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 88 of 211President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule to manage various executive and legislative priorities. They discussed arrangements for meetings with George H. Mahon, Otto E. Passman, and Henry Kissinger, alongside a request from John D. Ehrlichman and Edward L. Morgan to discuss the administration's stance on busing. The conversation focused on coordination of these engagements to ensure the President remains in control of key policy decisions.
President Nixon met with Representative George H. Mahon, Texas Tech University President Grover E. Murray, and other academic representatives to discuss a formal invitation for the President to address the upcoming American Society for Engineering Education conference in Annapolis. The participants also engaged in informal conversation regarding upcoming visits, the presentation of photographs and personal memorabilia for a presidential display at Odessa College, and general political pleasantries. Nixon agreed to consider the speaking invitation and facilitated a photo opportunity with the visiting delegation.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to exchange gifts, including an item purchased in Chinatown intended for Augusta College. The conversation, which was informal and brief, also included lighthearted banter about travel plans and a missing photograph. No substantive policy or political decisions were made during this social interaction.
President Nixon met with Representative Otto E. Passman, Henry Kissinger, and Richard K. Cook to discuss legislative strategy regarding the 1973 foreign assistance bill and the administration's budget priorities. Passman, a key legislator on foreign aid, affirmed his strong support for the President's military assistance and Vietnam-related policies while expressing deep skepticism toward multilateral aid programs and the Peace Corps. The President and his team secured Passman's commitment to assist with funding for critical national security needs, specifically mentioning potential requirements for operations in Cambodia, while agreeing to keep Passman informed through Kissinger when urgent matters arise.
On March 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:41 pm and 3:48 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 683-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the President's upcoming public statement on busing, specifically reviewing a draft prepared by Raymond K. Price, Jr. They also coordinated scheduling for an upcoming meeting with Nassir Assar concerning the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO). The discussion centered on balancing policy substance with the rhetorical tone of the busing announcement.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the presidential schedule, focusing on the timing of upcoming meetings and the coordination of messaging. They specifically discussed the need to sharpen political talking points and confirmed a morning meeting for the following day. The dialogue underscores Nixon’s hands-on management of staff appointments and his desire to refine the administration's public presentation.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to manage his immediate schedule and availability for incoming calls or meetings. The discussion centered on the President's current window of free time, lasting approximately ten to fifteen minutes. The exchange highlights the logistical coordination required to manage the President's workflow and communication access during the workday.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson, Kenneth Clawson, and others to discuss public relations strategies regarding the burgeoning ITT controversy and the authenticity of the Dita Beard memorandum. The participants expressed concerns that the memo was a fabrication, likely manipulated by Jack Anderson or his staff, and strategized on ways to discredit the document while navigating negative media coverage orchestrated by political opponents, including Senator Ted Kennedy. The President emphasized his belief that the memo was logically inconsistent and forged, instructing his staff to aggressively investigate its origins and use the findings to protect the administration from scandal.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including H.R. Haldeman and Charles Colson, to coordinate a strategy for neutralizing the ongoing ITT controversy and the accompanying negative press coverage. The discussion focused on discrediting the 'Beard memorandum' through forensic typewriting analysis and managing the potential damage from Senate hearings regarding Attorney General Richard Kleindienst’s confirmation. Nixon emphasized a policy of aggressive pushback against smear campaigns, referencing his past experience with the Alger Hiss case, while also firming up his administration's position to avoid any personnel resignations under political pressure.
President Nixon spoke with James Keogh by telephone to acknowledge receipt of an autographed copy of Keogh's book, "President Nixon and the Press," and to discuss its potential reception by reviewers. Nixon expressed interest in the book's content and mentioned his own reading habits, while Keogh confirmed he was also working on a forthcoming book and sought further anecdotes and quotes from Nixon and others.
On March 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:52 pm and 5:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-055 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called his wife, Pat, to inform her that the pandas would be sent to the Washington Zoo and that Constance Stuart's office had been notified. They discussed the pandas' arrival around April 1st, Pat's potential visit to see their habitat, and the excitement surrounding the pandas, even among children. The President also informed Pat that he would be staying late to work on a busing statement with John Ehrlichman and Edward Morgan, and would not be home for dinner.
