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 117 of 211President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the administration's stance on gun control legislation, specifically focusing on policies regarding 'Saturday night specials.' The conversation addresses potential public statements concerning the FBI and Director L. Patrick Gray's previous remarks on the issue. They deliberate on the extent of the administration's involvement in current legislative proposals and the strategic messaging required to handle the matter.
On July 26, 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 5:29 pm and 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 352-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate the President's upcoming press conference strategy. They discussed potential inquiries regarding international relations, specifically focusing on the political standing of Egyptian leader Anwar el-Sadat and the situation in Northern Ireland. The discussion centered on preparing the administration's messaging for these key geopolitical issues.
President Nixon consulted with H. R. Haldeman regarding Clark MacGregor’s performance and the fallout from a recent press conference involving Nelson Rockefeller. The discussion focused on managing political messaging, including the potential for future briefings directed at Cabinet members and the spouses of administration officials. They further addressed Rockefeller’s assessment of MacGregor as they strategized on internal political coordination.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 5:42 pm to 5:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-093 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 6:58 pm to 7:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-094 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:28 pm and 9:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-095 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:28 pm and 9:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-096 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:28 pm and 9:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-097 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 7:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 352-013 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 7:42 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 352-014 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 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 7:42 pm and 9:11 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 352-015 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Tricia Nixon Cox, and Edward R. F. Cox talked on the telephone from 9:11 pm to 9:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-098 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Tricia Nixon Cox, and Edward R. F. Cox met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 9:11 pm to 9:13 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 352-016 of the White House Tapes.
On July 27, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 12:41 pm to 12:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-001 of the White House Tapes.
On July 27, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:47 pm and 1:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-002 of the White House Tapes.
On July 27, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 1:14 pm to 1:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-003 of the White House Tapes.
On July 27, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:50 pm to 1:53 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 351-001 of the White House Tapes.
On July 27, 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 1:53 pm and 2:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 351-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler met to finalize strategy and logistics for an upcoming presidential press conference. They specifically discussed how to address the emerging controversy surrounding Thomas F. Eagleton and coordinated the format of the event, including the risks associated with press photography. The brief consultation served to align the administration's messaging and public image management ahead of the scheduled media interaction.
On July 27, 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 2:12 pm and 2:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 351-004 of the White House Tapes.
On July 27, 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 2:12 pm and 2:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 351-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his staff and advisors to review his recent press conference, assessing its effectiveness in countering criticism of his Vietnam policy and the perceived "double standard" of his critics. Nixon and his team discussed strategies to further neutralize opposition, including coordinating public relations efforts against negative media coverage and managing congressional resistance to his war policy. The President also reviewed his upcoming schedule, including golf outings and social engagements, while coordinating sensitive communication channels with key political allies like John Connally.
On July 27, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 4:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a series of brief, disconnected meetings and calls with Alexander P. Butterfield, Charles W. Colson, and Henry A. Kissinger. The discussions centered on internal scheduling logistics, including a request for a meeting between the President and Senator Hugh Scott. The participants coordinated administrative items related to the President's upcoming agenda.
President Nixon and Charles Colson spoke briefly to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule. The primary focus of the discussion was confirming a future meeting between the two men. This brief interaction served to facilitate the logistics of their ongoing political communications.
President Nixon met with Charles W. Colson to discuss the administration's public relations strategy regarding a specific news story involving Kenneth W. Clawson and John A. Scali. The President instructed Colson to investigate the details of this story to preempt potential complications. Manolo Sanchez joined the meeting briefly at its conclusion as the President managed his scheduling obligations.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the political fallout and public reception of the President's press conference held earlier that day, specifically addressing comments regarding the bombing of North Vietnam and the targeting of dikes. The two evaluated the President's performance, compared historical precedents for the vice presidency, and touched upon political concerns involving Senator Hugh Scott and other congressional relations. Additionally, they reviewed the ongoing military situation in South Vietnam, including casualty counts and the impact of the conflict on future peace negotiations.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson, Kenneth Clawson, and John Scali to assess media coverage of his administration's foreign policy and the ongoing presidential campaign. The discussion focused on how international developments, such as the situation in Thailand and broader Cold War dynamics, impacted public and press perception of the President versus his opponent, George McGovern. Additionally, Nixon directed his staff to monitor media relations more closely and advised that Vice President Spiro Agnew should exercise more rhetorical discipline to maintain his political effectiveness.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:33 am and 11:06 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the President's upcoming travel to Louisiana for the funeral of Senator Allen J. Ellender and to manage Congressional pressure regarding Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon and Kissinger strategized on how to leverage the funeral to build bipartisan political support, while Kissinger updated the President on diplomatic efforts with British officials and observations from W. Averell Harriman regarding the 1972 election. The group concluded by emphasizing the need for a cautious public posture on Vietnam to prevent Congressional interference from undermining ongoing sensitive negotiations.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate personal scheduling and logistics, including an urgent follow-up call requested by Tricia Nixon Cox. The discussion centered on Tricia's concerns regarding ongoing administration crises and the associated media pressure on the family. Consequently, the participants addressed the need for the Nixon family to maintain a low profile during this period while managing the President’s upcoming meetings with Otto E. Passman and John D. Ehrlichman.
