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 119 of 211President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the complexities of managing Vietnam peace negotiations while navigating domestic political pressures, specifically focusing on the Brooke amendment and growing Congressional skepticism. They debated the necessity of maintaining secrecy in private negotiating channels to avoid premature disclosure, which could undermine the Administration's leverage and exacerbate opposition from Congressional liberals. Ultimately, they resolved to continue pressuring North Vietnam while balancing the need to retain enough political support to avoid a legislative collapse during the 1972 election year.
President Nixon called John O. Marsh, Jr. to express appreciation for his ongoing work with the American Revolutionary Bicentennial Commission. Nixon relayed positive feedback from Charles Colson and John Connally regarding Marsh’s performance and specifically praised his handling of sensitive matters involving George Wallace. The President concluded the call by affirming his total confidence in Marsh’s ability to manage his current responsibilities.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House from 9:09 am to 9:10 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 760-007 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 9:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 760-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss political strategy, the administration's use of federal investigative agencies, and upcoming personnel decisions. The President expressed frustration that the administration was not effectively using its power to investigate political opponents, specifically focusing on Lawrence O'Brien and the Democratic National Committee. They also discussed managing cabinet expectations regarding potential reappointments and coordination with figures like Herbert G. Klein and John Mitchell for forthcoming events.
President Nixon met with John S.D. Eisenhower and David R. Young, Jr. to discuss the Interagency Classification Review Committee's report on reducing classified materials. The conversation focused on the need to decrease the number of individuals with Top Secret clearance and access, the challenges of overclassification, and the importance of stricter penalties for security violations to prevent leaks. Nixon emphasized the administration's public goal of increased transparency while privately stressing the necessity of maintaining secrecy for national security and effective governance.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:10 am and 11:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 760-011 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:10 am and 11:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 760-012 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:10 am and 11:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 760-013 of the White House Tapes.
In this meeting, President Nixon consulted with Alexander Butterfield and Henry Kissinger regarding logistics for his upcoming trip to Hawaii, which included plans for Admiral John S. McCain Jr.'s retirement ceremony and potential events with Clare Boothe Luce. The President and Kissinger also discussed domestic administration policy concerning the debt ceiling and frustrations regarding Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird’s public messaging. Finally, they reviewed sensitive foreign policy strategy, specifically coordinating with the People’s Republic of China regarding the Soviet Union and negotiating a potential path forward in Vietnam.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:33 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-050 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:33 am and 11:37 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-051 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:33 am and 11:37 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-052 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower talked on the telephone from 11:43 am to 11:49 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-053 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:43 am and 11:49 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-001 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:49 am and 12:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-054 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 11:49 am and 12:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-002 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 11:49 am and 12:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-003 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 11:49 am and 12:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-004 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 12:10 pm to 12:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-055 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 12:10 pm to 12:11 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-005 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:11 pm and 12:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-056 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 12:11 pm to 12:12 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-006 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 12:12 pm to 12:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-057 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for presidential gift-giving, specifically focusing on the feasibility of customizing music boxes with the presidential seal to distribute to notable individuals. They also address logistical matters, including the placement of a painting of the President's dog, King Timahoe, and the President's upcoming schedule. The conversation reflects administrative efforts to manage White House promotional items and office decor in consultation with Rose Mary Woods and Manolo Sanchez.
On August 3, 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 12:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-008 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 12:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss administrative personnel assignments for a forthcoming Sequoia cruise and to analyze current economic conditions. They evaluated the political impact of rising food prices on housewives and considered various policy options regarding price controls and staples. Additionally, the President reviewed economic data, specifically examining recent revisions to business indicators and unemployment figures to better gauge the health of the economy.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John B. Connally talked on the telephone from 1:10 pm to 1:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-001 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 1:10 pm and 1:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-011 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 1:15 pm and 2:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-012 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John B. Connally talked on the telephone from 2:24 pm to 2:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-002 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John B. Connally met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:24 pm to 2:27 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-013 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:27 pm and 2:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-003 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 2:27 pm and 2:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-014 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:27 pm and 2:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-015 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 2:27 pm and 2:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-016 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 2:27 pm and 2:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with businessman Dwayne O. Andreas regarding the inclusion of Hubert H. Humphrey in upcoming bipartisan foreign policy meetings. Nixon expressed his intent to formally invite Humphrey to these sessions, acknowledging the importance of recognizing Humphrey's status as a former vice president and presidential candidate. This outreach was intended to foster a more inclusive, bipartisan approach to sensitive foreign policy matters, specifically regarding the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT).
