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 125 of 211President Nixon met with a large group of young attorneys participating in the Office of Drug Abuse Law Enforcement (ODALE) program to review progress in federal drug prosecutions and discuss strategies for combating narcotics distribution. The discussion focused on the challenges posed by lenient sentencing, the importance of maintaining pressure on heroin traffickers, and the need to align federal and state judicial attitudes with the administration's tough stance on law enforcement. Nixon explicitly directed the attorneys to track judicial leniency, expressed support for reinstated mandatory sentencing, and encouraged the attendees to continue their high-intensity efforts despite the difficult and often unglamorous nature of their work.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate logistical details regarding a scheduled visit with Charles R. Jonas of Charlotte, North Carolina. The conversation focused on ensuring the President appeared presentable for the upcoming meeting following his time at the Carolina Center. The discussion served as a brief administrative check to maintain proper appearances before the scheduled engagement.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming public event involving several Congressmen and Senators. The discussion centered on a planned outdoor walking tour, ensuring the inclusion of photographer Oliver F. Atkins to document the proceedings. Bull received explicit instructions regarding the sequence and flow of the event to ensure the photography session proceeded as scheduled.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discussed the political implications of providing Secret Service protection to Senator Edward M. Kennedy. The conversation centered on the visibility of such security details, with Woods analyzing how Kennedy’s status might draw more public attention than Democratic opponent George McGovern. Stephen B. Bull joined briefly to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule with various senators.
President Nixon met with Mark I. Goode to coordinate the logistical details for an upcoming promotional filming session. Goode outlined specific movements and blocking for the President, including interactions with Senators John G. Tower and Howard H. Baker, Jr. The President approved the choreography while emphasizing the need to keep the total filming duration strictly limited to approximately five minutes.
President Nixon met with Senators John Tower and Howard Baker, William Timmons, and photographer Ollie Atkins to discuss 1972 campaign strategies and a photograph session. The participants analyzed the political landscape in Tennessee, focusing on local congressional candidates and polling data regarding George McGovern. Nixon emphasized that the Vietnam War remained a potent campaign issue that would work to his advantage if framed effectively against Democratic opponents.
On September 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:44 am and 11:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 773-010 of the White House Tapes.
On September 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:44 am and 11:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 773-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate foreign policy strategies and political messaging leading up to the 1972 election. They discussed the administration's response to the Munich Olympic massacre, secret negotiations with Egypt, and the management of a proposed bipartisan delegation to the People's Republic of China. Additionally, the two finalized plans for upcoming Soviet relations, including high-level visits by Andrei Gromyko, prospective trade agreements, and the timing of announcements for SALT II and other diplomatic initiatives to maximize domestic political impact.
On September 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:12 pm and 12:14 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 773-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Representative Robert L.F. Sikes and his wife to discuss the political climate of the 1972 campaign and the importance of maintaining a strong national defense. Sikes expressed his support for Nixon’s policies, particularly regarding defense spending, while criticizing the platform of Democratic challenger George McGovern as potentially damaging to U.S. global standing. The brief meeting also included a photo opportunity, the presentation of presidential gifts, and casual conversation regarding White House history and the administration’s views on wealth distribution.
On September 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:18 pm and 12:22 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 773-015 of the White House Tapes.
On September 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:18 pm and 12:22 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 773-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate political strategy ahead of the 1972 election, focusing on tax policy reform, the potential veto of a water pollution bill, and the administration's response to the Watergate scandal. Nixon emphasized a proactive, offensive campaign strategy—advocated by aides like Charles Colson and Melvin Laird—that prioritizes attacking political opponents over defensive postures. Additionally, the President and Ehrlichman discussed gathering damaging financial information on Lawrence O'Brien and McGovern campaign associates to neutralize political pressure.
