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 146 of 211On November 17, 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 6:20 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 226-036 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the administration's second-term reorganization, specifically focusing on managing the departures and status of Cabinet members and White House staff, including William P. Rogers and Charles Colson. Nixon instructed Haldeman to pressure Rogers to accept new terms for his continued tenure as Secretary of State and to push for Colson’s exit while maintaining a facade of presidential loyalty. Additionally, Nixon directed Haldeman to reprimand Henry Kissinger regarding potential leaks of classified SALT negotiation materials found in a manuscript by a Brookings Institute associate.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the management of staff transitions and the need to exert firm control over key personnel, specifically regarding Secretary of State William Rogers. Nixon instructs Haldeman to handle upcoming meetings with a 'cold turkey' approach, ensuring that staff changes are executed decisively without allowing personnel to believe they are acting on behalf of their colleagues. Furthermore, Nixon directs Haldeman to reprimand Henry Kissinger regarding a subordinate's actions, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining strict administration oversight during these administrative shifts.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:24 pm and 8:33 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 153-049 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:24 pm and 8:33 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 226-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed H.R. Haldeman to initiate a direct, firm conversation with Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding the administration's second-term reorganization. Nixon provided a specific briefing on the status of various cabinet members, including the departures of George Romney, John Volpe, and James Hodgson, as well as the retention of George Shultz and Richard Kleindienst. Furthermore, the two discussed concerns raised by the First Lady and family regarding potential negative press coverage of the transition, ultimately concluding that the public reaction to the President's recent interview with Jack Horner had been positive.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss personnel management and the perception of the administration's internal culture. Nixon directs Haldeman to address sensitive staffing matters with Larry and expresses concern over reports from family members, including Julie and Tricia, that his administration is perceived as being overly cold and hard-hearted. The President seeks to evaluate the administration's public standing and communications strategies in response to these criticisms.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:35 pm and 8:40 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 153-051 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:35 pm and 8:40 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 226-018 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Patricia B. McKee talked on the telephone at Camp David from 8:40 pm to 8:41 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 153-052 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Patricia B. McKee met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 8:40 pm to 8:41 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 226-019 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 8:47 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 153-053 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:47 pm and 8:53 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 153-054 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 8:47 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 226-020 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:47 pm and 8:53 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 226-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Paul W. Keyes to extend an invitation for an upcoming post-Thanksgiving getaway at Mermaid Key with Robert Abplanalp and Bebe Rebozo. The two briefly discuss the President's recent landslide election victory, with Nixon noting that his electoral margin surpassed that of Lyndon B. Johnson. Keyes commends the tone of Nixon's victory remarks, and they finalize logistical plans for their Florida trip.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes coordinate a post-Thanksgiving trip to Florida for a period of relaxation. During the brief planning discussion, the two touched upon the electoral success of the 1972 campaign, with Nixon noting that his margin surpassed that of Lyndon Johnson. The conversation concluded with the pair firming up travel logistics for their upcoming getaway.
On November 17, 1972, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:56 pm and 11:59 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 153-056 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1972, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:56 pm and 11:59 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 226-023 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:45 am and 9:39 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 153-057 of the White House Tapes.
In this memorandum, President Nixon dictates his reflections on the reorganization of his second-term administration, focusing on personnel dynamics and structural changes. He evaluates the ongoing friction between Henry Kissinger and William P. Rogers, compares the bureaucratic management styles of Elliot Richardson and George P. Shultz, and weighs the political liabilities of retaining Charles W. Colson amidst the growing Watergate controversy. Nixon ultimately emphasizes the necessity of protecting the integrity of the presidency by removing staff who have become political distractions.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, at Camp David to coordinate the logistical details of his return to Washington, D.C. The discussion focused on the timing of his departure and the handling of correspondence from a woman identified as McKee. Nixon directed Sanchez to ensure that the letter was delivered for his review once its preparation was finalized.
