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 121 of 211President Nixon utilized this session at Camp David to dictate a memorandum regarding administrative procedures for handling file copies. He specifically directed staff to ensure that victory messages are returned to him alongside his personal copies. This effort aimed to formalize internal documentation standards for executive correspondence.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum outlining an urgent political strategy to leverage an IRS investigation against Democratic National Committee Chairman Lawrence F. O'Brien. Nixon directs his staff to pressure the IRS to move immediately on auditing O'Brien's financial dealings with the Howard Hughes Tool Company and his campaign-related payments. The President emphasizes that swift, aggressive action is essential to create a pre-election political liability and prevent the move from being dismissed as a late-campaign smear.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for John D. Ehrlichman regarding the strategic investigation of top Democratic officials. The conversation focuses on gathering damaging information on political opponents and emphasizes the need for rapid follow-up on these inquiries within a 24-hour window. Nixon asserts personal control over the flow of this intelligence and demands that he be kept apprised of all developments regarding these investigations.
President Nixon dictates a series of directives to John Ehrlichman regarding post-election media strategy, administrative initiatives, and campaign platform messaging. Key action items include investigating television broadcast licenses held by Katharine Graham's Washington Post, establishing a commission on women's issues to be announced post-convention, and balancing labor platform language concerning U.S.-owned plants in Mexico. Nixon also instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate with Melvin Laird on a speech regarding the F-14 aircraft to address its performance issues.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategies to bolster the administration's outreach to Polish-American groups, specifically leveraging Secretary of State William P. Rogers's credibility with this demographic. Nixon directed that Rogers coordinate a meeting with John Cardinal Krol, involving Assistant Secretary for Europe Walter J. Stoessel, Jr., to foster positive relations. The President also emphasized that these efforts should be publicized through the Polish press and college media to maximize political impact, tasking Haldeman with coordinating the plan with Charles Colson.
President Nixon directed John Ehrlichman to develop a strategy for addressing rising food prices and automobile industry labor practices. Concerned that food inflation could erode Republican support in the Midwest and Texas, Nixon proposed meeting with industry leaders to threaten a price freeze unless consumer costs were lowered. Additionally, the President discussed pressuring auto manufacturers to increase hiring in light of their strong sales and profits, tasking Ehrlichman and other advisors with formulating a formal recommendation on these economic interventions.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to John D. Ehrlichman regarding the strategic management of the upcoming Republican National Convention. Nixon expresses concern over potential disruption by liberal Senate figures like Edward Brooke and Charles Percy and instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate with convention planners to ensure conservative interests are balanced. Specifically, the President calls for high-profile television segments featuring Barry Goldwater to solidify conservative support and counterbalance liberal factions on the convention floor.
On August 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:19 am and 1:47 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-012 of the White House Tapes.
On August 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:19 am and 1:47 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-013 of the White House Tapes.
On August 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Charles W. Colson, and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:19 am and 1:47 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-014 of the White House Tapes.
On August 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:47 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 139-003 of the White House Tapes.
On August 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:47 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-015 of the White House Tapes.
On August 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:47 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the political risks and economic necessity of supporting pending railroad legislation, weighing concerns about corporate bailouts against the need to preserve jobs. Nixon grants Ehrlichman permission to authorize Secretary John Volpe to negotiate the bill’s passage despite opposition from other advisors. Additionally, the pair discusses rectifying a misleading Washington Post report regarding Elliot Richardson's stance on state aid, confirming that Richardson will hold a press conference to clarify the administration's support for imposing a legislative spending lid.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the political implications of a railroad industry issue, weighing the risks of appearing to favor big business versus the necessity of protecting jobs. The conversation shifts to a leaked report regarding Secretary Elliot Richardson's alleged opposition to a land giveaway, prompting the President to express frustration over the inaccuracy of the leak. Nixon ultimately grants Ehrlichman the latitude to manage these legislative and public relations concerns while seeking to understand the source of the misinformation.
On August 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:36 pm and 9:25 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David on an unknown date, sometime between 7:36 pm on August 9, 1972 and 1:10 pm on August 10, 1972. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-019 of the White House Tapes.
On August 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:00 pm and 1:12 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 139-005 of the White House Tapes.
On August 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:00 pm and 1:10 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-020 of the White House Tapes.
On August 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:00 pm and 1:12 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-021 of the White House Tapes.
On August 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:00 pm and 1:12 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-022 of the White House Tapes.
