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Conversation 334-016

TapeTape 334StartTuesday, May 2, 1972 at 10:35 AMEndTuesday, May 2, 1972 at 10:37 AMTape start time01:51:42Tape end time01:54:02ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the management and timing of the public announcement regarding the death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon expresses concerns about the optics of the situation, insisting that the announcement be handled in a way that maximizes his own presidential impact. He directs Haldeman to bypass bureaucratic formalities and expedite the process to ensure he can deliver his statement on his own terms.

J. Edgar HooverDeath of public officialsPublic relationsWhite House communicationsBureaucratic procedure
AudioNARA Description

On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 10:35 am to 10:37 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-016 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 334-16

Date: May 2, 1972
Time: 10:35 am - 10:37 am
Location: Executive Office Building

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

[See Conversation No. 23-103]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
I know that I... Well, it's...
I don't want to walk out there.
I think it's announcing the death.
It's an octopus.
It's an octopus.
Because I don't think, you see my point is that if I'm to do it, I should get it with my own impact right then.
I don't understand what I mean.
If the death is announced and I'm going out and reading the statement to the press or making the statement to the press about the death of J. Edgar Hooker, so what the hell is that?
You see my point?
After all, we...
Quiet boat, 30 minutes ago, and I've been ready all the time.
I've been waiting for, waiting for everybody to know what's the situation.
The connection to mine is going out the same.
I, I regret it.
I have a, I have a sad feeling for the part of me with the death of the editor for a long time.
The editor who died last night.
I'm going to sleep.
They want to make this announcement, I'll just get rid of the red tape.
BANG!
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