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 63 of 211On 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 2:13 pm and 2:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-034 of the White House Tapes.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:13 pm and 2:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-035 of the White House Tapes.
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 2:13 pm and 2:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-036 of the White House Tapes.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:13 pm and 2:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 618-037 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated this brief telephone call to Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. primarily to extend personal birthday greetings. The conversation remained cordial and informal, focusing on lighthearted exchanges regarding aging and Baker’s status as a young statesman. No substantive policy matters or political actions were addressed during the interaction.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Cabinet officers, including William P. Rogers, John B. Connally, Melvin R. Laird, John N. Mitchell, William T. Pecora, Clifford M. Hardin, Maurice H. Stans, James D. Hodgson, John G. Veneman, George W. Romney, John A. Volpe, David M. Kennedy, George P. Shultz, Donald H. Rumsfeld, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, John D. Ehrlichman, Raymond K. Price, Jr., Alexander P. Butterfield, William Bird, Chester C. Spurgeon, Ronald L. Ziegler, and Clark MacGregor, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 3:36 pm and 11:59 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 083-001 of the White House Tapes.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 5:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-107 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally discussed the administration's aggressive legislative strategy with congressional leaders and the political opposition they faced. They reviewed the status of Phase II economic policies, including wage retroactivity and market perceptions, while expressing mutual confidence in their economic direction. The conversation also touched upon Connally's potential political vulnerability following his trip to Vietnam and concluded with arrangements for an upcoming Quadriad meeting.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:03 pm and 6:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-109 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 6:03 pm and 6:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-110 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Senator Hugh Scott discussed a strategy to resolve a legislative impasse regarding a continuing resolution for foreign aid. Scott reported that he secured an agreement among key senators, including J. William Fulbright, to extend the funding through December 1st while allowing Chairman Allen J. Ellender to move the resolution through committee. The participants noted that while Fulbright remained focused on including restrictive language like the Mansfield Amendment, he was willing to compromise on funding levels and drop demands regarding the Cooper-Church Amendment.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, held a brief personal discussion regarding their respective evening schedules. The conversation touched upon the President's dinner plans with John Connally and Stephen Bull, as well as Julie’s recent travel to Cleveland. They specifically discussed her impressions of Mayor Ralph Perk, her local media engagements, and feedback concerning a recent article by Paul Healy.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:56 pm and 7:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-113 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the administration's successful efforts to exert pressure on congressional leaders regarding foreign aid legislation, viewing the confrontation as a necessary exercise of presidential authority. They also review positive media coverage of the President's recent press conference and evaluate the state of the national economy. Colson reports on encouraging retail and housing data, suggesting that the recent stock market fluctuations reflect a healthy adjustment as investors react to the administration's anti-inflationary policies.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the People's Republic of China’s inaugural speech at the United Nations and the State Department's recommendation for an immediate, aggressive rebuttal. Both men agreed that a hasty response would be counterproductive, with Nixon specifically expressing suspicion that the State Department was attempting to sabotage his upcoming trip to China. Consequently, they decided to ignore the immediate pressure to respond and instead planned to study the speech carefully before issuing a measured, dignified statement later in the week.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:26 pm and 7:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-116 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman debriefed regarding a recent Cabinet meeting, specifically criticizing Secretary of Transportation John Volpe’s comical and repetitive presentation style. They discussed the logistics of 'Transpo '72,' with Nixon expressing concern that the event would lead to significant traffic issues. Additionally, they reviewed Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Elliot Richardson’s performance, concluding that he had received the President's firm message regarding budgetary constraints.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-119 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 7:50 pm and 7:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-120 of the White House Tapes.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-121 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 7:54 pm and 8:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-122 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 7:54 pm and 8:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-123 of the White House Tapes.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-124 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 8:01 pm and 8:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-125 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 8:01 pm and 8:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-126 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John W. Rollins reviewed the success of recent Republican fund-raising efforts, specifically evaluating the impact of the President’s November 9 speeches and television appearances. They discussed organizational challenges facing the Republican Party in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, emphasizing the need for stronger local infrastructure. The conversation concluded with a brief reflection on regional donor engagement and the contributions of various committee members to the party’s financial operations.
