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 134 of 211President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and William Timmons to strategize on congressional adjournment and potential vetoes of key legislation, specifically a costly water bill and H.R. 1. The President expressed frustration with the spending implications of these bills and debated whether to sign them, veto them immediately, or force a stalemate to pressure Congress. Ultimately, Nixon decided to gamble by withholding action and stalling, intending to blame Congress for the resulting legislative gridlock and budget issues if they were forced to return from recess for an override attempt.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:56 am and 10:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 798-008 of the White House Tapes.
On October 14, 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 10:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 798-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. discuss the final preparations for an upcoming radio address concerning crime and drug abuse. Nixon provides specific directives to redact identifying details from a personal letter used in the speech to protect the sender's privacy and manage potential press inquiries. Additionally, they reach a decision to postpone work on a proposed speech regarding education to prioritize other pending communications.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. discuss the final draft of a televised address, specifically addressing concerns regarding word count and broadcast timing requirements for the Committee to Re-elect the President. Nixon mandates changes to a personal anecdote in the speech, ordering the removal of his brother David's name to maintain anonymity and avoid press scrutiny. The two also coordinate the scheduling of upcoming meetings related to the drafting process.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to review the status of pending peace negotiations with North Vietnam and assess the viability of the proposed agreement. Kissinger walked the President through the deal's key provisions, including ceasefire terms, prisoner releases, the removal of U.S. mines, and the withdrawal of military personnel. The two discussed the political implications for South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, ultimately deciding that a post-election meeting between Nixon and Thieu would be necessary to manage regional tensions and solidify the settlement.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to strategize on ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically addressing the sensitive issue of prisoner release and the potential for post-settlement civilian violence. Nixon emphasized that despite his upcoming re-election, he lacked a mandate to continue the war and urged Kissinger to pressure South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu into accepting the proposed agreement. The President planned to offer Thieu significant long-term economic and military support, suggesting a high-profile meeting at the Western White House in San Clemente to project a unified front and secure Thieu's cooperation.
President Nixon met with Soviet Minister of Merchant Marine Timofey B. Guzhenko and Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin to discuss the resolution of a difficult maritime agreement between the two nations. Nixon emphasized the broader diplomatic importance of the deal, framing it as a constructive step toward improved political relations and greater cooperation at sea. The discussion also included social exchanges regarding the recent positive reception of Julie Nixon Eisenhower aboard a Soviet ship in Baltimore and invitations for the President's family to travel to the Soviet Union.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:53 am and 11:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 798-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, Raymond Price, and other staff members to coordinate his campaign messaging and media strategy for the final weeks of the 1972 election. The discussion centered on drafting a series of radio speeches covering foreign policy, economic issues, and social concerns, specifically addressing paternalism and property tax reform for the elderly. Nixon emphasized maintaining a non-partisan, uplifting tone in his speeches and decided against directly attacking George McGovern, opting instead to focus on his own "New American Majority" and the broader philosophy of his administration.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:27 pm and 1:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 798-016 of the White House Tapes.
On October 14, 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 1:30 pm and 1:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 366-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate logistics for an upcoming trip to Camp David. The discussion focused on transportation arrangements, specifically instructing Sanchez to travel via helicopter to follow the President. The two also briefly addressed the disposition of food and a pending request regarding staffer Charles W. Colson.
