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 86 of 211On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 8:32 am to 8:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-003 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:33 am and 8:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-004 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:33 am and 8:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate a potential last-minute visit to a flood-stricken area in West Virginia while en route to Florida. The President emphasized the need to gather logistical details from staff—including Darrell M. Trent, General George A. Lincoln, and Senator Robert C. Byrd—without prematurely raising public expectations. Butterfield was tasked with confirming the feasibility and specific location of the stop to ensure a smooth, low-profile excursion.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 8:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-007 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 8:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political implications of recent economic trends, specifically focusing on the upcoming January unemployment figures and stock market performance. The conversation also analyzes the volatility of the 1972 Democratic primaries, particularly the decline of Edmund Muskie's campaign and the potential impact of the busing issue on Democratic candidates. Nixon expresses satisfaction with the defeat of the Griffin Amendment, noting that it preserves his administration's flexibility to define its own legislative stance on the busing issue.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the shifting dynamics of the 1972 Democratic presidential primaries, specifically focusing on the performance of candidates and the influence of the press. They analyze the impact of voter turnout among liberals and conservatives, while speculating on the potential entry of Senator Ted Kennedy into the race. The conversation concludes with administrative coordination regarding upcoming staff communication while the President prepares for a brief period of absence.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:08 am and 9:10 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-010 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:08 am and 9:10 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Connally met to assess the national economic outlook and discuss the 1972 presidential campaign. Connally emphasized that despite some public anxiety regarding inflation and meat prices, the administration should remain steady rather than reactive, noting that key indicators like stock market performance and machine tool orders signaled improvement. They also analyzed the Democratic field, concluding that Edmund Muskie's campaign was effectively over, while anticipating that Edward Kennedy might emerge as the eventual challenger despite the political risks surrounding Chappaquiddick. The conversation underscored a strategic preference for maintaining a calm, confident administrative posture heading into the election year.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed the logistical feasibility and political implications of a potential presidential trip to assess flood damage in West Virginia. Butterfield provided a detailed breakdown of flight times and the limited activity in the disaster zone, noting the presence of refugees and reconstruction crews. Ultimately, Nixon decided against the visit due to the lack of substantive purpose and the political sensitivity surrounding the cause of the dam failure. The conversation concluded with a brief mention of upcoming travel plans to Key Biscayne.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:50 am and 9:57 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed logistics for an upcoming staff trip to Florida, including potential visits to Disney World and the management of staff accommodations. They reviewed political strategy regarding the 1972 campaign, specifically polling data against Republican challengers Paul McCloskey and John Ashbrook, and evaluated the impact of the President's recent trip to the People's Republic of China. The conversation also touched on the administration's stance on Taiwan, the President's upcoming travel to the Soviet Union, and arrangements for sending gifts to family and staff members following the China visit.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:19 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-136 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-016 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:22 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-137 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:22 am and 11:27 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-138 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed the public display of gifts received during the President's recent trip to China, agreeing that the items would generate significant public interest. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the logistics of Julie Nixon Eisenhower's travel schedule, including a delay in her departure and an upcoming phone call with the President.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:22 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-017 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:22 am and 11:26 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-018 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:22 am and 11:26 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-019 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:22 am and 11:26 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-020 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:22 am and 11:26 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including George Shultz and Henry Kissinger, to review the domestic and political fallout following his historic trip to China. The conversation focused on managing the narrative surrounding the visit, specifically highlighting the favorable contrast between the President's statesmanlike conduct and the perceived desperation of Democratic presidential candidates. Beyond the China trip, the group discussed legislative priorities such as the foreign aid bill, the status of Radio Free Europe funding, and upcoming labor negotiations. Nixon expressed a desire to maintain stability in the economy and carefully navigate potential confrontations with organized labor leaders like George Meany.
President Nixon called Ronald H. Walker to commend him and his team for their successful logistical efforts during the President’s recent trip to the People’s Republic of China. Nixon acknowledged the demanding nature of the assignment and expressed pride in their performance while noting the Chinese officials' observations regarding the team's youth. The conversation concluded with Nixon encouraging the fatigued Walker to take a planned trip to Florida to recover his health.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, spoke briefly to discuss the recent death of Calvin E. Brumley, who suffered a fatal heart attack on March 4. The President offered his condolences and coordinated plans to place a sympathy call to the widow, Jayne Brumley. Additionally, the two checked in on Woods’s personal health status following her recent concerns.
