Richard M. Nixon
Richard M. Nixon served as the 37th President of the United States from January 1969 until his resignation in August 1974. In February 1971, he ordered the installation of a secret voice-activated taping system in the White House to preserve a historical record of his administration. Until the system's existence was revealed and dismantled in July 1973, the tapes captured Nixon directing major foreign policy initiatives, such as the opening to China, as well as his central role in the Watergate cover-up.
What Nixon talks about on the tapes
White House operations 4,654Presidential scheduling 4,037Presidential communication 2,299Public relations 1,746Vietnam War 1,719Logistics 1,631Manolo Sanchez 1,592White House communications 1,427White House administration 1,358Henry Kissinger 1,313Foreign Policy 1,160Camp David 1,101
Conversations (21,010)
— Page 114 of 211On July 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 9:00 pm and 9:03 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 348-012 of the White House Tapes.
On July 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 9:03 pm to 9:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss campaign strategy, focusing on the shifting positions of their political opponents and the media's coverage of these developments. They evaluate the potential impact of middle-income tax proposals on the election and coordinate the release of daily promotional or campaign material. The conversation concludes with an emphasis on maintaining a consistent and aggressive public relations narrative.
On July 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 9:26 pm and 9:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 348-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Alexander Haig met to review recent sensitive negotiations regarding the Vietnam War, including Kissinger's secret meetings with North Vietnamese negotiator Le Duc Tho. The discussion focused on evaluating North Vietnamese diplomatic maneuvering, the political impact of the upcoming 1972 election, and the administration's strategic posture toward the Soviet Union and China. Nixon and Kissinger also addressed concerns about the George McGovern campaign and debated how to manage international perceptions of U.S. foreign policy in Europe and the Middle East.
On July 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 10:30 pm and 10:58 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 348-016 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 748-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the agenda for upcoming strategic meetings with Republican Congressional leaders and Cabinet members regarding the 1972 election. They discussed the structure of breakfast briefings, emphasizing the need for clear communication with key participants like Clark MacGregor and John D. Ehrlichman. The President also reviewed budget planning recommendations from Caspar Weinberger and directed Butterfield to ensure tighter control over public relations and press interactions concerning agency heads.
On July 20, 1972, the White House operator, Charles W. Colson, President Richard M. Nixon, and Marjorie P. Acker talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:45 am and 9:53 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson to manage White House correspondence and coordinate political strategy regarding the 1972 election. The discussion covered administrative matters, including a condolence call to Margaretta Rockefeller, and shifted to tactical planning regarding labor union support. They specifically analyzed George McGovern's political rhetoric regarding 'power brokers' and reaffirmed Nixon's strategy for maintaining relations with labor leaders like George Meany.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:54 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-017 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Margaretta ("Happy") Rockefeller talked on the telephone from 9:54 am to 9:56 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-018 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:56 am and 10:38 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-019 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:38 am and 10:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 748-004 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:38 am and 10:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 748-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and personal secretary Rose Mary Woods discussed their favorable impression of the film *Skyjacked* after viewing it in the White House theater. The President requested that a telegram be sent to actor Charlton Heston expressing their praise for the performance. The conversation concluded with the President voicing his hope that the film would receive an Academy Award.
President Nixon met with businessman Armand Hammer to discuss ongoing trade negotiations with the Soviet Union, the status of Hammer's Occidental Petroleum company, and the possibility of recruiting Marvin Watson to assist the Nixon reelection campaign. Hammer provided detailed accounts of his long-standing history with Soviet leadership, including Lenin and Khrushchev, and updated the President on his efforts to improve U.S.-Soviet relations through art and business ventures. Following Hammer's departure, Nixon and H.R. Haldeman shifted focus to the Watergate scandal, specifically debating the legal strategies regarding immunity for campaign staff members Jeb Stuart Magruder and Hugh Sloan, Jr. to contain further investigations.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 748-008 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 748-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed sensitive foreign policy strategies, including the handling of negotiations with Armand Hammer and the management of sensitive documents to avoid bureaucratic leaks. They also analyzed the status of the Vietnam War, concluding that time was working against North Vietnam and that a potential diplomatic deal prior to the 1972 election remained a strategic possibility. Finally, they reviewed briefing arrangements for George McGovern, agreeing on the necessity of maintaining control over the process to avoid political pitfalls.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:20 pm and 2:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-021 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:20 pm and 2:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-002 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:20 pm and 2:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-003 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Manolo Sanchez, and Rose Mary Woods met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:20 pm and 2:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-004 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:20 pm and 2:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-005 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower talked on the telephone from 2:02 pm to 2:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-022 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:02 pm to 2:06 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and H. R. Haldeman to discuss various administrative and political matters, including the military service records of the sons of political rivals such as Robert F. Kennedy and George McGovern. The group evaluated the performance and loyalty of several administration officials and cabinet members, drawing historical comparisons to the Eisenhower administration. Additionally, they reviewed reports on naval forces and discussed the procurement of American-made music boxes intended as gifts for foreign dignitaries.