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Conversation 196-023

TapeTape 196StartSunday, July 23, 1972 at 2:01 PMEndSunday, July 23, 1972 at 2:10 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman evaluate recent television media appearances by political figures, specifically focusing on the performance of a candidate who pledged to remain in the Democratic Party. The discussion highlights the administration's assessment of interview tactics, media scrutiny, and the perceived effectiveness of the candidate's messaging. Nixon ultimately concludes that their preferred candidate outperformed the opposition, dismissing the significance of the media coverage as largely inconsequential.

Media relationsPolitical strategy1972 electionDemocratic PartyTelevision interviews
AudioNARA Description

On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 2:01 pm to 2:10 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-023 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 196-23

Date: July 23, 1972
Time: 2:01 pm - 2:10 pm
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

The President talked with H.R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

[See Conversation No. 136-26; one item has been withdrawn]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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Well, I gave John a call.
I told him, I said, you know, you're the best at this if anybody ever was.
You know, they, they throw all those things in there.
I mean, they give, even Turgars wasn't given any softballs.
And, uh, but, well, yeah, yeah.
How did they, uh, but didn't you need it?
Well, I thought it was a quotation from Hamlet or any of them, too.
for that kind of audience.
And also his saying today, he's gonna stay in the Democratic Party.
He's not gonna work for Democrats for the House and the Senate.
You know, that's really a singer, probably his own logic, but it's exactly the right line.
Very good.
How did the other one come out?
Did you watch the other one?
Did they give him any hard ones?
Just follow what we anticipate.
I suppose they give 10, they're not gonna get that money.
Huh?
Sure.
Jesus Christ.
God only did it well to him when he murdered one of them.
He murdered him twice.
But you notice how they didn't raise him.
They gave him one in one hand.
You're on the fence with these two.
You can never win that.
Lord calls him to death.
He's in prison for sure.
Me?
Me?
Me?
Me?
Me?
Me?
Me?
Me?
Did they raise the debate question?
What did he say about that?
Did they raise the point of his change of position?
Oh, you know.
What he even said is irrelevant.
It really doesn't matter that much.
You know what I mean?
He doesn't really make that much of a... As a matter of fact, my governor didn't make much of a note of what he said.
What did you say?
Well, from our view, he goes on a...
They didn't get any, uh, what reporters were on, if anything, in front of the media.
It was boring, you know.
So, you know, a few times, I think.
No questions.
Well, anyway, I think, I think our, I think our boy was better.
Yeah.
I don't know.
I think they say it's the worst day.
Okay.
Fine.
Fine.
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