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Conversation 034-065

TapeTape 34StartWednesday, December 13, 1972 at 4:47 PMEndWednesday, December 13, 1972 at 4:48 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Friedman, MiltonRecording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon telephoned economist Milton Friedman to offer his personal best wishes ahead of Friedman’s upcoming heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic. Informed of the procedure by George Shultz, Nixon expressed his high regard for Friedman’s intellect and importance to the nation. The brief exchange focused on morale and well-wishes, with Nixon encouraging a swift recovery.

Milton FriedmanGeorge P. ShultzHealthSurgeryMayo Clinic
AudioNARA Description

On December 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Milton Friedman talked on the telephone from 4:47 pm to 4:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 034-065 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 34-65

Date: December 13, 1972
Time: 4:47 pm - 4:48 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Milton Friedman.

[See Conversation No. 822-11B]

       Friedman’s health
            -George P. Shultz
            -Mayo Clinic
            -Heart surgery
                                                 -53-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                         (rev. Dec.-07)
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hello.
Yeah.
We have reached Professor Friedman and he was in the hotel.
He hadn't checked into the hospital.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Okay.
There you are.
Hello.
Hello.
Milton?
Yes.
I had just learned from George Schultz that you were going up to Mayo for an operation.
And I wanted you to know we just wish you the best.
And when I said, what are they operating on?
I said, you're operating on his heart.
I said, fine, that's okay.
I said, just don't operate on your brain.
So, because we need you.
Well, that's very thoughtful and kind of you.
Well, I'll tell you, I know these things must be quite an experience to go through.
But they told me they're the best in the world up there and that...
And also, you're a very tough fellow, you know.
I believe that.
Right.
And I just wish you the very best, and we'll be expecting to see you back with a good heart and the same brain.
I only hope they'll take as good care of me as you've been taking of the country.
Okay.
In case we'll be in fine shape.
Well, that's very kind of you.
And good to talk to you.
Thank you very much.
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