When a Misquote Is Just an Interpretation

The State Department revised the transcripts of the Nixon White House tape recordings when it found that parts of the transcriptions didn’t match the original recordings. One example, according to a Secrecy News article:

Nixon: “And, you see, I’m going to lift the blockade as I’ve said. It’s not over yet — the bombing’s not over yet.”
Probable Correction: Nixon: “And, you see, that I’m going to live with the blockade as I’ve said. Well, it’s an ultimatum.” Kissinger: “Yeah.” Nixon: “Bombing is not an ultimatum.”

The State Department said in its report that the transcripts should be looked at as “interpretations,” subject to change and correction, not official records. If only everyone could claim the same with their misquotes. [%comments]