In this meeting, President Nixon met with Charles Colson, Manolo Sanchez, and John Ehrlichman to discuss political strategy and campaign messaging for the 1972 election. The discussion centered on managing legislative issues, such as potential vetoes of social spending bills, and neutralizing corruption allegations related to the Watergate scandal. Participants also reviewed the effectiveness of campaign rhetoric against George McGovern, focusing on his foreign policy positions and the authenticity of anti-war statements, while strategizing on how to appeal to specific labor and ethnic constituencies.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:46 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 149-001 of the White House Tapes.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:46 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, by telephone from Camp David to discuss her recent trip to Missouri and West Virginia. They reviewed her appearances at the Future Farmers of America and the American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City, the Tom Sawyer stamp ceremony in Hannibal, and the West Virginia State Bar Association dinner. Tricia reported positive opinions regarding the President's re-election campaign in Missouri and West Virginia, and they also briefly discussed the President's upcoming radio speech and plans for watching a movie later.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, coordinate domestic plans and social arrangements for their stay at Camp David. The conversation focuses on scheduling meals, potential plans to watch a movie, and logistical coordination for guests. The President ensures his daughter and her husband, Eddie Cox, are accommodated comfortably during their visit.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:49 pm and 3:50 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 149-003 of the White House Tapes.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:49 pm and 3:50 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss political strategy, focusing on the tactical advantages of a 20% federal spending limitation and planning for an upcoming revenue-sharing ceremony in Philadelphia with Mayor Frank Rizzo. The conversation also addresses the status of congressional adjournment regarding the debt ceiling and welfare legislation, as well as concerns regarding potential Watergate-related hearings by Senator James O. Eastland. They discuss the necessity of protecting the White House via executive privilege while acknowledging that individuals like John Mitchell might be compelled to testify.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the strategic benefits of a 20% federal spending limitation, noting its utility in enforcing bureaucratic discipline and shifting blame to Congress. They also coordinate a planned appearance in Philadelphia, framing the event as a non-gimmicky, bipartisan return to constitutional principles. Finally, they briefly address the ongoing political fallout and potential witness appearances related to the Watergate-linked hearings involving John Mitchell and others.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss the 1972 reelection campaign strategy, specifically focusing on the timing of a potential Vietnam War peace settlement. Nixon expressed concerns that a premature announcement could jeopardize his political standing, concluding that peace negotiations should remain independent of election-year pressures to avoid appearing politically motivated. The discussion also included a detailed review of various state-level polls and campaign operations, with both men expressing confidence in the President's significant lead over George McGovern.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, at Camp David to attend to personal matters. During the brief interaction, the President requested a drink and inquired about Sanchez's health. This discussion reflects the informal, private nature of their professional relationship while the President was in residence at the retreat.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 5:06 pm and 7:40 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 149-005 of the White House Tapes.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 5:06 pm and 7:40 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-007 of the White House Tapes.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:17 pm and 7:40 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 149-006 of the White House Tapes.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:17 pm and 7:40 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-008 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 7:17 pm on October 14, 1972 and 9:16 am on October 15, 1972. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-009 of the White House Tapes.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:57 am and 9:16 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 149-007 of the White House Tapes.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:57 am and 9:16 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman coordinate messaging strategy regarding pending legislation and press relations ahead of a planned media briefing. They discuss the potential veto of Social Security and water quality bills, framing them around spending limitations and congressional failure to adopt administration reforms. Furthermore, they strategize on countering negative press coverage related to Watergate and the US-Soviet grain deal by attacking journalistic bias, invoking comparisons to McCarthyism, and highlighting the failure of outlets to report on campaign violence against the President.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss political strategy for the upcoming election, specifically addressing the administration's stance on social security, welfare reform, and budget spending. The President instructs Ehrlichman to aggressively attack the media's coverage of the campaign, suggesting they label the opposition's tactics as 'McCarthyism' and highlight the 'double standard' of the Washington Post and New York Times. Nixon also briefly addresses concerns regarding his personal financial disclosures and property investments, dismissing reports that suggested any impropriety.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss the fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically reports regarding Donald Segretti's activities and his ties to Dwight Chapin. The President expressed frustration with the press and the perceived disloyalty of some White House staff, while finalizing a strategy to distance the White House from Segretti's actions by shifting the focus to the Committee for the Re-Election of the President (CRP). Additionally, the two reviewed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, with Nixon rejecting Henry Kissinger's suggestions to delay progress for tactical election purposes or to travel to Hanoi prematurely.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:55 am and 11:07 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 149-009 of the White House Tapes.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:55 am and 11:07 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed political strategy regarding the 1972 presidential campaign, specifically focusing on how to neutralize negative press coverage surrounding the Watergate scandal. Nixon expressed satisfaction that the ongoing Congressional session kept him in Washington, allowing him to position himself as a fiscal guardian through veto battles. They finalized plans for a non-political revenue-sharing signing ceremony in Philadelphia to demonstrate presidential leadership and maintain public support. Both men agreed that the administration's policy accomplishments were overshadowing opposition attacks and that voters remained largely unmoved by Watergate-related allegations.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss negative press coverage in The Washington Post and The New York Times, concluding that the administration should remain unfazed by the reporting. They explore political strategies regarding an expected congressional override of a water bill veto, specifically proposing that Republicans avoid a quorum to prevent the vote. Finally, Nixon outlines plans for a non-political appearance in Philadelphia to sign a bill, intending to showcase support from governors and local allies while avoiding the optics of a standard motorcade.