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Conversation 499-020

TapeTape 499StartFriday, May 14, 1971 at 12:05 PMEndFriday, May 14, 1971 at 12:06 PMTape start time01:36:24Tape end time01:37:30ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Rumsfeld, Donald H.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and Donald Rumsfeld met briefly to discuss the swearing-in of Ellen McConnell and the performance of the Cabinet. They specifically reviewed the contributions of cabinet members John A. Volpe, George W. Romney, John B. Connally, and Clifford M. Hardin. Additionally, they coordinated on the President's upcoming schedule, including remarks to be delivered at a tree-planting ceremony involving Senator Charles H. Percy.

Cabinet performanceEllen McConnellSwearing-in ceremonyWhite House scheduleTree plantingCharles H. Percy
AudioNARA Description

On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Donald H. Rumsfeld met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:05 pm to 12:06 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-020 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 499-20

Date: May 14, 1971
Time: 12:05 pm - 12:06 pm
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Donald H. Rumsfeld

     A call

     A report

     Ellen McConnell
           -Swearing-in, May 14, 1971

     Cabinet's actions
          -John A. Volpe, George W. Romney, John B. Connally, Clifford M. Hardin

     President's schedule
           -Tree planting
                 -President's remarks
                 -Charles H. Percy

The President and Rumsfeld left at 12:06 pm.
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

I'm anxious to know two things.
One is Ellen McConnell and her parents are on the left near Chuck.
She was sworn in at 10 o'clock this morning as one of the first female patients.
Oh, yes.
Secondly, your cabinet has done a darn good job.
Hershey had both been romping and cuddling.
So...
What do you want me to say to him?
I've got to give it an awful lot of respect.
I think, uh, he's a nice little person, but if he wasn't a person, you know, he might just, you know, be a good guy.
And, uh, and I think, uh, uh, that's what people think.
Yeah, yeah.
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