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 72 of 211President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinate the logistics for the President's upcoming departure to New York City. The discussion focuses on scheduling adjustments, the coordination of the presidential party at the helipad, and the inclusion of Tricia Nixon Cox in the travel arrangements. Additionally, Nixon weighs the timing of a potential press release and a phone call to John B. Connally, stipulating that plans remain off the record pending further confirmation.
On December 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:05 pm and 5:12 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 639-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinated the messaging and execution of an upcoming U.S. air offensive in Laos to counter intensifying enemy activity against pro-U.S. firebases. They decided to announce the operation from Saigon rather than Washington to minimize public scrutiny while Congress was in recess, ensuring the action was perceived as a routine defensive measure. Additionally, the pair reached a consensus to withhold the public release of a letter from Indira Gandhi, preferring to maintain a firm, private stance on international communications.
On December 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:20 pm and 5:26 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 639-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John B. Connally coordinated the President’s arrival at the Group of Ten meeting to mark the successful negotiation of complex international currency realignments. Connally advised the President to congratulate the delegates and escort them to the press to highlight the historic significance of their agreement. The two agreed that the President would deliver brief remarks emphasizing the unprecedented nature and difficulty of the achievement.
President Nixon and John Connally discuss the logistics of an upcoming trip, specifically timing their travel and public engagement to accommodate a press briefing. They coordinate the sequence of events, focusing on how to effectively address the media after thanking their associates. The brief exchange concludes with Connally noting a critical, high-priority matter that requires the President's attention.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistics for the President's upcoming visit to the Smithsonian Institution's 'Superstar' exhibition. The discussion focused on the departure timing, transportation arrangements, and the involvement of First Lady Pat Nixon. They also established guidelines for communicating with the press regarding the event.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull engaged in a brief, informal discussion regarding the outcome of a San Francisco 49ers football game. The conversation centered on confirming the 31-27 final score and expressing general enthusiasm about the result. No significant policy decisions or official business were conducted during this exchange.
On December 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:26 pm and 3:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-119 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson reviewed the success of John Connally's recent international monetary negotiations and discussed strategies to effectively communicate these economic achievements to the public. They analyzed the current political landscape, including favorable shifts in media coverage and the limitations of critical press reports regarding the administration's economic and war policies. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the administration's ongoing efforts to influence Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns to loosen the money supply to stimulate economic growth heading into the 1972 election cycle.
On December 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:36 pm and 6:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-121 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the positive reception of a recent hour-and-a-half-long interview conducted with Time magazine representatives Jerrold Schecter, Hedley Donovan, and Henry Grunwald. The conversation highlights the magazine staff’s favorable impression of the President’s thoughtful and confident demeanor, particularly regarding his comments on maintaining a non-candidacy stance and his overview of the South Asia situation. Ziegler reports that the interviewers found the session productive, anticipating that the President's remarks will generate significant news coverage.
On December 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:50 pm and 7:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-123 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and evangelist Billy Graham discussed a range of political, diplomatic, and cultural topics, including the recent International Monetary Agreement and ongoing trade negotiations led by John Connally. The two also addressed geopolitical tensions, specifically U.S. military retaliatory strikes against North Vietnam and the regional instability caused by the India-Pakistan War. Additionally, Graham expressed his support for the Nixon administration, characterizing the current era as a major religious revival in America while commending the President’s leadership.
On December 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-125 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Connally discuss the positive public reception of a recently negotiated international monetary agreement and plan Connally's upcoming travel schedule. They also address concerns raised by economist Milton Friedman regarding the money supply, with Nixon urging Connally to leverage his influence over Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns to ensure appropriate policy adjustments. They decide to schedule a formal Quadriad meeting to discuss these monetary issues further.
On December 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-127 of the White House Tapes.
On December 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:58 pm and 10:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-128 of the White House Tapes.
On December 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:58 pm and 10:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-129 of the White House Tapes.
On December 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:58 pm and 10:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-130 of the White House Tapes.
On December 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:58 pm and 6:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 639-027 of the White House Tapes.
On December 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:58 pm and 6:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 639-028 of the White House Tapes.
