Keyes, Paul W.
Paul W. Keyes was an Emmy-winning comedy writer and producer who served as a trusted informal advisor and friend to President Richard Nixon. During the Nixon administration, particularly during the taping period, Keyes leveraged his background in television to help shape the President's public image, famously orchestrating Nixon's 1968 appearance on "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In." He also produced entertainment for formal White House dinners and wrote humorous speeches for administration officials.
President Nixon calls television producer Paul W. Keyes to congratulate him on the successful season premiere of the comedy program *Laugh-In*. Keyes reports that the show achieved high ratings, outperforming competitors and securing a dominant share of the viewing audience. The conversation also includes a brief discussion regarding public relations strategies for First Lady Pat Nixon, with the President suggesting that media coverage should focus on her interactions with others rather than direct interviews to better showcase her demeanor.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes discuss the positive reception and media coverage of a recent television program. Keyes conveys to the President that ABC executives viewed the project as a significant success. The brief exchange focuses on gauging public and network sentiment regarding the broadcast.
President Nixon consulted with Paul W. Keyes, the producer of the television program *Laugh-In*, to discuss the show's reception and viewership metrics. The conversation focused on the program's ratings, audience demographic, and Keyes's perspective on guest appearances, specifically regarding Raquel Welch. This brief exchange highlights the President's personal interest in monitoring popular media influence during his administration.
President Nixon met with television producer Paul W. Keyes to discuss personal matters. The conversation included a brief segment that has been formally withdrawn from the public record. No substantial policy or administrative developments were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting in the Old Executive Office Building with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, and television writer Paul W. Keyes. The discussion, largely obscured by withdrawn material and limited transcript evidence, involved routine personal staff interactions and a brief exchange regarding keys. No major policy decisions or significant administrative actions were recorded during this short encounter.
President Nixon held a brief, informal check-in with television producer Paul W. Keyes to discuss the progress and ratings of his variety program. The two exchanged personal pleasantries and briefly recalled past shared experiences on the yacht 'Mojo.' Nixon expressed interest in future episodes, specifically requesting updates on an upcoming show featuring Liza Minnelli and a special 100th-episode milestone appearance by John 'Duke' Wayne, for which the President promised to send a congratulatory telegram.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes discuss the positive reception of the President’s recent televised address regarding his Supreme Court nominations. Keyes commends Nixon’s strategic presentation of his nominees, which both men agree will lead to successful Senate confirmation. The call concludes with a brief, favorable discussion regarding Joseph H. Blatchford's character and professional capabilities.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes exchanged New Year's greetings and briefly discussed the President's upcoming travel schedule between Florida, Washington, and California. Nixon confirmed his participation in an upcoming CBS television interview with Dan Rather while noting his preference for a quiet weekend. The conversation concluded with casual remarks regarding their respective workloads and social acquaintances.
President Nixon calls Paul W. Keyes to extend an invitation for an upcoming post-Thanksgiving getaway at Mermaid Key with Robert Abplanalp and Bebe Rebozo. The two briefly discuss the President's recent landslide election victory, with Nixon noting that his electoral margin surpassed that of Lyndon B. Johnson. Keyes commends the tone of Nixon's victory remarks, and they finalize logistical plans for their Florida trip.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes coordinate a post-Thanksgiving trip to Florida for a period of relaxation. During the brief planning discussion, the two touched upon the electoral success of the 1972 campaign, with Nixon noting that his margin surpassed that of Lyndon Johnson. The conversation concluded with the pair firming up travel logistics for their upcoming getaway.
Rose Mary Woods facilitates a telephone conversation between Ambassador John A. Volpe and the White House during a period of significant political instability. Volpe expresses his admiration and support for President Nixon following a televised address, praising the President’s courage and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the office. Volpe also offers to provide specific suggestions regarding White House staff reorganization, which he agrees to transmit via a formal cable marked for the President’s personal attention.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes discuss the logistics for an upcoming musical performance by The Carpenters, focusing on sound quality and their planned German-language greeting for Willy Brandt. The conversation then pivots to the public reception of Nixon's recent Watergate speech, with Keyes reporting positive feedback from the West Coast regarding the President’s acceptance of responsibility. Keyes encourages Nixon to continue incorporating religious and emotional rhetoric in his public messaging, which the President agrees is an effective strategy.
President Nixon consulted with Paul W. Keyes to gauge public reaction to his televised address regarding the Watergate scandal earlier that day. The discussion focused on how the speech was received in various regions, specifically California, as Nixon sought informal feedback on his performance. Keyes encouraged the President, suggesting that he was on the right track while noting that additional public communication might be necessary.
Tricia Nixon Cox and Paul W. Keyes spoke by telephone while the President was present in the Lincoln Sitting Room. The participants discussed the recent dinner for former prisoners of war, with Keyes and Cox exchanging mutual praise for the success of the event. The brief conversation centered on their satisfaction with the evening's emotional resonance, specifically noting the positive reaction from attendees like John Wayne.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes discuss the success of a recent dinner honoring former prisoners of war (POWs). Keyes highlights the positive emotional impact of the event and the favorable television coverage received by the President, contrasting it with previous events. They briefly address minor concerns regarding performer Joey Heatherton’s attire and conclude by lamenting that Watergate-related news coverage might overshadow the broadcast of the POW event.
President Nixon speaks with Paul W. Keyes to express his appreciation for the successful dinner honoring former prisoners of war (POWs) held in Florida. The two men discuss the positive impact of the event on the attendees, the favorable media reception, and the notable contributions of performers like John Wayne, James Stewart, and Ricardo Montalban. Nixon asks Keyes to coordinate with Stephen B. Bull to arrange for appropriate certificates or gifts to formally recognize the performers for their participation in the historic event.