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Conversation 500-002

TapeTape 500StartTuesday, May 18, 1971 at 7:26 AMEndTuesday, May 18, 1971 at 7:55 AMTape start time00:04:27Tape end time00:06:28ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon dictates a memorandum to H. R. Haldeman outlining political messaging strategies intended to appeal to the "far right" while neutralizing critics on the left. The President emphasizes the importance of projecting a bold, courageous image regarding his foreign policy—specifically Vietnam—and his economic agenda, including the Family Assistance Plan and budget priorities. This guidance serves as an directive for the White House staff to adopt a more assertive posture in public communications and future press conferences.

White House messagingFar rightVietnam WarFamily Assistance PlanBudget policyPublic relations
AudioNARA Description

On May 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:26 am and 7:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 500-002 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 500-2

Date: May 18, 1971
Time: Unknown between 7:26 am and 7:55 am
Location: Oval Office

The President dictated a memorandum to H.R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

     "Far Right"

     Family Assistance Plan

     Balanced budget

     President's foreign policy
           -Vietnam

     President's news conferences

     "The Left"

     White House staff
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

On further reflection to LR's direct approach to dealing with weather, as far as the far right is concerned, they claim to be pleased with the bad existence and unfathomable budget, and as I have indicated,
Strong, courageous, bold.
Analysis of possessions.
Intention to indicate that mind are bold.
to where his country sort of suffocates his memories.
It must have gotten through to most people as, you know, editorial critics on the left.
That would be great.
Yes, and probably our own staff.
All those...
Sorry, I don't comprehend the... Go off.
Fight for us.
Yes!
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