Conversation 223-018

TapeTape 223StartSunday, October 22, 1972 at 9:57 AMEndSunday, October 22, 1972 at 10:09 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met at Camp David to coordinate their departure schedules and discuss concerns regarding an unnamed individual’s overly optimistic perception of current events. Nixon expressed skepticism toward this individual's outlook, noting a tendency to ignore harsh realities. The two agreed on the necessity of collaborating to manage the narrative surrounding an unspecified "hell of a story" involving potential intruders.

LogisticsPolitical strategyPublic relationsPersonnel management

On October 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 9:57 am to 10:09 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 223-018 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 223-18

Date: October 22, 1972
Time: 9:57 am - 10:09 am
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

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

[See Conversation No. 151-9; two items have been withdrawn]

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

So, I decided I would leave today at 11.30.
I'll leave at 3 o'clock.
I'll leave at 7 o'clock.
I'll leave at 7 o'clock.
Well, not this morning.
Yeah, we just talked to him.
He was doing so-and-so down there.
He was doing so-and-so down there.
He was doing so-and-so down there.
He was doing so-and-so down there.
He was doing so-and-so down there.
He was doing so-and-so down there.
He was doing so-and-so down there.
He was doing so-and-so down there.
and that we
I'm basically more pessimistic because I know how...
He wants to believe what he wants to believe.
The reason for his life, I don't know.
It's just not the right thing that will happen.
I don't know.
I have this one.
It's a hell of a story.
And a lot of people think they're all of us intruders.
I think we need to do it together.
Thank you.