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 62 of 211President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building for a brief administrative consultation. The primary purpose of the meeting was to provide specific instructions regarding the placement of an unidentified object within the office. No further policy or political developments were recorded during this brief interaction.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:59 pm and 2:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-032 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:59 pm and 2:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-033 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:59 pm and 2:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-034 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:59 pm and 2:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard M. Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The brief interaction consisted entirely of a personal, non-substantive exchange that was subsequently withdrawn from the public record. No policy discussions or administrative decisions were documented during this private encounter.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building to review his daily schedule. The discussion focused primarily on coordinating upcoming appointments and engagements involving John D. Ehrlichman. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative session.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss potential personnel changes within the administration, specifically debating the merits of Elliot Richardson versus Nelson Rockefeller for future roles, including potential State Department leadership. The discussion emphasized maintaining administrative control and managing political expectations for the 1972 campaign. Additionally, Nixon instructed Kissinger to ensure John B. Connally receives prominent credit for his contributions to the administration's economic policy initiatives.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:20 pm to 2:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-038 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:23 pm and 2:26 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 617-011 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, 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 2:25 pm and 2:36 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-039 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with key Congressional leaders and administration officials to address an impending budget crisis caused by the lack of a continuing resolution for several federal agencies, including the OEO, foreign aid, defense, and the District of Columbia. The participants debated the legality of continuing government operations without explicit authorization, with Nixon expressing a firm reluctance to engage in practices he deemed legally questionable. To resolve the standoff before the December 1st pay deadline, the group discussed legislative strategies to expedite authorization bills and tentatively set a target adjournment date of December 4th to allow Congress time to complete essential business.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the President’s firm intention to veto an education bill due to philosophical objections regarding the role of government in child-rearing. Nixon addresses his tactical frustrations with Secretary Elliot L. Richardson, who disagrees with the administration's stance and has been hesitant to align with the President's position. Ehrlichman agrees to coordinate with Richardson while acknowledging the political pressure on the Secretary and the President's resolve to ultimately reject the legislation.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:36 pm to 2:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-040 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:40 pm to 2:41 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-041 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to conduct private or personal business. The conversation was brief and is categorized as a personal returnable item, indicating it did not involve formal policy or administrative decision-making. No official transcript or record of the discussion remains available for historical analysis.
President Nixon asked Manolo Sanchez to move some items in the President's office. Sanchez complied with the request, placing the items as directed by the President. The conversation was brief and focused on the physical arrangement of objects within the office space.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:41 pm and 3:55 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-044 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:41 pm and 3:55 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-045 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:33 pm and 3:36 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 617-013 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:33 pm and 3:36 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 617-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler met to coordinate the public communication strategy for an impending troop withdrawal announcement. They discussed the logistics of Nixon’s televised address and the supporting materials, specifically photographs, to be released by the press office. The meeting served to finalize Ziegler’s role in managing the official announcement and ensuring that the media strategy aligned with the President’s planned delivery.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:59 pm and 4:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 617-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Donald Rumsfeld met to discuss the administration's strategic management of the Pay Board, specifically addressing the contentious issue of wage retroactivity. They reviewed the President's recent interactions with Congress, including feedback from Clark MacGregor, and coordinated upcoming personnel meetings involving key cabinet members and foreign diplomats. The conversation centered on maintaining a firm stance regarding economic policy and ensuring that administration representatives on the Pay Board continued to exert influence to achieve desired outcomes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and Clark MacGregor to review the effectiveness of his recent press conference and discuss the political messaging surrounding troop withdrawals from Vietnam. The participants assessed public and press reactions to the President's responses regarding amnesty, POWs, and the Vietnamization policy. Additionally, the group coordinated strategy for an upcoming National Security Council meeting focused on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and pending negotiations with the Soviet Union.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met with Pakistani Ambassador Sultan Mohammad Khan to discuss the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and the U.S. goal of preventing a full-scale war. Nixon emphasized that the U.S. is working diplomatically with the Soviet Union and China to encourage a peaceful resolution while navigating a hostile American press and domestic political pressure. The participants addressed the complexities of leveraging the UN Security Council, with potential support from the People's Republic of China, to protect Pakistani interests.
