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 89 of 211President Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman discussed the delivery and reception of Nixon's recent speech on busing. They reviewed reactions from various politicians and media figures, noting that while some criticized specific aspects or desired stronger stances on constitutional amendments, the overall response was positive, with many praising the speech's clarity and focus on improving educational quality. Nixon instructed Haldeman to encourage supporters to contact their congressmen.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and son-in-law, David Eisenhower, primarily about the issue of school busing and his strategy for addressing it. Nixon explained the constitutional basis for his proposed moratorium and his plan to pressure Congress to pass it, threatening to blame them for continued busing if they failed to act. They also briefly discussed the Florida primary results and the potential impact on the Democratic presidential candidates, particularly Hubert Humphrey and Ted Kennedy.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed reactions to Nixon's speech on busing, with Haldeman relaying positive feedback from various individuals and groups, while also noting some criticisms. They also discussed strategies for generating supportive correspondence to Congress and briefly touched upon the ITT case and the shredding of Dita Beard's file.
On March 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:07 pm and 11:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-095 of the White House Tapes.
On March 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-096 of the White House Tapes.
On March 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-097 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the strategy for a forthcoming speech on busing, emphasizing the President's opposition to busing and his support for a legislative moratorium as the immediate solution, while keeping the option of a constitutional amendment open. They also discussed the speech's delivery, the importance of generating mail to Congress, and the need to stir up support through telegrams, with Ehrlichman tasked to contact Charles Colson. The conversation touched on the speech's emotional element, positive reactions from Julie Nixon and David Eisenhower, and good responses from black administration staff.
On March 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:18 pm and 11:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-099 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Robert Finch discussed the positive West Coast reaction to Nixon's speech on busing, with Finch detailing his upcoming press conferences and the strategy to emphasize the legislative and constitutional amendment routes. They also touched upon the negative press coverage of the ITT case, its potential impact on the administration and Republican Party, and Nixon's assertion that he was not involved in the site selection for the ITT convention. Finch also expressed his belief that Edwin Reinecke had damaged his standing with the President due to his handling of the ITT matter.
President Nixon met with bipartisan Congressional leaders, administration officials, and cabinet members to advocate for a legislative moratorium on court-ordered busing to achieve racial balance in schools. Nixon argued that current judicial mandates were causing societal turmoil and urged Congress to act immediately to stop new busing orders while advancing his broader 'Equal Educational Opportunities Act.' The administration proposed a two-pronged strategy involving an immediate legislative moratorium followed by a long-term commitment to compensatory education funding to improve school quality, specifically for low-income and minority students.
President Nixon held a brief morning meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual. While no transcript exists to detail the specific dialogue, the interaction was logged as involving a private file. The meeting concluded in less than seven minutes, leaving no official record of substantive policy decisions or action items.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate his daily schedule. The primary focus of the discussion was the preparation for an upcoming meeting with White House Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman. This brief session served to organize the President's priorities and manage the flow of administrative business for the morning.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review his upcoming daily schedule. The discussion focused on final preparations for a meeting with Irish Ambassador William Warnock, with potential input from National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. No further substantive policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative briefing.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the administration's political strategy regarding school busing and a proposed Constitutional amendment. The participants reviewed the public response to the President's recent policy announcement, focusing on favorable polling data and bipartisan support from congressional allies. They also discussed the utility of utilizing computer-categorized call data to gauge public opinion and counter critical news media coverage.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule. The brief discussion focused on logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting and a formal photograph session. No significant policy decisions were made during this administrative planning session.
President Nixon met with members of the Citizens' Advisory Council on the Status of Women to discuss the evolving role of women in American society and the administration's commitment to gender equality. The discussion centered on increasing female representation in government appointments, including the judiciary, the Council of Economic Advisers, and the Atomic Energy Commission. Nixon highlighted his recent appointment of Marina von N. Whitman as evidence of his efforts to make breakthroughs for women in traditionally male-dominated professional fields.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated strategy ahead of a National Security Council meeting involving William Rogers, Melvin Laird, and Gerard Smith. Their discussion focused on navigating complex negotiations regarding anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with the Soviet Union. Nixon determined that he would personally interject to override Smith’s position if necessary to ensure administration control over the defense posture.
