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Conversation 019-038

TapeTape 19StartThursday, January 20, 1972 at 6:06 PMEndThursday, January 20, 1972 at 6:08 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Butterfield, Alexander P.;  Finch, Robert H.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon calls Robert H. Finch to express sympathy regarding Finch’s recent health struggles and to discuss the reception of the President's recent State of the Union address. The two men reflect on the speech's tone, specifically praising the strategic use of references to Harry S. Truman to highlight the administration's legislative positioning. Nixon emphasizes the importance of his upcoming policy agenda, framing the final year of his term as the 'fourth quarter' requiring decisive action.

Robert H. FinchState of the Union addressHarry S. TrumanHealth and wellnessPolitical strategyAdministration objectives
AudioNARA Description

On January 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Alexander P. Butterfield, and Robert H. Finch talked on the telephone from 6:06 pm to 6:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-038 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 19-38

Date: January 20, 1972
Time: 6:06 pm - 6:08 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President conferred with Alexander P. Butterfield.

The President talked with Robert H. Finch.

[See Conversation No. 652-15B]

     Finch's health
          -The President's conversation with Butterfield
                -Carol (Crothers) Finch

     The President's previous “State of the Union” speech
          -Tone
          -Harry S. Truman
               -The President’s support for programs

     Finch's health
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hello.
Mr. Finch, Mr. President.
Okay.
There you are.
This ring is constantly supposed to... Hello.
Yes, sir.
Well, I just wanted to say I was so sorry to learn from Alex you had to stay in bed, but I wish you well, and I'll tell Carol to drink your booze.
That's fair enough.
Right, right.
That was a hell of a speech.
Yeah.
It went very well.
Yeah.
You didn't get down, did you?
No, sir.
I watched it on television.
Thank God.
Don't go.
Don't ever go to those bands.
There was such a pain in the neck.
No, it went very well.
You got a monkey right in their back.
Well, you know, I decided to be very conciliatory in the rest, but then that lays it open for us to draw the sword four or five months from now when they haven't done a damn thing.
I like the reference of Truman, and that was good stuff.
Truman, yeah, yeah.
That I support, which I did.
I supported his darn programs.
What do you got, the flu again, Bob?
It's an infection in the ear.
It started with that damn virus.
In the ear?
Yeah.
It makes you a little bit dizzy, and I've got to get it knocked out.
They gave me some more antibiotics yesterday.
Oh, boy.
You take care.
You take care.
After all, on the 20th, this is the beginning of the fourth quarter, so we've got to score a couple of touchdowns.
We're going to go all the way.
Okay.
Yes, sir.
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