President Nixon met with his Cabinet and staff to discuss high-stakes domestic and foreign policy issues, including the administration's stance on school desegregation and busing, and potential vetoes regarding child development and welfare legislation. The President also briefed Secretary of Commerce Maurice Stans on his upcoming trip to the Soviet Union, emphasizing that trade should be treated as a strategic tool rather than an over-eager pursuit. Nixon instructed Stans to maintain a shrewd bargaining position and to subtly convey the administration's political strength to Soviet leadership to influence diplomatic negotiations.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:54 pm and 4:55 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 617-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and H.R. Haldeman met with John J. McCloy to recruit him for a high-level diplomatic role intended to reassure European allies and manage complex economic and security matters. The discussion centered on the necessity of a seasoned diplomat to handle Mutual and Balanced Force Reduction (MBFR) negotiations and broader NATO relations without downgrading the importance of these alliances. McCloy expressed reservations about the traditional bureaucratic structure of NATO and agreed to further consult with Kissinger to refine the strategic approach before formally committing.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and members of the National Security Council, including Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, William P. Rogers, Melvin R. Laird, Gen. George A. Lincoln, John N. Mitchell, John N. Irwin, II, Richard M. Helms, [Name withdrawn], Gen. John D. Ryan, Ronald I. Spiers, Gerard C. Smith, Philip J. Farley, Spurgeon M. Keeny, Jr., John J. McCloy, Gen. Royal B. Allison, J. Graham Parsons, Paul H. Nitze, Col. Richard T. Kennedy, Dr. K. Wayne Smith, Helmut ("Hal") Sonnenfedlt, Henry A. Kissinger, Gen. Alexander M. Haig, Jr., and Gardiner L. Tucker, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 5:03 pm and 11:59 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 082-002 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 5:55 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 617-019 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 5:55 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 617-020 of the White House Tapes.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:55 pm and 6:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 617-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally confer on domestic economic policy, specifically the implementation and market reception of Phase Two of the administration's stabilization program. The discussion touches on the political necessity of adopting a firmer stance in public negotiations and the complexities of handling wage-price retroactivity. The two also coordinate upcoming meetings and communication channels with Henry Kissinger regarding international monetary and foreign policy issues.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger to discuss urgent administrative and foreign policy matters, including the passage of a continuing budget resolution and the management of ongoing congressional harassment regarding war powers amendments. The pair reviewed the status of international monetary policy negotiations involving John Connally and the positive diplomatic reception of the Chinese delegation at the United Nations. Additionally, Kissinger provided a briefing on the strategic mindset of Zhou Enlai ahead of the President’s upcoming visit to the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review scheduling matters, address administrative frustrations, and discuss the public relations strategy for the White House. They evaluated the President's upcoming schedule, including a potential appearance at the AFL-CIO convention and the handling of congressional relations through birthday calls. Additionally, the conversation touched on personnel shifts within the Council of Economic Advisors and the strategic management of media coverage for Julie Nixon Eisenhower.
President Nixon, William P. Rogers, and Henry Kissinger met to deliberate on the escalating military tension between India and Pakistan and the potential necessity for UN intervention. The President expressed concern that a conflict would jeopardize his upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China, leading the group to discuss the delicate balance of diplomatic timing and the constraints of working with the UN Security Council. They ultimately reached a consensus to defer immediate action until after key upcoming events, including a scheduled speech by Indira Gandhi and further consultations regarding Chinese interests.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:14 pm and 1:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-086 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:14 pm and 1:18 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with his longtime valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The exchange appears to be a casual or routine interaction regarding personal staff tasks or administrative items. No substantive policy matters or major historical developments occurred during this short 41-second segment.
President Nixon and Secretary John B. Connally coordinated their schedules to meet at the Executive Office Building at 5:00 p.m., followed by a social engagement at 6:30 p.m. This dinner meeting included their spouses, Nellie Connally and Pat Nixon, along with an invitation for Julie Nixon Eisenhower to host a movie screening. Additionally, Nixon acknowledged and approved of Connally’s recent contact with former President Lyndon B. Johnson.
President Richard Nixon and John B. Connally coordinated their schedules to facilitate a series of meetings and social engagements. The discussion focused on establishing specific times for briefings or consultations throughout the evening, while also incorporating plans for dinner and a movie. The exchange served primarily as a logistical update to ensure their professional and personal calendars aligned for the remainder of the day.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:19 pm and 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-004 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, 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 1:19 pm and 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss personal logistics and routine maintenance of his belongings. The President specifically requested additional leather goods, emphasizing the need for items that resist drying out. The brief exchange concluded with a discussion regarding the acquisition of new neckties and a fleeting mention of sports.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:19 pm and 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-007 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:19 pm and 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-008 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:19 pm and 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-009 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:19 pm and 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the outcome of a recent Washington Redskins football game. The conversation touched upon the team's loss and a missed field goal attempt. Additionally, the two briefly addressed the President's upcoming schedule, specifically mentioning Secretary John B. Connally.
