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Conversation 042-075

TapeTape 42StartWednesday, April 28, 1971 at 9:35 PMEndWednesday, April 28, 1971 at 9:36 PMTape start time01:56:32Tape end time01:57:42ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the logistics and optics of an upcoming press conference, specifically focusing on the President's physical positioning relative to the media. Nixon expressed concern about camera angles and the potential for a downward angle to diminish his appearance of authority. Ultimately, they decided to maintain the existing stage platform to preserve the presidential "mystique" and avoid a lower vantage point.

Presidential opticsPress conferencesMedia relationsPublic imageStagecraft
AudioNARA Description

On April 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 9:35 pm to 9:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-075 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 42-75

Date: April 28, 1971
Time: 9:35 pm - 9:36 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

[See Conversation No. 252-27]

     Press conference
           -Placement of camera
                 -Eye level
           -Platform
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yeah.
I have Mr. Haldeman.
There you are.
One other fact that must be considered with regard to that dropping the floor, however, is the camera.
I don't want the camera shooting down on me.
Right.
Well, that's what I want to check before we do it.
It may be that if, well, they've seen the press conferences and they think it's the right thing that it just may be it's just as well to have me above them.
There is a little bit of,
some advantage i think there is a little bit of advantage it is from a physical standpoint you feel a little better when you're not right at their level or just a little bit level and it may be that that's the problem that the cameras are should be at a relative it's more important that the cameras at eye level i think that's it oh yeah i'll just try not to when i answer the questions i'll just look over their heads i won't look down at them
That's the way I can, that's the way I can avoid it.
I guess maybe that.
Okay.
Want to do that and leave the platform then?
Better leave it, I think.
Okay.
Yeah, I think there's a little mystique in that involved.
Okay, good.
Okay.
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