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 115 of 211On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:15 am and 10:52 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-018 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:15 am and 10:52 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for the file at Camp David, incorrectly stating the date as July 24, 1972, while discussing unspecified matters with unintelligible content.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed the launch of the "Democrats for Nixon" organization, strategizing on how to leverage former Democratic Treasury Secretary John B. Connally to peel away traditional Democratic support from George McGovern. They reviewed upcoming media appearances by Connally and other candidates, agreeing to emphasize the theme of "loyal Democrats" as a means to differentiate their opposition from the McGovern platform. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the administration's political strategy regarding labor unions, polling data trends, and the necessity of forcing Republican candidates to formally request their opponents' positions on McGovern to create a negative wedge issue.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss their frustration with media bias and the perceived weakness of White House staff and legislative leaders. They transition to a strategic assessment of labor legislation, specifically focusing on managing political relations with senators and union leaders like George Meany. Nixon emphasizes that cabinet officials must take direct responsibility for legislative negotiations rather than delegating to lower-level staff, ultimately concluding that they should abandon current stalled efforts in favor of a new legislative approach.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:37 am and 12:18 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for the file, reflecting on a Washington Post editorial concerning the exploitation of black African labor and discussing the media's coverage of the upcoming presidential election, particularly the perceived strengths and weaknesses of George McGovern and Hubert Humphrey. Nixon also recounted a conversation with John Connally regarding a potential press statement and noted that Connally would be actively campaigning until the election.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:37 am and 12:18 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-005 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:37 am and 12:18 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-006 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:37 am and 12:18 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discussed various administrative and personal matters while the President was at Camp David. They touched upon political topics, including John Connally's media appearances, George McGovern's position on Greek aid and its impact on NATO, and the public reception of Vice President Spiro Agnew. Additionally, the President requested that his staff track down press coverage of a recent wedding for a family friend, and the two briefly discussed family activities and film recommendations.
President Nixon called his daughter Julie Nixon Eisenhower to inform her that John Connally would be on "Meet the Press" and suggested she watch it. He also recommended the John Wayne movie "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" for her and David to see. The conversation touched upon McGovern's stance on aid to Greece and its potential impact on NATO, and Nixon expressed disappointment that wedding photos were not prominently featured in the press, instructing Julie to have his office check for coverage.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated their monitoring of televised Sunday talk shows, specifically focusing on John Connally’s upcoming appearance and George McGovern’s potential policy vulnerabilities regarding foreign aid and international relations. The pair discussed the political strategy of addressing McGovern’s debate requests, with both agreeing that the early proposal had been effectively neutralized by campaign staff. Additionally, they reviewed the positive media coverage surrounding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent press conference and discussed the timing of press reports regarding the firing of G. Gordon Liddy in relation to the FBI investigation.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:25 pm and 12:26 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-022 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:25 pm and 12:26 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-009 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 12:26 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-010 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 12:26 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman briefly conferred at Camp David to coordinate their viewing of a television program featuring Conway, which the President felt obliged to monitor. The pair discussed the program's anticipated content and exchanged brief observations regarding the ongoing media narrative surrounding current headlines. The interaction served primarily as a logistical check-in for the President's afternoon schedule.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for the file at Camp David, reflecting on political strategy and media coverage. He discussed the nature of political "radicals" on both the left and right, contrasting their motivations for seeking power versus maintaining ideological purity, and referencing the divisions within the Democratic Party.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for the file regarding Chinese money, though the specific details and purpose remain unintelligible from the transcript.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to H.R. Haldeman outlining revised campaign tactics, emphasizing personal appearances and enthusiastic reception over large rallies and motorcades. He also instructed Haldeman to ensure key staff highlight the President's Supreme Court appointments as a potent issue and to concentrate efforts on primary states facing significant attacks, while personally vetting Democratic defectors.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:29 pm and 1:35 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger regarding follow-up actions from his recent discussion with Ronald Reagan, including potential adjustments to U.S. policy on Irish Airlines. The President also outlines strategic objectives for upcoming meetings with foreign leaders, specifically emphasizing the need for a unified Western stance on nuclear defense and European security ahead of negotiations with the Soviet Union. To manage his schedule, Nixon directs staff to limit foreign minister meetings, suggesting that his engagement with Sir Alec Douglas-Home be handled via a casual breakfast or a private trip on the presidential yacht, Sequoia.
President Nixon praises John B. Connally for his skillful performance in a recent television interview, specifically commending his ability to handle aggressive questioning and his effective communication of administration policy. They review Connally's framing of key issues, including the international monetary situation, the Vietnam War, and economic strategy. The conversation concludes with a brief discussion regarding a potential outreach call to a political contact to assist the President's agenda.