On November 14, 1971, 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 1:19 pm and 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-012 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, 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 1:19 pm and 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-013 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:19 pm and 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-014 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:00 pm and 5:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-088 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called his wife, Pat, to confirm arrangements for a dinner with John and Nellie Connally. They discussed the meeting location, with the President preferring the Map Room, and confirmed the guests were expected at 7:00 PM. Pat Nixon had left a message for the Connallys' office and was considering the Red Room, Oval Room, or Map Room as potential venues.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 5:01 pm to 5:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 296-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally reviewed the results of Connally's recent diplomatic tour through several Asian nations, including South Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan. The discussion focused on bolstering foreign allies' confidence following the United States' recent economic policy shifts and the impending presidential visit to the People's Republic of China. The two leaders also addressed domestic economic concerns, specifically the administration's Phase II stabilization program and the ongoing struggle to secure foreign aid legislation against isolationist opposition in the Senate.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-090 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:58 pm and 9:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-091 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:58 pm and 9:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-092 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Washington Redskins head coach George E. Allen to review the team’s recent performance and discuss personnel updates. The two analyzed individual player statistics, injury reports, and strategic outcomes from previous games. They also considered the outlook for an upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, including a potential attendance by the President.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone call to Congressman John H. Terry to offer birthday greetings. During the conversation, the President acknowledged Terry’s loyal political support and expressed appreciation for his performance as a first-term congressman. The call served as a gesture of goodwill to cultivate a positive relationship with a reliable ally in Congress.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-095 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-096 of the White House Tapes.
On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:46 pm and 9:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-097 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon telephoned Willis O. Preston, Jr. to commend him for his courage in the face of public adversity and to acknowledge a recent newspaper story about him. During the brief conversation, the President confirmed he had personally reviewed a letter Preston sent to the White House regarding his situation. Nixon expressed his support for Preston and took a brief interest in his family, concluding the call with words of encouragement.
President Nixon initiated this call to personally commend Captain Ralph A. Sambuchi after reading a favorable article about him in the Washington Star. The President expressed his profound gratitude for Sambuchi's service and sacrifices, highlighting the inspiration the Captain's high morale provided to the administration. This brief interaction served as a gesture of moral support and public recognition for a wounded veteran.
President Nixon called Donald Smith at a Veterans Center in Dublin to personally congratulate him on being named one of Georgia's Outstanding Young Men of the Year. The President commended Smith for his resilience following personal hardship and praised his ongoing dedication to coaching a Little League baseball team. Nixon utilized the call to express national support for Smith’s efforts and to encourage him to continue serving as an inspirational figure for local youth.
President Nixon met with the Cost of Living Council and members of the press to discuss the successful launch of Phase II of his economic program, emphasizing the efforts of the Pay Board and Price Commission in controlling inflation and aiming for a two to three percent inflation rate in 1972. The President highlighted the balance between necessary economic controls and preserving economic freedom, while also noting the Senate's delay on crucial legislation and the potential impact of a continuing resolution lapse.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:30 am and 8:35 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the President's upcoming daily schedule, specifically reviewing appointments with John B. Connally and George E. Allen. They discussed the logistics for an upcoming Cabinet meeting, which included agenda items concerning John A. Volpe's reports and Phase II economic policies. Additionally, the pair coordinated the scheduling and press strategy for the Cost of Living Council meeting involving Donald Rumsfeld and other economic officials.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:40 am and 8:54 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-009 of the White House Tapes.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:40 am and 8:54 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors and officials, including H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and John Connally, to deliberate on key personnel appointments, administrative strategy, and foreign policy maneuvers. The discussion focused on filling Federal Reserve Board and ambassadorial vacancies, managing the political fallout from budget disputes with Senate Democrats, and curbing the excessive overseas travel of Cabinet members. Nixon and his team also weighed the potential risks and benefits of the President attending the AFL-CIO convention and evaluated strategies for the upcoming 1972 campaign, including fundraising and managing leakers within the administration.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:45 am and 10:03 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-101 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Treasury Secretary John B. Connally to coordinate logistics for a meeting with Henry Kissinger and to adjust the agenda for an upcoming Cabinet session. Nixon advises Connally to refrain from making extensive remarks regarding major policy issues during the Cabinet meeting to avoid overshadowing Secretary John A. Volpe’s report and potential friction with Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Consequently, they decide that Connally will limit his Cabinet contribution to a discussion on Phase II economic policy.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:20 am and 10:24 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to refine the administration's approach to White House social functions and manage the President's demanding schedule. They discussed shifting toward more efficient public engagement strategies, such as replacing time-consuming handshake lines with personal phone calls to veterans and paraplegics, and limiting social guests at church services and dinners. Additionally, Nixon encouraged Woods to take a vacation in California to recover from the stress of recent work and to prepare for the rigorous demands of upcoming diplomatic summits in China and the Soviet Union.