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 11:24 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 149-011 of the White House Tapes.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:24 am and 11:35 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 149-012 of the White House Tapes.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:24 am and 12:00 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 149-013 of the White House Tapes.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 11:24 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-015 of the White House Tapes.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:24 am and 11:35 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-016 of the White House Tapes.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:24 am and 12:00 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the status and strategy of ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, emphasizing that a potential settlement should be pursued based on its own merits rather than election-year political considerations. Kissinger reported on his consultations with military officials like General Creighton Abrams and his plans for upcoming meetings with North Vietnamese negotiators and South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. The two agreed on the need to maintain flexibility to secure a viable deal while avoiding any appearance of a coalition government that could undermine the administration's position.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the ongoing negotiations to end the Vietnam War, emphasizing the necessity of securing a settlement based on its merits rather than political expediency. Nixon explicitly instructed Kissinger to avoid any language suggesting the formation of a coalition government, which he feared would be politically damaging. The two agreed that the primary goal was to bring the conflict to a close, provided the agreement did not result in a collapse of the South Vietnamese government before the upcoming election.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:14 pm and 7:53 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 220-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon recorded a memorandum at Camp David to summarize his recent meetings and observations regarding his 1972 re-election campaign. He reflected on various interactions, including social gatherings with athletes and political supporters, while evaluating his outreach efforts with Hispanic communities and local officials. Additionally, he assessed the delicate state of Vietnam peace negotiations, noting the strategic risks involved in reaching a settlement prior to the presidential election.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the latest polling data, specifically the Yankelovich poll showing a significant lead for Nixon over McGovern, and McGovern's dismissive reaction to polls. They also touched on Nixon's recent speech on drug abuse and its positive press coverage, and strategized on how to frame the press narrative regarding the election, particularly highlighting the difference in press support for McGovern compared to Goldwater in 1964. Colson agreed to have Tim Elbourne pursue the press narrative point and confirmed that Baroody would conduct a poll for Newsweek.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the political impact of polling data, specifically concerning the Yankelovich and Gallup polls, and how McGovern might react to unfavorable results. They also touched on the press's perceived bias towards McGovern and considered how to leverage this information, with Nixon suggesting Bradlee be involved in communicating with the media.
On October 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:28 pm and 8:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-046 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed strategies to mitigate negative press coverage regarding Herbert Kalmbach and campaign political activities appearing in the New York Times. They decided to adopt a defensive posture by directing John Connally to go on the offensive against dirty campaign tactics, while simultaneously coordinating a hardline response for Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler. Additionally, the pair briefly touched on Vietnam, dismissing recent public comments by Paul Warnke regarding the lack of a potential peace settlement.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:30 am and 8:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate his daily schedule and manage upcoming appointments. The discussion centered on arrangements for Henry Kissinger's inclusion in the President's calendar. The meeting concluded with Woods preparing to return to finalize these logistical details.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:30 am and 8:34 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-003 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:34 am and 8:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-004 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:34 am and 8:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed strategies for managing the media's growing focus on the Watergate scandal and its potential links to White House staff, specifically Dwight Chapin and Donald Segretti. Nixon expressed indignation toward the 'Eastern Establishment' press, instructing the administration to pivot by attacking the media's double standards rather than responding to Democratic opponent George McGovern. They agreed to maintain a unified front, emphasizing the President's public condemnations of campaign disruptions while utilizing executive privilege to deflect inquiries regarding the scandal.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:29 am and 9:32 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-007 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:32 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-048 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:32 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-008 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:33 am and 10:12 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-049 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:33 am and 10:12 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-050 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss high-stakes negotiations regarding Vietnam, including potential terms for a peace settlement, the role of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, and the strategic timing of public announcements. They evaluated the political risks of these negotiations—particularly regarding the upcoming election and public perception—while contemplating a secret diplomatic approach that might involve a private meeting with Thieu at Midway. Additionally, they coordinated Kissinger’s upcoming public appearance before the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, aiming to bolster domestic support for the administration's 'peace with honor' policy without providing false hope or prematurely leaking the status of the ongoing talks.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to discuss managing presidential appearances and media strategy during the final weeks of the 1972 election campaign. They deliberated on whether the President or Kissinger should address the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia to avoid negative press perceptions. Additionally, Nixon decided to schedule a radio address on government philosophy for the upcoming Thursday, emphasizing that the administration should avoid the pressure of manufacturing daily news stories.