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Conversation 192-007

TapeTape 192StartFriday, June 9, 1972 at 10:24 AMEndFriday, June 9, 1972 at 10:47 AMTape start time01:21:34Tape end time01:48:58ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Mitchell, John N.Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

President Nixon and John Mitchell discussed the political climate following the President’s recent trip to Moscow and its influence on congressional behavior. The conversation centered on the favorable outcome of a recent legislative vote, noting that even political opponents like Senator Charles Percy had shifted their stance. Nixon expressed a desire to maintain a firm, aggressive posture in his administration's dealings, emphasizing that he should not become overly conciliatory or 'tender' following tough confirmation processes.

Congressional relationsMoscow summitPolitical strategyLegislative votingExecutive authority
AudioNARA Description

On June 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John N. Mitchell met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 10:24 am to 10:47 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 192-007 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 192-7

Date: June 9, 1972
Time:10:24-10:47 am
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

The President talked with John N. Mitchell.

[See Conversation No. 133-26; one item has been withdrawn.]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

I saw a fine picture of you at parties on the front page.
I'm surprised the bastard used such a good one.
Where was that taken?
No.
Yeah, I just tried to call him this morning.
He's in Philadelphia.
By the way, what's he doing up there?
Making a speech or something?
Yeah.
Yeah, you know, the vote was good, John, wasn't it?
Not that it didn't lose the republic, even that Percy turned around, you know.
I see.
He was known for it.
Why do you think he did?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I think, too, that I just had a feeling, John, that, you know, there's always, it's sort of a, after coming back from the Moscow trip and everything, these guys don't kind of want to be in a position of fighting the president too hard every damn thing.
What do you think?
Not that they would love to do it, but, you know, they watch the limits.
They thought they were just too dark and partisan, which they were.
Well, thank God, you know, only 19 votes.
That really is good, and I hope he's rough as hell on people, too.
You know, he shouldn't allow this to make him a little tender.
You understand what I mean?
All right.
You know what I mean?
Connelly mentioned that to me.
He said, you know, he just hopes that Dick doesn't.
Just so many people, when they go through a tough confirmation, that's better than the whip.
He says, don't let him do it.
And I think Connelly's right.
So you let him, you know, keep you.
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