 The El Capitan Theatre , at Nixon 's insistence , was entirely deserted . Press members were confined to a nearby room , where they could watch on television ; stenographers were standing by at the Ambassador to ensure an accurate transcript of Nixon 's remarks for the press , who would be facing deadlines in the East . Chotiner and Rogers would watch from behind a screen in the theatre ; Pat Nixon , wearing a dress knitted by supporters , would sit on stage a few feet from her husband . The chosen set was a " GI bedroom den " with a desk , two chairs , and bookshelves . The senator usually preferred to work from a memorized text , but would work from notes for this speech to make the talk sound more spontaneous . Nixon spent some time practicing movements for the cameramen and finally went into the dressing room with his wife for a few minutes of solitude . He told her that he did not think he could go through with it , but she reassured him . 
