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Conversation 860-010

TapeTape 860StartWednesday, February 21, 1973 at 3:26 PMEndWednesday, February 21, 1973 at 3:28 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman deliberate on the political optics of attending a reception for Senator Carl Curtis immediately following a White House event for congressmen. Nixon expresses concern that rushing to the Capitol would create a negative press narrative and undermine his congressional relations. Ultimately, the pair weighs the administrative convenience of the appearance against the potential for unfavorable media coverage.

Congressional relationsPublic relationsWhite House schedulingMedia opticsPolitical strategy
AudioNARA Description

On February 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House from 3:26 pm to 3:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 860-010 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 860-10

Date: February 21, 1973
Time: Between 3:26 pm and 3:28 pm
Location: Oval Office

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

[See Conversation No. 43-155]
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                    NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                          (rev. Nov.-09)
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Well, Bob, I'm going to check the schedule.
I don't know.
I don't think he may run away, but he came in and asked if I'm going down to reception for Thurman for Curtis's stories.
Curtis is the wife of my family captain tomorrow.
And I told him I'd go to some state because I'm getting a reception here for the congressman.
And that would just be wielding the will to go rushing down to Congress because of that.
Is that something that they submitted to you or they didn't?
But don't let those are the kinds that you should talk to me about because then it wouldn't get too easy because you would know the course of that, sir.
You see, if I did, the point is I would be delighted to go to my work during the reception just for the rules of the future.
Well, maybe.
I think it is highly questionable.
But anyway, I wouldn't mind if you'd be considering it.
But look at it in terms of here.
You've got a little talk about .
Look at it in terms of our congressional relations in the press.
What the hell does it look like if I have 225 congressmen here and then jump in the car and rush down to the Congress?
Now, that's going to be a negative story without a question, isn't it?
Huh?
Yeah.
Yeah.
OK.
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