President Nixon engages in a wide-ranging discussion concerning his foreign and domestic policy agenda. The dialogue touches upon the influence of British political traditions, historical campaign tactics like those used in 1948, and the importance of maintaining a consistent policy course. The conversation reflects on the strategic utility of media criticism and concludes with a brief exchange regarding impending administrative tasks.
President Nixon and his close associate Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo met at Camp David to discuss logistics for their upcoming travel and holiday plans. They coordinated transportation arrangements, with the President offering Rebozo a ride back to Washington, D.C., via helicopter. Additionally, the pair finalized itinerary details for a post-Thanksgiving trip to Florida, including potential stops at Grand Key and meetings with acquaintances like Paul Keyes.
President Nixon dictates a letter to British journalist Bernard Levin to express appreciation for his public support during the 1972 election cycle. Acknowledging that Levin likely faced professional backlash from his peers in the British press for backing a Republican candidate, Nixon seeks to reinforce their professional rapport. The recording captures the President finalizing the phrasing of this acknowledgment and arranging for the correspondence to be processed through his office.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to discuss the strategic distribution of a political column. Nixon directed that the material be sent to Charles Colson for dissemination among key opinion leaders and specifically requested that it be shared with McKinnon. This action reflects the administration's ongoing efforts to influence public discourse through targeted media outreach.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:45 am and 9:39 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 226-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed media strategy regarding the administration's upcoming second-term reorganization and the President's personal involvement in critical policy negotiations. Nixon clarified that his brief return to Washington was for personal matters and to work on sensitive documents in the Lincoln Sitting Room, rather than to hold formal meetings. They coordinated on messaging to portray the reorganization as an orderly, thoughtful process meant to reenergize the government, while actively countering negative press perceptions of the administration as "heartless." Furthermore, Nixon provided instructions on how to frame his upcoming work on Vietnam and SALT II negotiations to emphasize his personal oversight of technical details.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler discuss public relations strategy regarding the President's upcoming schedule and the administration's ongoing cabinet and staff reorganization. Nixon directs Ziegler to emphasize that he is actively working on critical negotiating positions for SALT and Vietnam, while clarifying that his travel between Washington and Camp David is a matter of administrative necessity rather than scheduled meetings. Furthermore, they coordinate the messaging for the staff transition to ensure it is perceived as an orderly, renewal-focused process rather than a dismissive or 'heartless' purge.
President Nixon dictates a personal letter to Ann Duggan to express gratitude for the enduring friendship she and her late husband, Tom Duggan, provided his family over the decades. He specifically acknowledges Tom Duggan’s critical role in encouraging him to persevere in his political career following the 1962 election defeat. The letter serves as a formal recognition of the Duggan family's support during both the Nixon family's difficult political periods and their eventual electoral success.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles G. ("Bebe") Rebozo met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:57 am and 10:25 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 226-033 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a personal letter to his old friend Eddie Dugan while providing instructions to staff members, including Raymond K. Price, Jr., on managing post-election correspondence. He emphasized the importance of carefully culling mail from celebrities and longtime associates to ensure personalized, accurate responses. The dictated letter to Dugan reflected on their shared history, dating back to a 1934 cross-country trip and their time at Duke University, while acknowledging Dugan’s enduring political support.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:06 am and 11:44 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-080 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:06 am and 11:44 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-081 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:06 am and 11:44 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-082 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Tricia Nixon Cox talked on the telephone from 11:44 am to 11:45 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-083 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:45 am and 11:47 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-084 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:47 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-085 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:55 am and 11:57 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-086 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:55 am and 11:57 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-087 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Leonard Garment to coordinate a meeting at Camp David regarding the reorganization of his second-term cabinet. Nixon emphasizes his intent to break free from bureaucratic constraints by installing new personnel, specifically noting plans to move Caspar Weinberger into a major cabinet position and reassign Elliot Richardson. The conversation also transitions into a discussion on political conduct, with Nixon criticizing George McGovern’s 1972 concession statement while reflecting on his own history of gracious election losses.