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Conversation 330-015

TapeTape 330StartWednesday, April 5, 1972 at 11:43 AMEndWednesday, April 5, 1972 at 11:44 AMTape start time02:21:19Tape end time02:21:46ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Colson, Charles W.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss campaign strategy regarding the potential inclusion of marijuana legalization as a political issue. Nixon seeks advice on whether to take a firm stance against legalization to appeal to parental concerns, rather than limiting anti-drug rhetoric to heroin. Colson argues that opposing legalization would resonate with a broad base, including younger individuals who do not support the drug's widespread use.

Campaign StrategyMarijuana LegalizationDrug PolicyElectoral PoliticsPublic Opinion
AudioNARA Description

On April 5, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 11:43 am to 11:44 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 330-015 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 330-15

Date: April 5, 1972
Time: 11:43 am - 11:44 am
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with Charles W. Colson.

[See Conversation No. 22-86]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Let me say, I have decided to run.
I think that we just run.
Let's try.
That's an issue.
If we do it that way, I want to put it there however, what they want to do.
I'm against the legalization of marijuana.
I know this stuff is carefully left out.
You know what I mean?
It will be dealt only with heroin.
Don't you think I should put it in?
Or do you?
Why not raise that issue?
Why limit it to heroin?
The legalization of marijuana.
And the argument is the settlement of the kid matter is...
I think you shouldn't have that.
It will make the parents happy.
The parents are the ones that are going to vote for the kids.
And the marijuana-smoking kids are the ones that are going to have to get home a lot of the time.
I don't think so.
It's not your kids.
In fact, your kids are the ones who don't want to...
There's a lot of kids who say, for God's sake, don't legalize it.
Harder.
Yeah, kids who use marijuana.
One friend of my daughter's.
Okay, good.
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