Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 141
Nixon White House Tape 141 (September 10, 1972)
2 conversations · Camp David Study Table · about 10 min of released audio
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent telephone connection with Charles W. Colson. The exchange served as a logistical request to initiate a direct conversation between the President and his special counsel. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss campaign strategies, specifically emphasizing the necessity for Cabinet members and the administration to proactively attack George McGovern's positions rather than defending against media criticism. The conversation touches upon the political impact of the grain deal, the perceived shift in atmosphere on university campuses, and the potential electoral benefit of highlighting controversies surrounding black athletes at the Olympics. Additionally, the pair evaluates the political risks of presidential outreach to Olympic figures like Mark Spitz versus the established support of Bobby Fischer.