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Conversation 563-001

TapeTape 563StartFriday, August 13, 1971 at 8:59 AMEndFriday, August 13, 1971 at 9:36 AMTape start time00:17:40Tape end time00:20:41ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ehrlichman, John D.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and John Ehrlichman consult on strategies for responding to political criticism regarding the administration's stance on busing and civil rights enforcement. The discussion focuses on maintaining a firm public position that the law does not mandate busing while managing the optics of ongoing attacks from opponents. Nixon instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate the administration's messaging and Q&A preparation to ensure a unified front in upcoming public appearances.

BusingCivil Rights CommissionPolitical StrategyPublic RelationsWhite House Messaging
AudioNARA Description

On August 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:59 am and 9:36 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 563-001 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 563-1
Date: August 13, 1971
Time: Unknown between 8:59 am and 9:36 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with John D. Ehrlichman.
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

What would you do, what would, what would you do on this then?
Just let it go?
How would you let it go?
Oh, I see.
Well, you said we were in the case, John.
We can't get it, everyone.
So that they don't draw any kind of indication.
I think I'll push that can't think of leaving back by 5.30 anyway so that'll be the time to do some Q&A thoughts next because you don't have to stand in the first meeting.
Okay.
With regard to the general position, just remind me, I think it's probably on this bus.
There's sounds of P&J in the middle of it.
We're being attacked today.
There's a little ACP on one side.
It involves the civil rights commission.
It involves the other.
And they're just going to stick right to the thing.
They won't enforce the law.
The law does not require busing.
I mean, they got it on all week.
Or you got it on all week.
All right.
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