On November 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:09 pm and 8:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-128 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with Asa V. Call to exchange pleasantries regarding personal health and to discuss the political landscape in California. The two addressed the need for a moderate voice in the state and evaluated the electoral prospects of Ronald Reagan. Additionally, they touched upon the President's upcoming schedule, including a meeting with Governor Reagan and general outreach strategies for the 1972 election.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, John B. Connally, Donald H. Rumsfeld, and Republican Congressional leaders, including Hugh Scott, Robert P. Griffin, Peter H. Dominick, Gerald R. Ford, Leslie C. Arends, John B. Anderson, Samuel L. Devine, Richard H. Poff, John J. Rhodes, Robert C. ("Bob") Wilson, H. Allen Smith, Robert J. Dole, John D. Ehrlichman, George P. Shultz, Clark MacGregor, Harry S. Dent, William E. Timmons, Richard K. Cook, Eugene S. Cowen, Patrick J. Buchanan, and Ronald L. Ziegler, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 12:00 am and 10:15 am. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 083-003 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:56 am and 8:07 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-001 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:56 am and 8:07 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John B. Connally met to coordinate strategy for an upcoming speech in New York, focusing on defending the Administration's economic program and international monetary policy. They discussed the importance of presenting the U.S. as a strong, outward-looking leader in the global economy while managing domestic concerns regarding inflation and stock market performance. Additionally, they touched upon political vulnerabilities, including internal Cabinet weaknesses, the necessity of firm leadership regarding Vietnam, and the ongoing strategy for securing the release of prisoners of war.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:13 am and 10:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-008 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and members of the Committee on Mental Retardation, including Elliot L. Richardson, Patricia R. Hitt, Clair W. Burgener, Kenneth Robinson, Jeannette Rockefeller, Nan Ulle, Joseph H. Douglas, Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., James H. Cavanaugh, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House from 10:15 am to 10:56 am. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 083-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to address the President's immediate scheduling constraints. The discussion centered on upcoming meetings involving Henry Kissinger, specifically regarding his engagement with Yitzhak Rabin, as well as the status of Paul W. McCracken. Ultimately, the participants concluded the meeting abruptly due to time limitations.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss personnel issues within the Cabinet and the administration's frustration regarding Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. The President expressed significant anger over a recent news leak concerning Vietnam troop withdrawal plans, which he viewed as a deliberate attempt by Laird to undermine administration policy. Consequently, the two evaluated the potential replacement of Laird and Secretary of State William P. Rogers, while also briefly touching upon upcoming presidential scheduling for meetings with foreign leaders.
President Nixon met with Paul McCracken and George Shultz to review current economic performance, particularly regarding GNP growth and unemployment, while also discussing the urgency of negotiations within the international monetary system. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the American business community, characterizing corporate leaders as timid and lacking the fortitude he observed in other nations. The meeting also addressed McCracken’s planned departure from his role and the search for a successor, with the group emphasizing the need to maintain pressure on the Federal Reserve regarding the money supply.
President Nixon met with Sadruddin Aga Khan and other officials to discuss the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and the resulting humanitarian refugee crisis. The conversation centered on the political volatility in East Pakistan, specifically the role of Mujibur Rahman and the potential for President Yahya Khan to negotiate a peaceful power transfer to avoid an all-out war. President Nixon emphasized that any outbreak of war would necessitate a total cutoff of U.S. aid, while Aga Khan advocated for continued diplomatic engagement to prevent regional instability.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:05 pm and 12:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-014 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:05 pm and 12:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with NFL quarterback Johnny Unitas and other officials to discuss professional football and the influence of athletes on American youth. The conversation touched upon the role of football stars as positive role models, particularly regarding the dangers of drug use, and the importance of professional athletes in national life. The meeting concluded with a photograph session and the President's presentation of gifts to the attendees.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:15 pm and 12:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-017 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, 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 12:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with James D. Hittle and John V. Brennan for a brief ceremonial session that included gift exchanges and official photographs. The participants engaged in lighthearted reminiscing about vintage automobiles and their shared professional history regarding the mission and role of the U.S. Marine Corps. The visitors also expressed their appreciation for the President’s advocacy and administrative support for American servicemen.
President Nixon met with Dr. K. Wayne Smith and Henry Kissinger, primarily to facilitate a photo session and present gifts to Smith in recognition of his service. During the brief exchange, Nixon expressed appreciation for the papers and work produced by Smith’s office. The President also briefly alluded to political criticism from his 'right-wing friends' regarding Kissinger, advising him not to comment on such detractors.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:20 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Patrick J. Buchanan, Kenneth M. Smith, and Lyndon K. Allin for a brief Oval Office session that included a photo opportunity and gift presentation. The discussion focused on the ongoing Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Nixon and his advisors particularly addressed liberal opposition to these appointments, specifically criticizing the double standards of critics like Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. regarding past judicial selections.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:22 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John H. Hogue, William E. Timmons, and Clark MacGregor to discuss administrative personnel, specifically Hogue's future role within the Treasury Department, and to conduct a brief photography session. The discussion pivoted to legislative strategy, focusing on the confirmation process for Earl L. Butz and efforts to manage congressional relations. Finally, the group addressed the administration’s political positioning regarding the Vietnam War, particularly the necessity of clearly communicating the President’s stance on prisoners of war to the press and Congress.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with George L. Grassmuck and Alexander P. Butterfield for a brief, informal session that included a photo opportunity and the presentation of gifts. The discussion touched upon personal history, including past campaign experiences and health-related anecdotes from Nixon's time as Vice President. Additionally, the President briefly discussed the political future of Robert H. Finch, emphasizing the importance of his current work before pursuing a potential Senate bid.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:28 pm and 12:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-026 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:30 pm and 12:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-130 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, held a brief personal conversation to coordinate their respective schedules. They discussed logistics for Julie’s upcoming lunch, dinner with First Lady Pat Nixon, and her recent visit to a mental health facility in Cleveland. The President also informed her of his upcoming obligation to record a Thanksgiving Day message for the Armed Forces.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:30 pm and 12:33 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 619-027 of the White House Tapes.
