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 193 of 211President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the political fallout of the Watergate scandal and coordinate a strategy to distance the White House from John Dean. Ziegler recounts a meeting with Senate investigators Sam Dash and Fred Thompson, during which he emphasized that the administration placed misplaced trust in Dean’s false assurances regarding his internal investigations. The pair strategizes on potential media leaks to discredit Dean and considers how to counter his potential public testimony before the Ervin Committee to protect the President's reputation.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:27 pm and 10:38 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-163 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler discuss a strategic counterattack against the mounting political damage caused by the Watergate scandal. They agree on the necessity of waiting for the right moment to shift the public narrative, concluding that the administration should allow critics to overplay their hand before launching a coordinated defense. The discussion identifies key figures to manage the response, emphasizes the importance of confirming Elliot Richardson, and explores potential ways to leak information to regain control of the political momentum.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman spoke to prepare for Haldeman's upcoming Grand Jury appearance related to the Watergate scandal. The two discussed strategies for navigating testimony, emphasizing that their focus had been on managing the political fallout rather than participating in illegal activities or a cover-up. Nixon reaffirmed his ownership of all presidential papers, including Haldeman's personal notes and logs, as a means to shield sensitive internal documentation from investigators.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:59 am and 8:37 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 914-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:59 am and 8:37 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 914-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:59 am and 8:37 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 914-003 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:59 am and 8:37 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 914-009 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:50 am and 9:11 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 914-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage personnel availability. The discussion focused on upcoming meetings with key staff members, specifically Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and Ronald L. Ziegler. This interaction served to organize the President’s administrative priorities during a period of heightened internal pressure.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate public messaging and defense strategies amidst the intensifying Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on addressing allegations involving John Dean, managing potential leaks of presidential papers, and clarifying Nixon's involvement in the handling of the Daniel Ellsberg break-in investigation. The President emphasized a firm stance on protecting executive privilege while instructing Ziegler to coordinate with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to ensure the public record accurately reflected Nixon's cooperation with the Justice Department.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:34 am and 9:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 914-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Alexander Haig to coordinate a strategy for responding to the unfolding Watergate crisis, specifically focusing on managing John Dean’s potential revelations and impending Senate committee hearings. The group discussed utilizing executive privilege to protect presidential papers and staff notes while simultaneously orchestrating a public relations counterattack to challenge the media narrative. They also explored legal tactics to delay Senate proceedings by highlighting potential jeopardy to the rights of defendants like H.R. Haldeman and John Mitchell.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate preparations and logistics for an upcoming address to a GOP fundraiser. The discussion focused on scheduling, media coverage, and the involvement of key political figures, including George H.W. Bush, William E. Brock III, and Robert Michel. The brief session served to align staff on the messaging and presentation strategy for the event.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the White House's public relations strategy regarding the escalating Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on managing the fallout from the resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, as well as formulating a response to allegations made by John Dean. Nixon and Ziegler also strategized on how to discuss the integrity of the justice system during upcoming public appearances without appearing defensive or allowing the scandal to paralyze the government.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to coordinate the logistics for a forthcoming meeting with Senator William E. Brock, III, Robert H. Michel, George H. W. Bush, and David K. Wilson. The discussion focused on administrative details, including the handling of a briefing paper and arrangements for a photograph to be taken by White House photographer Oliver F. Atkins. The parties agreed to limit the duration of the subsequent scheduled meeting to approximately five or ten minutes.
President Nixon met with George H.W. Bush, William Brock, Robert Michel, and other Republican allies to discuss party fundraising challenges in the wake of the Watergate scandal and urgent legislative efforts to maintain funding for U.S. military operations in Cambodia. The group addressed the financial difficulties faced by the Republican National Committee, specifically exploring the potential transfer of funds from the Committee to Re-elect the President to support GOP candidates. Nixon emphasized the importance of distancing the party from the Watergate fallout and urged his allies to remain focused on upcoming congressional votes despite political distractions.