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the logistical arrangements for upcoming Vietnam peace negotiations, focusing on a potential secret meeting with South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu at Midway Island. They deliberated on travel schedules to Hanoi, Saigon, and Midway while strategizing how to keep these plans discreet, specifically aiming to exclude Secretary of State William P. Rogers from the core negotiations. The pair agreed to finalize the itinerary to ensure diplomatic secrecy and maintain control over the high-stakes peace process.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman coordinated the logistics for a scheduled appearance before the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. Haldeman briefed the President on the informal, standing-room arrangement at the hotel and the plan for Henry Kissinger to address the group prior to Nixon’s arrival. They agreed that Nixon would replace the originally planned format to ensure a brief, efficient interaction with the attendees.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize the language for a forthcoming public statement regarding ongoing negotiations over the Vietnam War. They specifically discussed framing the administration's position to avoid creating false expectations while reaffirming commitment to critical conditions, including the release of POWs/MIAs and the protection of U.S. honor. Nixon confirmed his intention to state that the U.S. would not impose a specific government on South Vietnam, seeking to balance diplomatic caution with the preservation of allied interests.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:28 am and 10:47 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Senator Barry Goldwater discuss Goldwater's upcoming meeting with George Wallace, with the President requesting that he convey his personal well-wishes and offers of medical assistance to the wounded governor. The conversation shifts to the 1972 campaign, where they critique media allegations of Republican 'dirty tricks' as a non-issue outside of Washington. Goldwater proposes a strategy of using 'reverse English' by suggesting that Democratic operatives were responsible for the political mischief, to which Nixon encourages him to continue his aggressive campaign rhetoric.
President Nixon and Senator Barry Goldwater discuss the political landscape of the 1972 campaign and the ongoing allegations regarding "dirty tricks." Nixon expresses his gratitude for Goldwater's public support and effective criticism of political opponents. Additionally, the President conveys his personal concern for a wounded individual, promising full access to Veterans Affairs services and direct communication.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate a strategy for handling ongoing media inquiries and allegations concerning the Watergate break-in and other campaign practices. The two agreed that the White House should refuse to dignify what they characterized as hearsay, innuendo, and partisan smears, while pivoting the narrative toward the opposition's own use of aggressive tactics and a hypocritical double standard regarding media coverage. Nixon instructed Ziegler to maintain a composed demeanor and pivot all questions toward policy issues, such as Vietnam and the economy, rather than engaging with speculative or unproven claims of White House involvement.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:40 am and 11:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to coordinate administration strategy regarding the upcoming election and legislative agenda. The discussion focused on managing the political fallout of the Watergate scandal—specifically involving Donald Segretti—and planning aggressive media and press relations to ostracize outlets considered hostile to the White House. Additionally, the participants addressed the potential for significant budget cuts across federal departments and the President's firm stance against amnesty for draft evaders.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:44 am and 12:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-053 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox talked on the telephone from 12:45 pm to 12:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-054 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 12:47 pm to 2:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-055 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:26 pm and 2:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 367-001 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 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 1:26 pm and 2:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 367-002 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 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 1:28 pm and 2:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 367-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. coordinated the President’s upcoming schedule and discussed the logistics of potential meetings, specifically regarding General Creighton W. Abrams, Jr. The discussion included brief administrative oversight and planning for late afternoon appointments. No major policy decisions were reached, as the dialogue remained focused on agenda management.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Walter R. Tkach talked on the telephone from 2:21 pm to 2:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-056 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Walter R. Tkach met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:21 pm to 2:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 367-005 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone at 2:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-057 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:23 pm and 2:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-058 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:23 pm and 2:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-059 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 2:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 367-006 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 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 2:23 pm and 2:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 367-007 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 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 2:23 pm and 2:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 367-008 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 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 2:23 pm and 2:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 367-009 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:25 pm and 2:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-060 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson and other staff members to discuss political messaging and public relations strategies regarding the 1972 presidential campaign. Key topics included the administration's response to the Watergate scandal, the ongoing Vietnam War, and framing Senator George McGovern's platform as out of touch with the American mainstream. The participants focused on coordinating media responses and leveraging the influence of allies like John Connally to bolster the President's position on national security and economic issues.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and George E. Christian talked on the telephone from 2:27 pm to 2:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-061 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-062 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-063 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:35 pm and 3:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-064 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Charles W. Colson to facilitate a telephone call to Teamsters leader Frank E. Fitzsimmons. The discussion focused on confirming Fitzsimmons's current location in Washington and establishing his nickname prior to the President connecting with him. This brief exchange served primarily as logistical coordination to finalize the President's schedule for the afternoon.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:52 pm and 3:58 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-020 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-066 of the White House Tapes.