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and Henry Kissinger to coordinate administration strategy regarding the 1972 reelection campaign, foreign policy outreach, and logistical planning for upcoming domestic travel. The group discussed utilizing surrogate outreach to build bipartisan support for the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) and managing the President's visits to flood-stricken areas in Wilkes-Barre and Elmira to highlight disaster relief legislation. Additionally, Nixon emphasized the need for aggressive political tactics—specifically the use of derogatory campaign literature linking opponents to George McGovern—and reviewed economic data concerning food prices and inflation with his staff.
President Nixon and businessman Dwayne O. Andreas discuss the political fallout surrounding the Democratic vice-presidential nomination and the potential replacement of Thomas F. Eagleton. Nixon confirms that he has coordinated with Henry Kissinger to delay a security briefing for Hubert Humphrey to influence the timing of the Democratic ticket's reorganization. The conversation reflects the administration’s strategic interest in managing the perceived stability and optics of the opposing party's convention period.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:22 pm and 4:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-070 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:15 pm and 4:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-006 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 4:15 pm and 4:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-019 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 4:15 pm and 4:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held brief discussions with First Lady Pat Nixon and aide John D. Ehrlichman while working from the Old Executive Office Building. The dialogue primarily concerned scheduling logistics for the remainder of the day, specifically coordinating the timing of the President's upcoming commitments. Nixon subsequently dictated a memorandum for the file to document his activities.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 4:30 pm to 4:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-007 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone from 4:44 pm to 4:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-008 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:45 pm and 4:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-009 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 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 4:45 pm and 4:47 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called Senator John C. Stennis to extend birthday greetings and express gratitude for his efforts in navigating difficult appropriation votes in Congress. The two discussed the lack of support from Republican senators and the frustration voiced by Vice President Spiro Agnew regarding the legislative situation. Nixon emphasized the importance of securing a strong position in the House of Representatives to resolve ongoing legislative conflicts, while Stennis reaffirmed his support for the administration's Vietnam policy.
President Nixon met with Senator John C. Stennis to offer birthday wishes and express appreciation for his legislative leadership regarding appropriations. The conversation addressed ongoing challenges with Republican support for the administration's fiscal agenda and the hope for favorable outcomes during upcoming budget conference committees. Nixon acknowledged the difficulties of the election year while reaffirming his private support for Stennis's efforts.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, to discuss administrative strategy, personnel changes, and political damage control ahead of the 1972 election. A significant portion of the discussion focused on managing rising food prices and the potential political fallout, with the President exploring aggressive options like a temporary price freeze on meat. Additionally, they reviewed plans to leverage the IRS to investigate political opponents, such as Lawrence O'Brien, and finalized shifts in cabinet and sub-cabinet personnel to ensure greater control in a potential second term.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate his daily schedule and prepare for an upcoming meeting with Charles W. Colson. Following this briefing, the President engaged in two brief telephone conversations with unidentified individuals to discuss scheduling matters. These interactions reflect the logistical management of the President's priorities and internal communications during the early morning hours.
