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 192 of 211President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinate the logistics for a meeting with John D. Ehrlichman and establish plans for the President's off-the-record departure that evening. They discuss the timing and traffic considerations for travel from the White House to Bull’s office, ultimately agreeing to finalize departure logistics ten minutes prior to leaving. This brief exchange reflects the ongoing management of the President's schedule amid the heightened political sensitivity of the period.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate a strategy regarding Egil "Bud" Krogh, Jr., who was seeking to provide an affidavit concerning the break-in at Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office. They discussed the necessity of establishing that the break-in yielded no usable intelligence and that the President had no prior knowledge of the operation. Nixon instructed Ehrlichman to ensure Krogh communicated to Attorney General Elliot Richardson that he—and others within the Justice Department—had been aware of the break-in details, such as the photographs of G. Gordon Liddy, well before the President was officially briefed.
On May 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and George P. Shultz met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:46 pm and 3:21 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 909-031 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:13 pm and 4:56 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 909-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the mounting political and legal pressures surrounding the Watergate investigation, with a primary focus on the potential exposure of the White House-sanctioned 'Plumbers' unit. They reviewed the implications of Egil Krogh's forthcoming affidavit and debated how to manage their prior knowledge of the Daniel Ellsberg break-in while maintaining a defensible stance before the Justice Department and prosecutor Henry Petersen. The two men coordinated their strategy for handling Attorney General Elliot Richardson and expressed shared concern regarding the potential legal jeopardy faced by Krogh and the need to protect him from unfair prosecution.
President Nixon met with Representative Otto Passman, Dr. John Hannah, and William Timmons to discuss strategies for passing foreign aid legislation in Congress. Passman, a long-time skeptic of foreign aid grants, proposed converting aid into long-term, low-interest development loans to make the legislation more palatable to lawmakers. Passman argued that this structural shift would ensure congressional support for aid programs, including potential assistance for North Vietnam, and pledged his personal efforts to secure the bill's passage.
President Nixon met with Representative Otto Passman, Dr. John Hannah, and other administration officials to strategize on securing passage of the Foreign Assistance Act in Congress. Passman, a key figure in the House Appropriations Committee, advised the President that the administration must shift from a grant-based aid model to a loan-based structure to ensure congressional support, particularly regarding potential aid to North Vietnam. Nixon and his team agreed to adopt this 'loan-first' strategy—which Passman framed as the 'Passman-Nixon Plan'—to navigate resistance and manage upcoming legislative hearings.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming daily schedule, focusing on coordination for meetings with H.R. Haldeman, David Packard, and David K. E. Bruce. The discussion covered logistical arrangements for a radio taping with Henry Kissinger and the necessity of keeping certain itinerary details confidential from Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The meeting concluded with instructions for Bull to finalize departure arrangements for the President's planned trip to Key Biscayne.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss the mounting pressures of the Watergate investigation, focusing specifically on protecting the President’s files from potential FBI seizure and the legal strategy regarding executive privilege for upcoming grand jury testimony. They also evaluated potential candidates for White House staff reorganization, with Nixon considering the appointment of Alexander Haig as a temporary Chief of Staff to provide stability. Despite the political turmoil and personal stress, the two affirmed their determination to continue in office and weather the ongoing investigations.
On May 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:50 pm and 8:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-150 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon informs John Ehrlichman of his decision to appoint Alexander M. Haig, Jr. as White House Chief of Staff to manage staff operations. The two men also discuss the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the extent of the Justice Department's prior knowledge regarding the break-in. They emphasize that Egil Krogh and John Dean allegedly communicated this information to officials such as Elliot Richardson and Henry Petersen, a narrative they intend to use to justify their own conduct.
On May 2, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:52 pm and 9:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-152 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:52 pm and 9:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-153 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 9:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-154 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to offer encouragement and provide strategic guidance regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. They discuss maintaining a "national security" defense in response to inquiries about Egil Krogh and the Daniel Ellsberg trial, while reaffirming that the White House only recently learned of these matters from John Dean. Additionally, the pair reviews the positive press coverage surrounding John Connally’s party switch and coordinates the President’s upcoming vacation plans.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss managing the fallout from the unfolding Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the roles of staff members like David Young and the implications of past national security wiretaps. Kissinger expressed concerns regarding the lack of administrative discipline and the resulting leaks, advocating for more traditional procedures to involve the State Department in ongoing foreign policy negotiations. They also discussed personnel challenges, including the transition of Alexander Haig and the potential departure of Secretary of State William Rogers, while coordinating their messaging strategy for upcoming press briefings and foreign policy initiatives.
