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Conversation 045-029

TapeTape 45StartThursday, April 26, 1973 at 9:57 PMEndThursday, April 26, 1973 at 9:59 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discuss the President's personal health before shifting focus to the political crisis surrounding the Watergate scandal. The two assess the counsel of William P. Rogers and John B. Connally, with Nixon noting Rogers’s inability to make decisive recommendations. Consequently, Nixon instructs Haldeman to consult with Connally regarding the political strategy of a proposed leave of absence, seeking his candid input on the decision.

WatergateJohn B. ConnallyWilliam P. RogersH. R. HaldemanPolitical StrategyLeave of Absence
AudioNARA Description

On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 9:57 pm to 9:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-029 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 45-29

Date: April 26, 1973
Time: 9:57 pm - 9:59 pm
Location: White House Telephone

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

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[Begin segment reviewed under deed of gift]

     President’s dinner
           -Haldeman’s dinner

     President’s weight
                                             -20-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                     (rev. October-2012)

                                                            Conversation No. 45-29 (cont’d)

[End segment reviewed under deed of gift]
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     Watergate
          -William P. Rogers
                -Decision-making ability
          -John B. Connally
                -Forthrightness
                -Haldeman’s telephone call concerning leave of absence
                -Advice to President
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Well, what did you know?
I just had corned beef hash and a couple of eggs and some bacon.
Well, I just had corned beef hash and a couple of eggs and some creamed spinach.
Isn't that great?
That's really funny.
Isn't that interesting?
Well, you've got to put that in your little diary.
Yeah, I will.
I've lost a little weight in the last four or five days.
I didn't realize that I'm down to about 169, which is the lowest in about five years, but nevertheless.
Well, I cured that problem because one of our former neighbors brought by our big chocolate cake, which is good luck, so I gave you a piece of that.
Great.
I had one thought, which I'd like for you to do.
I'm just thinking of people to talk to, you know, and this and that.
I agree, Rogers is a pretty good act.
You've made a decision, but not in making it.
Would you agree?
After you've made it, I mean.
Yeah, probably.
Because, you know what I mean, you hit the nail on the head when he said he isn't going to stick his neck out as to what the hell to do.
Connelly, on the other hand, is, you know, he'll give you his views, won't he?
Yep.
Would you run the leave of absence by him as of this time?
Sure.
Call me back.
Or you don't want to try him ACI?
You see, he's in California, so you've got three hours different track time.
I'll see if I can get him.
Or are you having dinner?
No, I'm through.
Let me see if I can get him.
It's just a thought, just a thought.
I mean, it's before we think about it tomorrow.
Maybe I'd just like to have his feeling, but I have a feeling it's the right decision at this time.
I really think it is, you know.
I mean, it's, sure, it's a half measure, but damn it, it's the right measure.
It's what I feel best about, and I want you to tell him that, and I want his view on it, and I may call him myself, but
I want him to give us code.
He knows.
He talks to you just like he talks to me, doesn't he?
Mm-hmm.
I think so.
But if you don't feel like calling Bob, don't.
No, no, I do.
I think it's a good idea.
All right.
Okay.
Right.
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