President Nixon, along with advisors Kissinger, Haldeman, Ehrlichman, and Colson, discussed several key issues. They addressed concerns about the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) and potential congressional amendments, particularly from Senator Jackson, and debated strategies for managing these reservations with the Soviets. The conversation also delved into economic matters, focusing on rising food prices, the potential for a price freeze on hides and other goods, and the political implications of these economic trends. Additionally, the group touched upon the Arthur Bremer assassination attempt and its potential political fallout, as well as the upcoming presidential schedule involving youth and women leaders.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed a legislative development regarding the export of animal hides, expressing frustration over a House vote that took place without proper administration coordination. Nixon expressed concern that the restrictive nature of the bill was driven by the Department of Commerce rather than George Shultz's office. Ehrlichman was tasked with investigating the source of the legislative error and providing a follow-up briefing to the President.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:22 am and 10:24 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed preparations for an upcoming meeting with various youth program representatives, including discussions on dress codes and the composition of the group. Nixon also coordinated logistics for a personal trip to the Thomas B. McCabe, Jr. residence with Manolo Sanchez and Tricia Nixon Cox. The interaction concluded with brief administrative arrangements and informal social exchanges.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox talked on the telephone from 10:24 am to 10:25 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-013 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:36 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-014 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:36 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 761-004 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:36 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 761-005 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 10:36 am to 10:37 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-015 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:36 am to 10:37 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 761-006 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:37 am and 1:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss political strategy and administration initiatives, including the transition to a post-Vietnam economy and foreign policy successes. Much of the conversation focused on managing the political fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically addressing the legal and public relations implications of the Dwayne Andreas campaign contribution and potential testimony from Jeb Stuart Magruder. Nixon and Haldeman also reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, including the Republican National Convention and strategies for handling media questions regarding Vietnam and campaign finances.
President Nixon and Richard K. Cook discussed the status of a hides bill that had recently passed both houses of Congress despite administration opposition. While Nixon expressed concern over the political ramifications regarding shoe prices and cattlemen, Cook advised that the administration could frame the defeat as congressional obstruction. The two men also strategized on upcoming legislative efforts, specifically regarding the need to secure the neutrality of Speaker Carl Albert by leveraging the influence of former Speaker John W. McCormack.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:51 pm and 2:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-018 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 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 1:51 pm and 2:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 362-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Jeb Stuart Magruder held a brief telephone discussion focused on defense programs and their subsequent impact on employment. The exchange served to align their messaging on these economic and national security topics, specifically highlighting plans to produce a video to communicate their platform. No further policy shifts were finalized during this call.
President Nixon and Jeb Stuart Magruder met briefly to discuss unspecified strategic concerns. The dialogue remains largely indistinct, characterized by vague exchanges regarding a potential course of action and the President's expressed sense of unease. No concrete policy decisions or specific directives were recorded during this brief encounter.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:28 pm and 2:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-020 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:28 pm and 2:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-021 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 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 2:28 pm and 2:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 362-003 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 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 2:28 pm and 2:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 362-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with Thomas G. Dunn to discuss the status of pending revenue sharing legislation, which appeared poised for imminent passage. Nixon expressed optimism about the bill's progress and extended an invitation to Dunn for a formal signing ceremony at the White House. The conversation served to solidify political support for the administration's legislative agenda while acknowledging Dunn’s cooperation.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas G. Dunn met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:30 pm to 2:32 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 362-005 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:32 pm and 2:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-023 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 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 2:32 pm and 2:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 362-006 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 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 2:32 pm and 2:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 362-007 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan talked on the telephone from 2:34 pm to 2:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-024 of the White House Tapes.
On August 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:34 pm to 2:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 362-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Charles W. Colson and Patrick J. Buchanan to discuss political strategy and administrative coordination during the 1972 reelection campaign. The participants reviewed Colson’s recent interactions with political analyst Richard M. Scammon and analyzed the President’s earlier meeting with youth representatives from the Committee for the Reelection of the President. The dialogue focused on campaign outreach efforts and assessments of the current political landscape.
On August 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:20 am and 8:31 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 029-032 of the White House Tapes.
On August 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:20 am and 8:31 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 763-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown female visitor in the Oval Office to coordinate scheduling logistics. The brief discussion centered primarily on finalizing the timing for a forthcoming meeting with Special Counsel Charles W. Colson. The exchange concluded with the setting of a 9:00 a.m. appointment.
