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Conversation 664-001

TapeTape 664StartWednesday, February 2, 1972 at 8:51 AMEndWednesday, February 2, 1972 at 9:10 AMTape start time00:15:41Tape end time00:16:51ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operatorRecording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon discusses political strategy and the anticipated public reaction to his upcoming diplomatic visit to China with a White House operator. He expresses confidence that the trip will be viewed favorably, emphasizing that the mission serves as a diplomatic opening rather than a final conclusion. The conversation also touches upon domestic political challenges, specifically mentioning internal frustrations regarding Senator Kenneth Keating.

ChinaForeign PolicyDomestic PoliticsKenneth KeatingDiplomacy
AudioNARA Description

On February 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:51 am and 9:10 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 664-001 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 664-1

Date: February 2, 1972
Time: Unknown between 8:51 am and 9:10 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with the White House operator.

[See Conversation No. 20-16]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 mean from a domestic standpoint, that's all he writes about domestic politics.
No, virtually no.
No, we get away with that.
When I talked to Nelson about Keating yesterday, he was babbling all over the place.
It was a tremendous thing to watch.
You know something that we've got to bear in mind?
I don't want everything I know, job, whatever, but the... the... the character challenge is just when I have one massive
I don't think it's going to be unfavorable.
I just can't.
It's going to be favorable.
Unless these Chinese let us down completely, they're going to let these people in cotton wool.
It's just going to be such a... You've laid the groundwork awfully well for this.
This is an opening, not a conclusion.
It's not too expected.
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