Conversation 316-008

TapeTape 316StartTuesday, January 25, 1972 at 2:55 PMEndTuesday, January 25, 1972 at 4:35 PMTape start time01:58:30Tape end time02:03:19ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building

AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the final logistical and presentational preparations for a forthcoming televised address regarding Vietnam. The discussion focused on managing the President's appearance, including makeup and wardrobe choices, while also touching upon the scheduling of meetings with bipartisan congressional leaders. They further deliberated on the management of White House staff and the anticipated press strategy led by communications officials to ensure favorable coverage.

Vietnam speechPublic relationsWhite House staffTelevision appearanceMedia strategy

Audio

NARA Description

On January 25, 1972, 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 2:55 pm and 4:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 316-008 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 316-8

Date: January 25, 1972
Time: Unknown between 2:55 pm and 4:35 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

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

     The President's forthcoming Vietnam speech
          -Make-up
               -Timing
               -Mark I. Goode [?]
               -Herbert G. Klein
                      -Press
               -Residence

          -Meeting with bipartisan leaders
          -Suit
                -Previous wear
          -Ronald L. Ziegler
                -Henry A. Kissinger
          -White House staff
                -Budget
                     -Press coverage

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

set up the business about the makeup and so forth.

I thought we should do it on the 7 o'clock.

I just said, do it, get it over with.

It's better than having a father in the river.

Also, I was out there.

I think I was in the bus here.

I was in this room over here.

It takes him 15 minutes or so.

I had to go.

I got to go.

I just didn't have time.

I didn't have time to break the lock.

Your idea is better than mine.

How old?

I'm going to see if you want to come over.

Okay.

I'm going to see if you want to come over.

I don't think it makes a whole lot of sense.

All right, fine.

Ziegler seems to be pleased with what he says.

It's a bunch of bad coffee.

Yeah.

I know that, as you said, but even sometimes I don't.

The staff, other friends, we just sit here.

I never think of it that way.

We hear about it so much, you know, and I wouldn't be on the quick offer to do it.

But, yeah, I just want to ask you a question.

The pleasure of making your own story.

Yeah.

I know that, as you said, but even sometimes I don't staff.

All right.

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