President Nixon met with his senior aides and advisors to manage his political schedule and address several pressing crises, including the 1972 presidential campaign, the Watergate investigation, and military policy in Vietnam. The group strategized on how to deflect negative press coverage, particularly concerning Senator Thomas Eagleton's status on the Democratic ticket, and sought to minimize the political fallout from the impending Watergate grand jury indictments by favoring legal delays until after the election. Additionally, they coordinated a messaging strategy to have the State Department, rather than the Defense Department, provide briefings on North Vietnamese dike bombings to maintain greater public credibility.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:04 am and 11:06 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discuss her desire for greater privacy regarding her Secret Service protection during personal outings. Tricia argues that she does not require agents to follow her inside stores during unannounced visits, citing the lack of past incidents and the intrusive nature of the close surveillance. The President acknowledges her concerns and agrees to consult with staff to determine if current security protocols can be adjusted in a manner consistent with the law.
President Richard M. Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, met briefly in the Oval Office for a personal conversation. The discussion was limited in scope, consisting primarily of casual, informal remarks between the two. No substantive political or administrative policy decisions were documented during this short exchange.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on coordinating logistics for a trip to Camp David. They discussed travel timing, including the departure for the President’s wife and guests, as well as arrangements for dinner involving Rose Mary Woods and Dr. Walter Tkach. The conversation concluded with a decision to finalize the travel itinerary and arrival times for the weekend retreat.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss campaign strategy, personnel management, and the handling of various administrative issues. The President expressed significant frustration with the political performance of staff member Peter Flanigan, ultimately directing Ehrlichman to strip Flanigan of his remaining domestic policy responsibilities. Additionally, they strategized on managing negative press regarding Grumman Corporation layoffs by potentially facilitating F-14 sales to the Shah of Iran to create a positive media narrative.
President Nixon met with Brazilian representatives Antonio D. Neto and Joao Augusto de Araujo Castro, along with Alexander Haig, to discuss strengthening U.S.-Brazilian economic relations and regional political stability. The conversation focused on Brazil’s economic development, including their efforts to combat inflation, manage interior agricultural projects, and address regional income inequality. Nixon emphasized the importance of Brazil's example in the hemisphere and recommended that the visitors coordinate with Deputy CIA Director Vernon Walters on regional concerns regarding neighboring nations like Chile and Bolivia.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:54 am and 11:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-009 of the White House Tapes.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:54 am and 11:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Jack D. Maltester, John J. Gunther, and John D. Ehrlichman to discuss the legislative status of federal revenue sharing and the political landscape of the 1972 presidential campaign. Participants analyzed strategies for securing support for revenue sharing in the Senate Finance Committee, particularly in light of Senator Allen J. Ellender’s recent death. The group also examined potential endorsements from Democratic mayors and the importance of securing the California vote in the upcoming election.
President Nixon calls Charles W. Colson to offer personal encouragement after Colson expresses distress over a critical newspaper column by Thomas W. Braden. Nixon advises Colson to ignore media criticism, framing it as a predictable tactic by opponents intended to provoke a reactionary response. He encourages Colson to maintain a thick skin and treat such attacks as badges of honor rather than letting them cause personal frustration.
President Nixon met with Charles W. Colson to offer personal encouragement following negative media coverage and political criticism. Nixon advised Colson to remain resilient, framing media attacks as a tactical attempt to induce fear and undermine the administration's resolve. He urged Colson to ignore editorial criticism and maintain a combative posture toward their political adversaries.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:28 pm and 2:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with David J. Mahoney, Jr., Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., and Leonard Garment to address the strategic direction and administrative challenges facing the Bicentennial Commission. Mahoney emphasized the need for higher-level cabinet participation and stronger White House support to combat congressional criticism and bureaucratic inertia. Nixon directed the participants to improve coordination across departments, committing to issue a formal memorandum requiring cabinet members to appoint assistant secretaries to attend commission meetings to ensure institutional accountability.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:55 pm and 1:00 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-013 of the White House Tapes.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:55 pm and 1:00 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to coordinate scheduling details for upcoming social engagements and official travel. The discussion encompassed logistical planning for helicopter travel, a potential dinner with Elmer H. Bobst, and various personal social arrangements involving the President and First Lady. Additionally, the pair touched upon matters relating to the President’s associates and the personal demeanor of staff members such as Dr. Walter R. Tkach.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the logistical arrangements for an upcoming signing ceremony concerning the U.S.-Soviet Union Joint Commission on Science and Technology. The discussion centered on the expected attendance of key officials, including Anatoliy F. Dobrynin, Henry Kissinger, and Edward E. David, Jr., while noting the absence of Secretary of State William P. Rogers. They finalized the seating protocol to ensure the event proceeded as scheduled.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman briefly discussed the political status of Senator Thomas Eagleton following reports that he intended to remain on the Democratic presidential ticket. They addressed conflicting narratives regarding whether the McGovern campaign had requested Eagleton's resignation. The discussion focused on assessing the media's coverage of these developments and determining the potential impact of the situation on the Democratic party's internal stability.