President Nixon calls John B. Connally to praise his recent appearance on "Meet the Press," specifically commending his adept handling of hostile questioning regarding the economy, the Vietnam War, and the Smithsonian Agreement. The two discuss political strategy, including how to frame the administration’s position against opponent George McGovern, and briefly touch on the effectiveness of Connally's appearance and wardrobe. Finally, Nixon decides to pursue political assistance from George Smathers and requests the name of Connally's tailor to commission a similar pinstripe suit.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:40 pm and 2:01 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-025 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:40 pm and 2:01 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-019 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:40 pm and 2:01 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to his daughters, Tricia Nixon Cox and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, at Camp David, reflecting on his political career. He shared an anecdote about Winston Churchill's 1945 election loss and compared it to his own feelings after the 1960 campaign, discussing the perception of his political comeback after the California defeat and mentioning personal reflections on events in New York.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:40 pm and 2:01 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman evaluate recent television media appearances by political figures, specifically focusing on the performance of a candidate who pledged to remain in the Democratic Party. The discussion highlights the administration's assessment of interview tactics, media scrutiny, and the perceived effectiveness of the candidate's messaging. Nixon ultimately concludes that their preferred candidate outperformed the opposition, dismissing the significance of the media coverage as largely inconsequential.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman reviewed recent television interviews featuring Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern and former Treasury Secretary John Connally. The discussion focused on comparing their respective performances, with Nixon expressing high satisfaction with Connally's ability to act as a political "lightning rod" for the administration. They analyzed McGovern's vulnerabilities regarding labor support, foreign policy stances on Vietnam, and shifting economic proposals, ultimately concluding that Connally's effective critique of McGovern provided the administration with a significant political advantage.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:10 pm and 2:14 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-027 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:10 pm and 2:14 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss political strategy and public perception regarding the administration's leadership and the rank-and-file electorate. The conversation centers on navigating political optics and managing potential public scrutiny of the administration's actions. The two agree to reconvene the following day to further refine their approach to these sensitive political matters.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson reviewed recent television appearances by John B. Connally and George S. McGovern, discussing the efficacy of their respective political messages. Nixon praised Connally’s performance while expressing frustration over McGovern's policy stances, particularly regarding Vietnam, Thailand, and the Detroit busing case. The two also strategized on labor union endorsements and voter outreach, specifically emphasizing the importance of registering non-college youth to solidify support within the "silent majority."
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to initiate a telephone call to former Senator George Smathers. He provided instructions to locate Smathers, noting that the former senator might be in North Carolina, and authorized the White House operator to pursue the connection either that day or the following morning. No further follow-up was required by the Camp David operator.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:35 pm and 3:08 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for the file, reflecting on a "power brokers" speech. He noted that the speech, intended to attack power brokers, actually targeted all voluntary organizations, including labor and church groups, with the aim of breaking through existing structures.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman at Camp David concerning a New York Times report on the Gallup poll, emphasizing the imperative to concentrate registration efforts on the 18-20 age group, particularly non-college youth, while avoiding college students who are likely to vote for McGovern. The directive was to register only those who support Nixon, focusing on older youth as a neglected segment with potential support in big city and inner city areas.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone call to former Senator George Smathers. The President requested that the operator coordinate with the White House switchboard to locate Smathers, who was reportedly in North Carolina at the time. Nixon provided instructions to prioritize reaching the former Senator but specified that the attempt could be postponed until the following morning if immediate contact proved difficult.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:05 pm and 3:08 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met at Camp David to discuss ongoing military and diplomatic strategies, specifically focusing on the Vietnam War. A primary concern for the President was ensuring that U.S. forces avoid a public defeat, as he emphasized that while a tactical retreat is acceptable, any perceived loss would be politically damaging to domestic support. They also touched upon international diplomatic scheduling, including potential meetings with Italian leadership and managing trade negotiations to ensure positive outcomes prior to future summits.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the potential political and military fallout of Senator George McGovern's campaign statements, specifically his proposals to cut foreign aid to Greece and withdraw U.S. troops from Thailand. They transitioned to logistical planning for an upcoming summit with Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, emphasizing the need for a private communication channel to bypass bureaucratic leaks. Finally, they addressed the volatile military situation in South Vietnam, agreeing that South Vietnamese forces should consider a tactical retreat from Quang Tri to avoid a potentially devastating defeat that could undermine ongoing peace negotiations.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:27 pm and 4:03 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, at the Aspen Lodge at Camp David to discuss logistical arrangements for the remainder of the day. The conversation focused on scheduling the President's evening dinner and coordinating his return travel to the White House. No policy matters were addressed during this brief administrative exchange.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:27 pm and 4:03 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-032 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:27 pm and 4:03 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-033 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez talked on the telephone at Camp David at 4:03 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-033 of the White House Tapes.
