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Conversation 812-001

TapeTape 812StartFriday, November 3, 1972 at 10:15 AMEndFriday, November 3, 1972 at 10:16 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss a Washington Star article concerning the 1968 bugging of Nixon's campaign, strategizing on how to address the allegations. They weigh the necessity of official denials and conclude that the burden of clarification lies with former President Lyndon B. Johnson rather than the White House. The conversation reflects a tactical decision to avoid direct involvement in the controversy while pressuring the Johnson camp to address the story.

Watergate1968 CampaignLyndon B. JohnsonPress strategyPolitical scandalElectronic surveillance
AudioNARA Description

On November 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:15 am to 10:16 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 812-001 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 812-1

Date: November 3, 1972
Time: 10:15 am - 10:16 am
Location: Oval Office

The President met with H.R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

       Watergate
            -1968 bugging of the President
                 -Washington Star article
                       -Denials
                             -George E. Christian’s view
                                   -Lyndon B. Johnson
                       -Comment
                             -Ronald L. Ziegler
                       -Johnson’s efforts
                       -Time

Haldeman left at 10:16 am.
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 think you have a problem on doing that.
And I think it's Johnson's problem.
To deny it.
So I can't do this.
I think what Ron can say, if we have to say it, if we don't know the story, we better run.
Johnson's got to try to tell the story.
I don't think we can do this.
We've got to do this.
I couldn't wait for time magazine this time, so they gave me the star and put it out.
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