On September 8, 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 1:05 pm and 2:12 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to organize materials and documentation within the Executive Office Building. During the brief interaction, the President provided specific instructions regarding the arrangement of files, including those related to a blockade in Burma. The exchange focused primarily on administrative logistics and the management of the President's immediate workspace.
On September 8, 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 1:05 pm and 2:12 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman briefly coordinate upcoming scheduling logistics following a meeting regarding drug abuse law enforcement. The discussion focuses on arranging a follow-up appointment with Egil Krogh Jr. to further examine specific proposals developed during the earlier session. Nixon explicitly instructs Ehrlichman to keep the subsequent meeting with Charles Colson efficient and brief.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss campaign strategy and political messaging for the upcoming 1972 election. They reviewed polling data, economic issues, and strategies to counter George McGovern, while also addressing ongoing concerns regarding Watergate and the Vietnam War. A key outcome included the President instructing his speechwriters to develop more effective, aggressive responses to political attacks and allegations of a 'cover-up.'
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and Egil Krogh to strategize on a public relations campaign aimed at addressing national concerns over crime, drug abuse, and judicial leniency. Nixon proposed a radio address to explicitly criticize "soft-headed" judges, prosecutors, and probation officers who he felt were undermining law enforcement efforts despite legislative and financial support from the administration. The participants discussed drafting this statement to mobilize public opinion, and also engaged in a brief, wide-ranging conversation about the 1972 Munich Olympic Games and athletic performance.
On September 8, 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 3:40 pm and 3:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to discuss the details of a letter intended for John D. Ehrlichman's son regarding law school. During the brief consultation, the President referenced his own experience graduating from law school in 1935 as a point of reflection for the correspondence. The conversation served to coordinate the drafting and content of this personal communication.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Maurice Stans to evaluate the 1972 re-election campaign's status, discussing polling data, fundraising, and strategic responses to George McGovern. The participants reviewed campaign finance regulations, media advertising efforts, and the political impact of the Watergate scandal on the Washington establishment. Additionally, they coordinated the President's upcoming schedule, including the production of campaign-related audio recordings and outreach to business and labor leaders.
President Richard M. Nixon met with his personal aide Stephen B. Bull in the Cabinet Room to address administrative or logistical matters. Due to the lack of an available transcript and the unintelligible nature of the audio, the specific details of their discussion remain unknown. This brief exchange appears to be a routine interaction within the Executive Office, though its exact substance cannot be confirmed.
President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David on an unknown date, sometime between 6:03 pm on September 8, 1972 and 2:26 pm on September 10, 1972. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 208-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard M. Nixon, Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon, and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David on an unknown date, sometime between 6:03 pm on September 8, 1972 and 11:44 am on September 10, 1972. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 209-002 of the White House Tapes.
On September 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:00 am and 11:44 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 141-001 of the White House Tapes.
On September 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:00 am and 11:44 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 209-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss campaign strategies, specifically emphasizing the necessity for Cabinet members and the administration to proactively attack George McGovern's positions rather than defending against media criticism. The conversation touches upon the political impact of the grain deal, the perceived shift in atmosphere on university campuses, and the potential electoral benefit of highlighting controversies surrounding black athletes at the Olympics. Additionally, the pair evaluates the political risks of presidential outreach to Olympic figures like Mark Spitz versus the established support of Bobby Fischer.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met at Camp David to discuss potential public remarks and White House outreach strategies. The conversation focused on evaluating the political risks of specific public statements and managing external invitations. They concluded by coordinating logistics for a future meeting and reviewing ongoing administrative tasks.
On September 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:15 pm and 2:26 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 209-006 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:18 am and 9:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-001 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:18 am and 9:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-002 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:18 am and 9:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman meet to discuss a wide-ranging agenda including reactions to the 1972 Munich Olympics, specifically the controversial U.S.-Soviet basketball game and athlete conduct regarding the national anthem. They transition to a detailed review of the ongoing Watergate investigation, focusing on media leaks, the potential identity of sources, and maintaining a firm public line denying White House involvement. The conversation concludes with discussions on administrative staff reductions, the management of presidential trips to disaster areas, and political strategy for managing congressional inquiries.
