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 20 of 32On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:10 pm to 2:11 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 355-013 of the White House Tapes.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 3:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 791-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate his upcoming schedule and address various administrative and personal matters. The discussion centered on arrangements for Harrison McCall’s memorial service, the health status of several acquaintances, and the coordination of travel and social commitments, including events involving Tricia Nixon Cox and William J. Casey. Stephen B. Bull joined briefly at the end of the meeting to facilitate the President's transition to a subsequent meeting in the Cabinet Room involving Elliot Richardson and other staff.
President Nixon met with Elliot Richardson and several senior staff members to discuss political strategy regarding the welfare reform bill, H.R. 1, and the potential impact of a new amendment offered by Senator Adlai E. Stevenson III. The group analyzed the risks of appearing inconsistent if the administration supported the Stevenson proposal, which closely mirrored the President's original welfare plans, while balancing the need to preserve the administration's credibility as the bill faced likely defeat. Ultimately, they discussed using a parliamentary tactic—having Senator Hugh Scott support the amendment—to expose the lack of substantive differences between the two parties and ensure the administration would not be blamed if the legislation failed.
On October 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:16 pm and 4:24 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 791-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with a large group of reporters and staff in the Oval Office to conduct a press conference, followed by a private debriefing with his senior aides, including H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Charles Colson. During the public session, Nixon addressed current events such as the 1972 campaign, the status of the Vietnam peace negotiations, allegations regarding the U.S.-Soviet grain deal, and his stance against a 1973 tax increase. Following the departure of the press, the President and his advisors discussed the effectiveness of his performance, particularly the benefit of using his responses as recorded campaign material, and strategized on future scheduling and media messaging.
On October 5, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:03 pm and 3:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 792-003 of the White House Tapes.
On October 5, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:53 pm and 4:55 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 792-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with political pollster Samuel Lubell and aide Charles Colson to discuss shifting national public opinion and underlying voter trends leading into the 1972 election. They analyzed how voters form attachments to candidates based on personal interests and explored why the "Eastern Establishment" media consistently failed to grasp the changing political mood regarding issues like welfare, the Vietnam War, and the work ethic. The discussion served as a strategic intelligence-gathering session for the President to refine his understanding of the electorate's psychology and defense of his administrative policies.
On October 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:55 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 793-002 of the White House Tapes.
On October 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:55 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 793-003 of the White House Tapes.
On October 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:55 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 793-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the ongoing status of Vietnam peace negotiations, emphasizing the strategic importance of securing a deal that protects U.S. interests while maintaining stability in South Vietnam. They explored various diplomatic strategies regarding President Nguyen Van Thieu, the timing of a potential settlement in relation to the 1972 election, and the necessity of managing both allies and domestic political optics. The pair also assessed the effectiveness of recent military actions and the need to leverage their relationships with the Soviet Union and China to facilitate a favorable resolution.
On October 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 9:30 am to 10:03 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 793-007 of the White House Tapes.
On October 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:03 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 793-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Irish official Patrick Hillery and members of his delegation to discuss bilateral issues, primarily aviation landing rights at Shannon Airport and the political situation in Northern Ireland. The President emphasized his personal attention to the airline negotiations and reiterated the U.S. commitment to avoiding unnecessary intervention in the Northern Irish conflict while expressing sympathy for the ongoing violence. The conversation concluded with a broader philosophical discussion on leadership, the importance of personal reflection and vacation, and the President's reflections on historical figures like Disraeli and Gladstone.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical arrangements for an upcoming weekend trip to Camp David. They discussed weather conditions and the necessity of drafting a radio address, ultimately deciding that the President would travel by automobile rather than helicopter. Alexander P. Butterfield later joined the meeting, during which the President also addressed a telephone call from his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage upcoming commitments, including speech revisions and meetings with Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig. Manolo Sanchez joined the discussion briefly to facilitate transportation arrangements for the President's departure from the Oval Office. The conversation focused on logistical planning and the prioritization of the President’s administrative tasks at the White House.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate the President's immediate schedule and logistical arrangements. The discussion focused on upcoming appointments and the departure process for a trip to Camp David. During the meeting, they also addressed the logistics surrounding a scheduled speech.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate administrative logistics regarding the President's upcoming departure to Camp David. The discussion focused on aligning the President's schedule with those of First Lady Pat Nixon and staff member Manolo Sanchez. No major policy decisions were made, as the primary objective was ensuring the synchronization of travel arrangements and official appearances.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, Charles Colson, and other staff to review favorable polling data and strategize for the final stages of the 1972 presidential campaign against George McGovern. The participants discussed leveraging specific "gut issues," such as amnesty for draft dodgers, busing, and law and order, to frame McGovern as an extreme candidate. Nixon directed his team to sharpen their messaging on economic issues—specifically taxes, prices, and welfare—while coordinating with cabinet surrogates to amplify these critiques in the media.