President Nixon dictates a series of directives to H.R. Haldeman concerning administrative scheduling, press strategy, and political messaging. The President outlines plans for an upcoming White House church service featuring the Army Chorus and suggests using Henry Kissinger's meetings with political groups to manage his schedule. Furthermore, Nixon orders research into the growth of ITT during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations to bolster the administration’s defense against antitrust criticism and requests historical precedents of media bias regarding the House Un-American Activities Committee to support his public relations efforts.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding the handling of specific administrative tasks and sensitive documentation. The discussion centered on the transcription process involving H.R. Haldeman, Rose Mary Woods, and Marjorie P. Acker. This brief interaction served to coordinate the secretarial responsibilities and internal processing of official memoranda.
President Nixon consulted with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, regarding the coordination of a specific individual's schedule. Nixon instructed Sanchez to verify the person's availability and ensure the necessary administrative clearance was obtained. The brief exchange focused on the logistical management of staff or guest appointments.
On March 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 6:07 pm to 6:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-057 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman in the Old Executive Office Building for a brief, one-minute consultation. Given the lack of a transcript or accompanying documentation, the specific subject matter and potential action items remain unrecorded. This conversation serves as an archival record of their brief administrative interaction during the 1972 election year.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the upcoming announcement of Nixon's trip to the Soviet Union, including the timing and delegation, with a particular focus on Mrs. Nixon's participation. They also debated the appointment of a new ambassador to Cambodia, considering Charles Whitehouse and Admiral Horacio Rivero, Jr., with Nixon favoring a military figure to oversee U.S. aid and military assistance.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the potential appointment or utilization of a specific military official, reflecting on the candidate's professional capabilities and personal reliability. Despite expressing reservations about trusting the individual, Nixon acknowledged the candidate's hard-working nature and expertise. The brief exchange focused on evaluating this figure's suitability for a role requiring military credibility.
On March 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:17 pm and 6:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-059 of the White House Tapes.
On March 13, 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 6:17 pm and 6:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 323-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed the press briefing, focusing on Ziegler's responses regarding the busing controversy and the President's message to Congress. They also touched upon the positive press coverage of the pandas, the ongoing International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) controversy and the perceived unfairness of reporting on Peter Flanigan's role, and the strategy for handling campaign contribution questions. Ziegler noted that reporters often seek embarrassing questions rather than legitimate news, a point Nixon agreed with and hoped would be highlighted in James Keogh's upcoming book.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media coverage and political strategy, specifically regarding allegations of conflict of interest involving John Flanagan and the firm Dillon Reed. Nixon expresses frustration over the perceived reach of these accusations and questions the motivations behind the negative press coverage. The conversation concludes with the President instructing Ziegler to monitor these narratives closely and respond firmly to any further public criticism.
On March 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-061 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a communication request. This brief interaction served as a logistical step to connect the President with another party for an official call. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for managing negative press coverage regarding the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) scandal. They specifically address efforts to influence the Washington Star and journalist Smith Hempstone, as well as the investigation into Dita Beard and the involvement of White House staff. The conversation focuses on countering damaging narratives through media management and monitoring ongoing inquiries.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to discredit a recent media report, specifically targeting coverage by the Washington Star regarding the Grinnell divestiture case. The President expresses frustration with the article's framing and instructs Colson to pressure editorial staff and utilize subordinates like Ken Clawson to challenge the journalist's credibility. Additionally, the pair briefly touches upon the ongoing effort to use forensic typewriter analysis to undermine the document's authenticity.
President Nixon held a private meeting with an unidentified individual in his Old Executive Office Building suite. The brief recorded session included a withdrawn segment labeled as personal and returnable, indicating the discussion likely involved sensitive or non-official subject matter. Due to the lack of available transcripts and the protected nature of the dialogue, the specific substance of the exchange remains undisclosed for historical analysis.