President Nixon met with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst to coordinate their accounts regarding the Justice Department's handling of evidence related to the break-in at Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office. They focused on establishing that the administration had acted appropriately by investigating John W. Dean III’s allegations for nine days before reporting the findings to the judge, and they emphasized that no usable evidence was ever obtained from the break-in. Nixon directed Kleindienst to assure incoming Attorney General Elliot Richardson that the President had no prior knowledge of the break-in and had consistently instructed officials to cooperate fully with investigations.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly met in the Oval Office to discuss a draft paper, possibly related to a meeting with an individual identified only as "Bob." The conversation was very short, with Bull departing before 9:11 am, suggesting the primary purpose was a quick check-in or handover of the document.
President Nixon met with David Packard to urge him to return as Secretary of Defense to help stabilize the administration. Packard expressed significant reservations regarding the financial complications of divesting his extensive Hewlett-Packard stock holdings and the resulting conflict of interest concerns, though he offered to assist in a transition or advisory capacity. The discussion also touched on the Watergate scandal, with Packard advising the President to proactively release the names of pre-April 1972 campaign donors to mitigate further political damage.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:30 am and 9:31 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 911-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss high-level personnel appointments and administrative staffing, specifically evaluating candidates like David Packard and Kenneth Rush for key roles. The discussion centered on Packard's potential hesitance regarding his stock holdings and his stance on U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe, as well as the political implications of considering John B. Connally. Ultimately, Nixon and Kissinger agreed that Kissinger would pressure Packard to accept a position before his departure, with the understanding that Rush would serve as the secondary choice for the assignment.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the logistical preparations for an upcoming radio address, including timing adjustments and visual considerations such as the use of reading glasses. They also discussed coordinating a small, photo-oriented signing ceremony for the State of the World message featuring Henry Kissinger. The pair finalized these scheduling details to ensure effective media coverage before the President’s scheduled departure for Florida.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:36 am and 9:48 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 911-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with David K. E. Bruce to discuss Bruce’s upcoming mission to the People’s Republic of China, emphasizing the strategic importance of the U.S.-PRC relationship as a counterbalance to the Soviet Union. The two men reviewed geopolitical dynamics, including the situations in Cambodia, Japan, and India, while Nixon reiterated the need to maintain a strong U.S. military presence in Europe to reassure Chinese leadership. Nixon directed Bruce to operate as his personal envoy, utilizing back channels to bypass standard bureaucratic hurdles within the State Department.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:12 am and 10:13 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-156 of the White House Tapes.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:12 am and 10:13 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 911-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discussed potential personnel appointments, including the recruitment of David Packard and E. Barrett Prettyman as White House Counsel, while navigating complex conflicts of interest and personal reservations. The two men also reviewed the political fallout of John Connally’s party switch and tensions regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s role on the Domestic Council. Finally, they addressed the ongoing Watergate scandal, agreeing that while the disclosure of the Daniel Ellsberg break-in would be unpleasant, the administration must focus on maintaining government functionality.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the difficulty of finding qualified personnel for an unspecified position, weighing the challenges of legal and financial complications against the need for a mature, capable candidate. The conversation touches on the frustrations of delegating authority to individuals who attempt to overreach their roles, specifically mentioning a candidate who demanded control over staff appointments. Nixon ultimately expresses a desire to avoid hasty decisions regarding these personnel matters and briefly confirms Rogers’s upcoming diplomatic trip to Latin America.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss urgent personnel restructuring within the White House, specifically focusing on the appointment of a new Chief of Staff and the potential role of Alexander M. Haig, Jr. They evaluated the necessity of balancing domestic responsibilities against foreign policy demands while ensuring a smooth transition for these administrative changes. Additionally, the President reviewed his recent meeting with David K. E. Bruce, emphasizing the importance of maintaining secure communication channels and minimizing bureaucratic interference from the State Department.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:21 am and 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 911-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the timing and editing of a forthcoming presidential speech. Nixon expressed a desire to review the speech's wording, indicating he would only take a minute or two to do so. Bull confirmed he had not yet seen the speech.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:21 am and 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 911-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss public relations strategies regarding the ongoing Watergate scandal, focusing on how to transition the administration to an offensive posture. They addressed personnel issues, including potential new roles for Alexander Haig and the recent departures of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, while reaffirming the President's commitment to protecting executive privilege and presidential papers. Additionally, they reviewed the investigation into the Daniel Ellsberg break-in and agreed on the importance of maintaining a firm stance on national security investigations.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:01 am and 11:03 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 911-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Senators Howard Baker and William Brock, along with a delegation of Tennessee officials and constituents, to participate in a ceremonial event. The group discussed the centennial of Martin, Tennessee, and finalized plans for the President’s potential attendance at the town's July 4th commemoration. During the session, the President accepted various gifts, including letters from schoolchildren regarding the Vietnam cease-fire, and engaged in informal photo opportunities with the visitors.
