Conversation 854-008

TapeTape 854StartTuesday, February 13, 1973 at 9:00 AMEndTuesday, February 13, 1973 at 9:15 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceOval Office

AI Summary

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed news coverage, specifically discussing journalistic criticism directed toward the administration. The conversation pivoted to the logistics of ending the official mourning period for the late President Lyndon B. Johnson, incorporating feedback from Lady Bird Johnson regarding flag protocols. They ultimately decided to issue a formal public statement that would simultaneously serve as a tribute to the former president and acknowledge the return of prisoners of war.

Lyndon B. JohnsonLady Bird JohnsonMourning periodPOWsMedia relationsPresidential protocol

Audio

NARA Description

On February 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House from 9:00 am to 9:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 854-008 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 854-8

Date: February 13, 1973
Time: 9:00 am - 9:15 am
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Ronald L. Ziegler.

       News summary
             -Lyndon K. ("Mort") Allin
             -Martin Schram
                    -Opposition to President
                    -Editor’s influence

       President's telephone call with Claudia A. (“Lady Bird”) Johnson
              -Flying flag
                       -Claudia Johnson's opinion
                       -End of mourning period
                              -Reminder to public
                              -Thirty day period
                       -Ziegler's opinion
                       -Emotional impact
                                               -4-

                    NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                       (rev. August-10)
                                                              Conversation No. 854-8 (cont’d)

                       -Announcement
                              -Tribute to Lyndon B. Johnson and prisoners of war [POWs]
                       -Richard A. Moore's opinion
                       -Announcement
                              -Television [TV]
                              -Statement by the President

Ziegler left at 9:15 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.

Marty?

Marty's a weak and implodified senator.

Is he?

Oh, yeah.

I guess talk to, uh, Mrs. Johnson.

Mrs. Johnson.

See what I mean?

It'll remind me.

See, it's 30 days in our kids.

30 days.

That's gotta be it.

I saw somebody here suggesting .

And she said it's always impressive to see the .

What do you think about it?

Well, I just wanted to take a moment to do it.

I think based upon the conversation you had with Mrs. Johnson.

At this time, I think it would be more...

You intend to do sexual harassment.

I think an announcement would be good.

This is the time for.

Tribute to the return of the former president.

But most people feel that this is the time.

Why don't you check it for us?

All right.

Let me.

The way it is, I call her sir.

Okay.

← 854-007 854-009 →