In this meeting with H.R. Haldeman, Stephen Bull, and later Ronald Ziegler, President Nixon discussed a broad range of political and communications strategies for the 1972 re-election campaign. Key topics included coordinating messaging on Vietnam negotiations ahead of a press conference, countering negative media coverage regarding federal spending, and refining the President's public image through improved photographic and radio outreach. Additionally, the participants addressed personnel management for campaign economic rhetoric and logistical planning for upcoming speeches.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review and finalize the details of his upcoming daily schedule. The discussion centered on logistics regarding a scheduled haircut and the arrival of Senator James O. Eastland at the White House. They also briefly touched upon the coordination of wire service reports related to these activities.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly met in the Oval Office to discuss the President's schedule, specifically the taping of a message. The conversation was very short, with Bull confirming readiness for the taping and Nixon inquiring about the presence of individuals involved. The primary action item was proceeding with the message taping.
On October 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:39 pm and 12:46 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 794-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with newspaper magnate Samuel I. Newhouse and White House Communications Director Herbert G. Klein to discuss Newhouse's extensive newspaper holdings and potential antitrust concerns. John Dean joined later to discuss the administration's philosophy on media ownership, emphasizing support for successful businesses against public interest group challenges. Nixon expressed a strong preference for supporting established businesses, viewing antitrust actions as potentially harmful to U.S. competitiveness and an attack on the business establishment. The conversation also touched on specific Newhouse newspapers, union impacts, and a gift of presidential cufflinks and pins for Mr. and Mrs. Newhouse.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly met in the Oval Office to coordinate the placement of a specific item, identified as an issue of Vogue, on a table. The President directed Bull to bring the magazine to him rather than leaving it elsewhere. This exchange served as a logistical instruction regarding personal or administrative materials within the White House.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review recent polling data regarding the President's approval ratings, the Vietnam War, and public perception of government corruption. Much of the discussion centered on the ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, with Nixon emphasizing the necessity for Henry Kissinger to report directly to him before taking any further actions in Hanoi. Additionally, the pair coordinated political strategy regarding Secretary of State William P. Rogers's planned press conference and evaluated a request for a meeting with steel industry representatives.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to discuss the logistics of an upcoming photography session involving various political candidates and associates, including Louie B. Nunn and John W. Byrnes. The discussion centered on technical issues such as lighting and the need for re-filming certain sessions. Nixon provided specific instructions regarding the pacing of the event and requested that candidates understand the scheduling limitations.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and other staff members to discuss campaign strategy, press relations, and the management of sensitive domestic and foreign policy issues. The President emphasized a need to focus on core ideological issues such as patriotism, morality, and the work ethic, while criticizing his staff's reliance on overly objective or "liberal" analyses that missed the underlying concerns of key voting blocs like Catholic and blue-collar ethnics. The group also addressed the ongoing Vietnam negotiations, with Nixon warning against public displays of anxiety and instructing staff to maintain a firm, disciplined stance regarding media coverage and political messaging.
On October 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:53 am and 11:54 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 795-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to discuss a potential meeting with entertainer James Brown. The participants reviewed Brown’s background and cultural influence to assess the political benefits of an engagement with the artist. Nixon ultimately approved the scheduling of the visit to leverage Brown's popularity among young voters.