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically addressing concerns that the South Vietnamese government was attempting to delay or obstruct the process. Kissinger reported that Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker was encountering resistance from South Vietnamese officials, but the pair agreed that the U.S. could not delay the Paris negotiations or risk an open break with Saigon at this stage. Nixon instructed Kissinger to maintain a firm stance and finalize the best possible agreement, opting to manage the South Vietnamese response after the terms in Paris were settled.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the potential retention of Peter G. Peterson during the administration's second-term reorganization. Nixon expresses a softened stance on Peterson's value, suggesting he may be useful in the Commerce Department despite previous reservations. Ehrlichman is tasked with consulting George Shultz during a scheduled meeting to determine if offering Peterson the Commerce position is a viable bargaining strategy.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:13 pm and 12:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-091 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss strategies for managing South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's resistance to the ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon directs Kissinger to instruct Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker to inform Thieu that the U.S. will maintain its current bargaining position and will not accept further disruptive changes to the draft agreement or new emissaries. Additionally, the pair briefly touches upon the potential appointment of Peter G. Peterson to a role in the Commerce Department under George Shultz.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:20 pm and 12:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-093 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone from 12:21 pm to 12:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-094 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:22 pm and 12:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-095 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-096 of the White House Tapes.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:29 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-097 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the reorganization of the administration for the second term, focusing on key personnel transitions and policy alignments. They confirm Secretary of State William P. Rogers' departure, address the need for greater internal loyalty within the Foreign Service, and strategize the replacement of various agency leaders, including discussions on moving Elliot Richardson to the Defense Department. Additionally, they review the status of Vietnam peace negotiations and contemplate the future roles of staff members such as Charles Colson and Peter Flanigan.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the stalled Vietnam peace negotiations and the obstructionist bargaining tactics employed by South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. Concerned that Thieu’s latest demands threaten to scuttle the agreement entirely, Nixon directs Kissinger to draft a firm letter emphasizing that the current U.S. aid programs will be jeopardized by the new Congress if a deal is not reached. The two leaders agree on the necessity of pressuring Thieu, acknowledging that the U.S. must take a tougher stance to force an resolution while avoiding an open, disastrous diplomatic break.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:49 pm and 12:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-100 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the administration's second-term reorganization, noting Melvin Laird's acceptance of Elliot Richardson's appointment. The conversation then shifted to the surplus of U.S. military aid in South Vietnam and the potential for dispatching Laird on a diplomatic mission to deliver a firm ultimatum to President Nguyen Van Thieu. They agreed that such a mission, to be accompanied by Alexander Haig, should only occur following the finalization of the Vietnam peace agreement.
On November 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 5:21 pm to 5:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-102 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:30 am and 9:14 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-103 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed the unauthorized leak of information regarding the administration's second-term reorganization plans, which had appeared in the press. Nixon ordered Ziegler to investigate the source of the leak and expressed his intent to maintain strict control over future communications on the matter. Additionally, the President voiced strong frustration regarding a recent press interview given by Henry Kissinger, characterizing Kissinger's public remarks about his diplomatic role as embarrassing and harmful.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:16 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-105 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the scheduling of Cabinet meetings and the logistics for finalizing administrative appointments for the second term. The President emphasizes the need for a tightly controlled, coordinated public relations strategy to manage the announcement of these appointments and to curb unauthorized leaks, specifically expressing concern over a recent article in the Washington Star. Additionally, they discuss the necessity of maintaining a aggressive political counterattack capability after the 1972 election and examine H.R. Kissinger’s recent interview, which Nixon views as potentially damaging to the administration's internal dynamics.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:29 am and 9:35 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-107 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss plans for the second-term reorganization of the White House staff and Cabinet, focusing on personnel changes and the retention of a strategic public relations and counterattack capacity. The conversation explores specific appointments, including selecting Peter J. Brennan for the Department of Labor, the possibility of John A. Scali for the United Nations, and identifying a replacement for Colson's role. Nixon and Colson also strategize on managing political optics, including the importance of keeping some party-symbolic figures like Rogers Morton while aggressively purging the bureaucracy and shifting toward more politically loyal appointees.