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Conversation 297-041

TapeTape 297StartFriday, November 12, 1971 at 2:40 PMEndFriday, November 12, 1971 at 2:41 PMTape start time02:12:08Tape end time02:22:00ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Butterfield, Alexander P.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon consults with Alexander P. Butterfield regarding a pending piece of legislation involving child welfare and family policy. Nixon expresses a firm philosophical objection to government-run child-rearing and explicitly states his refusal to sign the bill. He further discusses Secretary Elliot Richardson’s position on the matter, ultimately resolving to find a pretext to veto the legislation while maintaining his public stance.

Child welfare policyPresidential vetoElliot RichardsonFamily policyLegislative strategy
AudioNARA Description

On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:40 pm to 2:41 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-041 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 297-41

Date: November 12, 1971
Time: 2:40 pm – 2:41 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President met with Alexander P. Butterfield.

       The President's schedule

Butterfield left at an unknown time before 3:55 pm.
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yeah.
Yeah.
John, I got your memorandum regarding Richardson, and I, of course, will follow that line, but I just want to be sure that you know that I have no intention of ever signing that bill.
That was picked up, John, and basically it is philosophical.
It's philosophical, but I can't...
I mean, the money, careful to let you know, I'm simply not going to have that.
I have kids raised by the government rather than by the families, and I know Richardson disagrees with that.
You see?
I don't.
I understand.
Well, I would just simply say I'm not going to comment upon that until I see the report and talk to Secretary Rains.
I'm just not going to comment on it.
It's all about saying what concerns me is that I don't want to see children raised by the government rather than by their families.
Well, it probably won't come up, but there are more important things.
But nevertheless... Yeah, that's right.
Yeah, yeah.
Well, the poor fellow, he's on a tremendous heat from the heat department.
And he's been a damn good soldier.
Just from the Christ nature, he's not doing something like this.
So let's do our best.
I just want you to know I will never sign the deal.
I'll find some other reason to do it.
But you agree, don't you?
Yeah.
Yeah.
All right.
Okay, John.
John.
I don't think we're praying unless there's something that they think.
I don't think this is the case.
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