President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the strategic implications of avoiding televised presidential debates during the 1972 election cycle. Nixon expresses concern that agreeing to debates would inadvertently provide major television networks and opposing candidates with millions of dollars in free airtime. Ultimately, the President characterizes his refusal to debate as a tactical move to deny his political rivals a significant media advantage.
On March 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:16 pm to 1:17 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 326-018 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 326-18 Date: March 24, 1972 Time: 1:16 pm - 1:17 pm Location: Executive Office Building The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler. [See Conversation No. 22-15]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.