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 177 of 211On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:38 pm and 2:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-001 of the White House Tapes.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:38 pm and 2:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss miscellaneous personal matters and household logistics within the Executive Office Building. Their brief exchange included remarks regarding the current snowy weather and mentions of the Lincoln Committee. The conversation remained informal and did not result in any significant policy decisions or official government action.
On March 16, 1973, 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 1:38 pm and 2:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon recorded a memorandum dictating specific arrangements for an upcoming White House dinner honoring Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. He focused on organizational details and protocol, including necessary security measures and the performance of the national anthem. This dictation served to ensure that the social event met the President's personal standards and security requirements.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, via telephone about their wife and mother, Pat Nixon's, day at a wildlife dedication. Julie reported that Pat had a "great day," enjoyed the Marine Band playing "Happy Birthday," and received roses.
President Nixon met briefly with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, to discuss positive personal news. The conversation was informal and focused on sharing a celebratory update. No specific policy decisions or administrative actions were taken during this exchange.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President's upcoming daily schedule, focusing on coordination for meetings with John D. Ehrlichman and Herman Kahn. They discussed logistical arrangements for the President's return to the Oval Office and his planned speech regarding federal design, architecture, and the arts. The brief meeting concluded after addressing the administrative requirements for recording video and audio messages.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:51 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for H. R. Haldeman regarding the administration's strategic approach to cable television. The discussion centers on developing an initiative to manage the medium while addressing potential institutional adversity. The action item requires Haldeman to initiate planning based on the President's directives for media policy.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and potentially Jeb Stuart Magruder to discuss personnel matters and media relations, specifically involving the New York Post. During the session, the President dictated a memorandum for his files regarding these discussions. The conversation centered on administrative strategy and the appointment of John V. 'Jack' Brennan as a chief aide.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss a wide-ranging agenda involving personnel appointments at the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the administration's stance on gun control legislation, and the ongoing crisis at Wounded Knee. They also deliberated on economic policy, including the challenges of Phase III price controls, and managed media relations, specifically the pressure exerted on television networks. The conversation concluded with an extensive, candid evaluation of the escalating Watergate scandal and campaign contribution controversies, where the two men debated the strategic risks of disclosure versus a containment strategy to protect the presidency.
President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman discussed a recent Washington Post editorial comparing the current Watergate controversy, specifically regarding John W. Dean III, to the historical case of Sherman Adams. They deliberated on the potential necessity for staff members to resign if formal criminal charges were brought against them. The two men reached a consensus that any White House staffer accused of a crime would be required to leave their position.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to discuss routine administrative matters, including scheduling, personal gifts, and correspondence. The conversation touched upon the President’s upcoming appointments, the delivery of clothing items, and the handling of a sensitive letter from the daughter of Philip F. Timberlake regarding her marriage and family. Woods provided logistical assistance, and the two briefly deliberated on how the President should respond to personal constituent mail.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the personal tragedy surrounding Philip Timberlake and his family, specifically regarding a letter sent to the President. They address the controversy involving a potential civil rights violation claim and the broader social embarrassment such issues could cause during an inauguration. The conversation reflects Nixon’s desire to handle the delicate situation with compassion while acknowledging the gravity of the family's history, including the suicide of Timberlake’s son.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:06 pm and 5:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 881-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, Henry Kissinger, Herman Kahn, and Ronald Ziegler to discuss a wide range of topics including Watergate, press relations, and the Hudson Institute's financial state and government studies. Kahn presented his analysis of societal trends, intellectual attitudes, and the perceived decline of the American leader class, contrasting it with the resilience of the common person and the potential for a religious revival. They also touched upon the Vietnam War, US foreign policy initiatives with the USSR and PRC, and domestic issues such as the upper-middle class's relationship with the administration, the impact of pornography, and the need for improved communication with the public.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 6:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 881-013 of the White House Tapes.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:05 pm and 7:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-129 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss North Vietnamese cease-fire violations and the potential effectiveness of resuming U.S. bombing operations in response. The conversation highlights the administration's strategic use of the President's perceived irrationality as a deterrent, as well as the support Nixon is receiving from Chinese leadership in contrast to domestic opposition from Senate Democrats. Nixon expresses frustration with the ineffectiveness of previous air campaigns and emphasizes the need for a surprise-based military plan, while also directing Kissinger to mobilize sympathetic columnists to counter the partisan pressure on his foreign policy.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:50 pm and 7:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-131 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for managing the political fallout of the Watergate scandal and countering congressional investigations. They analyze the impact of upcoming Senate hearings, expressing frustration with the lack of loyalty from Republican legislators like Howard Baker while praising the support of others like Barry Goldwater. Nixon instructs Colson to discreetly shore up support among key Senate allies and agrees to meet with Baker to reassure him of the White House's innocence, aiming to prevent the administration's political agenda from being derailed.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:12 pm and 8:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-133 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the fallout from the Watergate investigation and the upcoming Senate hearings. They reviewed the agreement reached with Senators Ervin and Baker regarding FBI reports and the Justice Department's handling of information. Nixon instructed Dean to work with Richard Moore on preparing a general statement for the President, to be released after the sentencing of the Watergate burglars, which Dean confirmed would occur the following week. Dean also expressed concerns about the difficulty of preparing a comprehensive report without creating new problems and suggested focusing on Donald Segretti's activities as a potentially less problematic area for public disclosure.