Stephen B. Bull
Stephen B. Bull served in the Nixon administration from its inception, initially working as a Staff Assistant to the President from January 1969 to February 1973. In February 1973, following the departure of Dwight L. Chapin, Bull was promoted to Special Assistant to the President and Appointments Secretary, a role he held until Nixon's resignation in August 1974. During the White House taping period (February 1971 – July 1973), Bull managed the President's daily schedule and appointments, and in March 1973, he assumed Alexander Butterfield's responsibility for overseeing the secret White House taping system.
862 conversations about Stephen B. Bull → (where Bull is the subject, not only a participant)
What Bull talks about on the tapes
Presidential scheduling 1,367White House operations 445White House administration 406Public relations 339White House logistics 331Henry Kissinger 292Vietnam War 250Scheduling 229Logistics 222Foreign Policy 1901972 election 173H. R. Haldeman 170
Conversations (3,174)
— Page 17 of 32Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House on an unknown date, sometime between 1:51 pm on July 19, 1972 and 9:33 am on July 29, 1972. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 747-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson and other staff members to navigate the ongoing political fallout from the Watergate break-in, specifically focusing on the legal jeopardy of figures like Jeb Magruder and E. Howard Hunt. Beyond the scandal, the participants discussed scheduling entertainment for a visit by Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, strategic press relations, and potential labor support from the Teamsters. Nixon emphasized maintaining a posture of confidence while directing staff to manage media interactions carefully to avoid appearing defensive.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 748-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with businessman Armand Hammer to discuss ongoing trade negotiations with the Soviet Union, the status of Hammer's Occidental Petroleum company, and the possibility of recruiting Marvin Watson to assist the Nixon reelection campaign. Hammer provided detailed accounts of his long-standing history with Soviet leadership, including Lenin and Khrushchev, and updated the President on his efforts to improve U.S.-Soviet relations through art and business ventures. Following Hammer's departure, Nixon and H.R. Haldeman shifted focus to the Watergate scandal, specifically debating the legal strategies regarding immunity for campaign staff members Jeb Stuart Magruder and Hugh Sloan, Jr. to contain further investigations.
President Nixon met with George Shultz and H.R. Haldeman to discuss strategies for leveraging favorable economic news while managing the administration's public image amidst ongoing tensions with Congress. They reviewed the political impact of recent labor developments, specifically addressing the fallout from the withdrawn transportation strikes legislation and planning a coordinated announcement regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew. Throughout the discussion, the President emphasized the importance of media relations and directed staff to prioritize public relations strategies in upcoming legislative conflicts.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Vice President Spiro Agnew, and John Mitchell to coordinate political strategy for the 1972 reelection campaign. The group discussed campaign logistics, including the use of chartered aircraft, and framed messaging on key issues such as foreign policy, draft-dodgers, and amnesty. Additionally, they reviewed plans for Agnew’s formal renomination announcement, strategies for managing legislative hurdles in Congress, and the importance of engaging with lawmakers to maintain party unity.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a brief, time-sensitive meeting with Henry Kissinger. The discussion focused on locating Kissinger, who was stationed in the White House Situation Room, to facilitate his immediate arrival at the Oval Office. Nixon directed Bull to summon Kissinger for a fifteen-minute consultation before the President's scheduled departure.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:13 pm and 4:20 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 750-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed legislative and political strategies regarding the Vietnam War, specifically focusing on the potential passage of the Mansfield Amendment and its impact on ongoing peace negotiations. Kissinger provided a report on his recent interactions with Senator Mike Mansfield and Eugene McCarthy, noting their willingness to assist the administration. The conversation also covered upcoming diplomatic trips to Moscow and Japan, concerns over negative media coverage of bombing raids, and a review of recent polling data concerning the 1972 election and Senator George McGovern's platform.
On July 21, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:39 pm and 11:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 749-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, focusing on facilitating direct lines of communication with John B. Connally and managing various White House staff members. They discussed logistics for an upcoming meeting with Connally, the coordination of Raymond K. Price’s speechwriting staff, and arrangements for a photograph opportunity involving drug enforcement officials. Stephen B. Bull joined the discussion to finalize the scheduling and press arrangements for these briefings.