On August 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:00 pm and 1:12 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 200-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the drafting and tone of a forthcoming speech in Detroit, focusing on the importance of neighborhood schools. Nixon intends to frame his opposition to forced busing through personal anecdotes about his own schooling, emphasizing the school's role as a community center rather than delivering a purely aggressive attack. He requests that speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. draft the address with a subtle but clear stance on the issue to ensure the administration's position is understood without further exacerbating public divisions.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the drafting of a speech centered on the importance of neighborhood schools and opposition to forced busing. Nixon advocates for a subtle, personal tone that frames neighborhood schools as vital community hubs while acknowledging differing opinions on the issue. He suggests that advisor Ray Price draft the remarks to express this position without appearing overly aggressive, while ensuring the President's firm stance against busing remains unambiguous.
On August 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:44 pm and 4:46 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 766-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods, John D. Ehrlichman, and several visitors, including NFL legend Jim Brown, to discuss campaign political strategies, administrative personnel, and minority business initiatives. The discussion covered concerns regarding campaign financing, the potential for political leaks, and the status of government staff. Following the departure of Woods and the visitors, Nixon and Ehrlichman reviewed upcoming meetings with George Romney and the Cost of Living Council to address public relations challenges regarding food prices and government staffing.
President Nixon met with the Cost of Living Council to review the performance of his administration's economic stabilization program, including successes in lowering inflation and fostering rapid economic growth. The discussion emphasized the necessity of maintaining fiscal discipline through a proposed $250 billion federal spending ceiling to prevent future inflationary pressure. Participants also addressed specific challenges, particularly rising food prices and the potential impact of government spending on tax rates, while strategizing on how to communicate these economic gains to the public ahead of the election.
On August 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:29 pm and 6:33 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 766-003 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:02 am and 1:04 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon hosted a brief farewell meeting in the Oval Office for departing White House staffer Deborah Sloan and her family. The informal gathering included introductions of the Murray and Sloan families, the taking of official photographs, and the presentation of commemorative gifts featuring the Presidential seal. The conversation touched on casual topics, including the gender of Sloan's unborn child and the education plans of Laurie Murray, before the guests departed.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:56 am and 8:02 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and an unidentified staff member in the Oval Office to conduct routine administrative business. The participants primarily focused on processing official documents requiring the President’s signature and reviewing Patrick J. Buchanan's daily schedule. The brief meeting concluded after these logistical matters were addressed.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:07 am and 8:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-003 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:07 am and 8:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-004 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Jeremiah Milbank, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:07 am and 8:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-005 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 8:15 am to 8:16 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-006 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:16 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-007 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:16 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-008 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:16 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan met to coordinate public relations and campaign strategies ahead of the 1972 election. They discussed managing media bias—specifically regarding crowd size reporting and the administration's record on hiring women for policy positions—and planned aggressive political attacks against George McGovern and Ramsey Clark. The discussion emphasized the need for consistent messaging from administration speakers regarding Clark's potential FBI appointment and the development of a forthcoming speech on amnesty by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and streamline his commitments. The discussion focused on prioritizing meetings with key political figures, including Henry Kissinger, Daniel P. Moynihan, and the duo of Clark MacGregor and John N. Mitchell, while clearing unnecessary appointments from the calendar. Nixon emphasized his desire for an open schedule, ultimately deciding to cancel several briefings and committee meetings to accommodate travel and convention-related priorities.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:28 am and 9:35 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-012 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:28 am and 9:35 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-013 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:28 am and 9:35 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-014 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Alexander P. Butterfield, and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:28 am and 9:35 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with key staff members, including H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Henry Kissinger, to coordinate administration messaging and political strategy ahead of the Republican National Convention. The discussion focused on managing media relations, attacking political opponent George McGovern—specifically regarding his potential appointment of Ramsey Clark as FBI director—and handling the resignation of Sargent Shriver. The President also reviewed progress on revenue sharing legislation, the administration's stance on busing, and ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning Vietnam and U.S.-Soviet relations.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, Peter Flanigan, and Peter Peterson to discuss the status and strategic negotiation tactics for ongoing U.S.-Soviet trade agreements, including Lend-Lease settlements and potential gas deals. The participants analyzed how to leverage these economic discussions as bargaining chips while managing domestic political concerns, including the 1972 election and Congressional relations. Nixon directed the team to prepare concrete options for his review and emphasized that the administration should maintain a public appearance of optimism regarding the eventual conclusion of these agreements. Additionally, the group briefly touched upon trade interests involving Japan, Cuba-related maritime issues, and diplomatic gestures toward Poland.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the impending resignation of HUD Secretary George Romney and his recent efforts to secure a private meeting with the President. They reviewed Romney’s tactical attempts to leverage potential resignation rumors to gain approval for additional staffing from the Office of Management and Budget. Nixon ultimately authorized the requested personnel increase through Caspar Weinberger while planning to address Hurricane Agnes relief efforts during the broader meeting with Romney and General George A. Lincoln.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review and finalize his upcoming daily schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating the logistics for meetings with Donald E. Johnson and George W. Romney, specifically addressing the necessity of photographs for the latter. The brief session concluded with arrangements regarding the First Lady, Thelma “Pat” Nixon.