On December 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John N. Mitchell met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:58 pm and 6:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 639-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Mitchell, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman to discuss a serious security breach involving a Navy yeoman who was systematically stealing and duplicating classified documents from the National Security Council (NSC) for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The participants determined that the yeoman had been acting under the instruction of military superiors, specifically Admirals Robinson and Welander, to funnel sensitive foreign policy information to the Pentagon. To address this compromise without triggering a public scandal or a damaging confrontation with the military establishment, they decided to move the military liaison office out of the NSC, replace it with a new security officer, and have the officials involved reassigned.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the reception of an NBC program, "A Day in the Life of the President," focusing on its production quality, political impact, and how it portrayed Nixon's leadership image. They evaluated public reaction to the show, comparing Nixon's style to previous presidents and discussing the necessity of projecting a strong, steady, and active image. Additionally, they touched upon recent successful diplomatic meetings in Bermuda and the Azores, as well as the positive trajectory of the economy, concluding that these factors collectively supported the administration's goals for the 1972 campaign.
On December 22, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:46 am and 9:48 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 640-001 of the White House Tapes.
On December 22, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:46 am and 9:48 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 640-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, and Arthur Burns to coordinate key administrative priorities, including the upcoming presidential trip to the People's Republic of China, ongoing defense budget negotiations, and personnel appointment procedures. A primary focus was establishing stricter internal control over government leaks—specifically regarding Yeoman Charles Radford—and reaffirming the President's authority over Federal Reserve Board appointments. The participants also discussed the President's recent television documentary, strategies for managing the money supply to address economic concerns, and the administration's stance on federal pay raises.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the logistical arrangements for an upcoming ceremony involving the presentation of commissions to Associate Justices. The President expressed a desire to streamline the event by bypassing formal introductions with attendees he had previously met. Additionally, they briefly touched upon concerns regarding insufficient financial pledges for the associated committee.
Following a formal ceremony in the Oval Office to recognize the commissions of new Supreme Court Justices Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist, President Nixon transitioned into a private session with his staff. The discussion focused on national security concerns, specifically the ongoing investigation into intelligence leaks involving Navy Yeoman Charles E. Radford, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Henry Kissinger. Nixon and his advisors resolved to neutralize the threat posed by Radford by utilizing the legal pressure of potential criminal prosecution to ensure his silence, while simultaneously using the incident as a pretext to restructure security operations within the Joint Chiefs and the National Security Council.
President Nixon met with members of the President's Commission on Financial Structure and Regulation to discuss the findings and implementation strategy of their report on domestic financial reform. The discussion focused on the challenges of navigating bureaucracy and congressional committees to enact an omnibus bill aimed at increasing the viability of depository institutions through free-market mechanisms. The President emphasized the need for a cohesive legislative strategy while the group touched upon international economic policy and the recent successful efforts of the Treasury Department in global currency realignments.
President Nixon met with Peter Flanigan and H.R. Haldeman to evaluate potential candidates for various ambassadorships, including Japan, Spain, and Argentina. The discussion focused on balancing political loyalty and competence while addressing specific diplomatic needs in countries undergoing potential leadership transitions. Nixon emphasized his desire to appoint reliable individuals who align with his administration's goals rather than relying on traditional career diplomats or individuals with conflicts of interest.
President Nixon met with departing economic advisor Paul W. McCracken to discuss the administration's economic legacy and international monetary policy. They reviewed the successful implementation of the August 1971 surcharge and the resulting shifts in global currency values, as well as strategies for future negotiations with Japanese and European counterparts. Nixon expressed gratitude for McCracken’s service and solicited final advice regarding the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, reflecting optimism for economic growth heading into 1972.
On December 22, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:43 pm and 12:45 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 640-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his tailors, Anthony T. Rossi and Acheille Mongelli, to discuss the selection and fitting of clothing for his upcoming international travel to the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union. The President emphasized a need for lightweight, versatile fabrics suitable for varying climates and the demands of his 1972 campaign schedule. During the session, they reviewed fabric samples, finalized adjustments for his measurements, and the President signed autographs for the staff members who assist with his wardrobe.
On December 22, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:13 pm and 1:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 640-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss various personnel matters, executive actions, and the administration's public image. They finalized the terms for James R. Hoffa's clemency, specifically focusing on restrictive conditions regarding his future labor union involvement, and reviewed potential appointments, including a possible Department of Defense role for Peter Flanigan. Additionally, they analyzed the President’s recent public approval ratings, discussed strategies to improve his standing heading into 1972, and reviewed positive public feedback regarding a televised special featuring the President.
On December 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:14 am and 11:21 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 641-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to discuss personal scheduling arrangements, upcoming holiday travel to Florida, and administrative tasks for the Christmas season. The conversation focused on managing the President's correspondence, coordinating phone calls, and finalizing logistics regarding Woods's time away. They also exchanged seasonal well-wishes and brief updates concerning mutual acquaintances, including Elmer H. Bobst.