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:23 pm and 8:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-135 of the White House Tapes.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-136 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:54 am and 10:14 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 882-001 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:54 am and 10:14 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 882-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review and manage the presidential schedule, including adjusting upcoming appointments and public appearances. The discussion centered on postponing a veterans' speech, coordinating meetings regarding court reform and economic legislation, and arranging briefings with George P. Shultz. Nixon emphasized clearing his calendar of specific minor events to prioritize key meetings and labor-management discussions.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:54 am and 10:14 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 882-004 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:54 am and 10:14 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 882-005 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:11 am and 10:14 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-137 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinated a brief meeting to discuss administrative matters and review pending paperwork. The two agreed to convene at 11:00 am in the Executive Office Building to facilitate their discussion. This short interaction served primarily as a logistical arrangement for their upcoming working session.
President Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. coordinated a brief meeting to take place later that morning at 11:00. The participants briefly touched upon the status of their current agenda and the involvement of staff members, including someone identified as Bobby. The primary objective of the interaction was to finalize scheduling for their subsequent substantive discussion.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:15 am and 10:20 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 882-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate White House scheduling, public relations, and political strategy. They discussed establishing a regular bi-weekly schedule for meetings with Congressional leaders and cabinet members to maximize efficiency and political impact. Additionally, they reviewed historical polling data to analyze the correlation between televised events, foreign trips, and public support, ultimately deciding to rely on strategic, high-impact televised appearances rather than frequent, low-value activities.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:15 am and 11:25 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-042 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss the volatile situation in Vietnam, specifically focusing on North Vietnamese cease-fire violations and infiltration activities. They evaluated the potential for renewed US airstrikes, weighing the risks to POW releases and public opinion against the necessity of maintaining American credibility and enforcing the settlement. The conversation also touched upon tensions regarding the performance of the CIA and intelligence agencies, as well as friction between Henry Kissinger and other officials regarding policy implementation and press management.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:27 pm to 12:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 882-009 of the White House Tapes.
Following an initial social segment with Pat Nixon and guests regarding White House events and gifts, the President met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to discuss administration strategy. They analyzed the political landscape surrounding rising food prices, focusing on shifting the narrative to emphasize farmer cooperation in increasing production. The conversation also shifted to Watergate, where Nixon and Ziegler assessed the impact of recent press conferences on cooling Senate investigations and discussed Henry Kissinger’s problematic press relations as highlighted in a recent book by Henry Brandon.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 882-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. "Bob" Haldeman and John W. Dean III to discuss various political and public relations strategies. Key topics included managing public perception through speeches and events, the influence of media coverage, and the administration's approach to congressional relations. They also touched upon the upcoming book by Theodore White and the potential for public relations stunts to backfire, as well as the strategic handling of information for media consumption. A significant action item was the planning of a bipartisan meeting on trade with Wilbur Mills.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:25 pm and 1:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-139 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Representative Wilbur Mills discussed legislative priorities, specifically the scheduling of Treasury Secretary George Shultz's testimony on tax reform and trade legislation. They agreed on a timeline that would have Shultz testify on taxes on April 30, followed immediately by the start of hearings on trade legislation on May 1. Nixon emphasized the urgency of trade reform to support the dollar and American jobs, while Mills proposed strategies for incentivizing foreign investment to improve the balance of payments.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:10 pm and 3:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-044 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's daily schedule. The brief interaction focused on logistical coordination and logistical management of Nixon's professional obligations. No further substantive policy matters were recorded during this brief administrative check-in.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:05 pm and 3:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-141 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:05 pm and 3:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-046 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon utilized this recording session to dictate a memorandum for the file regarding his recent activities and administrative concerns. The documentation reflects on meetings with Irish Ambassador William Warnock, H. R. Haldeman, and Alexander Haig, touching upon personnel matters, press relations, and the perceived disloyalty of staff members. The resulting record captures the President's internal assessment of White House operations and ongoing administrative challenges.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:05 pm and 3:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-048 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 1973, 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 3:05 pm and 3:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-049 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with journalist Theodore H. White to discuss historical reflections on his presidency, leadership style, and various domestic and foreign policy challenges. The conversation spanned topics including the complexities of federalism and government reorganization, the management of energy policy, and the strategic rationale behind past decisions like school desegregation and the handling of the Vietnam War. Nixon emphasized his preference for direct, individual engagement over formal committee processes as a means to maintain control and effectiveness in decision-making.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-142 of the White House Tapes.