On March 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and members of the Cabinet Committee on Education, including L[ouis] Patrick Gray, III, Elliot L. Richardson, George P. Shultz, Kenneth W. Dam, Paul H. O'Neill, John D. Ehrlichman, Edward L. Morgan, James Clawson, Clark MacGregor, Ronald L. Ziegler, Dana G. Meade, Samuel C. Jackson, William H. Brown, III, Norman B. Houston, Samuel J. Simmons, and Stephen B. Bull, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House from 10:30 am to 11:43 am. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 093-002 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:30 am and 8:38 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-001 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:30 am and 8:38 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-002 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:30 am and 8:38 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the positive domestic public reaction to the President's recent trip to the People's Republic of China, which they contrasted with the skepticism and criticism from political opponents and some media figures. They analyzed various media critiques of the Shanghai Communiqué, dismissing claims of secret deals and asserting that the administration achieved its strategic objectives without conceding Taiwan. Additionally, the pair coordinated their response to press inquiries and considered how to manage further reporting on the trip while maintaining momentum for potential diplomatic progress regarding Vietnam.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and other staff members to discuss political strategy, staffing concerns, and crisis management related to the ITT anti-trust controversy. The group focused on controlling the public relations fallout from the ITT affair, determining the President's upcoming travel and meeting schedule, and assessing the political impact of the China trip and current primary elections. Nixon expressed a desire to distance the White House from the ITT scandal, emphasizing that any necessary clarifications should come from the Justice Department rather than the President or his staff.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:30 am and 12:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-006 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:30 am and 12:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-007 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:30 am and 12:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-008 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and members of the Cabinet Committee on Education and the Council of Black Appointees, including Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, John B. Connally, Elliot L. Richardson, Dr. Sidney P. Marland, Jr., John D. Ehrlichman, Roy D. Morey, Lewis A. Engman, Edward L. Morgan, Ronald L. Ziegler, Mary T. Brooks, William G. Colman, Hilda A. Davis, John H. Fischer, Dorothy M. L. Ford, Norman Francis, Eugene Gonzales, David H. Kurtzman, Rev. William E. McManus, Duane J. Matthies, Wendell H. Pierce, William G. Saltonstall, William B. Thompson, Ivan E. Zylstra, Norman Karsh, and Clint Pace, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House from 11:46 am to 12:27 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 093-003 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:28 pm to 12:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss political strategy, including his administration's position on a busing moratorium and the status of his forthcoming meeting with the Cabinet Committee on Education. The group addressed internal staff tensions, specifically regarding Pat Buchanan's potential resignation over disagreements with the Shanghai Communiqué and his frustration with the administration's perceived failure to satisfy conservative interests. Additionally, the President and his advisors reviewed the escalating ITT antitrust controversy, evaluating the political risks associated with the Justice Department's settlement and allegations involving Dita Beard and Jack Anderson.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:28 pm and 1:38 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the logistics and strategic approach for an upcoming meeting with Taiwanese Ambassador James C.H. Shen. The discussion focused on the urgency of the Ambassador's concerns regarding the Republic of China and the President's desire to gain a nuanced assessment of the diplomat's temperament. They also reviewed Henry Kissinger's role in the broader context of these diplomatic engagements.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate administrative logistics and manage public relations regarding upcoming cabinet appearances and press engagements. The discussion centered on controlling the optics surrounding diplomatic interactions, specifically emphasizing that ambassadors should not be granted high-profile access to the White House. Nixon directed Kissinger to finalize specific memorandums and manage expectations for upcoming meetings with foreign representatives and administration officials.