President Nixon and members of the National Security Council met to evaluate strategic options for the ongoing Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), focusing on ABM site deployments and the potential inclusion of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Nixon emphasized the political necessity of securing an agreement that prevents Soviet strategic superiority, while participants debated the relative merits of "hard-site" defense versus current safeguard proposals and the impact of these negotiations on Congressional support. The discussion underscored a shared concern regarding the erosion of U.S. bargaining leverage and established a firm directive to pursue an agreement based on the principle of strategic equivalency.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield consulted on logistics regarding the use of Camp David by Secretary of State William P. Rogers. They discussed whether Rogers should occupy the facility alone or invite additional staff members and family. The discussion concluded with instructions for Butterfield to coordinate these details directly with H.R. Haldeman.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review logistical arrangements for an upcoming visit from Irish Ambassador William Warnock. The discussion focused on protocol for the meeting, including the coordination of a photograph and the exchange of gifts between the Ambassador and First Lady Pat Nixon. This brief briefing ensured the East Wing was prepared for the presentation and the reciprocal gift-giving process.
President Nixon met with William Warnack, Alexander M. Haig, Jr., and Marion H. Smoak for a brief, informal diplomatic engagement. The meeting included the presence of the White House photographer to document the encounter and brief personal remarks regarding the First Lady and Tricia Nixon Cox. The session concluded shortly after these social pleasantries and a photo opportunity.
President Nixon met with Tina and Neil Diver, along with Margita White, for a brief social interaction focused on personal rapport and photo opportunities. The conversation touched upon the President’s past visits to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and included the presentation of gifts and photographs. The participants engaged in lighthearted discussion regarding mementos and scheduling before the recording concluded.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and John Ehrlichman to coordinate upcoming foreign and domestic policy strategies. The group discussed Kissinger’s travel plans, the President’s impending trip to the Soviet Union, and ongoing legislative efforts to address school busing. Nixon urged his staff to adopt a more aggressive, authoritative tone when dealing with Congress and the press to ensure his policy positions—particularly on busing—were clearly and effectively communicated.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss strategic concerns regarding arms control negotiations, specifically focusing on the dangers of including submarines in potential freeze agreements with the Soviets. They express skepticism about Soviet reliability in maintaining agreement discipline and worry that such a deal could inadvertently permit continued Russian naval modernization. Additionally, the President confers with H. R. Haldeman and Alexander Butterfield regarding personnel management, the need for administrative discipline, and the handling of internal communications and upcoming briefings.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the political climate surrounding educational policy and national unity. The President emphasized the need to move past divisive issues and focus on achieving equal opportunity in education for all children. This discussion served as a thematic exploration of his broader agenda to foster social cohesion and improve the American educational system.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to discuss press briefings and strategy. The conversation focused on the President's desire for a "mighty posture" towards the press and the content of an upcoming speech, which Nixon felt should emphasize positive aspects rather than "dickerings." The discussion also touched upon potential political maneuvers involving Senator Muskie.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler to discuss messaging strategies for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and the administration's stance on school busing. Nixon instructed Ziegler to emphasize his broad support for a constitutional amendment while deferring the technical wording and legislative process to Congress to avoid getting bogged down in legal debates. Regarding busing, they reviewed the political impact of the issue, concluding that public sentiment largely aligned with the President's position despite opposition from the press and political liberals.
President Nixon and Howard Russell discussed the current state of public opinion regarding the administration and the presidency. They assessed whether the general public was actively focused on White House activities or if the presidency remained outside the primary sphere of national concern. The exchange served as a brief analytical review of political engagement and the perceived impact of presidential policy on the electorate.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and John Ehrlichman to strategize on managing ongoing political crises, specifically the ITT investigation and the confirmation of Richard G. Kleindienst. They discussed tactics to distance the White House from allegations surrounding the Dita Beard memorandum and explored how to counter press hostility through a comparative historical analysis of congressional investigative tactics. Additionally, the group addressed the political implications of busing, including the potential for a moratorium and its impact on the 1972 campaign, while coordinating upcoming public communications and scheduling.