On October 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:10 pm and 12:17 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 795-007 of the White House Tapes.
On October 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:27 pm and 12:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 795-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and key staff to streamline his schedule and refine his political messaging ahead of the 1972 election. They discussed cancelling several ceremonial events and meetings with ethnic leaders and senators to prioritize presidential time, while clarifying his firm opposition to busing legislation. Additionally, the group coordinated administration responses to ongoing Vietnam negotiations and planned a series of upcoming radio addresses focused on domestic issues and broad political philosophy.
President Nixon met with his staff, including Ronald Ziegler and H.R. Haldeman, to coordinate the logistics for an upcoming meeting and photograph session with Senate leaders regarding busing legislation. The participants focused on timing the session to ensure optimal media coverage and press accessibility. Additionally, the President managed routine administrative matters, including his personal schedule, correspondence with Congressmen, and a barber appointment.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Rose Mary Woods, and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative tasks and adjust his upcoming schedule. The participants finalized details regarding a meeting with Senate leaders and reviewed logistics for photo opportunities involving administration officials. They also managed various correspondence related to congressional candidates.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the 1972 re-election campaign's media strategy, focusing on the effectiveness of negative advertisements targeting George McGovern's shifting positions on welfare, amnesty, and Vietnam. They discussed concerns regarding the tone of campaign commercials and logistical issues involving funding for the 'Democrats for Nixon' group led by John Connally. Additionally, the President briefly coordinated his administrative schedule, including upcoming meetings with Senate leaders regarding busing legislation and instructions for Henry Kissinger's reporting process.
In this extensive meeting, President Nixon consulted with staff and advisors—including Charles Colson, H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and Alexander Haig—to discuss political strategy for the 1972 campaign and the status of Vietnam peace negotiations. The President reviewed public reaction to his recent Atlanta trip and explored campaign themes centering on morality, social issues, and the perceived permissiveness of his opponent, George McGovern. Concurrently, Kissinger briefed the President on the intricacies of ongoing peace talks, specifically addressing the difficult diplomatic challenge of managing South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's resistance to a potential ceasefire agreement. The conversation reflects the administration's dual focus on securing a reelection victory while attempting to finalize a 'peace with honor' in Vietnam.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. and H.R. Haldeman to coordinate campaign strategy, public relations, and responses to various political scandals. The discussion touched on upcoming speeches, the effectiveness of political commercials, and the management of negative media coverage regarding Democratic challenger George McGovern. Additionally, the participants reviewed the unfolding legal risks associated with Watergate, including Grand Jury testimony and the potential exposure of White House staffers involved in campaign sabotage operations.
On October 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:40 am and 11:43 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 797-007 of the White House Tapes.
On October 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:40 am and 11:43 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 797-008 of the White House Tapes.
On October 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:40 am and 11:43 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 797-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Charles Colson to discuss press relations, the 1972 campaign, and strategies for neutralizing political attacks regarding the Watergate scandal. The participants expressed frustration with perceived media double standards and reviewed plans to prepare a 'white paper' documenting Democratic campaign improprieties to mirror those alleged against the Republicans. Additionally, they analyzed George McGovern's recent political comments on troop commitments and discussed the effectiveness of internal polling data in mitigating the impact of Watergate coverage.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistics for a scheduled appearance with former baseball players Bobby Thomson, Ralph Branca, and Claire Ruth. The discussion focused on the agenda for this meeting, which included a photo session and the presentation of commemorative golf balls. This interaction served to finalize the President's public relations schedule and ensure the smooth execution of the planned gift exchange.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull engaged in a casual discussion regarding baseball history, specifically reflecting on the physical stature and aging of players like Ralph Branca and Bobby Thompson. The conversation transitioned into a brief review of the President's upcoming schedule. Manolo Sanchez joined the meeting briefly toward its conclusion, though the discussion remained informal throughout.
On October 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:03 pm and 4:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 797-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly met in the Oval Office to discuss upcoming schedule items. The conversation touched upon a meeting with James S. Copley, the duration of a meeting with Henry Kissinger, and the arrival of Victor H. Krulak, whom Gerald L. Warren referred to as "The Brute."
