Nixon White House Tapes — Conversation 010-070
Date: Wednesday, October 6, 1971 at 8:50 AM
Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President); Scott, Hugh
Recording device: White House Telephone
Source: https://www.easynixon.org/tapes/010-070

This transcript was generated automatically by AI (WhisperX) and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite it as authoritative.

[0:01] Senator Scott, Mr. President.
[0:04] Good morning, Mr. President.
[0:06] Hi, Hugh.
[0:07] Hugh, I was wondering on this vote today, on this pay thing, that it appears to me that we really can't risk going forward with the...
[0:21] You know, it's something that we lose, because I'm going to announce the phase two thing this week, you see.
[0:28] Now, isn't this one you can talk to death?
[0:31] It seems to me you've got to have enough guys over there that long.
[0:34] I think we can talk it to death if we need to.
[0:37] I'll count.
[0:38] Of course, there'd be risk in making a mistake here, but...
[0:41] Our county indicates that we have enough votes on straight up and down to beat it.
[0:46] You think so?
[0:47] I can make a further judgment.
[0:49] I have Tom Karalogos on the way up here now.
[0:52] Good.
[0:52] Well, you talk to Tom and, of course, use your judgment, but I can tell you that it would be a very, very bad blow if before I go on, say, tomorrow night with Phase 2, if the Senate slaps it down, you see, because it blows the whole thing.
[1:06] You know, this is a very, I mean, the House acted in...
[1:09] and it would be uh it would be uh really it would uh would have a terribly shocking effect on on on the labor unions that get out of go run amok everything you see yes so you're aware that i lodged an objection which prevented it coming up oh i i know i know that's why i know i'm going but i and i think you're fighting exactly right but uh i just just heard i just tell you that that because i'm going to go on the phase two thing tomorrow
[1:34] That's the present plan.
[1:35] They'll let you know.
[1:36] They'll confirm it within a couple hours.
[1:39] I think they'll be able to get the time.
[1:41] I just feel terribly strongly that we must not have a bad Senate vote before I go.
[1:46] Oh, I agree.
[1:47] Because that'll be in the news, you see.
[1:49] We'll do as careful a count as we can and get a further appraisal on it if it seems risky.
[1:56] Yeah.
[1:57] We'll gear ourselves just to talk it to death.
[1:59] I've already talked to Wally Bennett this morning on that.
[2:02] Good, good.
[2:03] He's willing to help.
[2:04] Great.
[4:11] Well, if you can handle this, Hugh, I would appreciate it.
[4:13] I'd appreciate it.
[4:14] Well, if it looks too hot, we'll turn it into a filibuster.
[4:18] At least, I'm sitting here talking to Henry.
[4:20] He told me he was able to get you before the announcement.
[4:23] That keeps him on their back toes a little, doesn't it?
[4:25] Yes, sir, it does, and it was a good item.
[4:27] I went right up to the press gallery two minutes after 10 to cover the news up here.
[4:33] We'll keep him on their back toes.
[4:35] Yes, sir, you're doing a wonderful job, if I may say so.
[4:38] Okay, Hugh.
[4:38] Thank you.