Conversation 043-147

TapeTape 43StartWednesday, February 21, 1973 at 11:16 AMEndWednesday, February 21, 1973 at 11:17 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

AI Summary

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the President's decision to decline attendance at the upcoming Gridiron dinner. Nixon expresses concern that his presence would improperly elevate political opponents like George McGovern to his own stature, a view supported by Henry Kissinger. To manage the optics, Nixon decides that Vice President Spiro Agnew should attend the Gridiron dinner instead, while Nixon will exclusively attend the White House Correspondents' dinner.

Gridiron DinnerWhite House Correspondents' DinnerSpiro AgnewGeorge McGovernHenry KissingerPublic relations

Audio

NARA Description

On February 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 11:16 am to 11:17 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-147 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 43-147

Date: February 21, 1973
Time: 11:16 am - 11:17 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

[See Conversation No. 859-25]

       The President’s schedule
            -Gridiron dinner
                  -The President’s attendance
                  -Henry A. Kissinger
                         -George S. McGovern
                                             -85-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                        (rev. Aug.-08)

                  -Vice President Spiro T. Agnew
                  -White House Correspondents dinner

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Oh, yes, sir.

Oh, you're in with the Vice President now?

Yes, sir.

This may involve something you wanted.

Just a second.

I've been thinking about the gridiron thing, and I've sort of reflected on it.

I really feel that we should come down against doing it, and we ought to decide it now.

I agree.

And, for example, Henry's point was that it would just...

raise McGovern to our level and so forth.

Don't you agree?

I agree.

Now, when can you get the other fellow in?

Four o'clock.

Okay, good.

Now, the other point is, though, that...

They can move it to the 14th.

They can, fine.

Which loosens it up.

Fine.

Now, the other thing is, I'd like for him...

I think it's very important the Vice President do the greener, you see?

Yes, sir.

Okay, fine.

Fine, you can say that I'm not going, but that he would have, he should under the circumstances, but I'll do the White House correspondence and he won't have to do that, make that deal with him.

Fair enough.

Good.

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