On July 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 4:03 pm to 4:04 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 196-034 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to John B. Connally, with a copy to Charles W. Colson, regarding the "Democrats for Nixon" organization. Nixon detailed efforts by George Smathers to recruit Democratic Senators and other officials to support Nixon's re-election, noting that Smathers had spoken with several key figures and would personally discuss the matter with Connally. The discussion also touched upon the potential impact of McGovern's candidacy on industries like Boeing and the strategy of supporting Democratic candidates for Senate and local offices while remaining neutral in the presidential race.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to discuss personal administrative tasks, including drafting a message for the Bohemian Grove "Cave Man" camp. They transitioned into an informal discussion regarding current political figures and media coverage, specifically critiquing George McGovern's public persona and recent press profiles. The conversation concluded with updates on social engagements and minor personnel matters concerning associates like Jane Brumley and Clark MacGregor.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:10 am and 10:14 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 751-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, focusing on facilitating direct lines of communication with John B. Connally and managing various White House staff members. They discussed logistics for an upcoming meeting with Connally, the coordination of Raymond K. Price’s speechwriting staff, and arrangements for a photograph opportunity involving drug enforcement officials. Stephen B. Bull joined the discussion to finalize the scheduling and press arrangements for these briefings.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 751-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John B. Connally met to discuss a variety of political and strategic issues, including international oil interests, legal investigations involving Jake Jacobsen, and the upcoming 1972 presidential election. Nixon dismissed concerns regarding the Watergate scandal, framing it as the work of lower-level committee members rather than the administration, while emphasizing his intention to focus on presidential duties rather than immediate, aggressive campaign whistle-stopping. The pair further discussed key campaign themes, contrasting Nixon's conservative judicial and fiscal philosophies with the policies of his opponent, George McGovern, whom they labeled a threat to national defense and economic stability.
On July 24, 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 11:54 am and 11:56 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-001 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 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 11:54 am and 11:56 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-002 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:54 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 751-007 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:55 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-040 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower talked on the telephone from 11:56 am to 11:57 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-041 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 11:56 am to 11:57 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-003 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-042 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:08 pm and 12:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-043 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 12:08 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-004 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 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 12:08 pm and 12:19 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-005 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:08 pm and 12:19 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Henry Kissinger regarding the Vietnam War, foreign policy, and campaign-related fundraising issues. Nixon also held a telephone conversation with former President Lyndon B. Johnson to ensure that members of Johnson's circle would not be embarrassed by their potential support for John Connally's pro-Nixon Democratic fundraising organization. The discussion with Johnson further touched on providing security and diplomatic courtesies for upcoming travel by Lady Bird and Luci B. Johnson, as well as acknowledging the quiet support Johnson had provided the administration on critical national security matters.
President Richard M. Nixon and former President Lyndon B. Johnson engaged in a wide-ranging discussion concerning the 1972 presidential campaign, specifically focusing on John B. Connally’s efforts to organize the 'Democrats for Nixon' movement. The two leaders also discussed foreign policy, including perspectives on Vietnam and the role of former presidents in international affairs. Furthermore, the conversation touched upon logistical and security arrangements for upcoming travel and appointments involving prominent figures.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John B. Connally met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:44 pm and 12:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-008 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 12:45 pm to 12:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-045 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman held a brief meeting in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss administrative or political matters. While specific details remain obscured by redactions, the exchange serves as a record of high-level communication between the President and his Chief of Staff. No clear policy outcomes are discernible from the available transcript fragments.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:46 pm and 1:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-046 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:46 pm and 1:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-047 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John B. Connally discussed strategies regarding Lyndon B. Johnson’s potential involvement in the 1972 presidential campaign. The conversation focused on securing Johnson's neutrality and exploring his resistance to endorsing George McGovern, despite pressure from the Democratic ticket. Nixon emphasized his desire to leverage Johnson’s influence and perceived personal grievances against the McGovern camp to bolster the 'Democrats for Nixon' initiative.
On July 24, 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 12:46 pm and 1:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-011 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 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 12:46 pm and 1:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-012 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 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 12:46 pm and 1:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman to dictate instructions regarding a recent conversation he had with Lyndon B. Johnson concerning the upcoming overseas travel of the Johnson family. The discussion focused on coordinating protocol and security arrangements for Luci Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson's visits to London, Paris, Bonn, and Israel. Specifically, the President addressed potential security risks, including the threat of hijackings, during their week-long stay in Israel.