President Nixon met with administration officials, including Myles J. Ambrose and Egil Krogh, Jr., primarily to discuss the administration's progress in federal narcotics enforcement and to arrange a photo opportunity. The participants reviewed charts detailing drug seizures and arrests, using a football analogy to characterize the government’s offensive position in the ongoing drug war. Following reports of federal agents being wounded in Texas, the President committed to writing letters of support to the injured personnel and emphasized the need for more effective public relations messaging regarding the federal government's efforts.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 751-005 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:22 pm and 3:32 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 751-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the logistical details for upcoming White House photography sessions and the presentation of gifts to various visitors. The discussion focused on scheduling groups including Roland L. Elliott, Patrick J. Buchanan, and Raymond K. Price, Jr., while clarifying protocols regarding gift distribution, such as cufflinks. Nixon confirmed the need for brief, efficient photo opportunities for these individuals and their associates.
President Nixon met with members of the White House correspondence staff and volunteers to acknowledge their work in processing the high volume of daily mail. The discussion focused on the operational challenges of managing correspondence, the strategic importance of using personal stories and vignettes from the mail for campaign speeches, and the need to monitor public sentiment during the upcoming Republican National Convention. Nixon concluded the session by presenting the staff with commemorative gifts and thanking them for their service.
President Nixon met with members of his White House News Summary staff to discuss the importance of monitoring media coverage of the 1972 presidential campaign. He directed the staff to provide confidential, quantitative analyses of how television networks, wire services, and newspapers covered the campaign to better understand media bias and its potential impact on voters. Nixon emphasized the need for a balanced approach to information and instructed his team to keep these sensitive evaluations internal as they prepared to counter negative press narratives regarding Senator George McGovern and the administration.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate the scheduling of an upcoming meeting involving Raymond K. Price, Jr. and a group of approximately eight to ten individuals. The discussion focused on finalizing the logistics, including the size of the delegation and the timing of their entry into the Oval Office. Nixon instructed Bull to facilitate the arrival of the group to ensure the appointment proceeded as planned.
President Nixon met with his speechwriting and communications staff to strategize for the 1972 reelection campaign. The discussion centered on framing the election as a fundamental choice between Nixon’s policies and the 'radical' proposals of Democratic nominee George McGovern, particularly regarding national defense, welfare, and the role of government. Nixon instructed his team to emphasize these ideological differences, portray McGovern as an inconsistent extremist, and maintain a positive tone by focusing on the administration’s achievements in foreign policy and economic management.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review his daily schedule. The primary focus of the brief discussion was the President's upcoming meeting with various mayors and county officials. John D. Ehrlichman was also noted as a key participant in these pending engagements.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss strategies for the 1972 election, focusing heavily on managing political opposition and framing the Vietnam War as a campaign asset. They reviewed potential diplomatic maneuvers, including a revised proposal for North Vietnam and approaches to Middle East tensions following the expulsion of Soviet advisors from Egypt. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the United Nations and the bureaucracy, directing Kissinger to adopt a colder, dismissive tone toward UN leadership and to initiate a post-election effort to purge unsupportive officials from the government.
President Nixon met with various administration officials to review the progress of the Property Review Board, focusing on the management and transfer of federal lands for public use. The President expressed frustration with bureaucratic inertia, citing a specific case at Camp Pendleton where beach access was hindered by poor facility planning and lack of oversight. Additionally, the President urged his staff to better publicize positive economic trends, such as inflation reduction and job growth, to provide congressional candidates with a more effective campaign narrative.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Ronald Ziegler, and other staff members to strategize for the 1972 presidential campaign, specifically focusing on fundraising, speech preparation for the Republican National Convention, and managing press relations. They discussed the political fallout surrounding the Thomas Eagleton health controversy, the management of the Committee to Re-elect the President, and the ongoing investigation into the Watergate break-in. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a presidential posture during press conferences while utilizing staff to counterattack the opposition on issues of incompetence and foreign policy.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman to discuss legislative strategy, including the management of federal budget concerns and the potential vetoing of various bills, such as the rural development and water legislation. They reviewed plans to blame George McGovern for rising food prices by connecting them to his food stamp legislation, while also coordinating the administration's political messaging for the 1972 campaign. Furthermore, the participants addressed personnel management within the executive branch, including the role of Vice President Agnew and potential Cabinet-level changes, alongside legal considerations regarding the disclosure of wiretaps in the Leslie Bacon perjury case.