On March 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:37 am and 9:44 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-143 of the White House Tapes.
On March 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower talked on the telephone from 9:44 am to 9:45 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-144 of the White House Tapes.
On March 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:45 am and 9:50 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-145 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Major John V. Brennan regarding the feasibility of the First Family traveling to Camp David despite adverse weather conditions. Brennan advised that while the flight would be slightly longer and more turbulent due to high winds and snow flurries, access to the retreat remained possible. Following this assessment, Nixon concluded the call after confirming the potential for a round trip that same evening.
On March 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:51 am and 10:04 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-147 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon coordinated with Jack Brennan to finalize travel logistics for a family trip to Camp David involving Julie and David Eisenhower. They discussed transportation arrangements, specifically utilizing a helicopter to commute between Hagerstown and the retreat to minimize travel time for David Eisenhower. The President also confirmed that Manolo Sanchez and the family dogs would accompany them, while opting against bringing a stenographer for the short duration of the visit.
On March 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:05 am and 10:12 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-149 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss ongoing North Vietnamese violations of the peace agreement, specifically noting that North Vietnamese claims of transporting medical supplies are false. They express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the International Commission of Control and Supervision (ICCS) in policing these violations and debate the strategic significance of North Vietnamese military movements. The two agree to delay any policy decisions until the following week while continuing to monitor troop movements and the progress of the final prisoner of war releases.
On March 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:35 pm and 3:05 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 163-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, engaged in a brief, informal conversation while both were at Camp David. The discussion focused on personal matters, including Tricia’s health, the cold weather, and the President's upcoming schedule, which included a potential visit to New York City. The two also coordinated future plans for Tricia to visit the presidential retreat during the spring.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:14 am and 10:22 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-151 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:14 am and 10:22 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 883-001 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:14 am and 10:22 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 883-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, shared a brief personal phone call to check on each other's well-being following the President's return from Camp David. The two discussed mundane details, including the President's recent helicopter arrival and local weather conditions. They concluded the conversation by confirming plans for an early dinner at 6:00 p.m. with First Lady Pat Nixon.
President Richard Nixon met briefly with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, in the Oval Office for a personal check-in. The discussion was informal, covering her well-being and the weather conditions during her walk from the residence. The exchange concluded with the scheduling of a family dinner for 6:00 p.m. that evening.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:23 am and 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 883-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler discussed upcoming foreign leader visits, including those of Willy Brandt and Kakuei Tanaka, and potential trips to Africa, while also reviewing the President's schedule and the logistics of White House social events. They also touched upon the Watergate investigation, press relations, and the role of various aides.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:35 pm and 1:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-153 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:35 pm and 1:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-012 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:35 pm and 1:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-013 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:35 pm and 1:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-014 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:35 pm and 1:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-015 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:35 pm and 1:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the administration's ongoing public relations strategy to manage the Watergate investigation. They coordinate efforts to brief columnists, emphasizing the administration's cooperation while specifically distinguishing the current situation from the Sherman Adams scandal. Nixon stresses the importance of clearly communicating that, unlike the Adams case, White House staff members are not currently formal targets of misconduct charges.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler held a brief, fragmented discussion regarding legal developments and pending charges involving individuals connected to the ongoing Watergate investigations. The participants specifically referenced the involvement of White House Counsel John Dean and a judge’s unfavorable prior rulings in the Adams and Jordan cases. The exchange reflects the administration's concern over unfolding legal complications and the associated public relations challenges.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss personal plans for upcoming leisure activities aboard the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. The conversation focused on the logistics of bringing the President's dog, King Timahoe, on these excursions and the animal's behavior during past boat trips. No major policy decisions were made, as the interaction was strictly informal and centered on routine household and pet management.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, reviewed logistical preparations for upcoming state visits and dinners. The discussion focused on refining guest lists, specifically regarding the inclusion of Congressional members and contributors associated with Maurice Stans. The meeting served to finalize arrangements for high-profile social events and potential stag dinner configurations.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The brief discussion was limited to routine administrative matters, specifically covering the President’s daily schedule and current weather conditions. No significant policy decisions or strategic actions were recorded during this interaction.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Rose Mary Woods met to conduct an extensive review of White House social planning, focusing on guest list management for state dinners, church services, and stag dinners. The President provided specific guidance on balancing invitations between political supporters, Cabinet officials, and Congressional members, while stressing the importance of maintaining an appropriate atmosphere and limiting guest list size. Significant developments included decisions regarding upcoming events for South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, the handling of sensitive guest selections for judicial and diplomatic receptions, and directives to improve the technical execution of entertainment at White House functions.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-155 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:59 pm and 5:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-156 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 4:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to review the daily news summary and discuss ongoing media relations. The conversation centered on the President's approval of specific editorials and the general tone of White House staff coverage in the press. Additionally, the participants touched upon the activities of Wilbur Mills and briefly reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule.
