President Nixon dictated a letter to Republican Representative Robert C. Wilson to express gratitude for his long-standing leadership and service to the party. The discussion reviewed past political challenges, including the economic downturns of 1958 and 1970, while analyzing the party’s historical performance in congressional campaigns. Ultimately, the President used the correspondence to foster morale and set an optimistic strategic foundation for potential Republican gains in the 1974 midterm elections.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:18 pm and 2:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-038 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 416-38
Date: March 15, 1973
-45-
NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. Mar.-09)
Conversation No. 416-38 (cont’d)
Time: Unknown between 1:18 pm and 2:48 pm
Location: Executive Office Building
The President dictated a letter to Robert C. (“Bob”) Wilson.
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[Previous PRMPA Personal Returnable (G) withdrawal reviewed under deed of gift during
chronological review 2007-2013]
Answer to letter of March 14
-Appreciation for work for Republican Party
-1950 campaign
-1956 campaign
-1960 campaign
-Contribution to party
-Congressional races
-Fortunes of Republican Party
-Congressional majorities
-1958 recession
-1970 economic downturn
-Impact on election
1974 election
-Republican gains
-Wilson’s role
-Leadership
*****************************************************************************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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.