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 15 of 211President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The brief exchange centered on the comfort of the workspace, specifically addressing the temperature and the presence of a cold draft in the office. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were recorded during this interaction.
On May 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:03 pm and 2:08 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 253-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 7, 1971, 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 1:03 pm and 2:08 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 253-003 of the White House Tapes.
On May 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:08 pm and 2:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-121 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss media relations strategy, specifically how to criticize individual news outlets rather than the media industry as a whole to avoid broader political backlash. They also assess potential support from labor unions, evaluate political figures like Henry Jackson, and review the status of recent anti-war demonstrations. The conversation reflects the administration's ongoing efforts to manage public perception and build political coalitions among working-class voters.
On May 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:08 pm and 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 253-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with AFL-CIO President George Meany and Assistant Secretary of Labor Willie J. Usery, Jr. to secure labor support for critical economic and legislative initiatives, specifically the continuation of the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and financial support for Lockheed. The President emphasized that these projects were vital for job creation and national industrial prestige, urging Meany to lobby key legislators for the necessary votes. They also discussed the status of the building trades unions, the administration's stance on apprenticeship programs, and the leadership transition within the Teamsters union, while touching upon the broader domestic economy and international trade challenges.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler briefly discussed the handling of a press release originating from the Secretary of Commerce. Ziegler sought the President's review of the document after consulting with H.R. Haldeman regarding potential modifications. The meeting concluded with a brief mention of a prospective conversation between the President and Treasury Secretary John Connally.
President Nixon met with Ambassador Ernest V. Siracusa and Alexander Haig to discuss the political and economic instability in Bolivia under President Juan José Torres. The participants analyzed Bolivia's internal challenges, including a lack of institutional support, social unrest, and the flight of skilled professionals, while comparing these conditions to the relative economic growth seen in Brazil. Nixon emphasized that the U.S. should maintain a patient, positive, and supportive diplomatic stance toward the region, despite the persistent political volatility and the perceived anti-American rhetoric from local intellectuals and media figures.
On May 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:32 pm and 4:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-122 of the White House Tapes.
On May 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:32 pm and 4:33 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 495-024 of the White House Tapes.
On May 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:32 pm and 4:33 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 495-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Mitchell, John Connally, and Alexander Butterfield to discuss the political landscape ahead of the 1972 election, including campaign organization, potential fundraising strategies, and the roles of key figures like Spiro Agnew, Wilbur Mills, and Maurice Stans. The participants reviewed recent civil unrest and the positive public response to the administration's firm handling of demonstrators in Washington, D.C. Additionally, they evaluated various foreign policy challenges, specifically the Middle East peace negotiations led by William Rogers and strategies for winding down the war in Vietnam, while expressing significant frustration regarding the loyalty and effectiveness of the State Department.
On May 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and John B. Connally talked on the telephone from 4:39 pm to 4:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-123 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss various personnel matters, upcoming scheduling, and economic policy strategies. The conversation focused on the administration's support for Lockheed despite internal cabinet dissent and general economic stabilization efforts. Additionally, they reviewed logistical plans for upcoming public relations events, including meetings with local officials and Business Council members.
On May 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Andrey Pontier met in the Oval Office of the White House at 6:17 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 495-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to discuss the drafting of a birthday telegram for former President Harry S. Truman. During the exchange, Nixon dismissively instructed Bull to discard or destroy a specific draft of the message. This brief interaction highlights the President's personal involvement in routine executive correspondence and his decisive, if curt, approach to administrative tasks.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting with Ronald L. Ziegler. Nixon explicitly instructed Bull to limit the interaction to a brief photo opportunity for press photographers and reporters. The President emphasized a strict fifteen-minute timeframe and explicitly prohibited any conversational engagement during the session.