On May 9, 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 12:03 pm and 12:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss administrative staffing, legal strategies regarding the Watergate scandal, and the political climate surrounding U.S. military operations in Cambodia. The pair evaluated the potential selection of a special counsel to handle ongoing investigations and assessed the likelihood of a difficult vote in the House of Representatives regarding war funding. Throughout the conversation, Nixon emphasized the need for his staff to maintain morale and adopt a more combative stance in defending his administration's policies.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:03 pm and 12:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the selection of a special prosecutor to address the ongoing investigation into the Watergate scandal. The two evaluated the potential appointment of former California Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, weighing his Democratic background, name recognition, and experience as a district attorney. Nixon aimed to ensure the investigation would be conducted fairly without unduly harming individuals involved, ultimately looking to influence Elliot Richardson's final selection.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:05 pm and 12:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-167 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed Ziegler's recent press briefing regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the administration's legal claim to White House documents held by John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman. Ziegler briefed the President on his defense of Nixon's role in the Daniel Ellsberg case and his efforts to publicly highlight pro-administration support via telegram counts and recent polling data. The two concluded that the briefing was successful in maintaining a firm stance and effectively demonstrating public support for the President's continuation in office.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler held a brief, cryptically recorded meeting concerning the handling of sensitive documents. The conversation focuses on ensuring that certain papers are organized and verified as unrelated to the President's personal involvement. The interaction concludes with instructions to deactivate the recording equipment, highlighting the administration's cautious approach to document management during the height of the Watergate investigations.
On May 9, 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 12:31 pm and 2:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-032 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 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 12:31 pm and 2:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-033 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 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 12:31 pm and 2:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-034 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:34 pm and 2:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-169 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:00 pm and 2:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-035 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 2:24 pm to 2:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-170 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:24 pm to 2:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-036 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and Ronald Ziegler to develop a strategic response to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the selection of a special prosecutor and the management of executive privilege. The participants discussed concerns regarding the Ervin Committee hearings, the potential release of sensitive White House documents and presidential papers, and the need to coordinate a unified legal defense. They ultimately emphasized a strategy of limiting cooperation with congressional investigations while prioritizing the judicial process to manage public perception and defend the administration.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to discuss the management of the President's upcoming schedule and the logistics of delivering personal items, including a potential substitution involving Pat Nixon. The discussion centered on coordinating various administrative events, such as the swearing-in of Michael P. Balzano, Jr. and meetings with key economic advisors like George Shultz. The pair also finalized plans for upcoming Congressional sessions and staff consultations throughout the remainder of the week.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:10 pm and 4:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-173 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:10 pm and 4:14 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-039 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 4:14 pm to 4:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-174 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:14 pm to 4:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-040 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 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 4:15 pm and 6:03 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-041 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas Hart met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:15 pm and 6:03 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-042 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and manage key political engagements. They discussed a planned meeting with Hugh Scott and Leslie C. Arends, incorporating recommendations from Alexander M. Haig, Jr. regarding the briefing's duration and structure. The conversation focused on logistical preparations for this high-level session and an impending Cabinet meeting.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:05 pm and 6:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-175 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:05 pm and 6:03 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the legal status of documents seized from John Dean and the administration's strategy for addressing the Watergate scandal. Ziegler reports on a conversation with Newsweek's Henry Truitt, noting that the press is beginning to view Dean's actions as self-serving and that the administration should avoid an abrupt counterattack. Additionally, the two touch upon the progress of the special prosecutor search and Nixon’s desire to reassure Henry Kissinger regarding political pressures from his Harvard colleagues.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss strategic responses to ongoing political investigations and the media's manipulation of leaked materials. Nixon expresses frustration over the tactics used by political adversaries to build narratives through the selective release of information, while emphasizing the need for patience before attempting to discredit them. The two also touch upon the necessity of reassuring Henry Kissinger, who is expected to return from travel the following day, amidst the prevailing atmosphere of political instability.
On May 9, 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 6:08 pm and 6:17 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss personal administrative matters concerning his daily schedule and sleep habits. The conversation focused on the logistics of the President’s alarm clock and setting appropriate times for his rest. The brief exchange reflects the routine coordination between Nixon and his personal staff regarding the President's sleep duration and daily time management.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss the status of a pending judicial ruling regarding security protocols and the handling of sensitive documents, specifically the decision to leave a binder box unopened. Haig also provided an update on his efforts to improve staff relations and organizational progress. The discussion concluded with a transition toward addressing the President's immediate schedule.
On May 9, 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 6:17 pm and 6:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-007 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 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 6:17 pm and 6:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-008 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 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 6:17 pm and 6:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, along with H.R. Haldeman, J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., and Alexander Haig, discussed the escalating Watergate crisis, focusing on the potential release and legal implications of Haldeman's notes, the strategy for handling document requests from the Senate committee and grand jury, and the President's own knowledge and role in the events. Key concerns included the risk of executive privilege being overridden, the potential for damaging information to be leaked or misinterpreted, and the need to coordinate a White House legal strategy to protect the presidency.
Alexander Haig and H. R. Haldeman coordinate to manage internal conflicts between their respective legal teams regarding the handling of sensitive Watergate-related documents. They discuss a potentially damaging document involving a March 26, 1973, phone call from John Dean, which Haldeman asserts is protected by executive privilege and unrelated to his private conversations with the President. To resolve the friction, they decide to remove Leonard Garment from the process and establish direct communication between J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., and Haldeman’s legal counsel to ensure a unified strategy.