On December 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:25 am and 11:32 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 641-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Apostolic Delegate Luigi Raimondi and White House aide Peter M. Flanigan to receive a personal message of peace from Pope Paul VI. The brief session included a photo opportunity and a general exchange regarding global peace efforts and holiday well-wishes. Nixon acknowledged the Vatican's diplomatic mission, reflecting on the persistent challenges of achieving world peace.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss logistics and concerns regarding the President’s upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically expressing frustration over excessive sightseeing and unproductive gaps in the schedule proposed by Henry Kissinger. Nixon directed Haldeman to coordinate revisions to the itinerary—aiming to cut unnecessary travel days and prioritize substance over tourism—while instructing him to handle these changes without directly confronting Kissinger initially. The two also briefly touched upon Henry Kissinger's concerns regarding media leaks and tension with the State Department.
On December 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:09 pm and 1:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-001 of the White House Tapes.
On December 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:09 pm and 12:27 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 641-006 of the White House Tapes.
On December 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:09 pm and 12:27 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 641-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistics for an upcoming trip to Key Biscayne, specifically focusing on dinner arrangements, wine selections, and lodging accommodations with Charles “Bebe” Rebozo. The discussion also touched upon a potential communication from Charles Colson to an unnamed recipient, possibly George Meany. This meeting served to finalize personal travel details and manage pending administrative correspondence.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss personal holiday arrangements and the welfare of various acquaintances experiencing health issues. The conversation focuses on coordinating the delivery of Christmas gifts and cards, as well as checking on the condition of several mutual friends, including Ben Freeman. Woods concludes the meeting by coordinating the placement of holiday packages under the President's tree.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss a serious security breach involving a yeoman who leaked classified information to columnist Jack Anderson. The participants addressed the existence of an unauthorized channel between the National Security Council staff and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which allowed for the improper dissemination of internal decision-making documents. Nixon directed his staff to shut down this channel and strategy was discussed regarding how to handle the leaker and potentially confront Anderson, while carefully avoiding direct involvement from Henry Kissinger in the ongoing investigation.
On December 23, 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 1:20 pm and 1:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 310-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with unidentified individual(s) in his Old Executive Office Building office to discuss adjustments to his official presidential schedule. The brief five-minute encounter focused exclusively on logistical planning and the management of his upcoming appointments. No specific policy decisions were recorded during this session.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate logistics for an upcoming departure. The brief exchange served to finalize the timing of their travel plans, with the President confirming an 8:30 departure. No other policy or administrative matters were addressed during this short scheduling discussion.
On December 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 1:25 pm to 1:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson briefly coordinated plans for an upcoming meeting. The two agreed to reconvene in approximately ten minutes after Colson finished his lunch. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this short scheduling exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson reviewed administration strategy for the 1972 presidential campaign, focusing on political messaging, the role of Cabinet officials in media outreach, and improving the President’s public image. They discussed tactical initiatives, including a proposed direct-mail campaign to Democratic voters and strategies for leveraging radio and press coverage to bypass unfavorable headlines. Additionally, the pair touched upon economic indicators, expressing optimism regarding positive holiday sales trends and increasing consumer confidence.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate his professional schedule. The discussion focused on organizing upcoming meetings with John N. Mitchell and H.R. Haldeman. Bull was tasked with finalizing these arrangements to ensure the President's calendar remained aligned with his priorities.
President Nixon met with Robert Finch and H. R. Haldeman to discuss various administrative and political matters, including the potential financing of Eugene McCarthy as a spoiler candidate in the 1972 election. The group also evaluated the future of the National Center for Voluntary Action and the impact of the National Cancer Act of 1971. Finally, they reviewed the ongoing investigation into the Yeoman Charles E. Radford incident, specifically Henry Kissinger’s reaction to security breaches involving Joint Chiefs of Staff personnel and the complexities of potential prosecutions.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:55 am and 1:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and Henry Kissinger to address the fallout from the 'Radford incident,' which involved unauthorized access to sensitive documents by military liaisons. The group discussed the potential resignation of Admiral Thomas Moorer and the need to manage the professional rivalries and perceived disloyalty within the administration, particularly regarding Secretary of State William Rogers and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. The President also reviewed legislative priorities, including environmental water quality bills and real estate taxation, while discussing personnel management strategies to maintain stability among his cabinet and senior staff during ongoing foreign policy crises.
