What do traffic jams in Europe and New Jersey have in common?

When President Nixon visited Rome in 1971 he visited Italy’s officials and the Pope. The people of Rome are used to high officials visiting all the time and so there were no large crowds for the visit. Eric Halderman, who was responsible for the press was not happy at the lack of photo-ops so he decided to create one. He had the Presidential motorcade take Mrs. Nixon through the center of Rome which caused a huge traffic jam and a large amount of people gathered. This made for a great photo for the press showing the crowds for Nixon’s visit. While in Belgrade, Halderman took the Presidential limo off the normal route and into downstown Belgrade which also created a traffic jam and allowed Nixon to get out and wave to the now large crowds.

(Book – White House Years – Henry Kissinger)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.