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 2:44 pm to 2:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-023 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:47 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-008 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:47 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-009 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:47 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-010 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 3:02 pm to 3:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss scheduling a meeting with an unnamed associate, weighing the merits of a breakfast appointment versus a more informal evening boat ride. The conversation briefly touches on political strategy regarding potential public hostility from younger demographics, as well as vague references to analytical reports and press-related activities. The exchange concludes with logistical coordination regarding upcoming meetings and the status of ongoing political analysis.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:16 pm and 4:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and Henry Kissinger to discuss sensitive political and national security matters, specifically the ongoing Watergate investigation and Vietnam peace negotiations. The group reviewed the potential for indictments involving Jeb Stuart Magruder and examined the strategic handling of federal investigations to protect the White House from entanglement. Additionally, the President and Kissinger discussed managing domestic opposition to the war, coordinating press strategy, and preparing for an upcoming meeting with congressional leaders regarding Vietnam.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 4:02 pm to 4:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-026 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:04 pm and 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-027 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone at 4:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-028 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-013 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-014 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone from 5:35 pm to 5:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-029 of the White House Tapes.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 5:35 pm to 5:36 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate political and legislative strategy for the upcoming 1972 reelection campaign. They discussed tactics to paint the Democratic opposition as extreme, specifically adopting the term "McGovernites" to emphasize the potential dangers of George McGovern's policies, such as increased government spending and tax hikes. The President emphasized a strategy of holding Congress accountable for fiscal irresponsibility while framing his own platform as a defender against radical change, intending to solidify a massive electoral mandate.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:15 pm and 6:18 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 349-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield and H. R. Haldeman to coordinate the President’s administrative schedule and discuss political developments. The discussion addressed the transition of John Mitchell following his departure from the Committee to Re-elect the President, specifically touching on his personal difficulties regarding his wife, Martha Mitchell. Additionally, the participants reviewed ongoing 1972 campaign polling data and recent interactions with administration officials.
President Nixon met with his Cabinet and senior staff to discuss strategies for achieving a balanced federal budget by 1975, emphasizing the necessity of immediate spending cuts and potential vetoes of congressional legislation to curb inflation. Budget Director George Shultz outlined the administration’s plan to issue "ceiling letters" to agency heads to enforce strict fiscal guidelines and reduce government deficits. The participants also reviewed recent positive economic indicators, including growth in the Gross National Product and declining unemployment, while noting that the public generally views government spending as a primary driver of inflation.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, Clark MacGregor, and Robert J. Dole met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:45 am to 11:39 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 749-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with George Shultz and H.R. Haldeman to discuss strategies for leveraging favorable economic news while managing the administration's public image amidst ongoing tensions with Congress. They reviewed the political impact of recent labor developments, specifically addressing the fallout from the withdrawn transportation strikes legislation and planning a coordinated announcement regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew. Throughout the discussion, the President emphasized the importance of media relations and directed staff to prioritize public relations strategies in upcoming legislative conflicts.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 1:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated a brief call to John Ehrlichman to coordinate their schedules for the remainder of the day. Due to a sudden conflict involving a 2:00 p.m. meeting with Vice President Spiro Agnew, Nixon postponed his discussion with Ehrlichman. The two agreed to reconnect later that afternoon once the President's schedule cleared.
President Nixon and Secretary of Labor George Shultz discussed the political fallout from Senator Robert Packwood’s recent public comments regarding stalled legislation aimed at curbing transportation strikes. Nixon expressed concern that Packwood felt undermined by the administration’s shifting legislative strategy and requested that Shultz speak with the Senator to clarify the administration’s position. Shultz agreed to meet with Packwood to emphasize the need for a new approach to reforming the Railway Labor Act, while Nixon planned to use an upcoming press conference to publicly reframe the administration's stance on the issue.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Vice President Spiro Agnew, and John Mitchell to coordinate political strategy for the 1972 reelection campaign. The group discussed campaign logistics, including the use of chartered aircraft, and framed messaging on key issues such as foreign policy, draft-dodgers, and amnesty. Additionally, they reviewed plans for Agnew’s formal renomination announcement, strategies for managing legislative hurdles in Congress, and the importance of engaging with lawmakers to maintain party unity.