President Richard M. Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, at the Old Executive Office Building for a brief discussion. The primary substance of this interaction was withdrawn from the public record due to its personal nature. No significant policy decisions or administrative actions were documented during this private encounter.
President Nixon met with his longtime personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. While the official record includes a withdrawn personal segment, the interaction reflects the frequent informal access granted to Sanchez within the White House. No policy decisions or substantive administrative developments were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to dictate a formal memorandum regarding official administrative or political business. The brief discussion was primarily focused on the recording and documentation of specific executive directives. As the conversation content remains restricted or withdrawn, the specific policy or administrative subject matter of the memorandum remains unavailable for review.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, during an evening session in the Old Executive Office Building. The meeting took place amidst the President's personal dictation of memoranda for his files. No transcript is available to confirm specific dialogue, as the encounter occurred during a period of administrative record-keeping.
President Richard Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The conversation, which lasted less than a minute, was categorized as a personal matter and remains restricted from the public record. No substantive policy discussions or administrative decisions were documented in the available information regarding this interaction.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss personal matters. The discussion, which was redacted due to its private nature, reflects the routine professional interactions between the President and his long-time staff member. No policy decisions or substantive administrative developments were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with an unidentified male visitor in the Executive Office Building for a discussion that remains restricted from the public record. Due to the withdrawal of the content for personal or sensitive reasons, the specific substance of their exchange is unavailable. Consequently, no policy decisions or action items can be corroborated from this encounter.
President Nixon met to practice his upcoming televised address regarding federal policy on busing and educational equality. He outlined his plan to propose a moratorium on new federal busing orders and introduce the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1972, which sought to redirect federal funding toward improving schools in disadvantaged areas. The President aimed to position his administration against busing for racial balance while emphasizing a commitment to desegregation and quality education.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in his Old Executive Office Building workspace. The interaction lasted for less than a minute and was classified as personal in nature. No substantive policy discussions or administrative actions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman reviewed a draft of an upcoming speech on school busing prepared by Raymond Price. Nixon emphasized the need to modify specific segments, particularly arguing against the characterization of black schools as inherently inferior and questioning the effectiveness of including numerous anecdotal examples. The meeting also included a brief administrative update from Stephen Bull regarding the President's schedule and an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to organize the President's daily agenda. The primary focus of the discussion was the scheduling of a high-level consultation with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This administrative coordination served to finalize the President's priorities and meeting flow for the day.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss foreign policy strategy, specifically focusing on managing the optics and political fallout of the Vietnam War ahead of the 1972 election and the upcoming Soviet summit. They deliberated on the timing of troop withdrawal announcements to neutralize Democratic criticism, the necessity of maintaining a residual force for POW protection, and the potential for a visit to South Vietnam. Additionally, the pair reviewed the success of the recent China trip and explored potential cabinet realignments, including the possible future roles of Nelson Rockefeller and Spiro Agnew.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and others to discuss managing political fallout and public relations strategy, specifically regarding the ITT case and an unflattering Jack Anderson report about Arthur K. Watson. The conversation focused heavily on drafting a television address on school busing, where Nixon emphasized his desire to adopt a firm, hard-line stance against forced busing to appeal to his political base, despite internal opposition from some administration liberals. Nixon also finalized plans for his upcoming diplomatic trips and considered ways to energize his support in key states through targeted domestic appearances.
President Nixon met with Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) Secretary General Nassir Assar and other officials to discuss the strategic importance of the alliance in maintaining regional stability. The President emphasized the ongoing value of CENTO as a counterbalance to Soviet influence and a vital link for non-Communist nations like Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. Nixon also addressed the complexities of securing U.S. congressional support for military and economic aid, while highlighting his planned visits to Iran and the Soviet Union as symbolic gestures to reaffirm American commitment to its regional allies.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly met to coordinate administrative logistics regarding an upcoming meeting with Senator Jack R. Miller. The discussion focused on scheduling details, including arrangements for the Senator’s daughter and the selection of appropriate ceremonial gifts for attendees. The exchange emphasized the importance of symbolic gestures in diplomatic and political interactions.
