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 130 of 211President Nixon met with Republican Congressional leaders to discuss the critical need for a $250 billion federal spending ceiling to combat inflation and prevent the necessity of tax increases. The participants strategized on how to manage the upcoming House vote on HR 16810, expressing concern that Democratic leadership was pushing irresponsible, expansive spending bills—including massive social welfare and Social Security packages—that threatened the administration's fiscal goals. The President emphasized that passing the spending cap was a vital political and economic tool to hold Congress accountable and establish a framework for the 1974 budget, while also providing leverage for future presidential vetoes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:12 am and 8:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 790-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and later John Ehrlichman to coordinate administrative scheduling and legislative strategy. The discussions covered logistics for diplomatic credential presentations, Pat Nixon’s appearances at upcoming events, and the status of John Connally. Additionally, the group debated legislative strategy regarding a debt limit and expenditure ceiling bill, specifically evaluating the effectiveness of White House congressional liaisons and the necessity of direct presidential engagement with legislative leaders.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to finalize logistical arrangements for a reception honoring Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei A. Gromyko. They specifically discussed the protocol for the receiving line, the placement of tables, and the provision of refreshments in the State Dining Room. During the brief consultation, Nixon decided against personally receiving the guests, tasking Butterfield with managing the event's execution.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically reporting on Alexander Haig's recent meeting with President Nguyen Van Thieu regarding U.S. withdrawal proposals and the political implications of a constituent assembly. The two also coordinated strategy for Nixon's upcoming meeting with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko, focusing on keeping Secretary of State William Rogers distanced from sensitive negotiation details. Finally, they finalized a timeline for initiating the second round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) to ensure the administration maintained control over the diplomatic announcement schedule.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:43 am and 9:51 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 790-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed strategies for managing press relations during the 1972 re-election campaign, specifically addressing concerns over media bias and unfavorable coverage. They evaluated the merits of holding an Oval Office press conference versus utilizing radio addresses to communicate directly with the public while avoiding the perceived pitfalls of traveling press events. The two men ultimately decided to prioritize scheduling a press conference for the coming week to preempt George McGovern's planned Vietnam speech and control the news cycle on issues like the campaign, foreign policy, and the Soviet grain deal.
President Nixon met with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko and other high-ranking officials to review the state of U.S.-Soviet relations following the May 1972 Moscow summit. The discussion focused on progress in arms control, including the scheduling of upcoming SALT II talks, and the complexities of achieving peace in the Middle East and Vietnam. Nixon emphasized the constraints imposed by the ongoing U.S. election cycle, while both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the strategic course established during the Moscow summit despite lingering regional tensions.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and William P. Rogers met to coordinate foreign policy strategy ahead of the 1972 election, focusing on the potential political backlash from the American Jewish community regarding Soviet exit visas and trade agreements. The participants discussed the 'linkage' of these issues and debated the necessity of maintaining a firm stance against congressional amendments that would tie trade status to Soviet emigration policies. Additionally, the President and Kissinger reviewed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, with Nixon emphasizing his resolve to use a post-election mandate to finalize a settlement while refusing to halt bombing operations without a clear agreement on the release of prisoners of war.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:39 am and 11:43 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-039 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:39 am and 11:43 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 790-009 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:39 am and 11:43 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 790-010 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:39 am and 11:43 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 790-011 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 11:43 am to 11:44 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-040 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:43 am to 11:44 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 790-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and H.R. Haldeman to discuss strategies for managing negative press coverage regarding his campaign activities and perceived lack of public visibility. The participants analyzed how to address media inquiries about the President's schedule and his refusal to directly confront opponent George McGovern. To neutralize media pressure, Nixon decided to hold an in-office press conference to address a range of domestic and foreign policy topics while maintaining control over the narrative.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:39 pm and 12:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 790-015 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:39 pm and 12:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 790-016 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Zosimo T. Monzon met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:39 pm and 12:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 790-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other staff to review logistics for upcoming meetings with Soviet officials at Camp David and to finalize political strategies for the general election. The discussion covered the administration's stance on congressional relations, specifically rejecting a "gimmicky" proposal to write individual letters to members of Congress regarding debt limit legislation. Additionally, Nixon and Haldeman analyzed polling data—including public sentiment on the U.S.-Soviet grain deal and Vietnam POW issues—to gauge the effectiveness of their campaign messaging against Senator George McGovern.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:40 pm and 2:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 354-006 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 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 1:40 pm and 2:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 354-007 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 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 1:40 pm and 2:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 354-008 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-041 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 2:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 354-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson reviewed campaign strategy and addressed aggressive corruption allegations leveled against the administration by Democratic opponent George McGovern in a recent speech to UPI editors. The discussion included potential responses to McGovern's criticisms, specifically concerning the Vietnam War and the administration's treatment of the press. Additionally, the two reviewed pending domestic legislative priorities, including concerns regarding the federal water bill and the fiscal impact of proposed Social Security tax increases.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 4:03 pm and 4:06 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 145-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the use of Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) for telephone polling and the content of a campaign advertisement scheduled for October 4, 1972. Nixon expressed a preference for using international themes, specifically China and national defense, over domestic policy for the advertisement, citing the upcoming SALT signing and international week. They also touched upon press relations, including a potential reception for the National Newspaper Association, with Nixon suggesting that Pat Nixon might attend if the event overlaps with previous engagements.
