President Nixon consulted with H. R. Haldeman regarding Clark MacGregor’s performance and the fallout from a recent press conference involving Nelson Rockefeller. The discussion focused on managing political messaging, including the potential for future briefings directed at Cabinet members and the spouses of administration officials. They further addressed Rockefeller’s assessment of MacGregor as they strategized on internal political coordination.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Patrick J. Buchanan, Alexander P. Butterfield, and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 5:35 pm to 5:55 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 352-012 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 352-12
Date: July 26, 1972
Time: 5:35 pm - 5:55 pm
Location: Executive Office Building
The President met with Patrick J. Buchanan.
Michael J. Mansfield
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BEGIN WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 1
[Personal returnable]
[Duration: 54s ]
END WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 1
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Alexander P. Butterfield entered at 5:38 pm.
Unknown items
-Number
Butterfield left at 5:40 pm.
(rev. Mar-02)
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BEGIN WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 2
[Personal returnable]
[Duration: 3m 51s ]
END WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 2
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The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman between 5:40 and 5:48 pm.
[Conversation No. 352-12A]
[See Conversation No. 27-93; one item has been withdrawn]
Clark MacGregor
-The President’s previous conversation with Nelson A. Rockefeller
-Performance during press conference
-Possible briefing for the Cabinet
-Possible briefing for wives of officials
-Rockefeller’s view of MacGregor
-Haldeman’s forthcoming conversation with MacGregor
Herbert J. (“Jackie”) Gleason
MacGregor
[End of telephone conversation]
(rev. Mar-02)
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BEGIN WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 4
[Personal returnable]
[Duration: 6m 50s ]
END WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 4
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Buchanan left at 5:55 pm.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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.