President Nixon met with Walter E. Washington, Jerry V. Wilson, and other officials to discuss the recent Washington D.C. demonstrations. The primary focus was on the successful management of the protests, emphasizing the combination of firmness and restraint employed by law enforcement. Nixon expressed his appreciation for their efforts in maintaining order and preventing serious violence, while also acknowledging the significant costs associated with the overtime and logistical support required. The discussion also touched upon the effectiveness of the military's role and the challenges posed by media coverage and legal challenges.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other staff members to discuss public relations strategies, specifically focusing on how to capitalize on recent public approval of the administration's firm handling of anti-war protests in Washington, D.C. They reviewed internal polling data showing strong support for the police and authorized the administration to project a tough 'law and order' stance. Furthermore, they coordinated plans to move forward with revenue sharing legislation and addressed the need for better communication strategies regarding foreign policy and upcoming agricultural events.
On May 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:45 am and 11:49 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-124 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and John N. Mitchell talked on the telephone from 11:49 am to 11:51 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-125 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and an unidentified associate reviewed the polling data to assess the impact of his recent press conference on public approval ratings. They analyzed shifting percentages and confirmed that while the raw numbers fluctuated, the overall margin remained stable at a 19-point spread. The exchange functioned as a brief evaluation of the administration's current standing with the American public.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to review routine administrative paperwork and discuss recent public opinion polling regarding the Vietnam War. They analyzed shifts in approval ratings and the significance of undecided voters in the context of recent war demonstrations. The discussion concluded with a brief review of documents requiring the President’s signature.
President Nixon discussed arrangements for a brief photo opportunity with Alexander Butterfield and an unknown individual. The purpose was to allow photographers to take pictures of the President, with strict instructions to limit the session to fifteen minutes and exclude reporters. The goal was to manage press access efficiently, ensuring a quick appearance without extended interaction.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to H. R. Haldeman regarding the administration's public image and the necessity of projecting stronger, more decisive leadership. Nixon expresses frustration with how the press portrays his administration, specifically regarding demonstrations and his handling of domestic policy, and instructs Haldeman to coordinate with staff like John Scali to counter narratives of indecisiveness. The President emphasizes the need for public figures like Spiro Agnew and John Mitchell to take a more aggressive stance to solidify support for the administration's position against disruptive demonstrators.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed the administration's political image and the public's perception of his leadership style. Nixon emphasized the necessity of projecting strength and decisiveness to counter narratives of weakness, particularly in relation to domestic policy and law and order. The conversation underscored Nixon's ongoing preoccupation with public opinion polls and the challenge of navigating political optics amidst critical media coverage.
On May 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:40 pm and 6:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-126 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 6:50 pm to 7:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-127 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone on an unknown date, sometime between 11:45 pm on May 8, 1971 and 12:16 am on May 9, 1971. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-128 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, John N. Mitchell, and Charles G. ("Bebe") Rebozo talked on the telephone from 12:16 am to 12:22 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-129 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:22 am and 12:29 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-130 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:29 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-131 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:29 am and 2:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-132 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Connally discussed the potential devaluation of the dollar and European monetary actions, with Nixon emphasizing that the US would not take blame for European bankers' actions and that the dollar remained strong. They also reviewed positive economic indicators, including stock market performance and retail sales, while downplaying concerns about the unemployment rate. Nixon instructed Connally to maintain a calm and firm stance when speaking with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns and to coordinate with Henry Kissinger regarding foreign affairs.
On May 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-134 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:17 pm and 2:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-135 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods talked on the telephone from 2:18 pm to 2:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-136 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinated legislative strategy regarding key political figures, specifically Gerald Ford and Wilbur Mills, concerning upcoming policy or administrative appointments. They discussed the necessity of securing Ford’s public support and maneuvering Mills into a position where he would be compelled to endorse or accept their proposal. The conversation focused on tactical timing and leveraging political pressure to ensure the desired outcome before formalizing the plan.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate administrative logistics regarding the President's daily schedule. The discussion focused on finalizing the timing of an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger and managing potential scheduling alternatives. No major policy decisions were made, as the exchange remained limited to clarifying logistical arrangements for the afternoon.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:48 pm and 12:57 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 496-007 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:48 pm and 12:57 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 496-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss stalled Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the USSR and ongoing efforts to secure a peace agreement in Vietnam. Kissinger expressed frustration with Soviet stonewalling and advised that the administration adopt a tougher public stance if no progress was made by the following week. The two also coordinated plans for managing congressional pressure regarding the Vietnam War, including the possibility of publicly proposing a ceasefire deadline, and reviewed logistics for Kissinger's forthcoming secret diplomatic initiatives with the People's Republic of China.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:30 pm and 2:35 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 496-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to discuss a wide-ranging agenda involving administrative tasks, White House logistics, and political outreach. They addressed matters such as gift management, the potential creation of a presidential business award, the handling of archival research, and upcoming renovations to the Oval Office. Additionally, the pair touched on staffing for the 1972 campaign and personal remarks regarding recent social functions.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss administration messaging, the President's upcoming schedule, and strategies for managing domestic protests. The two explored firm tactics for handling future demonstrations, including the potential for martial law and mandatory bonds for protest permits, while also criticizing current press briefing practices. Additionally, the President reviewed his legislative goals and the need to craft a more compelling narrative for his "New American Revolution" agenda to better compete with the legacy of Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society."