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:28 pm and 1:38 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-014 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:28 pm and 1:38 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to the Secretary of State and other key agencies to establish strict guidelines regarding the recent summit with the People's Republic of China. He emphasized the need for a disciplined, restrained public messaging strategy across the bureaucracy to protect the delicate nature of the new bilateral relationship. Consequently, he ordered an immediate halt to any further commentary or elaboration on the substance of the talks or the official communiqué.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to review and refine official public messaging following the President’s recent trip to the People’s Republic of China. The discussion focused on coordinating consistent talking points, specifically regarding the President's remarks at Andrews Air Force Base and Kissinger’s previous background briefings in Shanghai. To ensure administrative alignment, Nixon directed the drafting of a formal memorandum to Secretary of State William P. Rogers to dictate how officials should characterize the trip in future public statements.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to the Secretary of State and other officials regarding the management of public messaging following his recent trip to the People’s Republic of China. He instructed that all official comments regarding the trip must be confined strictly to the framework established in his arrival remarks at Andrews Air Force Base on February 28, 1972. This directive served to ensure administrative consistency and control the narrative surrounding the diplomatic breakthrough.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to discuss administrative directives and his recent travel to Florida. The conversation touched upon the logistics of the trip, including weather conditions and the involvement of Julie Nixon Eisenhower. Additionally, the pair addressed the handling and placement of specific gifts and personal items within the office.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review recent polling data assessing the public impact of the President’s historic trip to China. They analyzed approval ratings compared to Gallup and Harris polls, noting a solid, consistent level of support and a decline in disapproval. The discussion also covered voter sentiment on foreign policy issues and the perceived political efficacy of the summit, with the participants concluding that the trip provided a favorable benchmark despite some lingering skepticism regarding secret agreements.
President Nixon and HUD Secretary George Romney met to discuss the administration's urban policies and the potential for a non-partisan "Citizens for America" movement to address fundamental national issues. Romney, drawing on his experiences in Michigan, proposed a structure for building public consensus on housing, racial equity, and the "real city" concept, while acknowledging the political challenges of dealing with controversial topics in an election year. Nixon expressed support for Romney’s vision and the necessity of such advocacy, though both men agreed that any such initiative would need to remain independent of the upcoming presidential campaign.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate administrative tasks and manage the President's schedule. The discussion centered on the handling of specific correspondence, with the President instructing Butterfield to prioritize a formal letter over other pending paperwork. This interaction served to streamline workflow efficiency regarding office documentation and outgoing communication.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This routine interaction served to connect the President with an external party via the White House switchboard. No further substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were captured during this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with his staff to manage the growing political fallout from the ITT antitrust case, specifically focusing on coordinating a formal statement for John N. Mitchell and managing the public narrative surrounding Dita Beard. Following these internal deliberations, the President met with James C. H. Shen, the Republic of China's ambassador, to address concerns regarding the administration's recent diplomatic outreach to the People's Republic of China. Nixon sought to reassure the Taiwanese government of the U.S. commitment to their security while emphasizing the need for patience and peaceful resolution in the region.
President Nixon called Jayne Brumley to offer his condolences following the death of her husband, Calvin E. Brumley. During the brief exchange, Nixon praised Calvin's work and noted that he had recently discussed the deceased's professional contributions with John B. Connally. The President also spoke briefly with the couple's son, Brian, and encouraged the family to remain resilient during their time of grief.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:13 pm and 7:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the scheduling and logistics of upcoming personal reunions. The conversation focused on organizing gatherings for the President's World War II service associates and his Duke Law School classmates. Nixon decided to prioritize the law school class reunion for June at the request of an associate, effectively pushing back other planned events.