President Nixon, Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin, and Alexander Haig met to discuss logistical preparations for a forthcoming signing ceremony and to manage the diplomatic fallout from Egypt’s recent expulsion of Soviet military advisers. Nixon sought to reassure Dobrynin that the U.S. had no foreknowledge of or involvement in the Egyptian decision, emphasizing his commitment to preserving U.S.-Soviet relations ahead of the 1972 election. The President stressed his desire for transparency and requested that Dobrynin trust his personal commitment to honor existing bilateral agreements despite bureaucratic pressures.
President Nixon hosted a signing ceremony in the Oval Office for the U.S.-Soviet Union Joint Commission on Science and Technology, formalizing a "Record of Discussions" to implement bilateral cooperation. Attendees, including Dr. Edward E. David, Jr. and Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin, highlighted the shift in diplomatic relations from confrontation to negotiation and cooperation. The participants emphasized that this agreement, which establishes six primary areas for research collaboration, serves the interests of both nations and the broader international community.
President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield, H.R. Haldeman, Stephen Bull, Henry Kissinger, and James Eastland to address several administrative and political matters. The President instructed Butterfield to modify Secret Service protocols for Tricia Nixon Cox, emphasizing a desire for less intrusive protection during unannounced personal activities. Nixon also reviewed political developments regarding Thomas Eagleton’s status on the Democratic ticket and consulted with Kissinger on ongoing US-Soviet diplomatic relations and SALT negotiations. Additionally, Nixon coordinated travel arrangements with Senator Eastland to attend the funeral of Senator Allen Ellender.
President Nixon calls Senator James O. Eastland to formally congratulate him on his recent election as President pro tempore of the Senate. The two men coordinate logistics for Eastland to join the President aboard Air Force One for travel to Louisiana. The primary purpose of the trip is to attend the funeral of Senator Allen J. Ellender, and the President directs his staff to finalize the travel arrangements with Eastland’s office.
President Nixon met with the Earl of Cromer, Sir Burke Trend, and Henry Kissinger to coordinate Western strategy regarding the upcoming European Security Conference and ongoing concerns about European nuclear planning. Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining a unified front with Britain, France, and West Germany to prevent the Soviet Union from exploiting potential divisions or illusions of détente. The discussion also addressed the international monetary situation, the importance of maintaining U.S. defense commitments despite domestic political pressure from the 1972 campaign, and the need for private diplomatic channels to manage these complex alliances.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:42 pm and 2:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David on an unknown date, sometime between 8:29 pm on July 28, 1972 and 9:54 am on July 29, 1972. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 138-002 of the White House Tapes.
On July 29, 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 198-001 of the White House Tapes.
On July 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:00 am and 10:25 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 138-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the ongoing political crisis surrounding Senator Eagleton's potential removal from the Democratic ticket, including speculation about who McGovern might select as a replacement and the legal and political ramifications of the situation. They also touched upon the potential impact of the controversy on fundraising and the media's coverage, as well as George Wallace's expected statement and the importance of John Connally's involvement in managing the administration's response.
On July 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:07 am and 10:09 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 138-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the military situation in Vietnam, focusing on defensive maneuvers near Firebase Birmingham and the administration's frustration with media coverage regarding the bombing of dikes. They also addressed concerns over unauthorized public comments made by trade negotiator William D. Eberle regarding upcoming negotiations with Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. Nixon instructed Kissinger to investigate the status of these trade talks and to better prepare for the summit to ensure substantive results.
President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David on an unknown date, sometime between 10:18 am on July 29, 1972 and 10:25 am on July 30, 1972. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-008 of the White House Tapes.
On July 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 10:25 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 138-007 of the White House Tapes.