President Nixon met with various administration officials and Secretary of State William P. Rogers to discuss legislative strategy, current foreign policy, and the political outlook of the Middle East. The President coordinated efforts with George Shultz and Clark MacGregor to build congressional support for revenue sharing and the Super Sonic Transport (SST) funding. Following these domestic agenda items, Secretary Rogers provided an extensive debriefing on his recent diplomatic tour of nine countries, focusing on the stability of Thailand, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, as well as his efforts to engage Anwar Sadat in Middle East peace negotiations.
President Nixon met with M. M. Ahmed and other Pakistani officials to discuss the ongoing civil unrest in East Pakistan and the Pakistani government's efforts to maintain national stability and federal unity. The conversation focused on the challenges of securing international economic aid through the World Bank, particularly in light of pressure from European donors and U.S. congressional critics. Nixon expressed support for Pakistan's goal of stability and committed to helping manage these international diplomatic and financial difficulties, emphasizing his desire to avoid interference in internal affairs while preventing a total collapse of the Pakistani state.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 5:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 496-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss domestic economic policy, the status of the Supersonic Transport (SST) program, and sensitive foreign policy issues. The President expressed frustration with Secretary of State William Rogers' handling of Middle East policy and explicitly directed that Henry Kissinger be sidelined from Israeli-related negotiations to prevent partisan complications. Nixon also finalized a decision to adopt a more confrontational approach toward the press, ending his participation in traditional social dinners with journalists.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods talked on the telephone from 6:14 pm to 6:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-137 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:15 pm and 7:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-138 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at 6:15 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 496-019 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, John D. Ehrlichman, and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone from 7:04 pm to 7:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-139 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:08 pm and 7:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-140 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-141 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:12 pm and 7:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-142 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford talked on the telephone from 7:15 pm to 7:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-143 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:47 pm and 8:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 496-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his Cabinet met to receive a briefing on international affairs and domestic policy, with a focus on Secretary of State William P. Rogers' recent diplomatic travels to the Middle East and the feasibility of desalinization technology. Rogers reported on his efforts to stabilize the Middle East through ceasefire maintenance and discussed the geopolitical concerns of various regional leaders. Dr. Edward E. David Jr. and other experts presented a detailed plan to advance domestic water desalinization and nuclear power capabilities, with the President calling for a major, accelerated federal effort to ensure American technological leadership. The meeting concluded with a brief status report from Treasury Secretary David M. Kennedy regarding the current international monetary situation and the fluctuations of the dollar.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss establishing a high-priority, federally funded national program for water desalinization. Expressing frustration with the existing bureaucracy within the Department of the Interior, Nixon directed his aides to reorganize the effort under the leadership of NASA to leverage its project management capabilities and improve public relations. The President proposed immediate action to construct large-scale prototype plants in California and Texas, aiming to address critical water shortages and align the initiative with his national growth policy.
President Nixon met with Senator William B. Saxbe and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to discuss the political challenges of extending the military draft and maintaining U.S. foreign policy commitments in Vietnam and Asia. Saxbe expressed concerns regarding growing anti-military sentiment among the youth and in Congress, warning that a filibuster could derail draft legislation and force a precarious renewal in a presidential election year. The President emphasized the necessity of a stable military to support international standing and urged Saxbe to help solidify support among Republican legislators, while also briefly discussing the strategic importance of various domestic infrastructure projects in Ohio.
