Conversation 725-017

TapeTape 725StartTuesday, May 16, 1972 at 9:57 AMEndTuesday, May 16, 1972 at 9:59 AMTape start time02:00:36Tape end time02:03:30ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Rebozo, Charles G. ("Bebe")Recording deviceOval Office

President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo discuss the recent assassination attempt on Alabama Governor George Wallace, focusing on the assailant’s political background and the public reaction. Nixon notes that he has ordered Secret Service protection for Senator Ted Kennedy and offered the presidential suite for Wallace's potential recuperation. The conversation reflects Nixon’s desire to project a sense of presidential concern and bipartisanship in the wake of the violent incident.

George WallaceAssassination attemptSecret Service protectionTed KennedyPolitical violencePresidential security

On May 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles G. ("Bebe") Rebozo met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:57 am and 9:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 725-017 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 725-17

Date: May 16, 1972
Time: Between 9:57 am and 9:59 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with Charles G. ("Bebe") Rebozo.

      [See Conversation 24-144]

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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, that day, 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.
Yeah.
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 .
Yeah.
Today I'd like to offer the presidential suite and that's for recuperation if he wants it.
Yeah.
Well, does the NIC-50 see the service manual?
50, not with me, but about probably... Yeah.
Yeah.
Well, they're going to just let it go.
Yeah.
Hello, did he?
That wasn't a terrible thing.
I tried to call you last night.
Okay.