This episode of Whistlestop travels back to February 1971 when President Nixon asks his Chief of Staff if they can record conversations in the Oval Office for posterity.Whistlestop is Slate's podcast about presidential history. Hosted by political correspondent and Political Gabfest panelist John Dickerson, each installment will revisit memorable (or even forgotten) moments from America's Presidential carnival.Podcast production and edit by Jocelyn Frank.Research by Brian Rosenwald.Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your two-week free trial at slate.com/podcastplus.Email: whistlestop@slate.comLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices