Eisenhower, [Dwight] David, 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)
What Eisenhower talks about on the tapes
1972 Presidential Campaign 3Watergate 2Political strategy 2Media strategy 2Willy Brandt 1White House Tapes 1White House social events 1White House management 1Watergate scandal 1Telephone communications 1School Desegregation 1Republican Party 1
Conversations (14)
President Nixon initiated a brief social call to his son-in-law, David Eisenhower, to discuss their respective bowling performance and habits. The conversation centered on the President’s record high score of 229, which he compared against Eisenhower’s personal best. The exchange concluded without any official business or political developments, focusing entirely on leisure activities 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 consulted with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and his son-in-law, David Eisenhower, regarding the political and constitutional implications of a proposed moratorium on school busing. The discussion focused on the administration's forthcoming strategy for presenting this legislation to Congress, including the potential impact on the 1972 presidential campaign. Nixon sought their perspectives on these legislative efforts while coordinating his messaging ahead of planned meetings with congressional leaders.
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.
President Nixon and his son-in-law, David Eisenhower, discuss the logistics and scheduling of upcoming campaign broadcasts. The conversation focuses on coordinating radio and television appearances, including the involvement of First Lady Pat Nixon. The primary objective is to manage the President's media schedule in the final days of his reelection campaign.
President Richard Nixon met briefly with his son-in-law, David Eisenhower, in the Old Executive Office Building. The conversation served as a private, informal check-in between the two family members. No specific policy decisions or significant administrative actions were recorded during this brief encounter.
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 David and Julie Nixon Eisenhower to discuss David’s potential political career and strategy for seeking a Congressional seat in Pennsylvania. They analyzed the challenge of navigating the retirement of incumbent George Goodling, debated the timing of a formal candidacy announcement, and strategized on securing appropriate professional positions to bolster David's public profile. Additionally, the group reviewed logistics for upcoming White House events, including state dinners and public tours, while Nixon advised David to maintain political independence and focus on substantive issues like national defense.
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.