President Nixon met with representatives from Kiwanis International to discuss their community service initiatives, specifically their work on drug education and environmental projects. The participants shared perspectives on the importance of local community involvement and service organizations, with the President encouraging the group to continue their efforts to reach youth and address social challenges at the grassroots level. The conversation also touched upon Bicentennial planning and the value of active civic engagement compared to passive activities like television viewing.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, specifically regarding a meeting with Representative George H. Mahon. During the discussion, the two transitioned into an informal conversation about the landscaping and aesthetic features of the White House Rose Garden. The exchange concluded without any major policy decisions, focusing primarily on administrative planning and grounds maintenance.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-063 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-064 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:36 pm and 2:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-065 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to discuss specific landscaping plans and the horticultural arrangement of the White House grounds. The conversation focused on the anticipated seasonal bloom of various plants, including magnolias, crabapples, and tulips. Nixon expressed a clear vision for the aesthetic development of the garden, emphasizing his personal interest in the botanical display.
President Nixon held an informal, brief exchange with a White House operator regarding logistical arrangements for his upcoming schedule. The conversation primarily focused on confirming the timing for an afternoon commitment and coordinating personal errands. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this interaction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman meet in the Oval Office to strategize on public relations, upcoming travel, and political damage control. They discuss media management regarding the ITT anti-trust controversy, potential strategies for the President’s upcoming busing statement, and the itinerary for the President's trip to the Soviet Union. The pair also reviews the President's schedule, focusing on balancing high-profile domestic events, such as drug policy initiatives and meetings with newspaper editors, while maintaining a controlled image for television.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The discussion was purely administrative in nature, serving as a logistical bridge to connect the President with another party. No substantive policy matters or political decisions were addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon provided detailed guidance to William Safire regarding a speech on busing, emphasizing a 10-minute length and a tilt towards the majority view against mandatory busing. Nixon stressed the need for simple, impactful language understandable to a television audience, using vivid examples of children facing long bus rides past neighborhood schools. He directed Safire to focus on the detrimental effects on education and well-being, while acknowledging the need to avoid turning back desegregation and to present a balanced message to Congress the following day. Key action items included drafting the speech with these points, with Nixon to review a draft by 9:30 am the next morning, and strict instructions to keep the draft confidential.
President Nixon met with William Safire to provide strategic guidance on an upcoming speech regarding school busing and desegregation. Nixon emphasized the need for a simple, compelling narrative that positions his administration as decisive in curbing mandatory busing while maintaining a commitment to equal education. He directed Safire to cut technical legal jargon and focus on vivid, relatable examples of the hardship busing imposes on families to secure broader public support, particularly ahead of the Florida primary. The discussion prioritized immediate legislative action over long-term constitutional amendments to address public frustration with current court-ordered desegregation policies.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:15 pm and 4:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-067 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate the White House's public response to ongoing controversy surrounding the ITT case. They discussed strategies for defending staff member Peter M. Flanigan against political attacks, emphasizing that White House officials must maintain contact with various sectors of society as a standard professional duty. Nixon and Ziegler also reviewed the effectiveness of John N. Mitchell's recent testimony, agreeing to maintain a firm stance and frame the criticism from senators as politically motivated harassment.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to review administrative matters regarding the President’s upcoming schedule. The discussion primarily focused on coordinating meetings with various guests, including Luci Johnson Nugent, Tricia Nixon Cox, Patrick Nugent, and Congressman George H. Mahon. The meeting served to ensure logistical arrangements and proper protocol for these scheduled appointments.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting in the Oval Office with Debbie Wright, Congressman George H. Mahon, and several associates to host a photo session and discuss personal matters. The conversation touched upon Debbie Wright’s academic studies at Texas Tech University, her upcoming international travel, and recent diplomatic developments regarding the gift of pandas from the People’s Republic of China. The meeting served primarily as a social engagement and a photo opportunity for the guests.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate logistics for an upcoming social visit involving Luci Baines Johnson and Patrick Nugent. The discussion focused on scheduling details, including arrangements for Tricia Nixon Cox and the use of the tennis courts. Bull was tasked with managing these specific planning items for the President's guests.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate an upcoming meeting with Luci Baines Johnson. The discussion focused on the logistics of providing gifts, including items acquired during the President's recent trip to the People's Republic of China. Nixon also addressed arrangements for a special tour for Johnson and considerations regarding public perception of these interactions.