President Nixon and Peter Flanigan met to organize the agenda and strategy for an upcoming Council on International Economic Policy meeting regarding trade relations with Europe. They discussed the necessity of aligning trade policy with broader national security and political interests, specifically regarding the U.S. grain trade and upcoming OECD negotiations. Nixon decided to avoid premature policy commitments, instructing Flanigan to focus the meeting on posing critical questions rather than reaching final decisions.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:03 am and 10:06 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with the Council on International Economic Policy and senior advisors to discuss U.S. trade relations with an expanding European Community. The group debated four strategic options ranging from maintaining the status quo to aggressive confrontation, with the President ultimately directing that the administration maintain a firm, "tough" stance while avoiding specific, provocative threats until after the upcoming election. Nixon emphasized that trade policy should not be viewed in isolation but as a component of a broader strategy concerning global power balances and U.S. national security commitments in Europe.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:06 am and 10:09 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-005 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:06 am and 10:09 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-006 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:09 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with ABC broadcaster Chris Schenkel to offer formal commendation for the network's coverage of the 1972 Summer Olympics. Nixon praised the production quality and the commentators' overt support for the United States, noting that his family and staff found the broadcast particularly engaging. The two discussed specific athletic highlights and the competitive spirit of various international teams, with the President authorizing Schenkel to share his positive feedback publicly.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, and briefly with aide Stephen B. Bull to discuss correspondence regarding General James Doolittle and the film *Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo*. The participants shared reflections on the cinematic depiction of the Doolittle Raid and its broader implications for American leadership. Additionally, the meeting touched upon administrative matters, including the President's schedule and an upcoming appointment with Russell E. Train.
President Nixon met with Russell E. Train and Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss Train’s upcoming diplomatic mission to the Soviet Union focused on environmental cooperation. The conversation centered on strategies for engaging Soviet officials on issues like Arctic pipeline technology and urban air quality, while emphasizing the importance of building personal rapport with foreign counterparts. Nixon encouraged Train to leverage his delegation, which included prominent conservationists, to gain deeper insights into Soviet political figures and environmental management practices.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:38 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the distribution of an article concerning the concept of the 'Finlandization of Europe.' The President directed that the materials be sent to Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Peter M. Flanigan for review. This document was intended to serve as background information for upcoming meetings of the Council on International Economic Policy.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:39 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Rose Mary Woods, and Stephen B. Bull discussed the 1972 Olympics, specifically praising ABC's coverage and expressing strong disapproval of American athletes who protested during the medal ceremony. The conversation transitioned into personnel management and administrative matters, including the handling of job requests and the vetting of individuals seeking White House positions. Nixon also reviewed ceremonial gift-giving protocols, focusing on the distribution of presidential mementos such as watches and ashtrays to visitors.
President Nixon met with Representative James R. Mann and Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office for a brief, informal session that included a photo opportunity. The discussion touched upon regional interests in South Carolina, specifically concerns regarding the textile industry and trade relations with Japan. The President used the meeting to present gifts to Mann and maintain political rapport with the congressman.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule and manage logistical arrangements for incoming visitors. The discussion focused on confirming appointments for Joseph T. DeSilva, William F. Rhatican, and Charles W. Colson. Bull facilitated these scheduling updates to ensure the President's daily agenda remained organized.