President Nixon met briefly with Alexander P. Butterfield in the Oval Office to conduct routine administrative duties. During this short session, the President signed various documents and reviewed his upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on the program for a wedding ceremony taking place on July 22, 1972. The interaction served as a logistical briefing to ensure the President was prepared for his personal and professional engagements.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:12 pm and 3:35 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 750-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, reviewed administrative tasks, including a draft eulogy and various pieces of incoming correspondence. The discussion touched upon political developments, specifically the selection of Thomas Eagleton as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate and concerns regarding his health. Additionally, they coordinated logistics for the President’s upcoming departure to Camp David and managed personal social and schedule-related matters.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield discussed Nixon's upcoming schedule, specifically regarding a meeting at the Executive Office Building and his departure for Camp David. They confirmed the departure time for Camp David, settling on 5:30 PM. Butterfield was present to relay and confirm these schedule details with the President.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, briefly reviewed recent political intelligence and photographic materials. They discussed reports regarding Lyndon B. Johnson’s perspective on the 1972 election and examined photographs taken by Ollie Atkins featuring the President, his dog King Timahoe, and the White House grounds. The discussion concluded with a brief exchange concerning the President's upcoming schedule and his need for rest.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:50 pm and 4:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-035 of the White House Tapes.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:50 pm and 4:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 750-007 of the White House Tapes.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower talked on the telephone from 4:07 pm to 4:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-036 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke briefly with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, in the Oval Office about the hot weather and upcoming congressional actions, including potential vetoes of bills. He mentioned he would leave his office by 5:00 pm and return at 7:00 am the next day for a wedding, expressing that they missed her at the wedding that day.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 4:09 pm to 4:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-037 of the White House Tapes.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:09 pm and 4:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 750-009 of the White House Tapes.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox talked on the telephone from 4:10 pm to 4:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke briefly with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, in the Oval Office, inquiring about her trip and mentioning a "mean, nasty fellow." The conversation also touched upon Tricia's husband, Eddie, and his upcoming exams, before the President concluded by stating he was going to Camp David and would return for a wedding.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a brief, time-sensitive meeting with Henry Kissinger. The discussion focused on locating Kissinger, who was stationed in the White House Situation Room, to facilitate his immediate arrival at the Oval Office. Nixon directed Bull to summon Kissinger for a fifteen-minute consultation before the President's scheduled departure.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:13 pm and 4:20 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 750-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed legislative and political strategies regarding the Vietnam War, specifically focusing on the potential passage of the Mansfield Amendment and its impact on ongoing peace negotiations. Kissinger provided a report on his recent interactions with Senator Mike Mansfield and Eugene McCarthy, noting their willingness to assist the administration. The conversation also covered upcoming diplomatic trips to Moscow and Japan, concerns over negative media coverage of bombing raids, and a review of recent polling data concerning the 1972 election and Senator George McGovern's platform.
President Nixon and John B. Connally held a brief, informal meeting in the Oval Office to coordinate their respective schedules. The discussion touched upon the President’s recent reception of diplomatic credentials and logistical arrangements for Connally’s upcoming trip to Camp David. The brief exchange concluded as both parties prepared to depart for other scheduled engagements.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 5:36 pm and 6:05 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 197-003 of the White House Tapes.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:39 pm and 11:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 749-003 of the White House Tapes.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:39 pm and 11:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 749-004 of the White House Tapes.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:23 pm and 1:42 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-004 of the White House Tapes.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:23 pm and 1:42 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 197-006 of the White House Tapes.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:23 pm and 1:42 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 197-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for the 1972 campaign, focusing specifically on the organization and launch of the 'Democrats for Nixon' effort led by John B. Connally. They review potential high-profile Democratic defectors, assess the economic landscape, and analyze the vulnerabilities of George McGovern, particularly regarding his temperament, defense policies, and stance on social issues like marijuana. The conversation highlights the administration's intent to utilize surrogates and aggressive political maneuvering to maintain the President's lead in the polls and prevent McGovern from building momentum.