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed a Washington Star report regarding the administration's second-term reorganization plans, which the President suspected was a compilation of previous legislative data rather than a deliberate leak. To mitigate further unauthorized disclosures, Nixon directed Ziegler to instruct John Ehrlichman and Caspar Weinberger to threaten the firing of any Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or Ehrlichman staff members responsible for future leaks. The President concluded by reinforcing a policy of strict silence, directing his subordinates to refrain from unauthorized commentary on administration planning.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 10:51 am to 10:56 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-110 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:56 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-111 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 10:56 am to 10:57 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-112 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower talked on the telephone from 10:57 am to 10:58 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-113 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:58 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-114 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Craig S. Campbell talked on the telephone from 10:58 am to 10:59 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 033-115 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:59 am and 7:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 034-001 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:59 am and 7:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 034-145 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the reorganization of the administration for the upcoming second term, focusing on staffing key Cabinet and department positions. They deliberate on potential appointments, including Peter Brennan for Labor, Howard Callaway and George H.W. Bush for Commerce or other roles, and the consideration of Anne Armstrong for a Cabinet post to improve the administration's political image. Additionally, Nixon expresses his intent to prioritize strong leadership at the Department of Defense under Elliot Richardson and addresses personnel transitions involving Charles Colson, Robert Finch, and Donald Rumsfeld.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss staffing decisions and potential cabinet appointments for the second term. They evaluated various candidates for high-level positions, emphasizing the need for political loyalty and effective public relations, including the potential appointment of a woman to a major cabinet role like Commerce or Interior. The President instructed Haldeman to coordinate with George Shultz to ensure specific political appointments were offered and finalized.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman briefly discussed the status of second-term administration reorganization and Cabinet appointments. Nixon informed Ehrlichman that he had already addressed these issues with H.R. Haldeman, rendering a more detailed discussion unnecessary. The brief call concluded with the President encouraging Ehrlichman to enjoy the weather at Camp David.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 1:04 pm to 1:05 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 227-002 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:15 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 227-003 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:15 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 227-004 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:15 pm and 6:59 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 155-003 of the White House Tapes.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:15 pm and 6:59 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 227-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, at Camp David to discuss the status of his personal wardrobe. The brief exchange focused on verifying whether his clothing had been organized or checked. No significant policy decisions or major political developments occurred during this casual interaction.
On November 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:15 pm and 6:59 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 227-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon met with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, at the Aspen Lodge at Camp David. The primary substance of the discussion remains restricted, as the entirety of the recorded segment is currently identified as a withdrawn item. No policy decisions or actionable outcomes are accessible for this exchange due to the lack of available documentation or transcript.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss strategies for removing key Republican officials, specifically RNC Chairman Bob Dole and political figures Peter Dominick and Bob Wilson, without the White House appearing responsible for the personnel changes. Nixon directs Haldeman to orchestrate external pressure by having party allies and state leaders publicly call for a full-time professional chairman, thereby creating a consensus that forces these individuals out gracefully. Additionally, the two touch upon a recent Life magazine cover featuring the President, which Nixon dismisses as a deliberate act of media sabotage, and they discuss organizing a public protest against the publication.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss a strategy to force the resignation of Republican National Committee Chairman Bob Dole by orchestrating external pressure from party officials and regional leaders. By generating public calls for a full-time professional chairman, the President intends to distance the White House from the move and avoid the political heat associated with Dole's removal. Nixon instructs Haldeman to coordinate with John Mitchell to mobilize this grassroots-style campaign before the President personally meets with Dole.
On November 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:00 am and 8:36 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 155-005 of the White House Tapes.