President Nixon met with labor leader Joseph T. DeSilva, Willie J. Usery, Jr., and Charles W. Colson to discuss labor support for his reelection campaign and economic policies. DeSilva offered his personal endorsement, critiquing current union leadership while advocating for wage stabilization and increased job opportunities over welfare. The participants examined strategies for securing support among working-class voters and the political landscape regarding Nixon's administration.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:24 pm and 12:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 774-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with AMVETS representatives Joseph N. Sanson and William F. Rhatican to discuss his administration's policies regarding the Vietnam War, national defense, and amnesty. The dialogue emphasized the President's alignment with veterans' groups and labor leaders against the positions held by George McGovern and figures like Jane Fonda. The meeting concluded with a gift presentation and a brief discussion regarding potential future appearances by the President at veterans' events.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield met to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming breakfast meeting with campaign staff and committee members. They discussed the guest list, including the exclusion of certain staff to keep the group size manageable, and evaluated the physical seating configuration of the room to ensure an effective presentation. The President specifically requested adjustments to the service style to maintain a streamlined environment for the discussion.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:36 pm and 12:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-010 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 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 12:36 pm and 12:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to strategize on the 1972 presidential campaign, with a primary focus on countering negative press regarding the Watergate break-in and shifting the political conversation toward foreign policy and Vietnam. They discussed aggressive tactics to damage Democratic opponent George McGovern's credibility, including questioning his handling of campaign finances and his stance on the US-Soviet grain deal. Nixon instructed his team to emphasize a "new majority" theme and utilize leaks or disclosures to force McGovern onto the defensive, drawing parallels to past political scandals to minimize the administration's own vulnerabilities.
On September 11, 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 1:45 pm and 2:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-013 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 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 1:45 pm and 2:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-014 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 2:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-015 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 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 2:49 pm and 3:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-016 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 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 2:49 pm and 3:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-017 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 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 2:49 pm and 3:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-018 of the White House Tapes.
On September 11, 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 2:49 pm and 3:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 360-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and other staff members to discuss political campaign strategy, personnel changes within the State Department and the administration, and the ongoing fallout from the Watergate break-in. The group explored potential responses to Democratic criticisms and lawsuits, specifically weighing the merits of appointing an independent, bipartisan commission led by former Supreme Court Justices to review the federal investigation. This strategy was intended to neutralize charges of a 'whitewash' and demonstrate that the administration was conducting an exhaustive, unbiased inquiry into the scandal.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and later Ronald Ziegler to discuss campaign strategy, press relations, and the political fallout of the Watergate scandal. The group evaluated the President’s recent public appearances in Pennsylvania, analyzed negative media coverage, and strategized on how to influence networks—specifically targeting CBS—to provide more favorable coverage. Additionally, they reviewed potential indictments related to Watergate and discussed the necessity of coordinating financial disclosure statements for the President and Vice President Agnew to contrast with their political opponents.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed logistical arrangements for an upcoming reception for the Committee to Re-elect the President (CRP). They reviewed specific seating plans for the East and Blue Rooms and coordinated the schedule for Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. It was determined that the Vice President would remain in the State Senate rather than joining the President on the main platform.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discussed administrative details and public relations strategies regarding upcoming family appearances. The conversation focused on coordination efforts for Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Pat Nixon, and Tricia Nixon Cox, specifically concerning their media engagements and travel to Ohio. They also touched upon the President’s health and the management of family-related public reporting.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:56 am and 11:04 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 775-003 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:56 am and 11:04 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 775-004 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Walter R. Tkach met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:56 am and 11:04 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 775-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson, H.R. Haldeman, and Stephen Bull to coordinate aggressive legal and public relations strategies regarding the Watergate scandal, including the use of counter-suits and depositions against the Democratic National Committee. The participants discussed establishing a commission to preemptively control the investigation's narrative, while also strategizing media management to shift focus away from Watergate. Toward the end of the meeting, the President shifted focus to personal matters, specifically discussing architectural renovations and the modernization of kitchens and private quarters in the White House.
