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Conversation 326-017

TapeTape 326StartFriday, March 24, 1972 at 1:12 PMEndFriday, March 24, 1972 at 1:16 PMTape start time02:14:11Tape end time02:16:34ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob");  Nixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss political maneuvering surrounding legislative efforts to address Section 315 equal-time requirements for television broadcasts. Nixon expresses concern that Democrats are manipulating these regulations to force candidate debates and gain free airtime while exploiting minority party candidates. The conversation also touches on broader strategies to attack the Democratic opposition regarding their stance on controversial social issues, including school racial balancing.

Section 315Equal time ruleTelevision debatesDemocratic PartyRacial balancingPolitical strategy
AudioNARA Description

On March 24, 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 1:12 pm and 1:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 326-017 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 326-17

Date: March 24, 1972
Time: Unknown between 1:12 pm and 1:16 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

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

     Pending legislation
          -Section 315 on equal time

                -The President’s previous call to Charles W. Colson
                -Democrats
                -Possible candidate debates
                -Television
                     -Minor candidates
                -The President’s view

     Peter M. Flanigan
           -John D. Ehrlichman
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

They said he just knocked their brains out.
We're on the offensive on the issue.
All right.
Right.
Good.
Good.
Start coming a little.
That's right.
Good.
And putting the Democrats on the side of Jordanians.
They're trying to torpedo this thing.
They aren't cooperating with the country.
Good.
What is the right guarantee for the 14th Amendment?
No protection of the laws.
And that's what it is.
Racial balance is not a right guarantee for the Portuguese government, and fussing is not a right guarantee for the Portuguese government.
How the hell is racial balance?
In a school.
Equal protection to the law.
Okay.
Bye.
Anything new?
Colson just told me about that.
I didn't.
They were catching a paper about the Senate ruling on that 315 thing.
I don't know about you.
The Democrats were doing that for just to get free television.
Oh, no, no, no.
It goes beyond that.
They know I'm not going to be there.
No, but...
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