On August 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:20 am and 8:31 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 763-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. engaged in a brief, cordial exchange to return a previous call initiated by the Senator. The conversation focused on social pleasantries and the President's upcoming schedule in Maryland. The two men also commiserated over their mutual distaste for the Washington Post, with Nixon suggesting that the Senator consult a more balanced White House news summary to better gauge national sentiment.
President Nixon met briefly with Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. to discuss a personal matter regarding Byrd's vehicle. The conversation was brief and informal, with Byrd apologizing for not returning Nixon's call sooner due to an issue with his RV. No significant policy discussions or action items were recorded.
On August 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:38 am and 9:02 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 763-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield briefly discussed the President's upcoming schedule, including meetings with Henry Kissinger, the Council on Environmental Quality, and Virginia legislators. The conversation touched on the timing and press coverage of these events, as well as the content of a briefing by Ronald Ziegler and the length of a meeting with General Goodpaster. The primary purpose was to confirm and coordinate the President's appointments for the day.
President Nixon, Charles Colson, and Stephen Bull discussed the administration's record on unemployment, comparing figures from 1969 to 1972 and considering its relationship to the Vietnam War. They also touched upon public relations strategies, mentioning Clark MacGregor and George McGovern, and reviewed upcoming scheduling matters, including a meeting with Pat Nixon. The conversation also briefly referenced poll data from Gallup and Harris.
President Nixon met with Senator Russell Long, Governor Edwin Edwards and his family, and other staff members in the Oval Office. The meeting included a formal photograph session and discussions about upcoming Senate votes, particularly on national defense and foreign policy, with an emphasis on Southern Democratic support. They also discussed presidential gifts, including cuff links and ashtrays, and a potential road construction project in Louisiana.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed upcoming scheduling arrangements involving Ronald L. Ziegler and Gerald R. Warren in California. The discussion primarily focused on the logistics of presidential gift disbursements, specifically the procurement and presentation of Bulova watches featuring the presidential seal and signature. Nixon finalized plans to present one of these watches to Congressman Otto E. Passman later in the week.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the agenda and guest list for an upcoming meeting with Republican Congressional leadership. They focused specifically on the selection of attendees—including Wallace F. Bennett, Frank T. Bow, John W. Byrnes, and Barry M. Goldwater—and the inclusion of William E. Timmons to discuss the national economy. During the brief session, the President also attended to the administrative task of signing various official documents.
On August 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:11 am and 10:18 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 763-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and General Andrew Goodpaster met to discuss the strategic landscape of NATO, European security, and the necessity of maintaining a unified Atlantic alliance amidst potential political shifts. Goodpaster provided an assessment of European confidence in the United States, emphasizing the importance of continued U.S. force presence and the 'formula of comparable effort' to counter Soviet influence and prevent the 'Finlandization' of Europe. The President stressed that while the administration would continue to engage in diplomatic negotiations with the Soviet Union, it remained committed to a strong NATO, and he expressed frustration regarding European leaders' public hedging and the negative influence of domestic 'doves' on U.S. foreign policy.
President Nixon and Gerald L. Warren briefly discussed logistics for an upcoming meeting with the Council of Environmental Quality. They considered the possibility of a photograph opportunity taking place outdoors, with Warren suggesting it might be beneficial. The conversation was very short, focusing on the practical arrangements for the photo op.
President Nixon met with members of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to discuss the agency's third annual report and the broader direction of national environmental policy. The conversation emphasized shifting the focus of environmentalism from a perceived niche interest for intellectuals to a practical, inclusive movement that benefits urban residents and the working class through accessible public parks and improved living conditions. Nixon encouraged the CEQ to prioritize increasing public park usage, noting that environmental advocacy should address urgent urban issues such as lead paint and sanitation alongside traditional conservation efforts.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate political strategy ahead of the 1972 election, focusing on the management of various sensitive administration issues. They discussed the tactical delay of the Daniel Ellsberg trial, potential IRS audits of Lawrence O’Brien, and the pursuit of political intelligence through Bobby Baker regarding Democratic rivals. Additionally, the pair evaluated the risks of a proposed railroad bailout bill and considered the political implications of vetoing a water quality bill and a federal blue-collar pay raise.