President Nixon met with his daughter Tricia Nixon Cox, Luci Johnson Nugent, Patrick L. Nugent, and Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office for a social visit and an official photo session. The conversation centered on casual family pleasantries, the history and legacy of the presidency, and the exchange of gifts, including a telescope. The participants also coordinated posing for the White House photographers to capture images of the group during their time in the office.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office to discuss logistical details regarding the transport of a gift. The discussion focused on the practical handling of an object that appeared to be a telescope or similar viewing device related to space exploration. The interaction concluded with the President ensuring Sanchez had the necessary assistance to transport the item safely.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield coordinate the distribution of photographs from a recent event, specifically requesting that copies be sent to former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The brief interaction serves to ensure that participants and relevant former officials are properly provided with visual documentation. Nixon emphasizes the importance of direct delivery to prevent these records from being misplaced or lost.
On March 14, 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 3:52 pm and 4:18 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-055 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the ongoing ITT antitrust case, focusing on John Mitchell's congressional testimony and strategies to counter negative press. They also explored the Dita Beard memo, including efforts to verify its authenticity through typewriter analysis and the potential impact of an anonymous letter received by the Evening Star. Colson reported on efforts to discredit Thomas Eagleton and Nixon suggested a tactic to intimidate Edward M. Kennedy regarding the case.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss political strategies to deflect scrutiny surrounding the IT&T antitrust case and mitigate the influence of political adversaries in Congress. The President directs Colson to investigate the growth of IT&T during previous Kennedy and Johnson administrations to create a counter-narrative, while also discussing aggressive legal and interrogation tactics to discredit political opponents. Nixon emphasizes the need for his team to remain resilient and strategic under pressure, stressing the importance of gathering evidence to protect the administration.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-069 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-070 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:37 pm and 7:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-071 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:37 pm and 7:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-072 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:37 pm and 7:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-073 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 4:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-057 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 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 4:37 pm and 4:42 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-058 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler and Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman to review Ziegler's recent press briefing regarding the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) scandal and controversy surrounding Peter M. Flanigan. Nixon and Haldeman critiqued the media's performance and instructed the press team to adopt a more aggressive, combative stance against partisan critics rather than remaining on the defensive. They also briefly discussed the administration's upcoming television address on busing and potential strategies for the President’s participation in the Gridiron dinner.
President Nixon met with key advisors, including H. R. Haldeman, Alexander Haig, and John Ehrlichman, to discuss a range of administrative, political, and public relations concerns. The conversation focused on managing the political implications of foreign trade and business relations, specifically regarding the roles of Peter Flanigan and Henry Kissinger, as well as addressing ongoing press inquiries about campaign financial contributions. Additionally, the President reviewed his upcoming schedule, including planning for staff meetings at Camp David and strategies for the Republican National Convention.
