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Conversation 133-018

TapeTape 133StartThursday, June 8, 1972 at 4:25 PMEndThursday, June 8, 1972 at 4:26 PMTape start time03:03:24Tape end time03:04:34ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceCamp David Study Table
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss Henry Kissinger’s critical assessment of a pending presidential speech, which Kissinger characterizes as overly euphoric and reminiscent of George McGovern’s tone. Haldeman relays Kissinger’s advice to avoid foreign policy rhetoric to maintain a position of supremacy, a sentiment with which Nixon concurs. The conversation concludes with a brief mention of Charles Colson’s concerns regarding an upcoming appearance at a Rotary event in Houston and an agreement to meet in person to finalize their approach.

SpeechwritingForeign PolicyHenry KissingerGeorge McGovernPublic RelationsCharles Colson
AudioNARA Description

On June 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone at Camp David from 4:25 pm to 4:26 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 133-018 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 133-18

Date: June 8, 1972
Time: 4:25-4:26 pm
Location: Camp David Study Table (telephone)

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

[See Conversation No. 193-25]

     Speech draft
          -Henry A. Kissinger's review
               -Tone
               -Style
                     -George S. McGovern
               -Discussion of foreign policy
                     -Impact
                     -Charles W. Colson
                          -Rotary speech

     Haldeman forthcoming meeting with the 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

yeah mr haldeman for you yeah go ahead sir hello yes sir yeah uh henry's gone over the speech and uh he it's interesting i didn't give him your reaction at all i just said you wanted to get a feel of what he thought of it and he said it's it's too peacenicky and too euphoric yeah and he said it's not nixon at all yeah i know that he his whole strength is that he's been tough and peaceful where this sounds like mcgovern
Yeah, yeah.
And his view is that, in the first place, you shouldn't talk about foreign policy at all for a while, that you don't need it.
You'll detract from both Moscow and your congressional speeches, and that you're in a position of supremacy now, and you shouldn't put it to a test because the best you can do is come out even.
Well, I sort of had that feeling.
I've been sitting here working on the damn thing, Bob, and, you know,
Well, let's toss in some other negatives.
I was talking to Chuck again, and he said, God, I hope he isn't going to go down to Houston and do the rotary.
Come on over and let's talk about it over here.
Okay.
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