Nixon White House Tapes — Conversation 016-103
Date: Wednesday, December 15, 1971 at 8:38 AM
Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator; Smith, Margaret Chase
Recording device: White House Telephone
Source: https://www.easynixon.org/tapes/016-103

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 Do not cite it as authoritative.

[0:00] Go ahead.
[0:02] Mrs. Smith, Senator Smith.
[0:07] Yes, sir.
[0:08] Hello.
[0:08] Yes, Mr. President, how are you?
[0:09] Well, how are you?
[0:10] I just wanted you to know that I was flying back from the Azars yesterday, and I found when I came in this morning that you'd had a birthday.
[0:18] So the purpose of my call is very brief.
[0:19] First, not only many happy returns to the birthday, but more happy returns on Election Day for you.
[0:25] Are you Walter Reed?
[0:27] Yes, I am.
[0:29] Oh, I didn't.
[0:29] I heard that when I called, and I hope everything's going all right.
[0:33] Yes, it isn't anything very serious.
[0:35] Oh, good.
[0:36] It's very light.
[0:37] Very good.
[0:58] I'd just like to take this opportunity to tell you what a wonderful, wonderful job you're doing.
[1:02] I have the greatest admiration.
[1:04] Well, you certainly, let me say, you've been like a rock down there in these last months.
[1:08] It's been hard, hasn't it?
[1:09] Have you sometimes wondered about what our friends on the other side are up to on these things?
[1:17] You know, that continuing resolution and some of that stuff, we've really had a trouble.
[1:22] It's been very difficult, I know, for you and others who have tried to be responsible down there.
[1:26] It's hard to know how that continuing resolution and everything.
[1:30] It's really strange they're playing that game, isn't it?
[1:34] Yeah, that's right.
[1:37] Everybody's tired.
[1:38] Oh, I think they are.
[1:40] I think the people generally are with you.
[1:44] Yeah, well, I appreciate what you've done, and you just take good care out there, and we'll look forward to seeing you after the first year, okay?
[1:52] Yes, sir, and have a good Christmas.
[1:54] Okay, thank you.
[1:55] My love to the family.
[1:56] I sure will.
[1:56] Thank you.
[1:57] Thanks very much, Margaret.
[1:58] Bye.
[1:59] Thank you.