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Conversation 619-025

TapeTape 619StartTuesday, November 16, 1971 at 12:25 PMEndTuesday, November 16, 1971 at 12:28 PMTape start time02:26:54Tape end time02:29:40ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Grassmuck, George L.;  Butterfield, Alexander P.;  White House photographerRecording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon met with George L. Grassmuck and Alexander P. Butterfield for a brief, informal session that included a photo opportunity and the presentation of gifts. The discussion touched upon personal history, including past campaign experiences and health-related anecdotes from Nixon's time as Vice President. Additionally, the President briefly discussed the political future of Robert H. Finch, emphasizing the importance of his current work before pursuing a potential Senate bid.

Robert H. FinchCampaign historySenate prospectsWhite House photographyGift presentation
AudioNARA Description

On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, George L. Grassmuck, Alexander P. Butterfield, and White House photographer met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:25 pm to 12:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-025 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 619-25

Date: November 16, 1971
Time: 12:25 pm - 12:28 pm
Location: Oval Office

The President met with George L. Grassmuck and Alexander P. Butterfield; the White House
photographer was present at the beginning of the meeting.

     Grassmuck
          -Plans
          -Experiences with the President
               -1968 campaign
               -Injury as Vice President

     John C. (“Johnny”) Unitas

     Grassmuck
          -Work with Robert H. Finch

     Finch
          -Future
               -Senate

     Presentation of gifts by the President

     Golf ball

     Grassmuck's daughters

Grassmuck and Butterfield left at 12:28 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Well, George, you want to pass me?
Yes, sir, if the game is right.
Come on over here.
Let's get it.
You never got a picture before.
Here.
Now, let's look out and get it.
Well, I must say, going back to the 60s, and Luter, and that kind of thing,
All the years since then and now, I think one of the best times I've had was when he cracked his ribs.
But he had three fractures in his arm.
Oh, boy, yes.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I remember that was a murderous time.
Well, I must say, you really got called down on us.
I was out of my house.
I almost died.
I can't hold it.
But you were sitting in my chair and you carried on for another hour with me.
I don't know.
I never had a student do anything like that again.
Well, you've just been a Taurus friend.
You've been a great help to Bob.
He's just got it.
He belongs inside.
That's his...
That's his father.
He's still a strong man.
He's around the corner.
He's got to get through after this year and he can start running.
He must not lose this year.
That's the main thing.
Next year, he's ready.
Right at this age.
He's a health center.
Well, I do remember that night you gave me the oldest one.
I don't know if you want to draw a ball for me.
Have you got an old one?
No, I never have.
It's just gold, by the way.
Thank you very much.
What about children?
All right, I'll get it.
I'll be on the same track.
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