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:01 am and 11:02 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-014 of the White House Tapes.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:02 am and 11:04 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the delivery of personal photographs taken by White House photographer Oliver F. Atkins. The discussion focused on ensuring that copies of these images, particularly those featuring First Lady Pat Nixon, were properly routed to the White House residence. Nixon emphasized the importance of established distribution protocols for these materials to avoid oversight.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:04 am to 11:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate administrative tasks regarding the filing and transcription of personal recordings and presidential notes. The discussion also addressed a forthcoming television appearance by Julie Nixon Eisenhower and the President’s reflections on her teaching career and recent injury. The meeting concluded with a brief administrative call placed by the President to the White House operator.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:09 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-103 of the White House Tapes.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:10 am and 11:23 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-104 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and H. R. Haldeman to deliberate on urgent fiscal and political strategies as the administration faced a looming deadline regarding a continuing resolution for federal funding. The group discussed the political risks of taking a hardline stance against Congress, specifically targeting the Senate's perceived irresponsibility, while weighing the potential consequences of a government shutdown. Ultimately, the President decided to adopt a confrontational approach with Congressional leaders to avoid being forced into signing unfavorable legislation, prioritizing his image as a decisive leader over compromising with legislative opponents.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:03 pm and 12:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with legal scholars Paul Freund, Julius Goebel, Jr., Charles Fairman, and L. Quincy Mumford, along with John W. Dean III, and a White House photographer. The meeting, which included a photo opportunity, focused on the presentation of books, including volumes on the Supreme Court and Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.'s bequest, and discussions about book binding, microfilm, and the President's writing and dictation methods. Nixon also presented gifts, including cufflinks and pens, and the group touched upon historical legal figures like Holmes and Frankfurter, and the use of Holmes's bequest.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:17 pm and 12:18 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with political confidant George E. Allen to discuss a range of topics, including the President's legislative agenda, economic strategy, and historical anecdotes regarding previous administrations. Nixon specifically sought Allen's support in lobbying Southern congressmen regarding the administration's budget and foreign aid priorities amid ongoing congressional negotiations. The conversation also touched upon the 1972 political landscape, with Nixon expressing confidence in his economic policies and addressing potential electoral challenges.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:50 pm and 12:57 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon recorded a memorandum to memorialize a recent discussion with George E. Allen regarding the political dynamics of the Harry S. Truman and Franklin D. Roosevelt administrations. Allen characterized Truman as a well-meaning but impressionable leader whose policy direction was heavily influenced by intelligent advisors like Dean Acheson. The conversation also detailed the historical maneuvering by Democratic party figures to successfully remove Henry A. Wallace from the 1944 presidential ticket by controlling access to Roosevelt.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss Treasury Secretary John Connally's recent activities, including his role in international monetary negotiations and his candid assessments of the administration's performance. Kissinger reported that Connally expressed frustration with internal disloyalty and the perceived lack of resolve within the State and Defense Departments, suggesting that the administration's failure to defend the President's policies left them politically vulnerable. The two also addressed legislative concerns regarding the Boland Amendment and future strategies for re-engaging with the international economy, specifically regarding gold convertibility and potential monetary policy shifts.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:16 pm and 1:53 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the preparation of briefing materials regarding the Pay Board and upcoming meetings. Nixon emphasizes his desire to maintain political independence, explicitly stating that he does not want to feel beholden to the individuals or entities involved. The discussion also touches upon the coordination of legal opinions from John Mitchell and John Dean to support these administrative objectives.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:16 pm and 1:53 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum summarizing a previous discussion with George E. Allen regarding political strategy and the upcoming 1972 election. The two men reflected on historical anecdotes concerning Harry Truman, FDR, and Nikita Khrushchev to frame their thoughts on the efficacy of public works programs and the limited political impact of vice presidential running mates. Nixon concluded the dictation by assessing the state of the economy, specifically noting that the stock market's recent performance reflected a positive outlook on the success of his Phase II inflation control program.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize the logistics and scheduling for an upcoming interview involving Judge Boldt and other administration officials. The discussion focused on the coordination of a filmed session in the Cabinet Room and the subsequent meeting with Congressional leaders. Bull confirmed that the briefing materials for the 2:30 p.m. training session would be prepared and ready on the President’s desk upon his return.
President Nixon met with Pay Board Chairman George H. Boldt and Price Commission Chairman C. Jackson Grayson to discuss the ongoing challenges of Phase II of his economic stabilization program. The discussion focused on the political and economic friction surrounding the issue of retroactivity for labor contracts and the necessity of prioritizing public policy over individual contract enforcement to curb inflation. The participants also coordinated their strategy for an upcoming public meeting with the Cost of Living Council, emphasizing the need for brief, unified messaging to demonstrate the stability and progress of their efforts to the American public.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:13 pm and 2:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-105 of the White House Tapes.