Friday, July 26, 1963

July 26, 1963

JFK is in the White House, where he speaks with former President Harry S. Truman, who congratulates him on the Nuclear Test Ban treaty. The conversation was about three minutes and Kennedy, while cordial, seemed slightly hurried during his conversation.

JFK started the conversation with a cheery, “Hello, how are you.” He called Truman Mr. President and mostly listened, saying repeatedly, “… yeah, yeah.” Truman offers to make a statement in support either that night or the next day, which was JFK’s preference, saying “…that would be very helpful.”

Towards the end of the conversation, Kennedy briefly turned it away from foreign policy by saying “You sound in good shape” which caused a Truman response that elicited chuckles from both men.