In this extensive Oval Office meeting, President Nixon, Rose Mary Woods, H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and others discussed a variety of administrative and policy matters, including the selection of guests for upcoming White House events, the management of Cabinet and sub-cabinet appointees, and the President's upcoming diplomatic trips to the USSR and the People's Republic of China. A significant portion of the conversation focused on congressional strategy regarding national security, specifically managing Democratic support for administration policies amidst ongoing debates over Vietnam and foreign aid. Additionally, the President and his advisers addressed the leakage of sensitive foreign policy information, the potential for an interim settlement in the Middle East involving Israel, and the political fallout of his Vietnam withdrawal strategy.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:46 pm and 1:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-132 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:46 pm and 1:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-133 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Peter M. Flanigan regarding potential diplomatic appointments, specifically inquiring about progress on the NATO ambassadorship and a position concerning Japan. Flanigan indicated he was awaiting feedback from Henry Kissinger regarding John J. McCloy’s interest in the NATO post and confirmed an upcoming meeting with Hoyt Ammidon to discuss the Japanese assignment. Additionally, the two discussed personnel vetting, with Flanigan noting that William S. Stuckey, Jr. had been deemed unsuitable for a specific role following advice from Clark MacGregor.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:13 pm and 1:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-135 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Peter M. Flanigan talked on the telephone from 1:17 pm to 1:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-136 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:59 pm and 3:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-137 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 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 1:59 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 295-001 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 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 1:59 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 295-002 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 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 1:59 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 295-003 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 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 1:59 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 295-004 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 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 1:59 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 295-005 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 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 1:59 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 295-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his brother, F. Donald Nixon, discussed family matters, the national economy, and a promising new industrial bilge water filtering system developed by an inventor from Oklahoma. F. Donald Nixon advocated for the technology, noting its success in Fort Belvoir tests and its potential for both environmental cleanup and jet fuel processing. The President agreed to facilitate the project by directing aide John Whitaker to consult with Navy contact Meyer Minchen to help move the proposal through government red tape.
President Richard Nixon met with his brother, F. Donald Nixon, to discuss personal matters, including family updates and upcoming travel arrangements. The two reviewed potential employment opportunities for associates in the Pacific Northwest and touched upon the President's scheduled appearance at a charity event for Bob Hope. The brief conversation also addressed logistical plans for future visits to California.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:09 pm and 3:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-139 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly conferred regarding the President's schedule and the involvement of staff members John D. Ehrlichman and George P. Shultz. The discussion also addressed a memorandum involving Rose Mary Woods that had surfaced after being delayed for several weeks. Nixon ultimately dismissed the document as irrelevant to his current agenda, effectively closing the matter.
President Nixon recorded a brief memorandum for the file regarding a prior discussion with his brother, F. Donald Nixon. The conversation primarily addressed the development of a filtration system for bilge water, a project involving Edward C. Nixon. This recording serves as an official administrative note to document the status or details of the brothers' earlier consultation.
On November 16, 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 3:09 pm and 3:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 295-010 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 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 3:09 pm and 3:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 295-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political risks and potential benefits of the President appearing at the upcoming AFL-CIO convention. While Colson suggests a speech focused on labor's patriotic support during the Vietnam War could be a successful political maneuver, Nixon expresses concern regarding potential hostile receptions from union leadership like George Meany and the danger of appearing to appease labor interests. The conversation also covers positive economic indicators, including rising consumer confidence, improved GNP projections, and ongoing White House lobbying efforts to secure the passage of the administration's tax bill.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political advisability of the President attending an upcoming labor event, with Nixon expressing skepticism about appearing alongside labor leaders like George Meany given the current contentious political climate. The conversation also shifts to economic performance, specifically analyzing third-quarter GNP growth figures as reported by Paul McCracken. Nixon concludes that the administration must focus its efforts on securing the passage of their desired tax bill.