President Nixon and Charles Colson strategized on campaign tactics for the 1972 election, focusing on leveraging Democratic defections and managing the political momentum of their opponents. They discussed various public relations issues, including unfavorable press coverage and the potential political influence of figures like Bobby Fischer. The conversation concluded with a focus on maintaining campaign pressure and effectively timing their counter-narratives to prevent the opposition from gaining significant momentum.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:17 pm and 2:25 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed political strategy, including coordinating with John B. Connally regarding his upcoming media appearance and his appointment to the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. They also reviewed ongoing military operations in Vietnam, agreeing that U.S. air power and B-52 strikes were successfully depleting North Vietnamese forces. Additionally, the pair strategized on how to counter potential campaign attacks from George McGovern concerning U.S. casualties, specifically by emphasizing that a significant portion of fatalities occurred during the previous administration.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:17 pm and 2:25 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 197-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed strategic communication tactics regarding the administration’s handling of political opponents and foreign policy optics. The discussion focused on coordinating messaging for an upcoming media appearance by John Connally, specifically regarding his potential appointments to advisory boards and his response to political inquiries. Furthermore, the two men addressed the necessity of maintaining a firm public stance against political criticism concerning the Vietnam War and the deployment of naval assets.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:31 pm and 2:37 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-008 of the White House Tapes.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:31 pm and 2:37 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 197-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the positive media reception to Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent 50-state campaign announcement and his aggressive stance against Democratic nominee George McGovern. They also coordinate a strategic response to McGovern's call for televised debates, deciding that Clark MacGregor should issue a rebuttal highlighting McGovern's past voting inconsistencies and asserting that an incumbent president should not debate an opponent. Nixon emphasizes that a debate would inappropriately elevate McGovern's stature and that current international negotiations make such a forum contrary to the national interest.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler discuss strategies for avoiding a presidential debate with the Democratic opposition. Nixon emphasizes the need to frame the refusal by highlighting the stark policy differences between candidates and arguing that sensitive, ongoing international negotiations make a public debate contrary to the national interest. They agree on a communication plan to present these arguments to the press, aimed at denying the opponent prime-time exposure.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:44 pm and 2:46 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-010 of the White House Tapes.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:44 pm and 2:46 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 197-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon contacted H. R. Haldeman at Camp David to discuss the day's leisure activities and local weather conditions. The two men compared the extreme heat in Washington, D.C., with the relatively more comfortable environment at the retreat. They concluded the call by coordinating a brief, informal meeting to address pending administrative matters.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at the Aspen Lodge at Camp David to briefly discuss their schedules and coordinate a time for a formal briefing. The exchange served as a casual logistical check-in to arrange a follow-up meeting later that day. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this short, introductory dialogue.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:47 pm and 3:57 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-012 of the White House Tapes.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:47 pm and 3:57 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon placed a call through the Camp David operator to speak with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. The conversation centers on a social update regarding a wedding they both recently attended, with Tricia detailing the reception and the newlyweds' upcoming trip to Bermuda. Nixon expresses his satisfaction with the event and the loyalty of the families involved before closing the call with a warning about the extreme heat.
On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:47 pm and 3:05 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 197-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held this brief call with a Camp David operator to manage communication logistics during his stay at Aspen Lodge. The conversation primarily involved confirming the status of non-urgent incoming calls and verifying that his availability remained flexible for the day. No substantive policy or political decisions were made during the interaction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met at Camp David to conduct a comprehensive review of the 1972 reelection campaign strategy. They discussed tactical decisions, including the refusal to debate George McGovern, the use of Clark MacGregor as a campaign surrogate, and managing media appearances to avoid providing McGovern with excessive national exposure. Additionally, they reviewed potential personnel changes within the administration and the Secret Service, and evaluated polling data regarding key states and voter attitudes toward campaign issues.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discuss logistical arrangements for the upcoming wedding of Dabney Jane Hibbert and Barry Wayne Feather. Tricia informs the President about her role as matron of honor, standing in for her sister Julie, and confirms the wedding reception details at The Westchester. The brief personal call also includes a discussion of the couple's travel plans to Bermuda and general remarks regarding the weather.
President Nixon consulted with National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger regarding a proposal to receive representatives from the Baltic republics. Both men agreed that such a meeting would unnecessarily provoke the Soviet Union, with Nixon suggesting Vice President Agnew handle the matter instead to avoid a diplomatic incident. Concluding that maintaining international relations for 'bigger games' was the priority, Nixon officially decided against receiving the delegation and extended an invitation for Kissinger to join him at Camp David.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed whether to grant a meeting request from representatives of the Baltic republics, a move both men feared would provoke a hostile reaction from the Soviet Union. Nixon expressed his strong preference against a presidential audience, citing recent geopolitical tensions involving Lithuania. The two agreed that the meeting should be deferred to Vice President Spiro Agnew to maintain diplomatic discretion while still acknowledging the petitioners.
President Nixon uses this dictation session to outline key campaign themes for the 1972 election, emphasizing the administration's record on judicial appointments and law enforcement. He discusses political strategy, including the potential future of the Democratic Party and the electoral prospects of figures like Ted Kennedy. Additionally, Nixon reflects on international affairs and logistical details regarding his schedule, specifically mentioning observations relayed by John Connally.