President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Patrick Buchanan coordinated the timing of the President’s public announcement regarding the death of J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon insisted that the announcement of Hoover's death and his own subsequent television statement occur in immediate succession to avoid speculation or media delays. The participants finalized a strategy to ensure Nixon’s remarks served as the definitive lead story of the evening news cycle.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, and Patrick J. Buchanan talked on the telephone from 10:43 am to 10:44 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-104 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 23-104 Date: May 2, 1972 Time: 10:43-10:44 am Location: White House Telephone H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman talked with the President. [See also Conversation No. 334-18] [The President conferred with Patrick J. Buchanan before the conversation began.] [See Conversation No. 334-17] [End of conferral] The President's statement -Timing -Announcement of J. Edgar Hoover's death -Lead story -Timing with the President's statement
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.