President Nixon and George Shultz spoke to coordinate administration strategy on the defense budget, pending water legislation, and Federal Reserve policy. They reached an agreement to secure Melvin Laird's public support for the defense budget and decided that, despite budgetary concerns, the President would sign the water bill to avoid a politically unfavorable veto confrontation. Additionally, Nixon requested that Shultz provide moral support to Henry Kissinger regarding public criticism of U.S. foreign policy during the India-Pakistan War.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 1:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 309-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and OMB Director George Shultz confer on internal administrative coordination, specifically ensuring that Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird aligns with budget agreements to prevent political friction with conservatives. The President also discusses his skepticism regarding a pending water bill, signaling a desire to avoid a veto conflict while directing staff to manage the implementation cautiously. The conversation concludes with brief remarks on national political sentiment and holiday sentiments.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:46 pm and 1:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details regarding official First Family Christmas photographs taken in the Blue Room. The discussion addressed the distribution of these images through wire services and personal photographers. Additionally, Nixon briefly reviewed communication requests from General James D. Hughes concerning Liberia and issued specific instructions for General Walter R. Tkach.
On December 24, 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 1:46 pm and 1:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 309-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Major General James D. Hughes regarding a request for the Grambling College Band to travel to Liberia for an inauguration. Despite concerns about setting a precedent for such transportation, Nixon determined the trip should proceed as a political decision. He instructed Hughes to coordinate with press secretary Ronald Ziegler to ensure the administration received maximum favorable publicity for the gesture.
President Nixon and General James D. "Don" Hughes held a brief, informal meeting in the Old Executive Office Building on Christmas Eve. The exchange functioned as a short holiday greeting and a check-in between the President and his military aide. No substantive policy matters or administrative directives were recorded during this brief interaction.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 1:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 309-007 of the White House Tapes.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 1:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed Major General James D. Hughes to telephone Representative Otto E. Passman to secure his support for a specific presidential initiative. Hughes was directed to convey the President's personal holiday wishes and assure Passman that Nixon trusted his judgment regarding the expenditure of taxpayer funds. By positioning the initiative as an exception and emphasizing mutual confidence, the President sought to cultivate goodwill and influence the congressman's legislative cooperation.
President Nixon met with his military aide, General James D. Hughes, to provide specific instructions regarding a personal favor or exception for an acquaintance. The President directed Hughes to contact a pastor to communicate that an exception had been granted on his behalf. This brief exchange served to facilitate a message of authorization for the individual in question.
President Nixon initiated a brief administrative exchange with the White House operator to manage his outgoing correspondence. During the call, the President specifically requested to be connected with journalist John W. Chancellor. He briefly searched for additional contact information before deciding to conclude the request, deferring further calls to a later time.
On December 24, 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 1:51 pm and 1:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 309-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated this call to NBC newsman John Chancellor to express his appreciation for the television documentary 'A Day in the Life of the President.' The conversation transitioned from reflections on the broadcast to a geopolitical discussion regarding the India-Pakistan conflict and the Middle East, noting the influence of major powers. Nixon also shared his personal views on women in leadership roles, arguing that female heads of state like Indira Gandhi often demonstrate greater toughness and risk-taking than their male counterparts.
President Nixon met with NBC news anchor John Chancellor to exchange holiday greetings and commend the network for their production of the documentary "A Day in the Life of the President." The conversation pivoted from feedback on the film to a wide-ranging discussion on global geopolitics, specifically the instability in Pakistan and the Middle East. Nixon also shared personal observations on leadership, positing that women in positions of power often demonstrate greater toughness and a higher willingness to take risks than their male counterparts.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:01 pm and 2:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-012 of the White House Tapes.
On December 24, 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 2:01 pm and 2:06 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 309-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Nelson A. Rockefeller to exchange Christmas greetings and discuss domestic and foreign policy priorities. Nixon requests that Rockefeller contact a discouraged Henry Kissinger to offer support regarding the administration's handling of the India-Pakistan War. Additionally, they discuss the status of federal revenue sharing legislation, with Nixon encouraging Rockefeller to anticipate its passage when planning the New York state budget.
President Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller exchanged Christmas greetings while discussing pressing political and foreign policy concerns. Nixon sought Rockefeller's support in bolstering the morale of Henry Kissinger, who was reportedly depressed over criticism regarding the administration's handling of the Indo-Pakistani War. The two also touched on political strategy for the upcoming election, specifically regarding John Ashbrook, and reaffirmed their commitment to passing revenue sharing legislation in the new year.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:12 pm and 2:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-014 of the White House Tapes.
On December 24, 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 2:12 pm and 2:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 309-013 of the White House Tapes.
