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Conversation 462-011

TapeTape 462StartFriday, March 5, 1971 at 10:46 AMEndFriday, March 5, 1971 at 10:49 AMTape start time02:43:23Tape end time02:46:06ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Colson, Charles W.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the positive reception to the President’s recent press conference and the need to maintain momentum through strategic follow-up. They reviewed the effectiveness of the President's public comments regarding the press and Cambodia, specifically emphasizing a strategy to mobilize support from groups such as veterans and the American Legion. Nixon directed Colson to initiate a 'drumbeat' of public backing to pressure Congress and solidify his administration's messaging.

Press relationsPublic opinionCambodiaPolitical mobilizationWhite House strategyVeterans groups
AudioNARA Description

On March 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:46 am to 10:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 462-011 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 462-11

Date: March 5, 1971
Time: 10:46 am - 10:49 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with Charles W. Colson

     President’s schedule
          -Possible trip to Rochester
                -Potential problems

     President’s March 4, 1971 press conference
          -Need for follow-up
          -Colson’s calls
          -President’s statement about the press
                -Cambodia
          -Supporters
                -Peter J. Brennan
                -Veterans
                      -American Legion
                -Congress
          -President’s response to question
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Well, we didn't have any problems in Rochester today, I understand.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Well, the main thing is, uh, uh, that he, uh...
that there is no reason now for us to go out and run into the possibility of a little possibility, you see.
Yeah.
Right.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Right, right, right.
I think it's important now to follow up on the press thing last night, because you've got something there that's solid, and I think you can find some.
You made some calls, didn't you?
At your usual time.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I see.
Yeah.
I thought that was effective, didn't you?
Voice talking right over their heads.
Yeah.
I didn't run into any of this problem.
No, that's good.
Well, I'm pointing out that if they were wrong, I can't hold you for running.
and how about all of our, how about mobilizing all the groups that we can't go and can't time and can't vote, you know, whatever it's the, there's the veterans and the legion and so forth and so on.
Can we get a little drumbeat started there too?
Well, I think you ought to, I don't think, I wouldn't stop at the Congress, but the Congress would get very good reaction then.
Yeah.
That's the best thing I said last night.
Cheap shot.
Okay, let's do a third line on her.
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