Rose Mary Woods called President Nixon to express her pride and provide positive feedback regarding his recent speech at the New Majority dinner. She reported that prominent guests, including Bill and Alice Marriott, were deeply moved by his address despite the mounting political pressure Nixon faced. The President dismissed concerns regarding rumors of resignation or impeachment circulating among Congressmen, attributing the negativity to the limitations of his legislative liaison staff.
Alexander Haig updates President Nixon on the positive public reception of the President's speech at the New Majority Dinner, while both men dismiss concerns regarding resignation and impeachment. Nixon emphasizes his firm stance on executive privilege, explicitly directing that no ground be yielded on the release of written documents. To manage the ongoing Watergate fallout, Nixon instructs Haig to sideline Leonard Garment and coordinate efforts through J. Fred Buzhardt, who is tasked with working closely with H.R. Haldeman and Senator John C. Stennis.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, and Cabinet officers, including William P. Rogers, George P. Shultz, Elliot L. Richardson, Rogers C. B. Morton, Earl L. Butz, Frederick B. Dent, Peter J. Brennan, Caspar W. ("Cap) Weinberger, James T. Lynn, Claude S. Brinegar, Roy L. Ash, Anne L. Armstrong, John A. Scali, John B. Connally, George H. W. Bush, Dr. James R. Schlesinger, William E. Colby, Herbert Stein, General Alexander M. Haig, Jr., Peter M. Flanigan, William E. Timmons, Ronald L. Ziegler, Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., and the White House photographer, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 7:58 am and 9:17 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 120-003 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 managing public perception and protecting White House documents. They discussed the legal handling of materials belonging to H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and John Ehrlichman, as well as the importance of maintaining a unified front to counter allegations of presidential involvement. Additionally, the pair evaluated personnel matters, including the confirmation of Elliot Richardson as Attorney General and the potential for a counter-offensive by leveraging information on previous administrations' abuses of power.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:29 am and 8:35 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:29 am and 8:35 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Republican congressional leaders and key aides to discuss strategies for managing the fallout from the Watergate scandal and controlling the political narrative. The group focused on coordinating a response to the upcoming Senate Ervin Committee hearings, specifically addressing the risks posed by potential testimony from grand jury witnesses, and explored launching a bipartisan "blue ribbon" commission on campaign finance reform to seize the legislative initiative. Additionally, the President reviewed pending administrative appointments, including the nomination of Elliot Richardson as Attorney General and the selection of William Colby to lead the CIA, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistent, public support from Republican allies.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the President's schedule and finalize preparations for the recording of audio messages. The discussion focused on logistics for the upcoming taping session and the status of an expected visitor. Nixon directed Bull to facilitate the necessary arrangements to ensure the recordings proceeded as planned.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:47 am and 10:57 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-006 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:47 am and 10:57 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-007 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:57 am and 11:01 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and Ronald Ziegler to coordinate White House messaging regarding administrative reorganization and the ongoing fallout from the Watergate scandal. The participants discussed strategies to project a positive image, including how to brief the press on the advisory roles of presidential counselors and the formation of cabinet committees. They also addressed the legal implications of the John Dean situation, specifically aiming to emphasize reports that lacked evidence linking the President to the scandal while preparing for upcoming Congressional hearings.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:12 am and 11:21 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-010 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:12 am and 11:21 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-011 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:12 am and 11:21 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss strategic planning regarding the ongoing Watergate scandal, focusing heavily on legal defense preparations and the upcoming Senate hearings. They evaluated the status of John Dean’s potential testimony, the management of legal fees for White House staff through the Committee to Re-Elect the President, and the importance of maintaining a consistent public stance regarding White House involvement. Additionally, the two discussed post-administration employment prospects for Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, emphasizing the necessity of securing continued security clearances and access to files for historical documentation.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Michael P. Balzano and a group of his family and associates in the Oval Office to conduct a ceremonial swearing-in for Balzano. The brief interaction included photo opportunities with the press and the presentation of commemorative gifts, such as presidential cufflinks and pins. The conversation centered on the logistical arrangements for the ceremony and expressions of pride regarding Balzano's new leadership role.