On December 24, 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 2:12 pm and 2:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 309-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon called Governor Ronald Reagan to exchange Christmas greetings and invite him to join a diplomatic golf outing with Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato at Walter Annenberg’s estate. Nixon planned for the January 7, 1972, event to serve as a symbolic gesture to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations following formal policy discussions. Reagan expressed interest in attending, though he noted he would verify his schedule, and Nixon confirmed that political rivals Senators John Tunney and Alan Cranston were explicitly excluded from the invitation.
President Richard Nixon contacted Governor Ronald Reagan to extend holiday greetings and formally invite him to join a diplomatic outing with Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Satō. The proposed event, scheduled for January 7, 1972, involved a golf outing at the estate of Ambassador Walter Annenberg following official meetings. Reagan accepted the invitation, and the two men concluded the brief discussion with personal remarks regarding the upcoming Washington Redskins versus San Francisco 49ers playoff game.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-016 of the White House Tapes.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:09 pm and 3:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed various administration concerns during the holiday period, including the ongoing friction between Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William Rogers. The two reviewed recent press coverage of administration officials, the India-Pakistan War, and the release of Jimmy Hoffa, while noting the potential need to limit Kissinger’s future role as a media spokesman. They also coordinated personal scheduling details for upcoming trips to Florida and California, ultimately deciding to proceed with their planned objectives despite internal bureaucratic tensions.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to coordinate his holiday schedule and manage incoming communications. The discussion focused on tracking the availability of associates Jack Mulcahy and W. Clement Stone, who were currently unreachable. Nixon provided instructions for his call routing between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. and explicitly requested that the operator place follow-up calls to Ralph H. Cake and Charles W. Colson.
President Nixon and Charles Colson spoke on Christmas Eve to discuss the political fallout and media reaction regarding recent news, specifically the release of Jimmy Hoffa. They reviewed public and media perceptions of the event, contrasted it with Democratic responses, and touched upon Secretary of State William P. Rogers' effective handling of Vietnam policy in the press. Additionally, they assessed the President's current approval ratings and leadership image, noting that recent actions had successfully strengthened his standing with the public.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:58 pm and 4:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard M. Nixon met with White House photographer Oliver F. Atkins and others to conduct a formal portrait session in the Oval Office. The participants focused on technical aspects of the shoot, including lighting, film speed, and posing techniques designed to project a relaxed and positive presidential image. The discussion centered on coaching Nixon to provide specific expressions, such as a "campaign look" and a wide-open grin, for the photography team.
President Nixon spoke with his brother, Edward C. Nixon, and Gaye Lynne Nixon to coordinate holiday schedules and family logistics for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The discussion covered plans involving the Eisenhower family, Julie Nixon Eisenhower’s recent television appearance, and the President's upcoming international meetings with Willy Brandt and Eisaku Sato. Additionally, they briefly touched upon the status of the India-Pakistan conflict and arrangements for official family photography.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:39 pm and 4:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Donald Rumsfeld discuss public perception and political strategy, specifically regarding the success of domestic economic policies and upcoming media appearances. They review the positive impact of wage and price controls while outlining plans to quietly decontrol rent in areas with high vacancy rates to avoid negative press. Additionally, the conversation touches on the President's upcoming international travel, his recent observations on the state of the U.S. economy, and his strong recommendation for Rumsfeld to watch the film 'Brian's Song' for its positive message on race relations.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:55 pm and 4:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-025 of the White House Tapes.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-026 of the White House Tapes.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:57 pm and 5:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called Alexander Haig to offer Christmas greetings and discuss strategies for managing Henry Kissinger, who was struggling with personal frustration regarding public criticism of the administration's India-Pakistan policy. Nixon emphasized the need for Kissinger to maintain perspective, ignore media commentary, and focus on upcoming foreign policy initiatives like his 'state of the world' report and China diplomacy. Additionally, they addressed the internal investigation of Yeoman Charles Radford, deciding to keep him under surveillance in Washington rather than transferring him out of the area.
President Nixon initiated calls to Attorney General John Mitchell, Secretary Maurice Stans, and Secretary Elliot Richardson before speaking with donor and supporter W. Clement Stone. The brief interaction with Stone primarily served as a holiday exchange, during which the President expressed gratitude for Stone’s ongoing financial and moral support. Nixon specifically praised Stone’s contributions to his administration's accomplishments, citing the ongoing withdrawal of troops from Vietnam as a highlight.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:10 pm and 5:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated a brief holiday courtesy call to Ralph H. Cake to offer well-wishes and acknowledge Cake's ongoing efforts. The conversation served primarily as a social check-in, with the President praising Cake's resilience and dedication. No specific policy decisions or political actions were transacted during the exchange.