President Nixon and H.R. "Bob" Haldeman discussed the strategy for upcoming campaign materials, specifically debating whether to focus on domestic issues or international affairs like China and national defense, with Nixon favoring an international focus due to the SALT signing. They also touched upon the polling methods being used and a potential reception for the National Newspaper Association, which Nixon was hesitant to attend if he had done a similar event recently, suggesting Pat Nixon might handle it instead.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 4:06 pm and 8:30 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 214-022 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 4:59 pm and 8:22 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 145-012 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 5:03 pm and 8:30 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 214-028 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:22 pm and 8:30 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 145-018 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:22 pm and 8:30 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 214-029 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:22 pm and 8:30 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 214-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, about his schedule, including dinner and potential pool time. Julie relayed information from Charles "Bebe" Rebozo regarding Robert "Bobby" Baker's visit to Lyndon B. Johnson, including Johnson's positive opinion of Nixon, his declining health, and his reasons for not having surgery. They also discussed Julie's successful meeting with UPI editors and her upcoming travel schedule to campaign in Indiana, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, about recent events and her upcoming travel plans. They briefly discussed a gathering, with Nixon inquiring about the attendees' reception and enjoyment, and then shifted to her planned trip to Indiana.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:36 pm and 8:39 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 145-020 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:36 pm and 8:39 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 214-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the evening television news coverage, assessing that CBS and ABC provided favorable coverage of Spiro Agnew following George McGovern's appearance, while NBC aired McGovern without Agnew. They also noted that all three networks covered Nixon's meeting with Andrei Gromyko at Camp David. Colson also briefly mentioned Jay Lovestone's positive reports on AFL-CIO polls, particularly from Connecticut.
President Nixon and Charles Colson briefly discussed the media coverage of Nixon's trip to Camp David, specifically the television networks' reporting. They noted that CBS was being harsh but considered the overall coverage, particularly NBC's, to be good news as it conveyed their intended message.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:43 pm and 8:51 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 145-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met at Camp David to discuss an urgent, sensitive message expected from the People's Republic of China, which they speculated concerned either the Vietnam War or issues regarding Japan. The conversation also touched upon the progress of negotiations with the Soviet Union, including upcoming discussions with Andrei Gromyko, and domestic political strategy regarding the 1972 election. Kissinger emphasized the need for a decisive approach to the Vietnam situation, noting that if current diplomatic efforts failed, the administration would need to escalate its military stance shortly after the election.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:43 pm and 8:51 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 214-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructs Henry Kissinger to emphasize to Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin that his past willingness to take decisive actions, such as the bombing of Cambodia and the Moscow summit, reflects a readiness to act despite political risks. Nixon intends to project a firm stance, signaling that while he prefers diplomatic restraint, the Soviets should not underestimate his resolve or his capacity for unilateral action. Kissinger agrees to convey this message of underlying strength to ensure the Soviets understand the President's commitment to his policies.
President Nixon instructed Henry Kissinger to convey a firm message to an unnamed interlocutor regarding the administration's political stability and resolve. Nixon emphasized that despite a measured, diplomatic tone, the other party must not underestimate his willingness to take decisive action. The conversation served to ensure that Kissinger explicitly articulated this posture of strength to prevent the President's intentions from being misread during ongoing negotiations.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:54 pm and 9:09 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 145-024 of the White House Tapes.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 8:54 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 214-037 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly met in the Oval Office. The primary topic of discussion was President Nixon's schedule, with John Ehrlichman also present for a portion of the meeting. The conversation touched upon the presence of Jana Hruska, though no specific decisions or action items are detailed.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed legislative strategies, specifically the administration's stance on H.R. 1, the pending water quality bill, and potential Social Security legislation. They emphasized the need to maintain a firm position on spending limits to bolster Nixon's reelection campaign, including the potential use of a veto to contrast the administration's fiscal discipline with Congressional spending. Furthermore, they reviewed media relations and planned public events, such as a revenue-sharing ceremony, to highlight administration accomplishments while minimizing negative coverage.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss administration strategies for handling media coverage, particularly regarding NBC and the Washington Post, and to review a project analyzing press bias and failed journalistic predictions. They evaluated the performance of specific reporters and judges, while considering political tactics for responding to the press and George McGovern's campaign. The conversation also touched upon logistical planning for the President's upcoming schedule, including decisions regarding press relations and his travel plans to Camp David and Florida.