President Nixon met with a group of administration appointees, including John W. Barnum, Richard S. Bodman, and others, for introductions and official photographs. The discussion centered on the challenges of navigating the federal bureaucracy, the personal and financial sacrifices required for government service, and the professional rewards of contributing to the public interest. Nixon encouraged the appointees to maintain perspective despite institutional frustrations and concluded the meeting by distributing presidential gifts.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical arrangements for a scheduled luncheon on Capitol Hill. They discussed the specific departure time and clarified the composition of the passenger list, specifically regarding the inclusion of key staff members William E. Timmons and Clark MacGregor. The brief exchange focused on ensuring that the transport plan was properly communicated to the appropriate personnel.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed a wide range of administrative and political concerns, including public relations strategies for the administration's domestic programs and the management of federal personnel relocations. A significant portion of the conversation focused on the political repercussions of moving federal staff from Ohio to Florida, with Nixon emphasizing the electoral importance of Ohio and the need for better oversight of bureaucratic decisions. Additionally, the two discussed potential budget reallocations for NASA, specifically shifting funds from moon missions to other space projects to maximize public support and political utility.
On May 11, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:22 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 497-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his staff to discuss public relations strategies, specifically focusing on improving outreach to congressional wives and managing the public perception of the administration's accomplishments. The group reviewed the President's schedule and evaluated the effectiveness of recent social events, while also debating the political implications of shifting federal facilities and promoting key initiatives like cancer research and desalinization programs. Additionally, they touched upon legislative concerns, including the potential for a volunteer army and the reaction to Senator Mike Mansfield's resolution regarding the reduction of U.S. troops in Europe.
President Nixon held a series of wide-ranging meetings with senior administration officials to discuss legislative priorities, economic policy, and institutional management. Key topics included advancing revenue sharing and welfare reform through strategic cooperation with Representative Wilbur Mills, managing federal aid to higher education, and reorganizing desalinization research. Additionally, the President and his advisors examined anti-trust policy, the financial struggles of the railroad industry, and the positive implications of a revised upward tick in first-quarter Gross National Product (GNP) figures.
On May 11, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, George P. Shultz, and John N. Mitchell talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:50 pm and 4:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, John Connally, and George Shultz discussed newly revised Gross National Product (GNP) figures for the first quarter of 1971. The data indicated a stronger-than-expected 7.1% real increase, surpassing the $30 billion growth mark. The participants expressed satisfaction with these economic indicators, noting that the strong start to the year would favorably impact annual projections ahead of the official public announcement scheduled for Friday.
On May 11, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:53 pm and 7:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-003 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 5:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally arranged an urgent, in-person meeting to discuss a sensitive parole decision. Connally initiated the contact, noting the complexity of the matter and his preference for a direct, private briefing. The two agreed to meet shortly at the White House to deliberate on the specific case.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:07 am and 9:51 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-005 of the White House Tapes.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:07 am and 9:51 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and OMB Director George Shultz discussed the upcoming release of Gross National Product (GNP) figures to ensure the data was handled appropriately to avoid perceptions of political manipulation. They reviewed positive underlying economic indicators, specifically noting downward revisions in inventories and an increase in corporate profits, while strategizing on how to secure favorable press coverage without appearing overly celebratory. Ultimately, they decided to allow the report to be released through standard channels while tasking Press Secretary Ron Ziegler with providing necessary context to explain the data's impact.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:12 am and 10:25 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discussed strategies to delay or defeat the Mansfield Amendment, which proposed a significant reduction in U.S. troops stationed in Europe. Concerned that the amendment would undermine NATO and erode international confidence in the United States, Nixon urged Rogers to lobby key senators, specifically Scott, Cooper, and Aiken, to stall the legislative process. They agreed to coordinate these lobbying efforts and explore hosting a high-level briefing to persuade lawmakers that such a troop withdrawal would be detrimental to U.S. foreign policy interests.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:35 am and 2:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon consulted with his personal physician, Dr. Walter R. Tkach, regarding the medical status of his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The discussion centered on Woods's health issues, specifically concerning a blockage and a pending surgical procedure. No broader policy decisions were addressed during this brief administrative check-in.