On November 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:00 am and 8:36 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 155-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Claudia Val to arrange potential entertainment and dining options in New York City for an upcoming trip involving political and legal business. The President requested recommendations for 'clean,' traditional entertainment, such as theater or sporting events, while explicitly excluding heavy or overly political performances. Val provided advice on high-end French restaurants and dining logistics for theater-goers, and Nixon instructed her to relay the final details to his military aide at Camp David.
On November 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:41 am and 8:46 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 155-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Rose Mary Woods to notify his associates that his upcoming Florida trip will be delayed by one week to accommodate Henry Kissinger’s return from Paris and to coordinate with his Cabinet’s return from abroad. The two also discuss the impending resignation of U.S. representative Gordon H. Scherer, which stemmed from a disagreement with State Department instructions regarding a treaty for the protection of journalists. Nixon agrees to consult with George H.W. Bush on the matter and mandates that a congratulatory telegram be sent to West German Chancellor Willy Brandt regarding his electoral victory.
President Nixon consulted his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, to coordinate a family trip to New York City for the upcoming holiday weekend. The President planned to combine personal activities—including shopping, attending a Broadway show or hockey game, and visiting a church—with a visit to his former law firm and a symbolic trip to Brooklyn to acknowledge his performance in the 1972 election. Nixon delegated the logistical planning, including selecting entertainment and consulting with Tricia Nixon Cox, to Julie while he remained at Camp David to manage affairs surrounding Henry Kissinger’s return.
On November 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:09 am and 10:53 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 155-011 of the White House Tapes.
In this meeting at Camp David, President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the personnel and strategic reorganization of the administration's second term, including the management of press relations and the handling of key cabinet members and staffers. Nixon emphasizes the need for loyal, dedicated personnel and discusses his desire to establish a more personal, warmer public image by utilizing surrogates and better controlling media access. They also address the tactical handling of critical news outlets, specifically Life and Time magazines, and deliberate on the best approach for announcing upcoming cabinet changes and the President’s post-landslide agenda.
On November 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:53 am and 11:10 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 155-012 of the White House Tapes.
On November 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:53 am and 11:10 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 155-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon coordinates a meeting at Camp David with John D. Ehrlichman and George H.W. Bush. The President determines the logistics for the gathering, instructing Ehrlichman to bring Bush to the Aspen Lodge to facilitate their discussion. The brief call serves primarily as a scheduling coordination between the participants.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the file regarding a wide-ranging review of his administration's political landscape following the 1972 election. The recording captures his reflections on personnel management, including potential changes to the Republican National Committee and cabinet-level shifts, as well as strategies for managing his public image and press relations. Additionally, the President assesses the effectiveness of key advisors and evaluates potential appointments for his second term, including considerations for the United Nations and the Internal Revenue Service.
President Nixon consulted with H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming family trip to New York and to coordinate the scheduling of political meetings at Camp David. The participants discussed hotel accommodations, the timing of a secretive meeting with Henry Kissinger to avoid premature press attention, and the importance of balancing Republican leadership presence at Camp David by inviting Barry Goldwater to meet alongside Nelson Rockefeller. Additionally, they reviewed progress on RNC personnel matters, including directives for John Mitchell to mobilize key committee staff.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate logistical preparations for an upcoming trip, focusing on managing public perception and scheduling meetings with key political figures. They discuss the importance of delaying official announcements to avoid premature speculation and finalize the guest list, which includes Nelson Rockefeller and Barry Goldwater. The conversation concludes with the President instructing Haldeman to hold off on contacting John Mitchell for the time being.
On November 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:46 pm and 2:05 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 155-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum outlining key strategies for his second-term administration and executive reorganization. He specifically considered implementing a 'Super Cabinet' structure to better navigate relations with Congress. Additionally, the President reviewed John Connally’s proposal regarding the potential retirement and reconfirmation of Supreme Court justices.
On November 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:46 pm and 2:05 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 228-005 of the White House Tapes.