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Conversation 372-015

TapeTape 372StartWednesday, October 25, 1972 at 10:11 AMEndWednesday, October 25, 1972 at 10:14 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate media messaging strategy regarding the Vietnam War. Nixon instructs Ziegler to emphasize a contrast between his pursuit of "peace with honor" and the "surrender" advocated by his political opponents. The discussion focuses on crafting a sharp, binary narrative to shape public perception of the administration’s foreign policy.

Vietnam WarPublic relationsElection strategyPeace negotiationsPolitical rhetoric
AudioNARA Description

On October 25, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 10:11 am to 10:14 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 372-015 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 372-15

Date: October 25, 1972
Time: 10:11 am - 10:14 am
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

[See Conversation No. 32-36]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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, you might point out that I had an hour earlier this morning, discussing the various bills that were in my mind.
We presently now are going to have the box office right after, I don't remember, that we had to check the urgent call on Saturday.
In other words, my original friend, who I haven't heard of in a while,
Okay.
Well, my own view is that, yes, I think that this makes me submissive, but I would say, you could say this, that the President is a, that there are two vectors, a very simple one, that the President is for peace and honor, and that his opponents for peace would surrender.
I'm going to write a quote.
Is that clear to you there?
Yes.
Try to use the word surrender if you can, if you can't do that.
Well, anyway.
Yeah, .
All right, all the others?
He has made so many.
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