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Conversation 017-067

TapeTape 17StartSaturday, December 25, 1971 at 10:01 AMEndSaturday, December 25, 1971 at 10:02 AMTape start time02:48:57Tape end time02:51:24ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Butz, Earl L.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon called Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz to exchange Christmas greetings and check on his progress in his new role. Nixon praised Butz's recent media appearances on programs like "Meet the Press" and the "Today" show, encouraging him to prioritize regional broadcasts to reach key farm audiences. The conversation served primarily as a gesture of personal rapport and strategic communication advice.

AgriculturePublic RelationsMedia StrategyPolitical CommunicationChristmas
AudioNARA Description

On December 25, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Earl L. Butz talked on the telephone from 10:01 am to 10:02 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-067 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 17-67

Date: December 25, 1971
Time: 10:01 am - 10:02 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Earl L. Butz.

     Christmas greetings

     Butz's location

     Butz's family

     Butz's speeches
          -"Meet the Press" and the "Today" show
                -Butz’s appearance on regional shows
                     -Timing
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 just wanted to be sure you still had your fight on Christmas Day.
And you're in Indiana?
Great.
Great.
That's great.
Well, we just wish you the best.
Yeah, you're beginning to get your feet in the ground, are you?
Yeah.
Well, you've made a few speeches, haven't you?
Yes, I have.
I followed it somewhat.
Wonderful reception.
I was on Meet the Press.
Yes.
Oh, you handled those clowns.
Did you see it?
I didn't get to see it, but I read the transcript.
Yeah.
I don't get... On the Today Show last week, too.
That's right.
Well, you know, the main thing to do when you get out in the country, take all those
shows that are regionally played, they get a bigger play with those farm audiences and some of those, like Cups in it, Chicago, people like that, you know.
Great.
Well, you take them on.
Well, thank you.
And remember that one of those TV things is an awful big rally.
Yeah.
I know it is.
You reach a lot of people.
That's right.
Well, thank you, and our prayers are with you on the important work you're doing.
Well, we just wish you the best, Earl.
Thank you so much.
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