gerald R. Ford

     Gubser's fellow California Congressman [Paul J. McCloskey, Jr.]
         -Gubser's forthcoming speech
                -DeVan L. Shumway
                      -Herbert G. Klein
         -Bombing of Laos
         -Actions
         -Copy of speech to President
                -William C. Sullivan
                -Donald W. Riegle, Jr.
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
I'm Congressman Goop, sir.
Okay.
On the line, sir.
Hello.
Hello.
Charlie, I just called to tell you that I was talking to Jerry a couple days ago, and he was telling me how really effective you were in the caucus on that resolution.
And also, I've been thinking I'd see you sometime to tell you that...
I realize your neighbor over there causing a little trouble, and I don't want you to get embarrassed by having to take him on.
Mr. President, that's what I'm going to do on Saturday.
Where are you going to be?
Out in California?
In his district.
I tell you, I have asked some way of Mr. Klein's staff to help me on the speech, and I've got him dead to rights.
What kind of issue do you want to hit?
Well, I want to prove that he is totally misrepresenting the facts when he says that we're engaged in an indiscriminate policy of bombing Laos.
Well, he is.
That's all I'm going to talk about.
All right.
And I've proved my case.
In fact, Shumway had a copy of it.
All right.
I'm going to take him on.
I'm sick and tired of a man downgrading his country just for his own political advantage.
That's what he's doing, too.
And he knows better.
I would like sometime to get a copy of that speech in your hands.
I don't know.
I think I'll send it down to Mr. Shumway, and it'll probably get it.
Yeah, it will, Senator Shumway, but are you satisfied with it?
Do you want any more dope?
I don't know.
I worked for two weeks on it.
No, no, no.
You've got enough.
Sullivan has helped me and everyone has helped me.
Well, and you've got a speech.
Well, Sullivan knows it better than anybody I know.
I've got an airtight case, too.
All right.
and send me a copy, will you?
I certainly will.
And I'll get a copy of it.
I want to know.
But in the meantime, that's good country up there.
One day I'll come in.
Good.
And Pete, I don't know, he's emotional and everything, but the guy knows better, you know.
He's too smart.
The man has flipped his lid.
He's like the fellow from Michigan, Regal.
They're sort of two of a kind, aren't they?
I know.
They just get carried away with press exposure.
Not a handle.
They love that TV.
Yeah.
Okay.
We appreciate your calling.
Well, anyway, I appreciate it.
I just want you to know we don't overlook those things.
Well, I appreciate that very much.
I'll keep fighting.
You bet you will.
Bye.
Bye-bye.
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