On March 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-101 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-102 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:34 pm and 5:29 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-103 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 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 5:25 pm and 5:29 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to handle administrative tasks, including the signing of documents and scheduling matters. The discussion covered arrangements for an upcoming dinner involving an interpreter and the placement of books on the French Revolution in the Oval Office following a consultation with Ronald S. Berman. The President also coordinated logistics for personal services, specifically inquiring about his barber in Chevy Chase, and finalized plans for a meeting with John D. Ehrlichman.
On March 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 5:29 pm to 5:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-104 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 5:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-105 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 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 5:32 pm and 5:36 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-003 of the White House Tapes.
On March 17, 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 5:32 pm and 5:36 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discuss the positive public reception to the President's recent speech on school busing. Nixon notes that while some Southern politicians push for more aggressive legislative action, the administration remains focused on securing a moratorium on busing. The President expresses satisfaction that even Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield, despite expressing reservations, intends to support the proposed legislation.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate their upcoming personal schedule, including a dinner engagement and movie plans for the family. Amidst these personal logistics, the President briefly touches upon his heavy workload and political maneuvering regarding legislative efforts for a school busing moratorium. He notes that while some southern factions sought to reopen related cases, he and Senator Mike Mansfield reached an understanding to proceed with the current legislative strategy.
On March 17, 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 5:40 pm and 5:47 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods to discuss personal and administrative matters, including his desire for more privacy and rest at Camp David away from burdensome social obligations with acquaintances like the Drowns. The conversation addressed the President’s upcoming travel, specifically the logistics for his trip to the Soviet Union and the need to separate his schedule from those of other administration officials and their spouses to avoid excessive group oversight. Additionally, they reviewed potential diplomatic appointments for Emil Mosbacher, Jr. and Wiley Buchanan, ultimately deciding on Portugal as a suitable post for Buchanan.
President Nixon spoke briefly by telephone with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, who informed him that Manolo and Fina had left the White House. The conversation also touched upon Tricia's birthday celebration and her upcoming departure.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:07 am and 12:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-108 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with aides Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to address logistical matters regarding the functionality of the White House taping system. The discussion focused on the technical operation and control of the recording equipment installed in the Oval Office. This meeting served as an internal administrative review concerning the maintenance and oversight of the President’s secret recording apparatus.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:00 am and 11:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-002 of the White House Tapes.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:00 am and 11:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed sensitive foreign policy and electoral strategy ahead of the upcoming Soviet summit. They deliberated on the complex technical aspects of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), particularly regarding radar and missile site configurations, while seeking to prevent the bureaucracy and negotiator Gerard C. Smith from securing unfavorable terms. The pair also coordinated plans to have Secretary of State William P. Rogers conduct European diplomatic outreach to bolster the administration's position, while simultaneously managing the political risks associated with potential agreements in the Middle East and Vietnam during an election year.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:52 am to 11:53 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-005 of the White House Tapes.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:53 am to 11:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-006 of the White House Tapes.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:00 pm to 12:01 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-007 of the White House Tapes.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:01 pm and 12:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke briefly with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, via telephone. They discussed her enjoyment of a movie and made tentative plans for an evening activity, while also touching on the departure of the Browns.
President Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower briefly met in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding an upcoming engagement or meeting. The conversation primarily focused on confirming the timing of a group's departure. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this short personal exchange.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:11 pm and 12:15 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-010 of the White House Tapes.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:11 pm and 12:15 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and Henry Kissinger to discuss international strategy and domestic political challenges. The group reviewed the potential for a Secretary of State trip to Europe to bolster ties before the Soviet summit, as well as plans to reorganize the State Department to better align with presidential goals. A significant portion of the discussion focused on managing the political fallout from Nixon's recent speech on busing, with action items assigned to staff to influence Southern conservatives and local press. The participants also explored strategies to handle the ITT controversy and the investigation into Dita Beard's memorandum.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker met in the Oval Office of the White House from 1:16 pm to 1:17 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate his daily schedule and manage the availability of staff members. The conversation focused on the arrival of Charles W. Colson and whether the President would depart for Camp David. Ultimately, Nixon decided against visiting Camp David himself but signaled that staff members were free to use the retreat if they desired.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker met in the Oval Office of the White House from 1:21 pm to 1:22 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-015 of the White House Tapes.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:22 pm and 1:24 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed the upcoming White House church service and the candidacy of Fred B. Rhodes for the presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention. The participants reviewed Rhodes' professional background as a Veterans Administration official and confirmed his status as a preacher. The brief exchange served to finalize arrangements for the involvement of Rhodes and VA Administrator Donald E. Johnson in the scheduled religious activities.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss their strategy for responding to the ITT controversy, primarily focusing on discrediting the leaked memorandum and its source, Dita Beard. They prioritize painting the memorandum as a fraudulent effort orchestrated by Jack Anderson to damage the administration, while concurrently using typewriter analysis and other investigative techniques to challenge the document's authenticity. The conversation also touches on broader political maneuverings, including managing upcoming Senate hearings, countering the negative press, and reinforcing the administration's position on busing.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, by telephone to confirm family dinner arrangements and departure times for other family members. They agreed to have an early dinner at 6:00 PM and potentially watch a movie, with Nixon confirming he would attend despite working in his office.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:40 pm and 4:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to review the physical specifications and illustrative content of a forthcoming book project involving Ronald S. Berman. The discussion touched upon the book's size and the potential inclusion of French language components. Additionally, the two briefly coordinated the President's upcoming schedule regarding appointments at the Executive Office Building.
On March 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:30 am and 10:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-111 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:30 am and 10:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-112 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called Henry Kissinger to check on his comfort and the accommodations during Kissinger's trip to Acapulco, Mexico. Kissinger described his secluded cliffside location with a swimming pool and motorboat as beautiful and comfortable, despite a slight delay with the Air Force plane. They also briefly discussed the warm weather in Acapulco and the niceness of the Mexican people.
On March 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:33 am and 6:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-114 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon utilized this session in his Old Executive Office Building suite to record personal dictation. The material captured during this interval was subsequently designated as a personal returnable item and withdrawn from the formal public record. Consequently, the specific substance of the President's dictation remains unavailable for historical review.
On March 19, 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 3:58 pm and 5:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 325-005 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:15 pm and 5:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-115 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the ongoing political damage control surrounding the ITT antitrust case and the contentious Dita Beard memorandum. They examined conflicting forensic reports regarding the authenticity of the document, specifically addressing discrepancies between FBI findings and independent expert analysis. The conversation centered on strategies to counter Democratic-led Senate hearings, including Republican Senator Hugh Scott's boycott and the push for Senate investigators to conduct interviews in Denver. The President emphasized the need to maintain a firm political stance against Democratic stalling tactics and to discredit the allegations surrounding the administration's involvement.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, review administrative correspondence regarding a letter from a school class and discuss the guest list and scheduling for an upcoming White House dinner. The President specifies his desired attendees, including prominent political and social figures such as Nelson Rockefeller and John Connally, while finalizing the event's timing. Nixon emphasizes the importance of confirming the availability of key guests to ensure the dinner proceeds as planned.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss administration strategy regarding ongoing political controversies, specifically the ITT scandal and negative media coverage surrounding campaign financing and the Pentagon Papers. They evaluated public reaction to the President's recent stance on busing and strategized on how to counter political opposition, including potential smear tactics against members of Congress. Nixon emphasized the necessity of a proactive, aggressive communication strategy to discredit critics and protect the administration's image ahead of the upcoming election.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming White House social events, specifically reviewing guest lists for a dinner and discussing the logistics of hosting a larger, more inclusive gathering. They also reviewed administrative matters, including the status of a sculpture project and potential business interests in Turkey involving Pepsi-Cola executive Donald Kendall. The conversation concluded with a discussion of security concerns and the perceived decline of New York City, referenced through anecdotes shared by George H.W. Bush.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office to discuss personal arrangements. The brief interaction focused primarily on the President's request for tea. No substantive policy or political matters were addressed during this short exchange.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Ronald Ziegler to review recent public relations strategies, including the effectiveness of his recent New York City trip and the upcoming schedule. The group discussed managing the press, navigating the political challenges of the 1972 campaign, and coordinating administrative responses to sensitive topics such as the ITT scandal and international drug trafficking. Nixon emphasized a hardline stance on drug penalties, suggesting that the administration should advocate for the death penalty for major distributors to project strength on law and order.