President Nixon met with HUD Secretary George Romney and other officials to discuss the federal disaster relief efforts in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, following devastating flooding. They evaluated the effectiveness of current recovery operations, addressed coordination problems among federal agencies, and debated the potential appointment of a dedicated federal disaster director, with William Scranton and Frank Carlucci suggested as candidates. Amidst these discussions, Romney expressed his frustration over declining influence within the administration and his desire to resign, prompting the President to counsel him on a graceful departure that would avoid damaging the 1972 re-election campaign.
President Nixon met with Veterans Affairs Administrator Donald E. Johnson and other aides to discuss the administration's legislative strategy regarding veterans' benefits and a messaging campaign for the 1972 election. Nixon emphasized the need to contrast his support for Vietnam veterans with the Democratic opposition's stance on amnesty and national security, specifically targeting comments made by Sargent Shriver and Ramsey Clark. The session also included administrative updates, such as the upcoming resignation of George Romney and a social visit with Donald McI. Kendall and his family, during which they exchanged gifts and discussed presidential items.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 1:09 pm to 1:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 767-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Arthur F. Burns to review administrative tasks and scheduling matters in the Oval Office. The participants discussed the President's previous engagement with the Donald McI. Kendall family and processed various documents requiring presidential signature. The brief meeting concluded following the arrival of Alexander P. Butterfield.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to review administrative and clerical tasks. The discussion focused on editing a form letter and coordinating the scheduling for John B. Connally. Woods also addressed pending typing requirements and logistical arrangements involving the White House Blue Room.
President Nixon and his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods briefly discuss the logistics for an upcoming visit by Woods’s sister to the White House and the Executive Office Building. They touch upon the provision of presidential mementos, specifically a pin, to mark the occasion. The President also briefly references correspondence concerning a Jewish event and addresses potential administrative or operational tasks involving various staff members.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to address administrative logistics regarding upcoming speech preparations for the Republican National Convention. The discussion focused on the provision of yellow legal pads and the potential involvement of an unnamed woman in the drafting process. This brief exchange served to finalize clerical arrangements necessary for the President's convention appearances.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 4:14 pm and 4:16 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss logistics for an upcoming trip and review ongoing foreign policy matters, specifically concerning Vietnam and Soviet-Egyptian relations. They analyze the risks associated with Ramsey Clark’s trip to North Vietnam and potential North Vietnamese attempts to influence the 1972 U.S. election by leveraging prisoner-of-war negotiations. Kissinger provides an intelligence update on North Vietnamese military attrition, suggesting that significant losses may hinder Hanoi's ability to launch a major offensive in October.
President Nixon and Charles Colson strategized on how to politically weaponize former Attorney General Ramsey Clark’s recent criticisms of the administration’s Vietnam policies. They viewed Clark’s public opposition as hypocritical given his own role in escalating the conflict, and planned to use these remarks to shock the public. As a follow-up action, they agreed to task John Mitchell with pressuring George McGovern to either address or repudiate Clark’s controversial statements.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 6:14 pm to 6:35 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-001 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:35 pm and 7:33 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-004 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:24 pm and 7:31 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-002 of the White House Tapes.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:31 pm and 7:33 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss media strategy and public relations efforts regarding the administration’s political opposition. They evaluate recent statements by William P. Rogers, particularly his criticisms of Sargent Shriver and Ramsey Clark, while planning to have John Mitchell address the FBI-related issues to achieve greater impact than an alternative spokesperson. Additionally, the pair briefly reviews the positive performance of the stock market, which saw a significant point increase that day.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the media reception of recent political messaging and the strategic necessity of repetitive public attacks regarding the FBI investigation. They specifically evaluate the political optics of Roger [likely William P. Rogers] and the potential involvement of Clark MacGregor in managing these narratives. The conversation emphasizes the importance of controlling the public discourse by consistently reinforcing key talking points to ensure they gain sufficient traction.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:42 pm and 8:30 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Donald and Mrs. Donald McI. Kendall to dictate a personal letter reflecting on his relationship with their family. Following this, he dictated a memorandum to H. R. Haldeman regarding a collection of eulogies. The discussion focused on drafting an introduction for the collection concerning Dwight D. Eisenhower, specifically highlighting the formal shift in their professional relationship after Nixon's inauguration. Nixon directed Haldeman to incorporate these anecdotes into the text and decided against further inquiry into Eisenhower's final conversations.