President Nixon met with newspaper publisher James S. Copley and his wife, Helen, along with Victor Krulak and Gerald Warren to discuss media relations and the President's perspective on the press. During the conversation, Nixon critiqued the editorial leanings of major national newspapers like the Washington Post and the New York Times, contrasting them with the more balanced coverage he perceived in the Washington Star. The meeting concluded with a presentation of gifts, including presidential mementos and a discussion of various diplomatic artifacts displayed in the Oval Office.
On October 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:33 pm and 4:39 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 797-026 of the White House Tapes.
On October 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:33 pm and 4:39 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 797-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors to discuss 1972 campaign strategies, including countering Democratic attacks on corruption and addressing negative press coverage. The participants evaluated legislative priorities, specifically the potential vetoes of the welfare reform bill (H.R. 1) and the water pollution control bill, while navigating the timing of Congressional adjournment. Finally, Nixon discussed the recent Washington, D.C. jail takeover, requesting an assessment of potential prison reforms and the feasibility of incorporating D.C. facilities into the federal prison system.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:48 am and 9:00 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 798-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to request a specific receipt. During the brief exchange, the President focused on administrative tasks related to document retrieval. The meeting concluded with Bull carrying out the President's request for the document.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to coordinate the end-of-session legislative strategy, including maneuvering around the debt ceiling and potential vetoes of the water bill. The group discussed the 1972 campaign, specifically criticizing Senator Charles Percy for his public antagonism toward the White House and strategizing on how to support primary opponents like Roman Pucinski. Additionally, they reviewed sensitive foreign policy developments regarding Vietnam negotiations and leaks, while also managing the President’s logistical schedule, including upcoming radio addresses and security protocols for telephone access.
President Nixon met with a delegation of medical professionals from the People's Republic of China to discuss ongoing scientific and medical exchanges, a topic previously addressed during his trip to Beijing. Following the delegation's departure, Nixon and Henry Kissinger transitioned to a private discussion regarding sensitive geopolitical negotiations. They reviewed the status of U.S.-Soviet trade and maritime agreements and engaged in a detailed, strategic planning session concerning the impending Vietnam War settlement. Kissinger outlined a high-stakes itinerary involving visits to Saigon and Hanoi, aimed at finalizing a ceasefire agreement before the 1972 election while maintaining operational secrecy and managing the potential political fallout.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:39 am and 10:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 798-005 of the White House Tapes.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:56 am and 10:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 798-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to strategize on ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically addressing the sensitive issue of prisoner release and the potential for post-settlement civilian violence. Nixon emphasized that despite his upcoming re-election, he lacked a mandate to continue the war and urged Kissinger to pressure South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu into accepting the proposed agreement. The President planned to offer Thieu significant long-term economic and military support, suggesting a high-profile meeting at the Western White House in San Clemente to project a unified front and secure Thieu's cooperation.
On October 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:53 am and 11:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 798-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, Raymond Price, and other staff members to coordinate his campaign messaging and media strategy for the final weeks of the 1972 election. The discussion centered on drafting a series of radio speeches covering foreign policy, economic issues, and social concerns, specifically addressing paternalism and property tax reform for the elderly. Nixon emphasized maintaining a non-partisan, uplifting tone in his speeches and decided against directly attacking George McGovern, opting instead to focus on his own "New American Majority" and the broader philosophy of his administration.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:34 am and 8:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-004 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:34 am and 8:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-005 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:29 am and 9:32 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-007 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 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 10:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-013 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:40 am and 11:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-018 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:52 pm and 3:58 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-020 of the White House Tapes.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:58 pm and 3:59 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with General Creighton Abrams and Melvin Laird to strategize on the ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations and secure South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's cooperation. Nixon emphasized that the U.S. would not accept a coalition government, a firm stance he insisted must be communicated to Thieu to ensure South Vietnam's long-term survivability. The participants assessed the military and political pressures facing Hanoi and the urgency of reaching a settlement, while acknowledging the sensitive psychological need to manage Thieu’s concerns regarding U.S. support and his political future.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:37 pm and 4:45 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed arrangements for upcoming telephone calls with W. Clement Stone and Robert W. Galvin, with Nixon indicating a preference for handling calls in batches to minimize waiting time.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, for a brief administrative exchange. The conversation focused on the handling and processing of a specific letter. The interaction concluded with the President offering well wishes as Bull departed the Oval Office.