On July 25, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:13 pm and 5:14 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 753-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with various staff members and officials to discuss a wide array of administrative, foreign policy, and political matters. The President reviewed his upcoming schedule and foreign affairs, including a review of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's narrow vote to mandate a U.S. military withdrawal from Vietnam. Additionally, H. R. Haldeman coordinated with the President and Vice President Agnew to enforce a strict no-comment policy regarding the personal affairs of Thomas Eagleton, while discussions also touched on campaign strategy and potential coordination with George Wallace's associates.
On July 26, 1972, Stephen B. Bull and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:39 am and 11:52 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-075 of the White House Tapes.
On July 26, 1972, Stephen B. Bull and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:39 am and 11:52 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-076 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with staff members Stephen Bull and William Carruthers to review administrative matters regarding his schedule and communications. The participants primarily discussed the logistical arrangements for an upcoming telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. The conversation focused on the necessary technical requirements, including the duration of the call and the presence of press and film crews.
President Nixon coordinated with staff members Stephen B. Bull and William H. Carruthers to finalize technical and logistical arrangements for a scheduled telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. The discussion focused on managing the broadcast of the call, including the timing of the connection and the involvement of the press. Following the direct conversation with Meir, Nixon participated in a photo session where he discussed regional Middle Eastern geopolitics and development with members of the media.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed logistics and technical preparations for a recorded message to Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. The discussion focused on coordinating the filming of the President’s remarks, which were intended for a global television broadcast. The meeting ensured that the technical aspects of the communication, including timing and presentation, were effectively managed for the international audience.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Stephen B. Bull to review preparations for an upcoming 'Evening at the White House' event featuring Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. The discussion centered on logistics for the performance, including coordination with William E. Brock III and William E. Timmons, as well as managing press coverage for the event. The group confirmed that scheduling arrangements were proceeding satisfactorily.
On July 27, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 1:14 pm to 1:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate personal scheduling and logistics, including an urgent follow-up call requested by Tricia Nixon Cox. The discussion centered on Tricia's concerns regarding ongoing administration crises and the associated media pressure on the family. Consequently, the participants addressed the need for the Nixon family to maintain a low profile during this period while managing the President’s upcoming meetings with Otto E. Passman and John D. Ehrlichman.
President Nixon met with his senior aides and advisors to manage his political schedule and address several pressing crises, including the 1972 presidential campaign, the Watergate investigation, and military policy in Vietnam. The group strategized on how to deflect negative press coverage, particularly concerning Senator Thomas Eagleton's status on the Democratic ticket, and sought to minimize the political fallout from the impending Watergate grand jury indictments by favoring legal delays until after the election. Additionally, they coordinated a messaging strategy to have the State Department, rather than the Defense Department, provide briefings on North Vietnamese dike bombings to maintain greater public credibility.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on coordinating logistics for a trip to Camp David. They discussed travel timing, including the departure for the President’s wife and guests, as well as arrangements for dinner involving Rose Mary Woods and Dr. Walter Tkach. The conversation concluded with a decision to finalize the travel itinerary and arrival times for the weekend retreat.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss campaign strategy, personnel management, and the handling of various administrative issues. The President expressed significant frustration with the political performance of staff member Peter Flanigan, ultimately directing Ehrlichman to strip Flanigan of his remaining domestic policy responsibilities. Additionally, they strategized on managing negative press regarding Grumman Corporation layoffs by potentially facilitating F-14 sales to the Shah of Iran to create a positive media narrative.