President Nixon held a brief three-minute meeting with an unidentified individual in his Old Executive Office Building workspace. The entire content of the discussion remains classified as a personal returnable item, preventing any insight into the subjects addressed or decisions made. Consequently, no specific developments or action items are available for historical analysis.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Craig S. Campbell talked on the telephone from 7:00 pm to 7:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-074 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Craig S. Campbell discussed the President's schedule, specifically the length of a movie and the weather and timing for a trip to Camp David. Campbell reported the movie was two hours and two minutes long and that the weather at Camp David was zero-zero with a forecast of continued poor weather, suggesting Nixon would likely have to drive. Nixon decided to go up in the morning.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:04 pm and 7:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-076 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Craig S. Campbell talked on the telephone from 7:05 pm to 7:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-077 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-078 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called Manolo Sanchez to give instructions regarding travel arrangements to Camp David. Nixon specified that he would drive himself, that the "big dog" should ride with him in the limousine for more legroom, and that Sanchez should take the "little dogs" in a separate vehicle, with departure set for 9:30 pm.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:07 pm and 7:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-080 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Connally discussed unauthorized public statements made by Treasury official Nathaniel Samuels, CEA Chairman Herbert Stein, and CEA official Marina Whitman regarding international monetary affairs and economic policy. Connally expressed frustration that these statements contradicted the administration's official position and could undermine his upcoming speech to the Foreign Policy Council in New York. Nixon assured Connally that he would stop these officials from making independent statements and that Connally's speech would represent the sole administration position.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-082 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed H. R. Haldeman via telephone to inform Herbert Stein, Ezra Solomon, and Marina von N. Whitman that all future statements on international monetary affairs require presidential word-by-word clearance. Nixon also directed Haldeman to tell Nathaniel Samuels that his recent speech was not approved, did not represent policy, and that his resignation was expected the following morning.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-084 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-085 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed ensuring that Treasury Secretary John Connally's upcoming speech on international monetary affairs would represent administration policy and that no one from the Council of Economic Advisors would speak on the topic without Connally's approval. Nixon also directed Haldeman to inform Secretary of State William Rogers that Nathaniel Samuels was to be fired for deviating from administration policy on international monetary affairs, with his resignation to be accepted immediately.
On March 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:47 pm and 9:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-087 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the strategy for handling press briefings on a speech concerning busing, agreeing that advance distribution of the speech text was preferable to a live briefing. They also touched upon the positive reception of the speech within the Cabinet and anticipated the political fallout regarding the busing issue, predicting that Democrats like Muskie and Humphrey would face pressure to support a moratorium or similar action, while the administration would position itself as acting to resolve the issue through Congress.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review the tone and content of an upcoming presidential speech. The pair expressed satisfaction with the draft, noting that it successfully emphasizes positive themes while avoiding petty or divisive rhetoric. They reached a consensus that the speech is clear and effectively framed to serve the administration's messaging goals.
On March 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:17 pm and 10:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-089 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his staff to finalize and rehearse an Address to the Nation regarding his stance on school busing and educational policy. During the session, he reviewed the speech's tone, ensuring it emphasized positive educational reforms rather than divisive rhetoric. The President decided to propose a legislative moratorium on new federal court-ordered busing and the introduction of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1972 to focus federal funding on improving schools in underserved areas.
President Richard M. Nixon utilized this time to rehearse his televised Address to the Nation regarding equal educational opportunities and school busing. During the practice session, he refined his messaging to position his legislative proposals as a balanced alternative to extreme viewpoints on the controversial issue. The primary goal was to project a moderate stance that emphasized stopping busing while prioritizing improved educational quality for all children.
President Nixon consulted with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, while reviewing remarks for a public address regarding school busing and educational policy. Nixon articulated a middle-ground position that rejected the extremes of both forced busing and total inaction, positioning his proposal as a reflection of the American majority's desire for quality education. This interaction served as an informal sounding board for the President to refine the rhetorical balance of his upcoming message to Congress and the public.
President Nixon met with Mark I. Goode and television technicians in the Oval Office to prepare for a live, televised address to the nation regarding equal educational opportunities and school busing. The participants coordinated technical details, including camera placement, audio levels, and broadcast timing for the speech. Following the successful delivery of the address, the President thanked the crew and distributed presidential gifts as a gesture of appreciation.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed the strategy for releasing a speech on busing, agreeing to let the speech itself carry the message rather than pre-empting it with wire leads. They reviewed the delivery and lighting of the speech, and anticipated press reaction, with the goal of shifting attention away from the ITT scandal. Ziegler also noted that reporters were pushing for morning press conferences.
On March 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:29 pm and 10:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-091 of the White House Tapes.