On November 16, 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 3:27 pm and 3:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 295-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Peter G. Peterson, George P. Shultz, John D. Ehrlichman, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger to discuss personnel changes and key policy initiatives. The President offered Peterson the position of Secretary of Commerce, emphasizing the need for a combative and effective advocate to handle public relations and congressional outreach. The group also deliberated on the political risks of the President addressing the AFL-CIO, explored strategies for upcoming international monetary negotiations, and reviewed the status of Vietnam peace talks following a leak regarding troop withdrawal numbers.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:05 pm and 6:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-141 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Mitchell and Henry Kissinger to coordinate Republican political strategy for the 1972 election cycle and discuss sensitive foreign policy matters. The participants evaluated the progress of local party organizations in key states and addressed personnel changes within the administration, including the potential reassignment of Peter Peterson. Nixon and Kissinger also reviewed the current state of Vietnam peace negotiations, determining to maintain a firm stance and continue troop withdrawals while preparing a public response should North Vietnamese negotiators break off talks.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-142 of the White House Tapes.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:08 pm and 6:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-143 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Clark MacGregor regarding the administration's strategy to defeat the impending Boland amendment during a scheduled congressional vote. MacGregor reported confidence in the outcome while noting efforts to suppress Howard W. Robison’s substitute proposal to ensure a clean up-or-down vote. Nixon emphasized the severe political consequences of the amendment, reinforcing the administration’s firm opposition previously communicated to Gerald R. Ford.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:40 pm and 7:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-145 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Peter M. Flanigan discuss potential candidates for an unspecified high-level appointment, weighing the merits of various banking and finance figures. They express a preference for Gabriel Hauge due to his prestige and alignment with the administration, while also considering William S. Renchard as a viable alternative. Flanigan is tasked with prioritizing an outreach attempt to Hauge to determine his interest in the position.
On November 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:18 pm and 7:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-147 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the potential appointment of Paul H. Nitze to an administration role, specifically focusing on the value of his strong stance on arms control. Kissinger notes that he has vetted the idea with Stewart J.O. Alsop, who expressed support for the concept. The two agree to further evaluate the political implications of such an unconventional move and plan to revisit the decision during their next meeting.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed a wide range of administrative and political concerns, including the management of White House dinner invitation lists and the potential political risks associated with a proposed address to the AFL-CIO. The President expressed skepticism about the value of speaking to labor leaders, weighing the potential for building support against the risk of appearing desperate or being misinterpreted. Additionally, the pair evaluated the political standing of Governor Ronald Reagan and reviewed personnel management strategies for the Cabinet and White House staff, emphasizing the need to recruit high-performing individuals for a potential second term.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details and review the scheduling for upcoming high-level meetings. The discussion focused on finalizing arrangements for impending consultations with Henry Kissinger, Ronald Reagan, and Attorney General John Mitchell. Nixon emphasized the need for careful preparation to ensure these appointments were managed effectively.
On November 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:59 am and 10:05 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-149 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:59 am and 10:05 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-150 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:59 am and 10:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 620-003 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:59 am and 10:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 620-004 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:59 am and 10:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 620-005 of the White House Tapes.
On November 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:59 am and 10:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 620-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Connally discuss the positive reception to Connally's recent economic speech in New York City and the strategic importance of appearing firm against labor interests at the upcoming AFL-CIO convention. They shift focus to international economic policy, agreeing to minimize the involvement of Arthur Burns and Peter Peterson to maintain control over upcoming diplomatic negotiations. Nixon outlines a plan to meet individually with leaders from France, Germany, and Britain to discuss monetary and geopolitical strategy rather than engaging in large, multi-party forums.
President Nixon and John B. Connally met to discuss upcoming diplomatic strategies, specifically the President's plan to engage with key allies in France, Germany, and Great Britain prior to his scheduled trips to China and the Soviet Union. Nixon proposed a series of individual meetings with foreign leaders rather than a large multilateral summit to avoid being outnumbered, while also coordinating a separate diplomatic effort involving Latin American nations for January. Additionally, the pair discussed the need for better internal coordination between Connally, George Shultz, and Henry Kissinger to align their political and economic objectives.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed domestic political management, specifically addressing concerns raised by Ronald Reagan regarding conservative alienation and administrative patronage. The two also coordinated on filling high-level ambassadorships, including efforts to recruit David Kennedy for a NATO post and potential candidates for the Japan ambassadorship. Finally, they formulated a hardline strategy for upcoming Vietnam peace negotiations, directing U.S. representatives to walk away from talks lacking high-level North Vietnamese authority while considering a resumption of bombing to counter North Vietnamese military buildups.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss the strategic handling of a pending military appropriations bill. The pair coordinated the release of a formal press statement to be issued by Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding the legislation. This brief consultation focused on aligning the administration's messaging concerning the bill's advancement.