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Conversation 642-014

TapeTape 642StartMonday, January 3, 1972 at 9:19 AMEndMonday, January 3, 1972 at 9:23 AMTape start time02:28:16Tape end time02:33:23ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Rogers, William P.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the public perception and media handling of a recent administrative statement, specifically addressing clarification of past remarks in Time magazine. The President emphasizes the importance of precise messaging to ensure their policy stance remains clear and avoids political volatility. The brief meeting concludes with a procedural note regarding an upcoming departure announcement.

Public relationsMedia managementPolitical strategyPolicy clarificationAdministration messaging
AudioNARA Description

On January 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and William P. Rogers met in the Oval Office of the White House from 9:19 am to 9:23 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 642-014 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 642-14

Date: January 3, 1972
Time: 9:19 am - 9:23 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with William P. Rogers.

[See Conversation No. 18-2]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

No, I didn't.
What's that?
It wasn't the same question about whether it's black or white.
That's right.
Of course they are black and white.
But here again, by giving you a harpoon, he allowed you to put on the record something that he should have known without asking.
But there can be no question now.
In anybody's mind, what you meant by that in the Time magazine, too.
I don't think there are a lot of them, but I'm sure you're able to suggest.
Okay, thank you, sir.
And I'll announce, sir, on 11 today, your departure.
Uh, are you resuming now?
Rogers.
Senator Rogers.
yeah yeah
But I want to be everything we can.
I can't be a city girl or a congressman or anything.
that we have to carry, because it's got a lot of chances to go to hell at this point for us to get in, you know, and all that stuff.
You know what I mean?
Well, the whole point is that what Peterson said is a little bit off my brain.
Because, of course, he's coming off of what we said at the AARP meeting, where we said, you know, that's going to be on our practice.
And the point is that I give the panel a chance to go away.
Yes, you can do what I mean.
But it's good to tell them not to be quiet.
I've talked to people.
We can't move in this direction.
And so we're .
Right?
You've got to say it right.
3.30, yeah.
Well, we have to go over to 3.30 because the other people have come.
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