On May 10, 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 12:21 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Gene Taylor, Dewey J. Short, and William E. Timmons to discuss strategies for maintaining public and political support amidst the growing Watergate scandal. Participants emphasized the administration's policy achievements, such as ending the Vietnam War and the military draft, while contrasting these successes against Democratic political tactics. The conversation served as a morale-boosting session where allies reaffirmed their loyalty and discussed the necessity of framing the President's legacy within a broader, more positive context.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:21 pm and 12:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-017 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:21 pm and 12:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-018 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:21 pm and 12:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize on the Watergate crisis, specifically discussing the selection of a Special Prosecutor and managing the administration's legal and public relations response. They evaluated potential candidates, including Warren E. Hearnes, and considered how to neutralize political pressure from the Ervin Committee and critics. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm stance on executive privilege and directed staff to accelerate work on campaign finance reform to shift public narrative.
President Nixon met with his personal aide Manolo Sanchez and appointments secretary Stephen B. Bull to discuss personal scheduling and administrative matters. The conversation touched upon the President's need for rest, recent correspondence, and potential upcoming engagements involving figures such as William P. Rogers and John C. Slemp. The meeting concluded with logistics regarding the President’s daily agenda and family-related updates.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:55 pm and 2:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-186 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:55 pm and 1:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-081 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 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 12:55 pm and 1:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-082 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 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 12:55 pm and 1:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-083 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding the potential recruitment of former Chief Justice Earl Warren to lead a commission investigating the Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on leveraging Secretary of State William P. Rogers' personal relationship with Warren to secure his chairmanship for the inquiry. Nixon viewed Warren's potential involvement as a strategic maneuver to restore public credibility and influence the framing of the President's upcoming public address on the matter.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss upcoming scheduling requirements and personal needs. The conversation focused on logistical arrangements for a potential meeting aboard the Sequoia with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Additionally, Nixon emphasized his need for rest and refreshment, prioritizing a brief period of sleep to prepare for his subsequent professional duties.
On May 10, 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 12:55 pm and 2:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 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 12:55 pm and 2:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 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 1:16 pm and 2:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-086 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 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 1:16 pm and 2:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-087 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss his daily schedule and personal needs. The conversation focused on the logistics of the President's lunch period and his desire to extend his designated nap time. Nixon expressed clear dissatisfaction with previous scheduling attempts and insisted on adjustments to his rest duration.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the President's daily schedule and his recent sleep habits. The conversation primarily focused on the limited duration of Nixon's rest, with Sanchez providing updates regarding the time and logistical arrangements for the afternoon. No major policy decisions were made during this brief administrative check-in.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:45 pm and 2:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the status of a potential commission to address Watergate, focusing on William P. Rogers's effort to recruit Earl Warren for the role despite their adversarial relationship. They also reviewed news of indictments against Maurice Stans and John Mitchell regarding the Robert Vesco case, viewing the legal proceedings as a sign that the justice system was functioning. Additionally, Haig provided a brief status update on Elliot Richardson’s ongoing testimony and efforts to influence upcoming personnel appointments.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a brief, informal meeting to coordinate the logistics of moving personal or office items, specifically referencing an urn and supplies. They briefly touched upon the status of various tasks and expressed mutual disdain for an unnamed individual involved in the transition process. No significant policy decisions were reached, as the conversation served primarily to confirm the status of ongoing domestic arrangements.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:51 pm and 2:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-188 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:51 pm and 2:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media strategy in the wake of the indictments of John Mitchell and Maurice Stans in the Robert Vesco case. They review the positive press reception of Nixon’s recent New Majority Dinner speech and assess the ongoing political fallout surrounding John W. Dean III. The President directs Ziegler to continue a messaging campaign highlighting administration stability and instructs him to leak a narrative suggesting potential trouble with the upcoming summit to enhance the impact of its eventual announcement.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed public perception of the administration during the ongoing Watergate fallout, specifically regarding the recent appearances of John Mitchell and Maurice Stans. Nixon expressed a desire to frame these events as evidence of proactive accountability while cautioning against being swayed by negative media narratives. The two also touched upon diplomatic strategy, specifically determining how to handle public messaging regarding upcoming summit announcements.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-190 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the administration's strategy to navigate the Watergate crisis, specifically exploring the potential appointment of former Chief Justice Earl Warren to lead an independent commission. The two men also review personnel matters, with Nixon confirming his intent to appoint Alexander Haig to a permanent White House role and expressing confidence in the appointments of James Schlesinger and William Colby. Additionally, the President emphasizes his desire to improve information flow to Rogers and maintain stable governance to bolster public morale.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss potential appointments and personnel strategies intended to demonstrate administrative stability during a period of political turmoil. The conversation touches upon the selection of a career official to fill a specific position, emphasizing the need to move forward with staffing despite external pressures. Additionally, Nixon prepares Rogers for an upcoming briefing with Henry Kissinger regarding recent diplomatic developments following Kissinger's return from Russia.