← 140-030140-032 →

Conversation 140-031

TapeTape 140StartThursday, August 17, 1972 at 11:02 PMEndThursday, August 17, 1972 at 11:04 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceCamp David Study Table
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the preparation of the President's upcoming acceptance speech, specifically evaluating the writing contributions of John K. Andrews, Jr. and Aram Bakshian. Nixon expresses concerns over the overly religious and "sappy" tone of Andrews's drafts, mandating that he adopt a sharper style similar to Bakshian's. The pair decides to have Andrews adjust his approach to meet Nixon's requirements, with plans for him to join the President's team around the time of Ronald Reagan's scheduled visit.

Acceptance speechJohn K. Andrews, Jr.Aram BakshianSpeechwritingRonald Reagan
AudioNARA Description

On August 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone at Camp David from 11:02 pm to 11:04 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 140-031 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 140-31

Date: August 17, 1972
Time: 11:02 pm - 11:04 pm
Location: Camp David Study Table

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

                                       (rev. Mar-02)

[See Conversation No. 204-6]

     The President’s forthcoming acceptance speech
          -Help for President
               -John K. Andrews, Jr.
               -Aram Bakshian's style
               -Andrews
                     -Use of Biblical material

     The President's schedule
          -Andrews
          -Ronald W. Reagan visit
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

On reflection, hello?
Yes, sir.
I think that it's probably better to have Andrews because his stuff doesn't fit as well, basically.
It's a little sappy, and you know what I mean.
He'll adapt, though.
But he does adapt.
I'll just have to tell him he has to do it the way I want to.
Sure.
And not get himself involved in the other things.
He will, and he tries.
There's no ego problem with him, you know, in any of that.
He's done it before, too.
All right.
The other guy I'm going to work with at some future time because he has a style that's closer to mine.
He's damn good, but I don't think you can do it with two.
Well, let me tell Andrews that and have him read Bakshin's stuff.
Yeah, Bakshin's is more bite.
It's bitey.
And I don't mean, I'm not referring to the substance so much.
But Andrew's substance, he's got a, I think probably because he's
He's got a lot of stuff about religion and other things in there, you know, the Bible and et cetera that St. James and so forth that we just can't use.
But that's all right.
He'll learn.
I'm sure he'll.
He has to.
He'll just have to adjust to what we're going to have to do here.
He will.
He's just taking it as there's no hurry.
But he can come up.
Okay?
Yeah.
You want him up first thing in the morning?
No, no hurry.
Bye.
Noon.
Okay.
Or come up when Reagan comes if he wants.
Okay.
Okay, fine.
All right.
Reagan's at three tomorrow now, is that right?
Mm-hmm.
← 140-030140-032 →