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Conversation 015-095

TapeTape 15StartMonday, November 22, 1971 at 2:25 PMEndMonday, November 22, 1971 at 2:26 PMTape start time03:03:47Tape end time03:04:41ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  MacGregor, ClarkRecording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discussed the strategic potential of threatening a special congressional session to influence legislative voting behavior. MacGregor confirmed he broached the topic with Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott as a way to pressure the Senate to avoid passing an unacceptable bill before their December 15th adjournment. Nixon approved of MacGregor's approach to planting the idea without directly linking it to the President.

Legislative StrategySpecial SessionHugh ScottCongressional RelationsSenate Procedure
AudioNARA Description

On November 22, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Clark MacGregor talked on the telephone from 2:25 pm to 2:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 015-095 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 15-95

Date: November 22, 1971
Time: 2:25 pm - 2:26 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Clark MacGregor.

[See also Conversation No. 293-30B]

     Senate
          -Possibility of special session
               -MacGregor's conversation with Hugh Scott
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Clark, Mr. President.
I wonder if this idea of yours with regard to the fact that they may have a special session for Trump and staring him in the face might swing a vote or two.
Or do you think it's too much to hold up there?
Well, I talked to Hugh Scott about 15 minutes ago, Mr. President.
I didn't go so far with him because, as you know, he takes a ball and runs with it.
But I said to him, I suppose, Hugh, that...
If we had a scenario that went as follows, that you made this the last order of business and you presented the president with an unacceptable bill and you went home on December 15th, the president could always call you back.
And Hugh Scott said, say, he said, maybe that'd be a good idea.
So he's, I planted the idea in his mind without suggesting that it came from you, sir.
Just good that you did.
Okay.
Thank you, sir.
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