President Nixon summoned John D. Ehrlichman to the Oval Office for a brief, five-minute meeting. While no transcript or detailed record of the dialogue exists, the encounter served as a direct consultation between the President and his chief domestic policy advisor. The meeting highlights the frequent, informal nature of communication between the two men during this period of the Nixon administration.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors and Henry Kissinger to navigate several political and diplomatic challenges, including the ongoing ITT controversy, the management of the 1972 presidential campaign, and the implications of his recent trip to the People's Republic of China. The group discussed strategies to handle public and congressional inquiries regarding potential conflicts of interest, with Nixon emphasizing a policy of non-comment on political issues. Additionally, Kissinger briefed the President on North Vietnamese stalling tactics in peace negotiations, which were potentially influenced by Chinese pressure, and reviewed the administration's delicate balancing act regarding Taiwan and Vietnam in foreign policy communications.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger spoke briefly regarding the review of pending documents. The President directed Kissinger to examine specific materials for his subsequent consideration and feedback. This exchange reflects the routine administrative coordination between the two men concerning the President’s workflow and briefing requirements.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:15 pm and 7:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political fallout of the ITT controversy, dismissing it as a media-driven distraction that will soon fade. They also review the positive public reception of Nixon’s recent trip to the People's Republic of China, citing favorable polling and high approval ratings as evidence of its success. Finally, they analyze indicators of a strengthening national economy, specifically noting a surge in public market participation and encouraging reports from economic advisor Herbert Stein.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed a report from New York regarding the People’s Republic of China's (PRC) reaction to recent U.S. public statements on Taiwan and Vietnam. While the PRC expressed concern, they maintained a diplomatic tone and approved the visit of a U.S. House delegation via a new, formal public channel. The two leaders decided to brief Secretary of State William P. Rogers on these developments while cautioning him to exercise greater discretion in his rhetoric to avoid jeopardizing future diplomatic progress.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to prepare for an upcoming session with Republican Congressional leadership regarding welfare reform, revenue sharing, and the ongoing ITT controversy. Nixon instructed Ehrlichman to lead the presentation on policy matters while avoiding direct engagement on the ITT scandal. They further discussed political strategy to discredit columnist Jack Anderson and manage the testimony of Dita Beard, focusing on evidence that the Republican Party had previously rejected ITT contributions.
President Nixon met with Vice President Agnew and Republican Congressional leaders to coordinate legislative strategy on key domestic priorities, specifically revenue sharing, welfare reform, and Social Security legislation. The discussion focused on overcoming legislative stalemates in the Ways and Means Committee and the Senate, particularly regarding the influence of Chairman Wilbur Mills and the need for a unified Republican stance. The President urged the leadership to maintain pressure for compromise bills that align with administration goals while avoiding fiscally irresponsible mandates during an election year.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:58 am and 10:57 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. Allen Smith, Clark MacGregor, and William E. Timmons to strategize on legislative priorities and congressional scheduling ahead of the upcoming national conventions. The participants discussed the feasibility of a constitutional amendment regarding school busing and coordinated efforts to finalize key appropriations bills before the Republican National Convention. Nixon emphasized the need for a small group of senior leaders to reach a consensus on legislative tactics to maximize efficiency during the tight three-to-four-month window before the party conventions.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield briefly discussed the scheduling of a meeting with Earl Butz and Richard Lyng. The purpose of that meeting was to receive the National Advisory Committee on Child Nutrition Report. They considered moving the meeting earlier, before an 11:00 am press briefing, to potentially influence the timing of the report's release or discussion.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss the administration's strategic handling of the People's Republic of China, upcoming foreign policy challenges, and media narratives surrounding Secretary of State William Rogers. A significant portion of the conversation focused on the President’s frustration with negative press regarding the recent China trip and perceptions of the State Department’s morale and loyalty. The participants addressed the need to manage internal bureaucratic friction while maintaining a strong, unified image for upcoming international negotiations and domestic political stability.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:48 am to 10:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 679-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with members of the National Advisory Committee on Child Nutrition to receive a formal report on the committee's two-year progress in managing national school lunch programs. The discussion highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving child nutrition and the logistical successes of the program in serving millions of students. Nixon expressed appreciation for the committee's efforts, distributed commemorative gifts, and briefly discussed the importance of government support for rural populations.
