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Conversation 016-092

TapeTape 16StartFriday, December 10, 1971 at 8:06 PMEndFriday, December 10, 1971 at 8:09 PMTape start time03:24:45Tape end time03:27:11ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler discuss journalist Jerrold L. Schecter’s highly positive reaction to a recent interview, ultimately deciding to cancel a proposed trip for the reporter to Camp David. Ziegler also proposes a strategy for managing press expectations regarding the President’s potential travel to Florida. Nixon approves the plan to keep his upcoming schedule vague to provide flexibility while he focuses on the budget and preparations for international meetings.

Jerrold L. SchecterPress relationsCamp DavidFlorida travelBudget planningWhite House communications
AudioNARA Description

On December 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 8:06 pm to 8:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-092 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 16-92

Date: December 10, 1971
Time: 8:06 pm - 8:09 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

     Ziegler’s conversation with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman
          -Jerrold L. Schecter
                -Possible trip to Camp David
                -Impression of interview
                -Camp David

     Press
             -Briefings on President's schedule
                   -Azores trip
                   -Haldeman
                   -Florida
                         -Key Biscayne

                      -Budget
                      -Meeting preparation
                           -Azores trip
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Hello.
Yes, sir.
Yeah, Ron.
I was just talking to Bob.
Yeah.
He suggested I call you.
He said that you mentioned that maybe Jerry Schechter should go up to Camp David tomorrow just to see the room.
Mr. President, I'll tell you, Schechter came back to my office tonight.
And he came floating into the office.
And he said, I'm waiting.
He's been assigned to the White House for a year now.
He said, I've waited a year.
He said, I've waited a year for this.
He said, it was worth it.
He said, that was the most fantastic interview I've ever had.
He said, there's no bullshit.
He said, we sit down in the office.
He said, even looking out in the Rose Garden.
He said, it was a fantastic, fantastic time.
So he, I think, was...
just floating on air on that.
And I just don't think we need the Camp David.
All right, fine.
We'll let it go.
And I think it would be better to save it.
Well, he's happy.
Fine.
There's no question about it.
Good.
If you don't mind, then we just want to leave it.
Fine.
All right.
Fine.
We'll let it go.
Could I raise another question with you?
Sure.
The press thing in terms of the angels,
I was talking to Bob today, and because there is a possibility that you may be spending some time down in Florida, so that we don't get a flow of stories about the movements, what I would like to do if you approve, and I think you could maintain the maximum amount of ability by doing so, would be tomorrow to indicate that you plan to spend, at your own discretion, depending on your schedule, a period of time
between now and the end of December in Florida.
You don't know when you will be there, but your general plan is to do that.
Finishing the budget.
Finishing the budget and preparing for the meetings.
And preparing for the meetings.
And we may go to Florida, we may not.
Okay.
And then, say, in terms of the ADORs, pack a bag if you want, because the president will be spending a good deal of time in Florida.
Right.
Right.
Depends on the development of the Congress.
That's fair enough.
Okay.
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