On August 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:42 pm and 8:30 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-007 of the White House Tapes.
On August 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:50 am and 10:35 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-007 of the White House Tapes.
On August 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:50 am and 10:35 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to undermine the credibility of Democratic vice-presidential nominee Sargent Shriver regarding his shifting position on the Vietnamization policy. The pair coordinates plans for Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird to attack Shriver’s record during upcoming platform committee testimony and emphasizes highlighting the administration's success in ending the draft. Additionally, they discuss press coverage of the Watergate lawsuit, expressing a dismissive attitude toward ongoing negative reporting by the Washington press.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss campaign messaging strategy, specifically focusing on the administration’s credibility and the successful transition to an all-volunteer military. They emphasize leveraging the reduction of draftees and the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam as key accomplishments to highlight during the reelection campaign. Nixon underscores the importance of publicizing these defense-related achievements to bolster his political standing against opponents.
On August 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:11 am and 7:10 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David on an unknown date, sometime between 12:58 pm on August 12, 1972 and 9:38 am on August 13, 1972. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 199-001 of the White House Tapes.
On August 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon, and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:58 pm and 7:10 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-016 of the White House Tapes.
In this recording, President Nixon dictates a series of memoranda to H. R. Haldeman regarding various administrative and political matters, including scheduling logistics and personnel concerns at HUD. The President outlines a strategy to challenge George McGovern’s call for debates by highlighting McGovern's past contradictory stance on presidential debates during the 1964 election. Additionally, Nixon instructs Haldeman to develop a media narrative emphasizing his personal commitment to unscheduled, direct public contact as a safer and more effective alternative to the guarded approach taken by his predecessor, Lyndon B. Johnson.
On August 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:50 pm and 10:35 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-011 of the White House Tapes.
On August 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:50 pm and 10:35 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 201-012 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:18 am and 9:38 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-009 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:18 am and 9:38 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 199-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated logistical arrangements for their departure from Camp David, focusing on managing press exposure by staggering helicopter flights for staff and family. They also discussed the impending resignation of HUD Secretary George Romney, with Nixon criticizing Romney’s handling of the situation and instructing Haldeman to have John Ehrlichman contact him for further guidance on the matter. The conversation reflects the President's desire to minimize negative media coverage while managing personnel issues similar to the prior departure of Wally Hickel.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the logistical arrangements for transporting staff and family members, specifically his children David and Julie, via helicopter from Camp David. The conversation addresses the protocol for managing the press presence during these departures to ensure order. Additionally, the pair briefly touches upon the need to caution an associate, referred to as John, regarding the behavior of an undisciplined individual named George.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:45 am and 9:53 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 199-004 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 9:53 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the sensitive management of HUD Secretary George Romney's resignation and the potential appointment of Richard Van Dusen as his successor. They also strategized to exploit a Virgin Islands financial scandal involving George McGovern's supporters by leaking information to journalist Clark Mollenhoff. Finally, Nixon directed Ehrlichman to assemble a team, potentially involving Murray Chotiner, to conduct opposition research and identify compromising information on McGovern's major financial donors and associates.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 9:53 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 199-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss political strategy regarding HUD Secretary George Romney and the administration's campaign efforts. The President directs Ehrlichman to initiate opposition research on the financial contributors and supporters of Democratic opponent George McGovern. Nixon emphasizes that this vetting process must be conducted discreetly by a small team of government personnel to uncover potential scandals or compromising associations before the October campaign deadline.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:02 am and 10:11 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-013 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:02 am and 10:11 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 199-007 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone at Camp David from 10:11 am to 10:12 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-014 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 10:11 am to 10:12 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 199-008 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 10:13 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 199-009 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 10:15 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-015 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 10:15 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-016 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 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 10:19 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-017 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 10:15 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 199-010 of the White House Tapes.
On August 13, 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 10:19 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 199-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the logistics of Henry Kissinger's upcoming diplomatic itinerary, which includes stops in Paris, Saigon, and Tokyo. The conversation also addresses the administration's public relations strategy regarding recent partisan claims about Vietnam peace offers, specifically praising the counter-narratives provided by William Rogers, Melvin Laird, and Henry Cabot Lodge. The two agree that after the scheduled announcements, the administration should remain silent to avoid building public expectations during the opposition's platform hearings.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the logistics for Henry Kissinger’s upcoming diplomatic travel to Saigon and Tokyo. The discussion touches upon recent political critiques from Cyrus Vance and Averell Harriman regarding administration policy. Nixon emphasizes the need for strategic silence during the upcoming week to manage public expectations and avoid distracting from the party platform.
On August 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:22 am and 10:45 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 137-019 of the White House Tapes.