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Conversation 282-040

TapeTape 282StartWednesday, October 20, 1971 at 6:11 PMEndWednesday, October 20, 1971 at 6:17 PMTape start time02:45:01Tape end time02:46:05ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the strategic communication and drafting process for the upcoming announcement of Supreme Court nominees. Nixon emphasized the necessity of employing a skilled writer, specifically mentioning William L. Safire, to ensure the speech is effectively crafted for public delivery. The conversation focused on the importance of selecting the right tone and reporter-like precision to articulate the appointments clearly.

Supreme Court appointmentsSpeechwritingWilliam L. SafirePublic relationsWhite House communications
AudioNARA Description

On October 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:11 pm and 6:17 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 282-040 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 282-40

Date: October 20, 1971
Time: Unknown between 6:11 pm and 6:17 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

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

     Announcement of Supreme Court appointees
         -Writer
              -William L. Safire
              -Contents of speech
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

You have to have a very fast writer, of course, on this.
It's important.
I think it's better to stop by on the line.
The line is you take, you don't need to know the net.
There's a way to know whether it's easy to read, but it's just something to say.
You have to be a writer.
You have to be a reporter.
You have to be a reporter.
You have to be a reporter.
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