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Conversation 725-018

TapeTape 725StartTuesday, May 16, 1972 at 9:59 AMEndTuesday, May 16, 1972 at 10:00 AMTape start time02:03:30Tape end time02:04:49ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operatorRecording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon discusses the recent assassination attempt on George Wallace with a White House operator, expressing skepticism about the shooter's political affiliation and motives. He highlights his decision to order Secret Service coverage for Ted Kennedy and contrasts the massive security detail assigned to the Kennedy family with his own philosophy on presidential risk. The conversation serves as a reflection on political violence and the logistical challenges of protecting high-profile public figures.

George WallaceAssassination attemptSecret ServiceTed KennedyPolitical violence
AudioNARA Description

On May 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:59 am and 10:00 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 725-018 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 725-18

Date: May 16, 1972
Time: Unknown between 9:59 am and 10:00 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with the White House operator.

      [See Conversation No. 24-145]

                                          (rev. Jan-02)
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
The guy is crazy, probably.
See, he was wearing balls buttons, but we find he was a member of the Wisconsin Young Democrats.
So, of course, that's a very left-wing outfit, so you can't tell.
I don't know.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
What's the reaction down there?
Yeah.
You noticed that I ordered coverage for Kennedy.
Yeah.
I made a little statement, too, if you noticed.
Did that come through without locking the barrel down there?
Yeah.
Today I'd like to offer the presidential suite and that's very good preparation if you want.
Yeah.
Well, he had 50 secret service men.
50, not with him, but about probably 25 with him, but he had 50 assigned to him.
For eight years, his vice president had two.
You know, and, uh, and, uh, and got share with these dudes in the bar.
And, uh, and so what the hell?
And if anyone wants to kill you, you can take the ticket.
That means that... For me, hell no.
I'm a mutant.
Back to what I used to be.
I'm out of home.
You can't be afraid.
Turn away and be afraid.
Yeah, yeah.
He was a hell of a bad shot, or if not, Wallace would be dead.
Oh, yeah.
The poor fellow may get a carol, probably.
Yeah, yeah.
Thank God.
Well, I have to tell you, I've been hoping to be down Saturday with the dogs for two weeks, and Saturday morning.
All right.
All right, fine.
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