President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the timing and messaging strategy for an upcoming speech regarding the contentious issue of busing. They coordinate on how to frame the administration's stance for the press and prepare for potential scrutiny from major outlets like the Washington Post and New York Times. The dialogue includes considerations of how this policy will be perceived by various political stakeholders, including Congress and black voters, as well as the potential for legislative or constitutional actions.
On March 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 9:14 pm to 9:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-088 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 21-88 Date: March 16, 1972 Time: 9:14 pm - 9:17 pm Location: White House Telephone The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman. [See Conversation No. 323-25] Press briefings -Haldeman’s previous conversation with John D. Ehrlichman -Ronald L. Ziegler -Timing -Speech on busing -Message to Congress -Cabinet Busing -Charles W. Colson -Issue -Blacks -Washington Post -New York Times -Edmund S. Muskie -Hubert H. Humphrey -Moratorium -Congress -Courts -Constitutional amendment
No transcript is available for this conversation. The audio may not contain audible speech, or the recording may not yet have been processed.