for_sv's blog

Did President Kennedy really say that? You betcha! We're all familiar with how presidents speak in front of the media, but what do they really say behind closed doors? Here's your chance to eavesdrop on some of the most critical conversations ever held on the taxpayer's dime. Three U.S. presidents -- John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard M. Nixon -- willingly bugged the Oval Office and tapped White House phones, leaving behind an audio legacy that captured thousands of conversations from our country's most critical and mundane hours. See how each worked the phones using their verbal weapons: Kennedy his charm, Johnson his forcefulness, and Nixon, well...he was prolific in his taping. It's said while Kennedy was usually a smooth talker, a lot of quick "yeahs" and "uh-huhs" signaled apprehension. Vietnam presented some of Johnson's most tense talks, and Nixon's choice of William Rehnquist provides fascinating insight into High Court hijinks. Ready to hear how your leaders kept office hours? Roll tape!