On July 24, 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 12:46 pm and 1:03 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to John D. Ehrlichman regarding the coordination of travel logistics and security arrangements for Luci B. Johnson, Pat Nugent, and Lady Bird Johnson. The discussion focuses on enhancing security protocols for their upcoming itinerary, specifically concerning airline anti-hijacking measures and diplomatic courtesies extended through embassies. Additionally, Nixon addresses the involvement of Henry Kissinger and General Richard Schulz in these security efforts, including the potential for a follow-up call to the Johnson family.
On July 24, 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 12:46 pm and 1:03 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, John Connally, and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss political strategy for the 1972 campaign, focusing on managing relations with Lyndon B. Johnson, George McGovern, and key demographic groups. The discussion covered the use of national defense spokespeople like John S.D. Eisenhower, methods for handling sensitive presidential dictations to prevent leaks, and the need for more persuasive, 'catchy' messaging in press materials. Nixon also emphasized the importance of maintaining strict control over staff activities and ensuring that all political communication remains aligned with his campaign's strategic goals.
On July 24, 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 2:24 pm and 3:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-019 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 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 2:24 pm and 3:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-020 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 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 2:24 pm and 3:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-021 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 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 2:24 pm and 3:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-022 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:22 pm and 3:32 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 751-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the logistical details for upcoming White House photography sessions and the presentation of gifts to various visitors. The discussion focused on scheduling groups including Roland L. Elliott, Patrick J. Buchanan, and Raymond K. Price, Jr., while clarifying protocols regarding gift distribution, such as cufflinks. Nixon confirmed the need for brief, efficient photo opportunities for these individuals and their associates.
President Nixon met with members of the White House correspondence staff and volunteers to acknowledge their work in processing the high volume of daily mail. The discussion focused on the operational challenges of managing correspondence, the strategic importance of using personal stories and vignettes from the mail for campaign speeches, and the need to monitor public sentiment during the upcoming Republican National Convention. Nixon concluded the session by presenting the staff with commemorative gifts and thanking them for their service.
President Nixon met with members of his White House News Summary staff to discuss the importance of monitoring media coverage of the 1972 presidential campaign. He directed the staff to provide confidential, quantitative analyses of how television networks, wire services, and newspapers covered the campaign to better understand media bias and its potential impact on voters. Nixon emphasized the need for a balanced approach to information and instructed his team to keep these sensitive evaluations internal as they prepared to counter negative press narratives regarding Senator George McGovern and the administration.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate the scheduling of an upcoming meeting involving Raymond K. Price, Jr. and a group of approximately eight to ten individuals. The discussion focused on finalizing the logistics, including the size of the delegation and the timing of their entry into the Oval Office. Nixon instructed Bull to facilitate the arrival of the group to ensure the appointment proceeded as planned.
President Nixon met with his speechwriting and communications staff to strategize for the 1972 reelection campaign. The discussion centered on framing the election as a fundamental choice between Nixon’s policies and the 'radical' proposals of Democratic nominee George McGovern, particularly regarding national defense, welfare, and the role of government. Nixon instructed his team to emphasize these ideological differences, portray McGovern as an inconsistent extremist, and maintain a positive tone by focusing on the administration’s achievements in foreign policy and economic management.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 7:05 pm to 7:32 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-048 of the White House Tapes.
On July 25, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:30 am and 9:54 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-002 of the White House Tapes.
On July 25, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:30 am and 9:54 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review his daily schedule. The primary focus of the brief discussion was the President's upcoming meeting with various mayors and county officials. John D. Ehrlichman was also noted as a key participant in these pending engagements.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on meetings with local government officials and legislative strategy. They discussed political intelligence regarding George McGovern's campaign, specifically examining the potential to influence Joseph Alioto and analyzing the Democratic Convention dynamics. Additionally, they strategized on how the President should advocate for revenue sharing while publicly resisting legislative attempts by Senator Russell Long to impose restrictive conditions on the funding.
President Nixon met with a large delegation of mayors and local government officials to strategize on securing the passage of federal revenue sharing legislation in the Senate. Nixon emphasized the necessity of a bipartisan, non-restrictive bill and cautioned the attendees against allowing extraneous amendments—such as welfare reform—to jeopardize the legislation's chances before the upcoming Republican convention. The participants expressed their gratitude for the administration's leadership and pledged to lobby key senators to ensure the bill remained clean and reached the President's desk without delay.
On July 25, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 9:30 am to 9:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 752-004 of the White House Tapes.