Conversation 717-008

TapeTape 717StartTuesday, May 2, 1972 at 11:16 AMEndTuesday, May 2, 1972 at 11:17 AMTape start time00:20:49Tape end time00:22:55ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Johnson, Lyndon B.Recording deviceOval Office

AI Summary

President Nixon and former President Lyndon B. Johnson engaged in a brief discussion regarding the political risks of replacing leadership within a specific government agency during a contentious legislative period. Nixon expressed his reluctance to remove the current director, citing the need for institutional stability while facing a significant political struggle in the Senate. The conversation served as a moment of informal political alignment between the two presidents regarding the management of federal appointments.

Presidential appointmentsSenate relationsPolitical strategyExecutive leadershipLyndon B. Johnson

Audio

NARA Description

On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:16 am to 11:17 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-008 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 717-8

Date: May 2, 1972
Time: 11:16-11:17 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with Lyndon B. Johnson.

[See Conversation No. 23-109]

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 tried to reach you before, but you were out in some place, right?

Well, one thing about it, you know, they were accurate, and a lot of people were trying to get me to fire them, and I told them earlier this year, I said, look, I said, this is no time to change directors because we have a hell of a fight in the Senate, and a political fight, and so at least the outfit is detractors.

I hope...

Oh, I know that.

Yeah.

Bye.

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