President Nixon met briefly with an unidentified individual to discuss logistical details regarding the President’s Cup Regatta. The conversation focused on the schedule for a presentation involving Representative Thomas S. Foley. No significant political or policy decisions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with Congressman Thomas S. Foley and members of a racing team, including owner David J. Heerensperger, to discuss the President's Cup Regatta. The brief session primarily served as a ceremonial event for introductions and a photo opportunity, during which Nixon praised the team's performance on the water. The President concluded the meeting by presenting the group with presidential gifts and commemorative awards.
President Nixon met with Representative Samuel L. Devine and members of his staff to receive the Captain Eddie Rickenbacker Award, an honor celebrating the perpetuation of American constitutional principles. The participants engaged in brief pleasantries regarding William Mnich’s Ohio radio and television efforts, while the President reciprocated by presenting official gifts, including photographs and cuff links. The discussion also touched upon Captain Rickenbacker’s health recovery following a stroke and the presentation of a gift to Mnich's son.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:18 am and 11:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 911-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Senator Barry Goldwater and White House staff for a photo opportunity and a brief discussion covering both official business and political scandal. Goldwater briefed the President on his research regarding foreign competition in the U.S. aviation market, emphasizing the need for American involvement in aircraft sales to Latin America. The conversation shifted to the ongoing Watergate scandal, with the participants comparing current political pressures to previous controversies involving Bobby Baker and Lyndon B. Johnson.
President Nixon met with Representative Edward J. Derwinski and the Liang family to honor Mabel Liang, the 1972 National Outstanding Teenager. The brief, ceremonial meeting focused on introductions, the exchange of presidential mementos and gifts, and the documentation of the event by a White House photographer. The participants concluded the session with the signing and distribution of commemorative photographs.
President Nixon held an brief, ambiguous meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual, potentially involving logistics regarding building access or security personnel. The conversation touches upon the coordination of immediate tasks and references upcoming interactions with various political figures, including Leonard Garment, Alexander Haig, and Jesse Helms. The participants also briefly discussed the scheduling of a radio taping for a foreign policy address.
President Nixon met with Leonard Garment to strategize on managing Watergate-related legal threats, specifically focusing on the protection of presidential files and the invocation of executive privilege. They discussed the legal defense of White House staff members like H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, Egil Krogh, and David Young during upcoming grand jury appearances and FBI interrogations. Nixon emphasized that sensitive documents remained under his direct control, while the two agreed on a measured, narrow approach to asserting executive privilege to avoid perceptions of a cover-up.
President Nixon met with Senator Jesse Helms and a delegation of North Carolina officials to host a brief ceremonial visit in the Oval Office. The participants engaged in informal introductions, presented the President with cuff links as a token of appreciation, and discussed the President's ongoing policy initiatives regarding the Supreme Court, China, and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). The meeting concluded with the President reciprocating by presenting the group with official mementos.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to discuss logistical arrangements regarding his upcoming schedule, specifically coordinating meetings with George P. Shultz and travel via helicopter. The discussion centered on minimizing administrative inconveniences during the President's movements. Shortly after the discussion of these travel plans, the participants departed the Oval Office.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:13 pm and 12:15 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 911-029 of the White House Tapes.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:15 pm and 12:18 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 911-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig to discuss the fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically comparing the current crisis to the Sherman Adams controversy during the Eisenhower administration. Following Kissinger's departure, Nixon and Haig deliberated on Haig taking over staff management duties to replace H.R. Haldeman. They ultimately decided that Haig would transition into an interim role as Chief of Staff, with Haig tasked to handle the logistics of the appointment while keeping his military rank.
President Nixon met with George P. Shultz to discuss restructuring White House operations and restoring administrative legitimacy in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Shultz advocated for increased Cabinet involvement in personnel selection and suggested adopting a more transparent, civil-service-oriented model similar to the British system to improve congressional relations. Nixon tasked Shultz with preparing a memorandum outlining these proposed organizational changes, emphasizing the need to move beyond the departures of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman while maintaining effective government operations.
