a215  1154  28 Mar 90
AM-Nixon-Reporters,0257
Nixon's Helpful Hints for Handling Reporters
With AM-Nixon's Book
    WASHINGTON (AP) - Richard Nixon thinks some reporters are ''con
artists'' who don't always tell the truth when they're interviewing
public figures. Here, from his book ''In the Arena'' is what he
thinks reporters mean by some of their lines:
    -''I really want to write a positive story.''
    Nixon: ''This is usually a signal that subject should watch his
back, because someone is about to stick a knife into it.''
    -''If you don't talk to me, your side of the story won't be
represented.''
    Nixon: ''. . . When you get this line from a reporter, trust your
instincts. Does he want your views or just the legitimacy that your
participation in the story will give him? In a way, this con is a
form of blackmail: Talk to me, or else. . .''
    -''You should hear what this other guy said about you.''
    Nixon: ''This is journalistic entrapment, a favorite tactic of
reporters who want to provoke you into saying something critical
about the other guy. Don't be suprised if your angry jibe appears in
print and his doesn't.''
    -''I'm going to write the story, whether you talk to me or not.''
    Nixon: When you hear this, you should consider whether the reporter
might be worried he doesn't have a story at all unless you talk to
him.''
    -''Oh, and just one more question.''
    Nixon: Forget the other 10 he asked; this is what he really came
for.''
    
 
AP-NY-03-28-90 1448EST
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