On July 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 10:28 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 138-008 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:00 am and 10:25 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Fina Sanchez at Camp David to discuss the recent visit and accommodations provided to her friends. During the conversation, Sanchez expressed her companions' gratitude for the hospitality they received in Maryland. The exchange touched upon the guests' status as naturalized citizens and their political concerns regarding the Republican party.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:00 am and 10:25 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman at Camp David to dictate a political memorandum and provide specific instructions regarding its limited distribution. The President emphasized that the document was restricted to a single file copy and was not to be shared further. The meeting was briefly interrupted by an unknown individual requesting newspapers before the President resumed his administrative tasks.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to H.R. Haldeman outlining a new strategy for dealing with the press, emphasizing that only top campaign personnel should speak to antagonistic media representatives under strict surveillance. He directed that more opportunities be created for staff to speak with friendly media outlets, while limiting access for unfriendly ones, citing a Washington Post article that contrasted critical coverage of his campaign with favorable coverage of McGovern's. Nixon also specified that interviews with unfriendly media should be reserved only for those reaching substantial audiences.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:00 am and 10:25 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-014 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 10:25 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-015 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 10:28 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-016 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:06 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 138-009 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:06 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-018 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:06 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the political fallout from the Eagleton controversy, strategizing on how to best exploit McGovern's perceived weakness and avoid appearing to attack Eagleton directly. They also touched upon President Nixon's potential attendance at Senator Ellender's funeral and the logistics of sending a film to Governor Wallace. Additionally, Nixon received advice from Al Capp regarding his campaign strategy, specifically to avoid direct campaigning and instead focus on his presidential image.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the management of a sensitive personal situation involving an individual's absence due to an infection. The dialogue focuses on ensuring that the public or private narrative regarding her inability to attend is handled consistently to avoid potential complications. Haldeman provides reassurance to the President that the current approach is the most effective course of action for the administration.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:32 pm and 1:56 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 138-011 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:32 pm and 1:56 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-021 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:32 pm and 1:56 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-022 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 1:56 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 138-012 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 1:56 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-023 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 1:58 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 138-013 of the White House Tapes.
On July 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 1:58 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 198-024 of the White House Tapes.
Charles Colson and President Nixon discussed the Democratic Party's handling of the Thomas Eagleton situation, criticizing McGovern's perceived cowardice and the "cruel" public statements made by party officials Jean Westwood and Larry O'Brien regarding Eagleton's withdrawal. They also touched upon the potential for Eagleton to resist stepping down and the media's role in shaping public perception, with Colson suggesting that the Democrats' current difficulties are beneficial to Nixon's campaign.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the political fallout from Senator Eagleton's past mental health issues and his campaign's handling of the press. They analyzed how McGovern's campaign was appearing weak and hypocritical by supporting Eagleton while his National Chairman attacked him. Nixon and Colson also critiqued the press conference strategies and the perceived arrogance of the opposition, anticipating a more aggressive campaign from McGovern's team.
On July 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:05 pm and 4:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 757-001 of the White House Tapes.
On July 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:05 pm and 4:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 757-002 of the White House Tapes.
On July 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-013 of the White House Tapes.
On July 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 4:07 pm to 4:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-014 of the White House Tapes.
On July 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:07 pm to 4:08 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 757-003 of the White House Tapes.
On July 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:08 pm to 4:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 757-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors and key staff, including George Shultz, Caspar Weinberger, Herbert Stein, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman, to refine the administration's public relations strategy regarding the economy ahead of the 1972 election. The group evaluated the political impact of inflation, unemployment, and food prices, concluding that the public primarily associated rising food costs with processors and middlemen rather than the administration. Nixon directed his team to avoid getting bogged down in minor press interviews and instead focus their efforts on high-impact television appearances and providing economic talking points for political surrogates to utilize in their campaigns.
On July 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John B. Connally talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:32 pm and 5:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Connally and H.R. Haldeman to discuss political maneuvering regarding the 1972 campaign, specifically focusing on Senate races and the handling of potential legal liabilities. They strategized on how to convince Republican candidates in Arkansas to withdraw to support powerful Democratic incumbents like John McClellan, who were seen as potential allies. Additionally, the participants addressed the imminent indictment of Jake Jacobsen, debating whether political influence could delay the process to protect Connally's interests and the "Democrats for Nixon" initiative.
President Nixon facilitates a brief phone call between Congressman Joe D. Waggonner, Jr. and John B. Connally to foster communication between the two men. Following introductory pleasantries, the conversation transitions into a casual, lighthearted exchange regarding the perceived differences in manners between the wealthy and the poor. No substantive political developments or policy decisions are documented in this portion of the recording.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the potential political fallout surrounding the legal case of Jake Jacobsen and his partner, specifically focusing on protecting John Connally. Ehrlichman reports that Attorney General Richard Kleindienst is willing to delay an indictment, though he fears the risk of public disclosure. Nixon instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate closely with Connally and prioritize his guidance on how to manage the situation to avoid negative implications for him.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the "Jacobson thing," a matter involving a client whose situation had reverted to its original state. Ehrlichman confirmed he had spoken with his contact regarding the issue, and they considered taking guidance from this individual. The conversation focused on the reactions of others involved, particularly "Kama," and the administration's willingness to provide aid if necessary.