President Nixon met with Dr. Anne Kibrick and several associates representing the nursing profession for a photo opportunity and an honorary membership presentation. During the meeting, the participants discussed the vital importance of the nursing field and the need for nurses to take on more responsibilities to address healthcare accessibility issues. Nixon shared personal reflections on his mother's experience as a nurse and praised the supportive role nurses play in patient recovery.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:18 pm to 12:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 775-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Representative John Jarman and aide John E. Nidecker to express his appreciation for the support of conservative Democrats in Congress. The discussion focused on the necessity of bipartisan cooperation regarding national defense, foreign policy, and the Vietnam War. Nixon emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests over party lines, citing historical precedents of Democratic support for Republican administrations.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 775-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Walter Hickel, Clark MacGregor, and John Ehrlichman to discuss campaign strategy and the political climate leading up to the 1972 election. Hickel shared insights from his domestic travels, emphasizing the need for a strong electoral mandate to overcome Congressional gridlock and implement domestic reforms, particularly regarding urban development and transportation. The participants also explored foreign policy issues, including potential future diplomatic visits to China and the Soviet Union, and strategic concerns regarding resource competition in Asia.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:15 pm and 1:17 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 775-012 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:15 pm and 1:17 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 775-013 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 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 1:17 pm and 2:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 359-005 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 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 1:17 pm and 2:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 359-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the logistical planning of his upcoming campaign travel schedule. They evaluate the political strategy of visiting specific towns and the objective of targeting all fifty states to bolster the President's reelection efforts. Nixon directs Woods to organize his travel materials for use during appearances in Washington, D.C., and other key regional locations.
On September 12, 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 1:17 pm and 2:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 359-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Ronald Ziegler, and Zosimo Monzon to coordinate administration strategy, including preparations for a major foreign policy speech and the handling of the upcoming 1972 election campaign. The participants discussed media relations, the management of White House personnel and correspondence, and the security features of the presidential limousine. Additionally, the President reviewed his schedule regarding various events, including a potential meeting with Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz and observances for National Heritage Day.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:06 pm and 8:44 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 210-001 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:06 pm and 8:44 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 210-002 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 8:44 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 142-001 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:44 pm and 8:49 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 142-002 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 8:44 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 210-003 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:44 pm and 8:49 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 210-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategic adjustments to the President's upcoming campaign itinerary to maximize media impact and crowd optics. Nixon proposed adding a stop at an Indianapolis monument to leverage his ties to the Midwest and secure favorable television coverage, weighing this against the scheduled event at Rio Grande High School. The two agreed to evaluate the trade-offs in national versus regional coverage to ensure a stronger public display of support compared to George McGovern.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the strategic potential of a campaign trip to Texas, framing it as an opportunity for the President to deliver a non-political address regarding urban issues. Nixon emphasizes the sentimental value of returning to his mother's home state to launch his campaign appearances while contrasting the anticipated Texas audience with crowds in the Midwest. Haldeman agrees to investigate the logistics of the trip following the President's suggestion.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 8:53 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 142-004 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 8:53 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 210-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, by telephone from Camp David. They discussed Tricia's recent trip, including her husband Ed's meeting with Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo, who was scheduled to meet the President later that week, and Tricia's campaign events at a HUD-funded senior citizens' residence and Vanderbilt University. The President confirmed his return to Washington the following evening.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 8:58 pm to 9:00 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 210-007 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 9:03 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 142-006 of the White House Tapes.
On September 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 9:03 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 210-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed 1972 re-election strategy, specifically focusing on framing the contest as a referendum on voter trust and confidence. They evaluated the performance of Agriculture Secretary Earl L. Butz in defending the administration against George McGovern's accusations regarding the Soviet grain deal. Nixon and Colson concluded that McGovern’s perceived lack of sincerity and consistency would ultimately alienate voters, leading them to prioritize a campaign strategy centered on the President's perceived stability over reactive partisan attacks.
President Nixon and Charles Colson briefly discuss the political implications of public outbursts, specifically referencing an individual named Lutz. Nixon posits that such negative displays can ironically serve the administration's interests by highlighting the dissatisfaction of opponents in contrast to the public's general perception that the country is doing well. The conversation remains speculative and concludes without any formal policy directives or significant operational decisions.