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The recording was made for the May 13, 1950 Gridiron Club Dinner that President Harry S. Truman missed because he was on a "non-political" trip West. It was recorded by Truman, Press Secretary Charles Ross, and newspaper reporters Robert L. Riggs, Arthur Sylvester, and Bert Andrews on the train as the Truman entourage traveled to the dedication of the Grand Coulee Dam. Mention is made of a stop in Idaho and shaking the hands of both Senate Democratic candidates Glen H. Taylor and D. Worth Clark, which happened on May 10. President Truman speaks first, addressing his remarks to Tom Stokes, President of the Gridiron Club. Then the newsmen ask the president questions in a mini press conference. Then the group sings a song that begins, "O when I ride, I always ride with Harry..." The recording was sent to the Gridiron Club to be played during its dinner, but the attendees never heard it. According to a Time Magazine article, after President Truman snubbed them at the previous dinner in December, the Gridiron Club decided to snub the President in return by not playing his recording.