On March 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and members of the Cabinet Committee on International Narcotics Control, including William P. Rogers, John B. Connally, Melvin R. Laird, Earl L. Butz, George H. W. Bush, Richard G. Kleindienst, Richard M. Helms, Dr. Jerome H. Jaffe, Myles J. Ambrose, Nelson G. Gross, John E. ("Jack") Ingersoll, Alexander M. Haig, Jr., John D. Ehrlichman, Egil ("Bud") Krogh, Jr., Geoffrey C. Shepard, and Walter Minnick, and the White House photographer, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House from 3:38 pm to 4:48 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 096-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John B. Connally held a wide-ranging discussion to coordinate political messaging and strategy regarding the upcoming presidential election. They focused on managing negative press, particularly concerning the ITT scandal and rising food prices, while solidifying their stance on domestic policy issues such as Social Security and environmental regulations. Nixon emphasized the necessity of standing firm on these policies rather than reacting to every fluctuation in public sentiment or media criticism.
On March 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House from 5:14 pm to 5:15 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 689-007 of the White House Tapes.
On March 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:15 pm and 5:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to discuss his firm stance on national drug policy, emphasizing that public tolerance of illegal substances like marijuana signals societal decline. Nixon framed this hardline approach as a matter of personal conviction rather than mere moralizing. The conversation also briefly touched upon administrative personnel matters regarding an unidentified man's advisory role.
On March 20, 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 5:15 pm and 5:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-010 of the White House Tapes.
On March 20, 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 5:15 pm and 5:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior aides, including H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and John Ehrlichman, to discuss a range of domestic political issues and scheduling conflicts. The participants addressed the ongoing ITT antitrust investigation and its potential for negative political fallout, as well as coordinating public relations strategies regarding Nixon’s upcoming press conference and his attendance at the Gridiron dinner. Nixon ultimately decided to prioritize his travel schedule and administration optics, weighing the pros and cons of official representation at the dinner versus managing the fallout from controversies involving campaign financing and the Justice Department.
On March 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 5:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-117 of the White House Tapes.
On March 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 5:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-118 of the White House Tapes.
On March 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:56 pm and 7:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-119 of the White House Tapes.
On March 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:56 pm and 7:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-120 of the White House Tapes.
On March 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:56 pm and 7:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-121 of the White House Tapes.
On March 20, 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 6:30 pm and 6:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to reorganize his upcoming schedule to better accommodate time-consuming meetings with Romanian official Manea Manescu. Nixon emphasized that translation requirements necessitate doubling the time allotted for foreign dignitaries, prompting the rescheduling of meetings with Gerard C. Smith and Raymond P. Shafer. These adjustments were intended to prevent scheduling bottlenecks and ensure sufficient time for high-level discussions.
President Nixon consulted with John B. Connally to confirm his ally's support for a hardline stance against drug permissiveness. Nixon expressed strong opposition to policies involving the legalization or distribution of heroin and marijuana. Connally affirmed his agreement with the President’s position, reinforcing Nixon's intent to promote these views in an upcoming public address.
President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone on an unknown date, sometime between 8:00 pm on March 20, 1972 and 1:03 pm on March 21, 1972. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-134 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President's upcoming daily schedule and administrative appointments. The discussion focused on coordinating potential meetings with George P. Shultz, John B. Connally, and Turkish Prime Minister Nihat Erim, with H.R. Haldeman’s input required for timing. This interaction served to manage the President’s logistical workflow and prioritize key official engagements.
On March 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:20 am and 10:07 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 690-002 of the White House Tapes.
On March 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:20 am and 10:07 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 690-004 of the White House Tapes.
On March 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:20 am and 10:07 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 690-005 of the White House Tapes.