President Nixon met with Brazilian representatives Antonio D. Neto and Joao Augusto de Araujo Castro, along with Alexander Haig, to discuss strengthening U.S.-Brazilian economic relations and regional political stability. The conversation focused on Brazil’s economic development, including their efforts to combat inflation, manage interior agricultural projects, and address regional income inequality. Nixon emphasized the importance of Brazil's example in the hemisphere and recommended that the visitors coordinate with Deputy CIA Director Vernon Walters on regional concerns regarding neighboring nations like Chile and Bolivia.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:54 am and 11:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-009 of the White House Tapes.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:54 am and 11:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-024 of the White House Tapes.
On July 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:55 pm and 1:00 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-014 of the White House Tapes.
On July 28, 1972, Stephen B. Bull, Manolo Sanchez, and United States Secret Service agents met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:10 pm and 1:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 756-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the logistical arrangements for an upcoming signing ceremony concerning the U.S.-Soviet Union Joint Commission on Science and Technology. The discussion centered on the expected attendance of key officials, including Anatoliy F. Dobrynin, Henry Kissinger, and Edward E. David, Jr., while noting the absence of Secretary of State William P. Rogers. They finalized the seating protocol to ensure the event proceeded as scheduled.
President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield, H.R. Haldeman, Stephen Bull, Henry Kissinger, and James Eastland to address several administrative and political matters. The President instructed Butterfield to modify Secret Service protocols for Tricia Nixon Cox, emphasizing a desire for less intrusive protection during unannounced personal activities. Nixon also reviewed political developments regarding Thomas Eagleton’s status on the Democratic ticket and consulted with Kissinger on ongoing US-Soviet diplomatic relations and SALT negotiations. Additionally, Nixon coordinated travel arrangements with Senator Eastland to attend the funeral of Senator Allen Ellender.
President Nixon met with the Earl of Cromer, Sir Burke Trend, and Henry Kissinger to coordinate Western strategy regarding the upcoming European Security Conference and ongoing concerns about European nuclear planning. Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining a unified front with Britain, France, and West Germany to prevent the Soviet Union from exploiting potential divisions or illusions of détente. The discussion also addressed the international monetary situation, the importance of maintaining U.S. defense commitments despite domestic political pressure from the 1972 campaign, and the need for private diplomatic channels to manage these complex alliances.
On July 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:05 pm and 4:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 757-002 of the White House Tapes.
On July 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:08 pm to 4:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 757-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to address administrative matters, specifically reviewing documents requiring a signature and discussing the President's upcoming daily schedule. Following Butterfield’s departure, Stephen B. Bull joined the President to continue coordinating the schedule, which included a specific request for Charles W. Colson’s presence. These brief meetings served primarily to manage the logistical flow of the Oval Office and presidential priorities.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson met to discuss campaign strategy, press relations, and economic policy ahead of the 1972 election. They evaluated tactics for addressing inflation and debated how to effectively frame political messaging, including the potential to leverage questions about campaign finance and foreign funding against George McGovern. Additionally, the President expressed frustration with campaign official Clark MacGregor's public criticisms of the staff, leading the group to discuss the necessity of maintaining discipline and secretly recording interviews for future protection.
President Nixon met with Secretary Richardson and other officials to discuss the burgeoning US-Soviet health research agreement, emphasizing its importance for public opinion and comparing it to US-PRC exchanges. Key topics included the shift from confrontation to cooperation in scientific exchanges, potential meetings with Soviet and Polish health officials, and the sensitive issue of Soviet dissidents being confined to mental hospitals, which could impact the Soviet Health Minister's upcoming visit. The discussion also touched upon domestic health initiatives like triage and emergency care projects.
On August 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:31 am and 10:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 758-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other staff to review the status of the Watergate investigation, focusing on maintaining the secrecy of White House involvement and managing the legal exposure of committee officials. The participants discussed grand jury strategies, the handling of potential indictments for figures like Jeb Stuart Magruder, and efforts to discredit political opponents by tying them to Howard Hughes. They concluded that while the scandal was a "powder keg," they had successfully minimized the immediate damage and expected to avoid trial-related repercussions until after the upcoming election.