President Richard Nixon and Leonard Garment met to discuss legal strategies and concerns regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. The conversation centers on navigating potential grand jury testimony, the application of executive privilege to shield the President, and the management of sensitive information being provided to the Senate committee. The discussion reflects the mounting pressure of the legal challenges facing the administration at that time.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:08 am and 8:21 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 912-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize on public relations and legal defenses regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. The discussion focused on managing the narrative surrounding the President's knowledge of the break-in and subsequent cover-up, specifically preparing for potential testimony from John Dean and handling allegations from the press. They evaluated the potential impact of various staffing changes within the White House and considered how to utilize positive Harris poll data to project strength and stability despite the crisis.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize on administration personnel shifts, specifically focusing on calming cabinet anxieties and implementing a 'paced' approach to management rather than sudden, spectacular changes. They finalized the appointments of William E. Colby to the CIA and planned the selection of a professional to lead the FBI, while weighing the potential involvement of John Connally and Horace 'Chappie' Rose to stabilize the White House staff. Nixon expressed a desire to maintain administrative continuity, manage the ongoing Watergate fallout by delegating legal inquiries to the Justice Department, and prepare for an upcoming Cabinet meeting to reinforce government stability.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling of upcoming meetings, including a Republican fundraising dinner and a Cabinet gathering. The discussion focused on managing sensitive introductions by high-ranking officials and determining the guest list for the President's internal briefings. Ultimately, Nixon decided to cancel his meeting with the GOP leadership and rejected a proposal to receive an emissary from Bangladesh.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:16 am and 10:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 912-005 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:16 am and 10:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 912-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate the administration's public messaging strategy regarding the Watergate scandal and upcoming staff transitions. Nixon instructed Ziegler to adopt a firm, non-elaborative stance when answering press inquiries about allegations made by John Dean, characterizing Dean as a "mad dog" whose claims should be downplayed to maintain focus on governance. The two also discussed the confirmation of Elliot Richardson and the appointment of new leadership within the CIA and the Department of Defense.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:46 am and 12:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 912-008 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:46 am and 12:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 912-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and an unknown guest to finalize logistical arrangements for his upcoming schedule and various high-profile public appearances. Key discussions included planning for a visit from Haile Selassie, a forthcoming Republican fundraising dinner featuring John B. Connally, and preparations for a cabinet meeting. The participants also addressed the unfortunate theft of a gold medal belonging to soccer star Pelé, which had been intended for presentation to the President.
President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone on an unknown date, sometime between 10:52 am on May 8, 1973 and 7:38 am on May 9, 1973. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-165 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to review the messaging surrounding the administration's stance on the Watergate scandal, specifically regarding the wording of press briefings and the parameters of executive privilege. The discussion focused on managing media inquiries concerning potential testimony from H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, the status of John Dean, and the appointment of a special prosecutor. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining that his staff should testify about their own activities while consistently affirming the President's lack of prior knowledge regarding criminal involvement.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:27 pm and 12:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 912-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Representative Edward P. Boland and a delegation of citizens from Brookfield, Massachusetts, led by Max L. Friedersdorf, to discuss the town's upcoming 300th anniversary celebration. The group engaged in casual conversation regarding local history, landmarks, and the town's tricentennial planning. During the visit, the delegation presented the President with commemorative gifts, including photographs and mementos, and extended an invitation for him to visit the town.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:33 pm and 12:34 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 912-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Donald Kendall and the soccer star Pelé to promote a youth sports initiative and capture press photography. Following the public portion of the meeting, Nixon and Kendall held a private discussion regarding the worsening Watergate scandal, focusing on the need to restore public confidence through an independent investigation. Kendall advised the President to use a strategic leak to columnist Jack Anderson to communicate his frustration with his former aides, H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, while also warning Nixon about the aggressive business tactics of Armand Hammer regarding Soviet trade deals.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Nellie L. Yates met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:56 pm and 12:59 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 912-016 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Manolo Sanchez, and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:56 pm and 12:59 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 912-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss ongoing personnel management and administrative transitions, as well as developing a strategy to counter potential damaging disclosures by former White House counsel John Dean. Nixon expressed concern over Dean’s access to sensitive documents and his possession of self-serving memoranda, specifically regarding a previously unacknowledged September 15, 1972, meeting. The two agreed on a strategy of limited public comment, emphasizing the necessity of protecting the presidency by framing Dean’s actions as self-interested and unreliable while maintaining a defensive posture regarding White House staff.
On May 8, 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 1:47 pm and 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-062 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 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 1:47 pm and 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-063 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig strategize on how to coordinate testimony and mitigate damage regarding H.R. Haldeman’s interactions with John Dean amidst the escalating Watergate investigation. Nixon emphasizes the need to prevent Dean from controlling the narrative or inflicting further harm on the presidency, while urging caution regarding the upcoming meeting with Elliot Richardson. The pair discusses the potential risks of appearing inconsistent with previous public statements, particularly those challenged by journalist Jack Anderson, and seeks to balance their desired appearance of pursuing the truth against the threat posed by Dean's cooperation with prosecutors.
