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Conversation 015-087

TapeTape 15StartMonday, November 22, 1971 at 11:15 AMEndMonday, November 22, 1971 at 11:16 AMTape start time02:55:44Tape end time02:57:05ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operator;  Connally, John B.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon calls Treasury Secretary John Connally ahead of a press conference to provide tactical guidance on campaign finance legislation. Nixon directs Connally to leverage a veto threat against Congress, proposing that if the bill is blocked, he will force a special session during the holiday season to compel the passage of his tax agenda. Citing the political precedent of Harry Truman, Nixon empowers Connally to publicly express the administration's firm stance and readiness to force legislative action.

Campaign financeVeto strategyTax legislationCongressional special sessionHarry S. TrumanJohn B. Connally
AudioNARA Description

On November 22, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John B. Connally talked on the telephone from 11:15 am to 11:16 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 015-087 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 15-87

Date: November 22, 1971
Time: 11:15 am - 11:16 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with the White House operator.

     John B. Connally

The President talked with Connally.

[See also Conversation No. 621-44F]

     Connally's press conference
         -Campaign funding
                -Threat of veto
                -Congressional special session
                      -Tax Bill
                      -Harry S Truman example
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

John?
Yes, sir.
Just wanted to tell you good luck before you went on.
And I had to tell you that on the campaign funding we discussed last night.
I, frankly, just working on it this morning, I finally understood it.
I just think we've got to hold that veto threat right over their heads.
That's where I lean.
I want you to know that in case it comes up.
I'm sure it'll come up.
And if it does, and I want you to say that you've discussed it with the president, or how do you feel you should have it?
I think I ought to say I've discussed it with you, and that you have grave concern about it.
And that it's seriously, that you feel that under the circumstances that...
Now, here's a strategy that I have in mind.
If we veto your information, what we will do is that I will veto and then call the Congress back into special session before Christmas.
And I'll keep the bastards here right through until they pass the tax bill, you see.
Everybody knows of you.
Now, that's the way to play this game.
If they're going to play this, we'll pull a Harry Truman on them.
Mm-hmm.
Yes, sir.
So we're not without tools.
Right.
But I think you can take very strong.
Well, I don't hold you.
I know that, as I am, I'd like to keep going, but I just wish you well.
Everybody's going to be watching.
You go on 1130?
Yes, sir.
Okay.
Good luck.
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