President Nixon met with Jaycees representatives, including Samuel D. Winer, to discuss the organization's civic initiatives and potential collaboration on the upcoming Bicentennial celebration. The participants reviewed the Jaycees' efforts regarding disaster relief for Hurricane Agnes, voter participation programs, and social issues such as drug and alcohol abuse. Nixon encouraged the organization to work with the Bicentennial Committee and David J. Mahoney, Jr., while reminiscing about his own past involvement with the group and exchanging gifts.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a brief visit and photo opportunity with musical duo Richard and Karen Carpenter. The discussion focused on logistical arrangements, including the involvement of their manager, Sherwin Bash, and the presentation of gifts. The President specifically requested that Karen Carpenter be brought in for the engagement.
President Nixon met briefly with Stephen B. Bull and a White House photographer in the Oval Office. The primary purpose of this short interaction was to take a photograph of the President for the Retired Officers Association. Following the photo session, Nixon and Bull briefly discussed the President's upcoming barber appointment before departing.
On August 1, 1972, United States Secret Service agents and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:25 pm and 4:53 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 758-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative tasks and discuss sensitive political matters. The conversation covered logistical arrangements for providing the film *Sunrise at Campobello* to George C. Wallace and addressed Elmer Bobst’s urgent recommendation that the President seek legislation for capital punishment regarding hijackers and kidnappers. Additionally, the participants touched upon the health and behavior of Martha Mitchell and the associated stress placed on John Mitchell amid the ongoing ITT and Watergate controversies.
On August 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:17 pm and 5:20 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 758-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield to review his upcoming schedule and the activities of H.R. Haldeman. The discussion included planning for a reception honoring the Secret Service Presidential Protective Division and touched upon the schedule of Charles W. Colson. Additionally, the group addressed a telephone call from Edward J. Kiernan before concluding the brief meeting.
On August 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:21 pm and 5:22 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 758-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the content and purpose of films being produced for the Republican National Convention. They reviewed various segments, including footage of the President's trip to the Soviet Union, his family, and his interactions with foreign leaders, debating the effectiveness and potential use of specific scenes, such as the Tanya Savicheva story. The conversation also touched upon campaign budget controls, the General Accounting Office investigation, and the Watergate affair, with Mitchell expressing concerns about Martha Mitchell's behavior and potential treatment options.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the administrative follow-up regarding a meeting with Senator Thomas F. Eagleton and his son, Terry. They discussed the logistics of providing an enlarged photograph from that encounter and the drafting of a personalized letter from the President to Terry Eagleton. Nixon specifically directed Bull to prioritize the correspondence over other potential requests.
On August 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:47 am and 12:33 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 759-006 of the White House Tapes.
On August 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:47 am and 12:33 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 759-009 of the White House Tapes.
On August 2, 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 2:36 pm and 2:53 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 352-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman engaged in an extensive series of consultations regarding staffing and political strategy for the 1972 re-election campaign. Key discussions focused on absorbing George Wallace's political organization into the Nixon campaign, managing Cabinet-level appointments like those for the Secretary of the Army, and addressing specific policy issues including food price inflation, school busing, and environmental legislation. The President also reviewed strategies for leveraging administrative power to influence corporate contracts and pressured staff to develop immediate, high-visibility economic actions to address public concerns before the Republican National Convention.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:28 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 760-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the complexities of managing Vietnam peace negotiations while navigating domestic political pressures, specifically focusing on the Brooke amendment and growing Congressional skepticism. They debated the necessity of maintaining secrecy in private negotiating channels to avoid premature disclosure, which could undermine the Administration's leverage and exacerbate opposition from Congressional liberals. Ultimately, they resolved to continue pressuring North Vietnam while balancing the need to retain enough political support to avoid a legislative collapse during the 1972 election year.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss political strategy, the administration's use of federal investigative agencies, and upcoming personnel decisions. The President expressed frustration that the administration was not effectively using its power to investigate political opponents, specifically focusing on Lawrence O'Brien and the Democratic National Committee. They also discussed managing cabinet expectations regarding potential reappointments and coordination with figures like Herbert G. Klein and John Mitchell for forthcoming events.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:10 am and 11:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 760-011 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:10 am and 11:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 760-013 of the White House Tapes.