On May 8, 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 1:47 pm and 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-065 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-158 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-066 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Richard A. Moore met to coordinate their narratives regarding the Watergate scandal and address the potential threat posed by John W. Dean III’s testimony. They reviewed past conversations and meetings to solidify the President’s position that he lacked prior knowledge of the cover-up and to frame the administration’s actions as a legitimate attempt to uncover the truth. The discussion focused on discrediting Dean, managing the fallout of the ongoing Senate hearings, and preparing a legal strategy to defend the administration while distancing Nixon from the illegal activities of his subordinates.
On May 8, 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 4:27 pm and 6:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-068 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Richard A. Moore to discuss administrative matters, specifically focusing on the delivery of sensitive documentation. The brief exchange touched upon the President's upcoming schedule and related logistics. No major policy shifts or strategic decisions were finalized during this interaction.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize on managing the escalating Watergate crisis, focusing on the potential implications of John Dean’s testimony and the administration’s use of executive privilege. They discussed shifting the venue of testimony away from the Ervin Committee and into the grand jury process to protect presidential papers and administrative integrity. The conversation also touched upon the confirmation of Elliot Richardson and various personnel appointments, emphasizing the need to maintain a firm stance against Congressional encroachment while appearing cooperative on non-Watergate matters.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at 5:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 913-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to devise a strategy to counter potential testimony from John W. Dean III before the Ervin Committee. The pair discussed discrediting Dean by emphasizing his role in the original Watergate investigation and framing his upcoming testimony as self-serving and unreliable. They also addressed legal concerns regarding executive privilege and the protection of presidential papers, while coordinating efforts to handle inquiries about White House involvement in payments to defendants and the manipulation of intelligence documents.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:42 pm and 5:46 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 913-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with members of the Senate Commerce Committee, including Senators Griffin, Hartke, Baker, Beall, Cannon, and Moss, to discuss their recent visit to the Soviet Union and its implications for U.S.-Soviet relations. The conversation centered on the potential impact of the Jackson-Vanik amendment on trade negotiations, specifically regarding the emigration of Soviet Jews and the risk of damaging the President's diplomatic progress with Leonid Brezhnev. Nixon emphasized the need for a bipartisan approach and suggested developing modified language for the legislation to provide an "escape valve" that would avoid a confrontational ultimatum while maintaining progress on key strategic interests like SALT II.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:27 pm and 6:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 913-006 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:27 pm and 6:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 913-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize on managing the burgeoning Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on how to respond to the Ervin Committee and potential testimony from John Dean. The discussion centered on staffing the White House legal team, weighing the merits of candidates like J. Fred Buzhardt and Horace Chapman Rose to bolster their defense against Senate inquiries. Nixon emphasized the need for a dedicated, competent legal strategy to protect the office of the Presidency while asserting that he must personally remain detached from public confrontations with Dean.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-159 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 6:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-069 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 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 6:51 pm and 6:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-070 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:51 pm and 6:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-071 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 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 6:51 pm and 6:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-072 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize on the administration's response to the escalating Watergate crisis, focusing on assembling a legal team and formulating a counterattack against John Dean. Nixon expressed a desire to insulate himself from the daily minutiae of the investigation to prioritize his broader presidential duties, such as international diplomacy and SALT negotiations. They discussed the potential use of executive privilege to protect sensitive national security documents from congressional and judicial scrutiny, while weighing the roles of various staffers and political allies like John Connally in the defense effort.
On May 8, 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 7:37 pm and 7:41 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-074 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 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 7:37 pm and 7:41 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-075 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed Alexander Haig to ensure H. R. Haldeman testified fully before the Grand Jury regarding his upcoming appearance. Fearing an appearance of obstruction, Nixon explicitly directed Haig to communicate that Haldeman should not cite executive privilege to withhold details about conversations in the Oval Office. The conversation served to emphasize the need for transparency to prevent the perception of a cover-up.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the expected testimony of Bob Haldeman, emphasizing the necessity for him to be fully forthcoming regarding his past conversations. The brief exchange reflects the administration's strategic concern over managing testimony amidst the ongoing Watergate investigations. This conversation served to reinforce the President's preference for a cooperative approach during the upcoming proceedings.
On May 8, 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 7:42 pm and 8:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-077 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 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 7:42 pm and 8:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-078 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 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 7:42 pm and 8:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-079 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:01 pm and 8:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-161 of the White House Tapes.