On March 19, 1973, 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 4:59 pm and 5:03 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Dean and Richard Moore to strategize on managing the Watergate disclosures and related legal challenges. Key topics included the extent of potential disclosures, the use of executive privilege, and responses to press inquiries and the Common Cause lawsuit. A significant development was the discussion around Dean's deposition in the Common Cause case, with consideration given to asserting executive privilege versus cooperating with the legal process to avoid appearing evasive.
President Nixon called Senator John C. Stennis to check on his recovery following recent medical treatment. Stennis reported steady but slow progress, estimating that he might return to the office in four to five weeks while noting that a full return to his legislative duties would take longer. The conversation concluded with an exchange of mutual support, as Nixon encouraged the Senator to focus on his health while Stennis affirmed his backing of the administration.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:07 pm and 5:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-158 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, and Stephen Bull coordinated a last-minute cancellation of a scheduled Cabinet meeting. The participants decided to issue a formal memorandum the following morning to notify Cabinet members of the change and the underlying rationale. Furthermore, they arranged for Treasury Secretary George Shultz to provide a briefing on the international monetary situation the following week to ensure leadership was properly informed.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:55 pm and 8:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-160 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:55 pm and 8:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-161 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to counter the upcoming Senate Watergate hearings, focusing on framing the investigation as a partisan political fishing expedition led by Senator Sam Ervin. They strategize to delegitimize Ervin by highlighting his age, lack of attention to North Carolina constituent interests, and hypocrisy regarding executive privilege and congressional immunity. Additionally, the pair explores potential 1976 Republican candidates, including John Connally, while reaffirming the President's firm stance against allowing White House staff to testify before Congress.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:38 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to conduct a brief morning consultation. While the specific details of the discussion remain restricted, the primary focus of the meeting centered on the President's upcoming official schedule. No further substantive actions or developments were documented in the available records for this session.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Republican Congressional leaders, including Herbert Stein, John T. Dunlop, Hugh Scott, Robert P. Griffin, John G. Tower, Norris Cotton, Wallace F. Bennett, William E. Brock, III, Gerald R. Ford, Leslie C. Arends, John B. Anderson, William J. ("Jack") Edwards, John J. Rhodes, Barber B. Conable, Jr., Robert C. ("Bob") Wilson, David T. Martin, Samuel L. Devine, George H. W. Bush, Roy L. Ash, John D. Ehrlichman, Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., William E. Timmons, Richard K. Cook, Thomas C. Korologos, Ronald L. Ziegler, Clifford P. Hansen, Henry L Bellmon, Marlow W. Cook, Dewey F. Bartlett, Delwin M. Clawson, Burt L. Talcott, Harold R. Collier, and Albert W. Johnson, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 8:38 am and 11:59 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 119-002 of the White House Tapes.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:26 am and 10:29 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Congressional leaders Hugh Scott and Leslie Arends, along with staff members, to coordinate a strategy for responding to the Watergate investigation while emphasizing the administration's commitment to cooperation without compromising executive privilege. Nixon stressed the importance of framing their stance around the constitutional separation of powers and the legal precedent against compelling White House staff to testify before Congressional committees. Additionally, the participants discussed legislative priorities, specifically the need to build Republican support for the President's vetoes on budget appropriations to curb inflation and rising food costs.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:46 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-163 of the White House Tapes.