President Nixon calls Timothy G. Elbourne to formally express appreciation for his extensive 48-day work assignment supporting the recent presidential trip to the People's Republic of China. Nixon acknowledges the logistical challenges faced by Elbourne and his colleagues, lightheartedly noting the positive impression they left on their Chinese counterparts. This brief exchange serves as a gesture of presidential recognition for the staff involved in the mission's successful execution.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:57 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 679-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, Henry Kissinger, and others to manage the fallout and public relations surrounding the recent trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically addressing Secretary of State William P. Rogers' perceived alienation from the process. The participants discussed strategies to neutralize negative press coverage and mitigate perceived leaks from the State Department, while also deliberating on the upcoming US-Soviet summit. Additionally, the conversation touched on various domestic political matters, including the ITT case, busing policy, 1972 campaign financing, and the political maneuvers of Democratic candidates.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:31 pm and 12:40 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 679-009 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:31 pm and 12:40 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 679-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with General Motors executives James M. Roche and Richard C. Gerstenberg, alongside John D. Ehrlichman and George P. Shultz, to discuss administration relations and corporate matters. The conversation briefly touched upon Nixon’s recent trip to the People's Republic of China, as well as antitrust concerns regarding GM. The participants also addressed a recent New York Times article comparing the Nixon administration's handling of GM to previous policies under the Johnson administration, while briefly noting production and productivity trends.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:45 pm and 2:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-010 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:45 pm and 2:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-018 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:45 pm and 2:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-019 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, 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 12:45 pm and 2:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-020 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, 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 12:45 pm and 2:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed logistics for upcoming campaign appearances, specifically focusing on the New Hampshire primary and a Veterans of Foreign Wars Congressional Award Dinner. Nixon expressed a desire to avoid being interrupted by election result updates during his travel and scheduled events. Haldeman coordinated the President's departure plans and outlined the press briefing strategy for responding to the primary outcomes through Ronald Ziegler and Gerald Warren.
President Nixon called Congressman William M. Colmer to express his personal regret regarding the Representative's decision to retire from public office. The President acknowledged Colmer’s long-standing service and influence as a prominent Southern legislator, inviting him to a White House reception to honor his career. They also discussed the need for new, effective leadership in Congress and coordinated the scheduling of a final luncheon in Colmer's honor.
President Nixon contacted Representative William M. Colmer to express his regret regarding the Congressman's decision not to seek reelection. During the discussion, Nixon proposed hosting a reception to honor Colmer’s service to the country. The two also touched upon the future of the House, with Nixon encouraging Colmer to help identify and mentor capable successors among the newer members of Congress.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-012 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:18 pm and 2:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-013 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:18 pm and 2:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-014 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 2:18 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-024 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, 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 2:18 pm and 2:26 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the scheduling of an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger at the Executive Office Building. The conversation briefly reviews Secretary of State William P. Rogers' recent, successful press conference regarding foreign policy and his role in the Peking summit. Nixon also discusses his firm rejection of State Department involvement in his meetings with heads of state, emphasizing the need to maintain presidential control over diplomatic proceedings.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the return of Henry Kissinger and coordination issues between the National Security Council and the Department of State. Nixon expresses strong resistance to the idea of allowing a State Department official to join his team, emphasizing the need to maintain control over his advisory structure. The discussion touches upon broader geopolitical strategy, noting the distinct leadership dynamics between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Abraham A. Ribicoff talked on the telephone from 2:29 pm to 2:38 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met briefly with Senator Abraham Ribicoff to offer personal condolences regarding the recent death of Mrs. Ribicoff. The conversation served as a gesture of sympathy and political goodwill between the two figures. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were addressed during this exchange.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to coordinate White House messaging on domestic policy, the upcoming busing decision, and the ITT controversy. Following Ziegler's departure, Henry Kissinger joined the President to discuss foreign policy strategy, specifically addressing ongoing frustrations with Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The two leaders explored the potential for replacing Rogers and debated the political risks of personnel changes within the State Department during delicate international negotiations.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:38 pm and 10:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-017 of the White House Tapes.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:01 pm and 3:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 679-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Connally, George Shultz, and Herbert Stein to coordinate administration strategy on key economic policy issues, particularly rising concerns over Social Security, the federal budget deficit, and minimum wage legislation. The group discussed maintaining a hard-line stance against excessive spending increases, including a potential 20% Social Security hike that they viewed as inflationary, while also preparing contingency plans to address a possible longshoremen's strike. Nixon emphasized the necessity of a unified administration position that favors economic discipline and reaffirmed his refusal to return to currency convertibility.
On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:43 pm to 4:44 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 679-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed concerns regarding low morale at the State Department and the perceived marginalization of Secretary of State William P. Rogers following the China summit. They addressed the need to improve Rogers' public image, the upcoming Moscow trip, and the importance of ensuring Rogers plays a visible, substantive role in foreign policy to counter press narratives. The President also discussed the need to manage bureaucratic resistance and maintain control over trip logistics and public announcements to ensure they remain centrally directed from the White House.