President Nixon met with American Legion National Commander Joseph L. Matthews and his associates to discuss the organization's upcoming schedule, recruitment of Vietnam veterans, and support for his administration's foreign policy. Matthews briefed the President on his extensive travel plans, which include visiting all 58 American Legion departments and potentially conducting diplomatic trips to Eastern Europe, specifically Poland and Romania. The meeting concluded with a brief photo session and the presentation of commemorative gifts to the delegation.
President Nixon met with leaders of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), including John F. Leyden, Robert E. Poli, and Robert C. Sturgil, to discuss the union's relationship with the administration and air traffic safety. The discussion touched upon Nixon's personal experiences with air travel and his wartime naval service involving aircraft control, as well as comparisons between aviation and automobile safety. The meeting concluded with a ceremonial presentation of presidential memorabilia to the union representatives.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:24 pm and 12:27 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 791-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, including efforts to leverage Soviet influence on North Vietnam and the potential for a breakthrough before the 1972 election. Kissinger briefed the President on his recent meeting with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko, while they reviewed military strategies, including the use of B-52 air strikes, to pressure North Vietnam into a settlement. They also addressed broader political concerns, such as managing media and congressional relations, and planned the logistics for Kissinger's upcoming trip to Paris and potentially Saigon to finalize a peace agreement.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:50 pm and 12:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-044 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review and refine his upcoming daily schedule. The discussion centered on coordinating meetings with H.R. Haldeman and Senator Robert P. Griffin, as well as managing a scheduled filming session. Additionally, the two addressed the status of arrangements at Camp David, noting the need for final confirmation from Clark MacGregor.
On October 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 12:50 pm and 12:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-002 of the White House Tapes.
On October 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 12:50 pm and 12:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-003 of the White House Tapes.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 12:59 pm to 1:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-045 of the White House Tapes.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 12:59 pm to 1:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-004 of the White House Tapes.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-046 of the White House Tapes.
On October 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 1:00 pm and 1:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-005 of the White House Tapes.
On October 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 1:00 pm and 1:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-006 of the White House Tapes.
On October 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 1:00 pm and 1:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John B. Connally discussed their respective health statuses and logistical challenges during a telephone conversation. Connally provided updates on his recovery from a sinus infection, his upcoming travel schedule, and the personal difficulties of relocating his household. The two also addressed the rescheduling of a television appearance, which Connally coordinated with staff to ensure proper planning.
President Nixon and John B. Connally engage in a brief, informal check-in regarding their respective health and current scheduling commitments. The two discuss the wisdom of postponing public appearances to recover from illness and coordinate upcoming travel plans, including a scheduled event in Atlanta. The conversation serves primarily as a personal wellness check rather than a substantive policy briefing.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:07 pm and 2:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-048 of the White House Tapes.
On October 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 2:07 pm and 2:08 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-009 of the White House Tapes.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox talked on the telephone from 2:08 pm to 2:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-049 of the White House Tapes.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:08 pm to 2:09 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-010 of the White House Tapes.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:09 pm and 2:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-050 of the White House Tapes.
On October 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 2:09 pm and 2:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-011 of the White House Tapes.
On October 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 2:09 pm and 2:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon coordinates his afternoon schedule with Stephen B. Bull regarding a meeting with Senator Robert P. Griffin. They finalize plans for a 3:45 PM television appearance followed by a 4:00 PM appointment. The President also confirms that his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, will accompany him and authorizes H.R. Haldeman to include additional staff members as needed.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:10 pm to 2:11 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson, Henry Kissinger, and John Ehrlichman to coordinate the administration's political strategy against George McGovern's campaign. The discussion centered on countering McGovern’s accusations of moral corruption by projecting strength and avoiding defensive maneuvers, while also managing media relations and planning responses to legislative challenges. Key decisions included maintaining a firm stance on welfare reform legislation to avoid appearing inconsistent and preparing a strategic public response to potential developments in Vietnam peace negotiations.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 3:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 791-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate his upcoming schedule and address various administrative and personal matters. The discussion centered on arrangements for Harrison McCall’s memorial service, the health status of several acquaintances, and the coordination of travel and social commitments, including events involving Tricia Nixon Cox and William J. Casey. Stephen B. Bull joined briefly at the end of the meeting to facilitate the President's transition to a subsequent meeting in the Cabinet Room involving Elliot Richardson and other staff.
