Scott, Stanley S.
Stanley S. Scott began his service in the Nixon administration in June 1971 as Assistant to the Director of Communications for the Executive Branch, where he focused on liaison with minority media outlets. In 1973, he transitioned to the role of Special Assistant to the President for Minority Affairs, taking over the duties of handling all aspects of liaison with Black Americans and their organizations. This promotion occurred near the end of the White House taping period.
President Nixon met with Herbert G. Klein, Stanley S. Scott, and Oliver Atkins to welcome Scott to the White House staff and discuss the administration's minority appointment strategy. Nixon emphasized his desire to integrate qualified African Americans and women into high-level positions across various sectors, such as the judiciary and federal commissions, rather than limiting them to civil rights-focused roles. The President expressed his commitment to a 'color-blind' hiring approach and encouraged Scott to remain resilient in his new, challenging position.
President Nixon met with members of the Committee to Form a National Health Education Foundation to discuss the development of a non-governmental organization focused on public health education and disease prevention. The President emphasized his belief in leveraging the private sector, voluntary initiatives, and public participation to improve the national health system rather than relying solely on monolithic government-run programs. The committee members and the President agreed to coordinate efforts to raise awareness for health initiatives, using the model of successful past voluntary campaigns to address contemporary challenges.
President Nixon met with Ruth Voss and representatives Edwin Etherington, James McLane, and Stanley Scott to discuss her volunteer initiatives in Cincinnati, particularly programs supporting local youth and community development. The conversation centered on the logistical and financial challenges of securing federal support through government agencies like ACTION. Nixon expressed interest in these volunteer efforts and provided directives to his staff to coordinate with administrative officials to address the project's funding needs.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman engaged in an extensive review of the President’s upcoming schedule, focusing on the State of the Union address, pending diplomatic visits, and the handling of school financing policy. Nixon emphasized his need for uninterrupted time to focus on his legislative agenda and Vietnam policy, leading to instructions to minimize public events and consolidate state visits. Later, the President met with Arthur Fletcher and other staff to review the success of the First Lady’s recent trip to Liberia and to participate in a photo opportunity involving a funding check for the Grambling University band.
President Nixon met with White House aides Robert J. Brown and Stanley S. Scott for a brief photo opportunity in the Oval Office. Following the departure of the photographer, the participants engaged in a private discussion lasting nearly four minutes. The specific substance of this dialogue was removed from the public record due to its personal nature.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods, John D. Ehrlichman, and several visitors, including NFL legend Jim Brown, to discuss campaign political strategies, administrative personnel, and minority business initiatives. The discussion covered concerns regarding campaign financing, the potential for political leaks, and the status of government staff. Following the departure of Woods and the visitors, Nixon and Ehrlichman reviewed upcoming meetings with George Romney and the Cost of Living Council to address public relations challenges regarding food prices and government staffing.
President Nixon met with members of the Black Executive Advisory Committee of the Committee to Re-elect the President to discuss the administration's record and ongoing efforts to support the Black community. The discussion focused on educational opportunities and the progress made regarding economic empowerment and federal outreach. Participants highlighted the importance of these initiatives in mobilizing support and fostering positive change within Black communities during the 1972 election cycle.
President Nixon met with entertainer James Brown and his associates to discuss Brown's career achievements and his influence on youth. During the visit, which included a photo session and the exchange of gifts, the participants touched upon potential federal initiatives regarding the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including the establishment of a national holiday and a monument in Atlanta. Nixon acknowledged the importance of these proposals but noted that any formal action would likely be deferred until after the 1972 election to avoid political complications.
President Nixon met with a large group of African American administration officials and staffers to discuss their roles in the administration, career advancement, and broader racial issues within the government and society. Nixon expressed his appreciation for their support and work, specifically highlighting the efforts of Robert J. Brown, while addressing the need to create more opportunities for minorities in both government and private industry. The discussion touched upon the importance of merit-based professional growth, the recruitment of young people into public service, and the President's commitment to improving representation and progress over his next term.
President Nixon and his Cabinet met to launch a strategic public relations campaign, titled the Presidential Spokesmen program, aimed at pressuring Congress to support his budget priorities and oppose spending-heavy legislation. Nixon urged his officials to frame the budget debate not as a constitutional conflict, but as a direct choice between the economic interests of the 'New American Majority' and the fiscal irresponsibility of the opposition. The session included briefings on foreign policy, defense spending, and law enforcement, emphasizing the need for administration spokesmen to maintain a positive, disciplined narrative while avoiding defensive posturing on 'false issues.'
In this meeting, President Nixon addressed his Cabinet and senior staff regarding the recent departures of top aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, framing the transition as a necessary move to restore stability amidst the escalating Watergate investigation. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust, directed the staff to cooperate fully with investigators, and insisted that the White House avoid any appearance of a cover-up. Cabinet members and staff discussed the administration’s focus on governance, foreign policy, and economic management, reaffirming their collective commitment to the President's agenda despite the political crisis.
President Nixon met with Dr. Edmund C. Casey and other officials to debrief on a recent medical delegation visit to the People's Republic of China. The discussion focused on Chinese medical innovations, particularly the use of acupuncture for anesthesia in surgeries and dental procedures, as well as the structure of their national health insurance and paramedic-based care delivery systems. Nixon expressed strong support for continued scientific and medical exchanges, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to international communication to advance global health outcomes.