President Nixon called newly elected Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. to offer his personal condolences following the tragic automobile accident that claimed the lives of Biden’s wife, Nealia, and their daughter. During the brief exchange, Nixon expressed sympathy for the family's loss and encouraged the grieving Senator to look toward his future career. Drawing on his own experience entering the House of Representatives at a young age, Nixon sought to provide comfort and encouragement to Biden during his period of profound personal crisis.
On December 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Joseph R. Biden, Jr. talked on the telephone from 12:21 pm to 12:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 034-131 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 34-131 Date: December 19, 1972 Time: 12:21 pm - 12:22 pm Location: White House Telephone The President talked with Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. [See Conversation No. 826-8A] Condolences on death of Nealia (Hunter) Biden [and Amy Biden] -Automobile accident, December 18, 1972 -Joseph Biden’s location -Joseph Biden’s political career -Age -Compared to the President in House of Representatives
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.