In this meeting, President Nixon consulted with Alexander Butterfield and Henry Kissinger regarding logistics for his upcoming trip to Hawaii, which included plans for Admiral John S. McCain Jr.'s retirement ceremony and potential events with Clare Boothe Luce. The President and Kissinger also discussed domestic administration policy concerning the debt ceiling and frustrations regarding Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird’s public messaging. Finally, they reviewed sensitive foreign policy strategy, specifically coordinating with the People’s Republic of China regarding the Soviet Union and negotiating a potential path forward in Vietnam.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 12:10 pm to 12:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 028-055 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 12:10 pm to 12:11 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 353-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate his daily schedule and prepare for an upcoming meeting with Charles W. Colson. Following this briefing, the President engaged in two brief telephone conversations with unidentified individuals to discuss scheduling matters. These interactions reflect the logistical management of the President's priorities and internal communications during the early morning hours.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss political strategy and administration initiatives, including the transition to a post-Vietnam economy and foreign policy successes. Much of the conversation focused on managing the political fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically addressing the legal and public relations implications of the Dwayne Andreas campaign contribution and potential testimony from Jeb Stuart Magruder. Nixon and Haldeman also reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, including the Republican National Convention and strategies for handling media questions regarding Vietnam and campaign finances.
On August 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:38 am and 9:02 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 763-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Charles Colson, and Stephen Bull discussed the administration's record on unemployment, comparing figures from 1969 to 1972 and considering its relationship to the Vietnam War. They also touched upon public relations strategies, mentioning Clark MacGregor and George McGovern, and reviewed upcoming scheduling matters, including a meeting with Pat Nixon. The conversation also briefly referenced poll data from Gallup and Harris.
President Nixon met with Senator Russell Long, Governor Edwin Edwards and his family, and other staff members in the Oval Office. The meeting included a formal photograph session and discussions about upcoming Senate votes, particularly on national defense and foreign policy, with an emphasis on Southern Democratic support. They also discussed presidential gifts, including cuff links and ashtrays, and a potential road construction project in Louisiana.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed upcoming scheduling arrangements involving Ronald L. Ziegler and Gerald R. Warren in California. The discussion primarily focused on the logistics of presidential gift disbursements, specifically the procurement and presentation of Bulova watches featuring the presidential seal and signature. Nixon finalized plans to present one of these watches to Congressman Otto E. Passman later in the week.
On August 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:11 am and 10:18 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 763-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and General Andrew Goodpaster met to discuss the strategic landscape of NATO, European security, and the necessity of maintaining a unified Atlantic alliance amidst potential political shifts. Goodpaster provided an assessment of European confidence in the United States, emphasizing the importance of continued U.S. force presence and the 'formula of comparable effort' to counter Soviet influence and prevent the 'Finlandization' of Europe. The President stressed that while the administration would continue to engage in diplomatic negotiations with the Soviet Union, it remained committed to a strong NATO, and he expressed frustration regarding European leaders' public hedging and the negative influence of domestic 'doves' on U.S. foreign policy.
President Nixon met with members of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to discuss the agency's third annual report and the broader direction of national environmental policy. The conversation emphasized shifting the focus of environmentalism from a perceived niche interest for intellectuals to a practical, inclusive movement that benefits urban residents and the working class through accessible public parks and improved living conditions. Nixon encouraged the CEQ to prioritize increasing public park usage, noting that environmental advocacy should address urgent urban issues such as lead paint and sanitation alongside traditional conservation efforts.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman to discuss political strategy for the upcoming campaign and address pressing domestic policy challenges. They focused on framing the administration’s opposition to the pending water quality bill by linking it to excessive tax burdens and negative impacts on jobs, contrasting this with a critical portrayal of George McGovern’s spending policies. Additionally, they reviewed economic issues, including rising food prices and potential strategies for stabilization, alongside administrative scheduling and campaign staffing adjustments involving the roles of H.R. Haldeman and David Parker.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming appointments and manage his daily schedule. The discussion centered on logistics for meetings with Charles W. Colson, Otto E. Passman, and a Virginia Democratic delegation, including the coordination of requested photographs. The primary outcome was the administrative preparation for these scheduled engagements.