President Nixon met with Elliot Richardson and several senior staff members to discuss political strategy regarding the welfare reform bill, H.R. 1, and the potential impact of a new amendment offered by Senator Adlai E. Stevenson III. The group analyzed the risks of appearing inconsistent if the administration supported the Stevenson proposal, which closely mirrored the President's original welfare plans, while balancing the need to preserve the administration's credibility as the bill faced likely defeat. Ultimately, they discussed using a parliamentary tactic—having Senator Hugh Scott support the amendment—to expose the lack of substantive differences between the two parties and ensure the administration would not be blamed if the legislation failed.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:16 pm and 4:24 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 791-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Senator Robert Griffin and William Timmons to discuss public perception of the welfare system and the fiscal implications of various welfare program titles. The participants critiqued the administrative handling of welfare funds, specifically citing frustrations with social workers and the perceived prevalence of benefit misuse. The brief exchange underscored the political pressure to address the high costs associated with these legislative titles.
President Nixon consults with Ronald Ziegler and H.R. Haldeman regarding a recent, ostensibly personal telephone call from journalist Walter Cronkite. Nixon clarifies his willingness to speak with Cronkite only if the matter is non-journalistic in nature. The brief discussion also touches upon logistical updates regarding operations at Camp David and the status of staff members.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:00 pm and 7:19 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 146-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss the President’s schedule, re-evaluating how to balance his time between the White House, Camp David, and Key Biscayne to maintain a consistent public presence. They analyzed polling data from Massachusetts regarding George McGovern’s policy proposals, deciding to intensify targeted television advertisements highlighting issues like welfare and marijuana legalization rather than having the President visit the state personally. The conversation also touched on press coverage of the administration, specifically regarding allegations of corruption, and the political implications of Vice President Agnew’s conservative public image.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:00 pm and 7:19 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 215-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discussed her upcoming campaign trips to Indiana and New England, with Nixon providing anecdotes and political talking points for her speeches. They also touched upon Nixon's strategy for a potential news conference, specifically his desire to avoid granting equal television time to his opponent before the election. The conversation concluded with a brief exchange about Nixon's swim in the Camp David pool.
President Nixon discussed upcoming campaign travel with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, mentioning stops in Indianapolis and New England, and expressing confidence in Republican strength in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. He also strategized about media appearances, specifically avoiding giving an opponent equal television time.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, radio addresses, and political strategy against Senator George McGovern. They discussed managing media relations, specifically handling a request from Walter Cronkite for a televised presidential appearance, while ensuring the administration’s policy positions remained clear to the public. Additionally, they reviewed sensitive Vietnam negotiations, weighing Henry Kissinger’s progress in Paris against the strategic concerns of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu and the potential for a post-election settlement.
On October 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 5:55 pm and 6:23 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 146-003 of the White House Tapes.
On October 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Manolo Sanchez, and Charles W. Colson met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 5:55 pm and 6:23 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 215-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed political strategy for the 1972 campaign, focusing on the President's public image and the management of domestic issues. They evaluated the political impact of George McGovern's campaign, specifically agreeing to encourage and amplify McGovern's recent focus on corruption charges, which they believed would alienate voters. The conversation also covered tactical legislative developments regarding welfare and Social Security, as well as plans to use deceptive tactics to exploit internal divisions between R. Sargent Shriver and labor leader George Meany.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss campaign strategy, specifically focusing on messaging against their political opponents and defining the administration's stance on key social issues like welfare, busing, and amnesty. They review positive polling data from Southern California and strategize on how to manage media narratives regarding the Vietnam peace plan and potential legislative vetoes. The conversation concludes with a directive to mobilize letter-writing campaigns to solidify public support for the administration's aggressive political rhetoric.
On October 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:45 pm and 7:27 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 146-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Manolo Sanchez briefly discussed arrangements for the following morning, with Nixon instructing Sanchez to inform others that they would depart at 9:30 am.
On October 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:45 pm and 7:27 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 215-008 of the White House Tapes.
On October 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:45 pm and 7:27 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 215-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly conferred regarding logistical arrangements for their respective departures from Camp David. The discussion centered on Haldeman's preference to travel by car to expedite his return home, rather than traveling through town. The two confirmed their evening schedules without establishing any substantive policy or administrative actions.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman held a brief administrative coordination meeting to discuss scheduling arrangements. The conversation focused on determining travel logistics and timing preferences for an upcoming engagement. No major policy decisions were made, as the exchange was limited to confirming operational details regarding the President's itinerary.
On October 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:28 pm and 9:39 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 215-011 of the White House Tapes.