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:27 pm and 3:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and House Minority Leader Gerald Ford discussed the precarious vote count regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding bill in the House of Representatives. Following a narrow victory in a preliminary teller vote, the two reviewed legislative strategy and the potential need for presidential intervention to secure additional support. Nixon urged Ford to maintain his coalition and prepare to deploy extra votes if necessary, requesting an immediate update once the final results were tallied.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:34 pm and 3:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with William Safire to devise a strategic communications plan for the release of revised first-quarter Gross National Product (GNP) figures. Nixon aimed to maximize the positive economic impact of the 30.8 billion figure while maintaining a subtle approach to avoid appearing overly boastful. He directed Safire to coordinate with George Shultz to manage potential media leaks and ensure favorable coverage in prominent news outlets and on television.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:10 pm and 4:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-017 of the White House Tapes.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated a call to the White House operator to facilitate a conversation with First Lady Pat Nixon. Following this, he briefly conferred with an unknown individual to express his appreciation for their efforts. The dialogue concluded with formal acknowledgments of gratitude, though the substantive details of the discussion remain largely inaudible or missing from the record.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-020 of the White House Tapes.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:24 pm and 4:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-021 of the White House Tapes.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:24 pm and 4:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with David M. Kennedy and Peter G. Peterson to discuss international trade negotiations and domestic economic performance. The group reviewed the status of textile negotiations involving Japanese Minister Takeo Fukuda and analyzed updated first-quarter Gross National Product (GNP) figures. The participants noted that the upwardly revised GNP data, scheduled for public release that Friday, represented positive economic news for the administration.
President Nixon and Representative Gerald R. Ford discussed the successful 201-197 House vote to revive the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. The two leaders strategized on how to maintain momentum for the upcoming Senate vote, specifically identifying key Democratic swing votes and potential lobbyists like George Meany. Nixon committed to personally contacting Senator John Sherman Cooper while planning to recognize the House members who supported the administration's position.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:32 pm and 5:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-024 of the White House Tapes.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:28 pm and 5:29 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with various staff and political allies, including H.R. Haldeman, Leslie Arends, and Frank Bow, to coordinate strategy regarding House legislative votes and foreign policy objectives. A primary focus was managing opposition to the Mansfield Amendment, which proposed significant reductions to NATO troop levels, and leveraging John Scali to organize effective public and legislative pushback. Additionally, Nixon reflected on his upcoming foreign policy address, contrasting his broader vision for the nation with the mechanical nature of domestic initiatives like revenue sharing.
President Nixon calls House Minority Whip Leslie C. Arends to congratulate him on securing a narrow legislative victory regarding the supersonic transport (SST) funding. Arends explains how strategic procedural maneuvers, including securing pairs from the Illinois delegation—specifically Representatives Philip M. Crane, Robert H. Michel, and Harold R. Collier—were instrumental in the vote. The two discuss the importance of selecting favorable House-Senate conference committee members to maintain their momentum against the Senate.
President Nixon and Congressman Frank T. Bow discussed legislative strategy regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding, focusing on securing a favorable outcome in the House-Senate conference committee. Nixon expressed concern about specific conferees and emphasized pressuring key senators, such as Tunney, Cranston, and Gambrell, by linking their support to the interests of Lockheed. Additionally, Bow invited the President to attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement of Vince Lombardi in Ohio during late July to boost his political standing in the state.
President Nixon met with John B. Connally and other advisors to discuss legislative strategy, particularly regarding the House of Representatives' progress on H.R. 1 and efforts to influence the Senate. Connally was identified as a key political strategist, with the President praising his ability to lobby lawmakers on issues such as Lockheed funding and to secure support from diverse coalitions. The conversation also touched upon the necessity of shaping public image and the strategic use of media appearances to strengthen the administration's political standing.
President Nixon initiated this call to personally thank Representative Edward P. Boland for his pivotal leadership in securing House support for the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. The two discussed the importance of the project to national prestige and the necessity of maintaining American technological superiority. Boland pledged to continue his efforts in the upcoming Senate vote and during the subsequent House-Senate conference to ensure the project's survival.