President Nixon met with a delegation of Virginia Democratic leaders to discuss the political landscape ahead of the 1972 election and foster ideological alignment. The conversation focused on the President's opposition to George McGovern’s defense and welfare proposals, the importance of appointing strict constructionist judges to the Supreme Court, and the necessity of prioritizing political philosophy over party labels. Toward the end of the meeting, the attendees encouraged the President to accept an invitation to speak at Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace, arguing that such a forum would provide a strategic opportunity to frame his foreign policy in contrast to his opponent's isolationism.
On August 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:46 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 763-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Peter M. Flanigan to discuss managing international economic policy, specifically navigating sensitive trade relations with the European Economic Community, Japan, and the Soviet Union while avoiding premature public confrontations. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a non-partisan, issue-focused role for his economic advisors to bolster his administration's position ahead of the 1972 election and requested that public communications be handled with extreme confidentiality. Additionally, they reviewed organizational changes at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and discussed the political reliability and background of diplomat Robert O. Blake.
On August 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 765-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate upcoming administrative events, specifically a photo opportunity with Miss Teenage America and the swearing-in ceremony for Dixy Lee Ray. Nixon expressed concern over potential political embarrassments regarding the views of the teenage contestants, emphasizing his desire to avoid any public incidents. The President directed that scheduling move forward immediately, rejecting suggestions to delay the swearing-in ceremony for Dixy Lee Ray.
President Nixon hosted a meeting and swearing-in ceremony for Dixy Lee Ray, who was appointed as a commissioner to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). The event included the participation of several AEC officials, presidential aides, and members of the press to highlight the administration's commitment to appointing qualified women to high-level government positions. During the session, the President emphasized the importance of developing atomic energy for peaceful purposes and formally concluded the proceedings by distributing presidential gifts to the attendees.
On August 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:45 am and 10:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 765-007 of the White House Tapes.
On August 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:45 am and 10:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 765-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and John D. Ehrlichman to restructure the White House scheduling process, specifically aiming to reduce H.R. Haldeman’s involvement in minor administrative tasks and daily logistics. The group discussed preparations for an upcoming meeting at Camp David, which would include a briefing by George W. Romney, and addressed potential veto strategies for pending legislation such as the Office of Economic Opportunity bill and the water quality bill. Additionally, the President emphasized the need for more aggressive political messaging and the development of catchy, effective slogans to counter Democratic tax reform proposals.
On August 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:13 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 765-017 of the White House Tapes.
On August 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:16 pm and 12:17 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 765-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss the physical stature of boxer Floyd Patterson following a previous encounter with Sugar Ray Robinson. The group briefly assessed Patterson's size before transitioning into administrative matters, specifically reviewing H.R. Haldeman's upcoming travel schedule to Andrews Air Force Base and Camp David. The brief exchange concluded with the departure of Bull and Butterfield.
President Nixon and John B. Connally met to discuss ongoing political maneuvers regarding the Arkansas senatorial election. They specifically addressed strategies to convince a candidate—Winthrop Rockefeller—to withdraw from the race to benefit Senator John L. McClellan. To facilitate this, the President and Connally decided to involve Henry Kissinger in diplomatic outreach to David Rockefeller to exert influence on the candidate.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed how to handle a request from Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern for foreign policy briefings. They decided to rebuff McGovern's specific demands—which they viewed as a political trap—by having staff facilitate the briefings at a lower level to avoid elevating the candidate's stature. The conversation also touched upon the political implications of Vietnam negotiations, frustration with Republican congressional "doves," and plans for an extensive post-election purge of personnel within the State Department, Defense Department, and CIA.
President Nixon consulted with Stephen B. Bull and Henry A. Kissinger regarding logistical arrangements for an upcoming trip to Camp David. The discussion focused on coordinating the departure schedule and the specific timing of helicopter transportation. No major policy decisions were reached, as the conversation served primarily to finalize travel logistics.