Dwight David Eisenhower II
David Eisenhower, the grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and son-in-law of President Richard Nixon, served as an officer in the United States Naval Reserve during the Nixon administration. After graduating from Amherst College in 1970, he began a three-year tour of duty. This period of military service, from 1970 to 1973, coincided with the White House taping period, and he was assigned to the USS Albany in the Mediterranean.
![Eisenhower, [Dwight] David, II](/images/persons/dwight-david-ii-eisenhower.jpg)
When Eisenhower is on the tapes
What Eisenhower talks about on the tapes
1972 election 4Watergate 3Public relations 2Media strategy 2Campaign Strategy 2Willy Brandt 1White House Tapes 1White House social events 1Telephone communications 1Sports 1School Desegregation 1Richard Nixon 1
Conversations (14)
President Nixon called David Eisenhower to share his excitement about achieving a personal best bowling score of 229, surpassing Eisenhower's previous high of 208. The brief conversation focused on Nixon's recent bowling performance, his daily practice routine, and a new bowling ball. They also briefly mentioned plans to bowl at Camp David.
President Nixon speaks with his daughter Julie Nixon Eisenhower and son-in-law David Eisenhower to discuss the previous night's event at the Kennedy Center. The conversation focuses on David’s impressions of the evening, the presence of the Kennedy family, and the attendance of Mamie Eisenhower. They also address a circulating rumor regarding the President's potential appearance at the function.
President Nixon held a brief, informal telephone conversation with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and her husband, David Eisenhower. The discussion centered on personal family matters and domestic logistics rather than policy or administration business. No significant political decisions or governmental actions resulted from this exchange.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and son-in-law, David Eisenhower, primarily about the issue of school busing and his strategy for addressing it. Nixon explained the constitutional basis for his proposed moratorium and his plan to pressure Congress to pass it, threatening to blame them for continued busing if they failed to act. They also briefly discussed the Florida primary results and the potential impact on the Democratic presidential candidates, particularly Hubert Humphrey and Ted Kennedy.
President Nixon met with family members and senior aide H. R. Haldeman to coordinate the First Family’s 1972 campaign appearances and media strategy. The discussion centered on maximizing television exposure through talk shows and public service events, with a focus on targeting key demographics such as blue-collar and Catholic voters. Nixon emphasized the importance of projecting warmth and compassion, directed the staff to prepare better briefing materials for the family, and finalized plans for upcoming diplomatic trips and social events at the White House.
On November 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and [Dwight] David Eisenhower, II talked on the telephone from 7:23 pm to 7:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 032-158 of the White House Tapes.
On November 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and [Dwight] David Eisenhower, II met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 7:23 pm to 7:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 390-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and David Eisenhower communicated via telephone on election night to review real-time projections and early returns from various states. They discussed specific outcomes for the presidential race, Senate contests, and state-level voter turnout metrics provided by news networks like CBS and NBC. The exchange focused on assessing the candidate's electoral strength in key regions, including Alabama, Illinois, and Ohio, while acknowledging the uncertainty of early returns in close races.
President Nixon met with Representative Samuel L. Devine and David Eisenhower to discuss potential career paths and a possible congressional candidacy for Eisenhower. The participants explored logistical and political challenges, specifically addressing residency requirements and the optics of Eisenhower’s housing arrangements. Additionally, the group reviewed broader political strategy, including the role of Representative George A. Goodling and the importance of securing Eisenhower's placement in a position that would effectively utilize his skills.
President Nixon, David Eisenhower, and Representative Samuel L. Devine met to discuss strategy regarding Eisenhower’s potential run for Congress. The group analyzed campaign logistics, including managing residency requirements and balancing potential political exposure through the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee versus a staff position. Nixon advised Eisenhower to move deliberately, maintain a low profile in the district initially, and focus on developing his knowledge through political research to build his credentials for a future candidacy.
President Nixon met with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and her husband, David Eisenhower, in the Oval Office to discuss David's potential political future. The conversation focused heavily on David's plans to run for Congress in Pennsylvania, including strategies for announcing his candidacy, establishing residency, and securing employment. Nixon offered extensive advice on campaign timing, public relations, and political positioning, emphasizing the importance of independence from established party figures and the potential benefits of owning property in the district, such as a farm.
President Nixon received a call from Secretary of Commerce Frederick B. Dent, who expressed his support and praise for the President's recent televised speech regarding the Watergate scandal. The two discussed the importance of showing strong leadership and maintaining administrative unity during this challenging period. Nixon concluded the brief exchange by confirming the rescheduling of an upcoming Cabinet meeting to Wednesday to accommodate the arrival of West German Chancellor Willy Brandt.
Following his nationally televised address regarding the Watergate scandal, President Nixon received a supportive call from Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Haig expressed personal pride in the President’s handling of the crisis and his efforts to clear the air despite the difficult circumstances. The two also briefly discussed Henry Kissinger, with Haig noting Kissinger's guarded reaction to the speech and reaffirming their mutual reliance on his capabilities.
Tricia Nixon Cox and Rose Mary Woods discuss the incoming public and political reaction to President Nixon’s recent Watergate-related speech. The conversation focuses on logging telephone calls from key figures such as Nelson Rockefeller, Ronald Reagan, and Winton Blount to gauge national support. Woods reports that despite logistical challenges in tracking communications, early indicators from loyalists like Charles Colson suggest the President maintains strong support from his core base.