Conversation 815-003

TapeTape 815StartFriday, November 24, 1972 at 8:03 AMEndFriday, November 24, 1972 at 8:21 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President)Recording deviceOval Office

AI Summary

President Nixon dictated a letter to sportscaster Frank Gifford to acknowledge an invitation to appear in the ABC booth during a Monday Night Football broadcast. He expressed regret that his schedule prevented him from attending games in person, though he praised the quality of the commentary provided by Gifford, Howard Cosell, and Don Meredith. The President also included warm regards from First Lady Pat Nixon and authorized Gifford to share the letter with ABC executive Roone Arledge to assist in his upcoming contract negotiations.

Frank GiffordMonday Night FootballABCBroadcastingPresidential CorrespondenceSports Commentary

Audio

NARA Description

On November 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:03 am and 8:21 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 815-003 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 815-3

Date: November 24, 1972
Time: Unknown between 8:03 am and 8:21 am
Location: Oval Office

The President dictated a letter to Frank Gifford.

       Monday night football games
           -Invitation to the President to American Broadcasting Corporation [ABC] booth
                 -The President’s schedule
                        -The President’s attendance at games
           -ABC broadcasts
                 -Quality
                        -Sportscasters
                              -Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith
           -The President’s viewing
                 -Competitive balance
                 -“Trilog” of sportscasters

       Well wishes
            -Thelma C. (“Pat”) Nixon
                  -University of Southern California [USC]

       The President’s letter to Gifford
            -Roone Arledge
                  -Next broadcasting contract
                                               -3-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                        Tape Subject Log
                                          (rev. Jan.-08)

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

It was very thoughtful of you to invite me to drop into the ABC booth on that call game.

Unfortunately, my schedule has been so heavy this fall that I haven't been able to get to any of the games in person.

And I doubt if I will be able to make them unless

because we made one this year, period.

However, I want you to know how very much I have enjoyed the broadcasts that, uh, the great, uh, broadcasts of the Monday Night Game by the tremendous priest.

Gitter, Cosell, and American 3.

I have seen 3 or 4 games, 3 or 4 of them in that game this year.

Either in a hole or in a park.

Usually the games have been close ones and very easy.

Sometimes they have been

I was so one-sided as to be, as to become almost dull.

However, I have yet to turn off the television set.

Even when such a game is being played.

Because the tri-lock, make that P-R-I, I put it in quotes, the word, the tri-lock,

of a tree view.

It is so interesting.

It is worth listening to, very important.

All the names are very, very

And your fellow USC alumnus joins me in signing our very best wishes for the Christmas season.

Sincerely.

P.S.

You're welcome to show this letter to full knowledge.

The next time you negotiate your visit, when you negotiate your next contract, period.

That's the end of the letter.

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