President Nixon consulted with Stephen B. Bull regarding the status and efficiency of his incoming telephone calls. They discussed the current progress of the switchboard operations and the limited number of operators currently processing his communications. Nixon directed Bull to hold all incoming calls in a queue rather than forwarding them individually.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to place telephone calls without waiting for previous ones to finish, emphasizing a desire to "pile them up" and increase the pace of incoming calls. Bull confirmed he had staff working on the calls and reported on the number of calls already handled and remaining.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:53 pm and 5:01 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a series of upcoming telephone calls to various individuals, including John F. Collins, John T. Connor, Francis Scumaci, and Fred Gualtieri. The discussion focused on establishing the proper scheduling and timing for these communications. Nixon specifically instructed Bull that these calls should be placed between 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm.
On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:26 pm and 5:34 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 800-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Alexander Haig to discuss the critical state of Vietnam peace negotiations, emphasizing that any potential bombing halt or move to Hanoi by Henry Kissinger must be strictly contingent upon a finalized, successful agreement. The participants expressed deep frustration with South Vietnamese leader Nguyen Van Thieu's resistance to settlement terms and discussed the necessity of maintaining leverage without allowing electoral politics to dictate foreign policy. Nixon also instructed that proposed settlement documents be tightly controlled within the White House to prevent unauthorized leaks or critiques from State Department officials. Beyond the Vietnam situation, the group addressed the timing of potential military aircraft deals with Israel, the political implications of upcoming congressional vetoes, and strategic messaging to ensure positive public reception of the President's actions through the final stretch of the election cycle.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other aides to manage the political fallout of the Watergate scandal and coordinate the public messaging regarding Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon emphasized adopting a low-key, defensive posture toward Watergate allegations while directing staff to manage public perception of Henry Kissinger's upcoming trip to Saigon. Additionally, the President stressed the importance of maintaining a stern public image for Kissinger during his diplomatic travels, specifically warning against any optics that might suggest friendliness toward the North Vietnamese.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors and staff to coordinate public relations messaging and diplomatic strategy. The discussion focused on refining the narrative surrounding the administration's recent outreach to labor leaders and establishing talking points for Ron Ziegler regarding Henry Kissinger's upcoming trip to Saigon. Nixon emphasized the importance of framing Kissinger's travel as a routine, pre-planned mission to avoid public speculation about a diplomatic "breakthrough" or a shift in policy toward South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on potential meetings with the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs and former NFL star Gale Sayers. Bull provided updates on Robert J. Brown’s efforts to secure Sayers's public endorsement, noting his perceived value as a representative with broad appeal. The President expressed reservations about pressuring Sayers, ultimately deciding to adopt a hands-off approach while awaiting further word on the athlete's intentions.
On October 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:24 am and 11:26 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 801-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman to coordinate the administration's legislative strategy, focusing on upcoming vetoes of the water and spending bills and potential responses to Congress. The President also discussed tax reform communication strategies and initiatives to secure support from Catholic leadership regarding parochial school aid. Later, Nixon hosted football star Gale Sayers and aides to discuss minority business programs, the role of minority athletes as positive role models, and the potential for retired athletes to transition into community service and business leadership roles.
President Nixon met with representatives from the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (BPW) to discuss their organization's role and the Administration's efforts regarding women's appointments. The conversation included a photo opportunity, a discussion on the importance of economic equality and the elimination of discrimination, and a brief comparison of Chinese cultural apparel. During the visit, the participants exchanged gifts, including 1896 Republican National Convention tickets presented to the President by Jeanne Squire.
On October 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:22 pm and 12:24 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 801-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull and personal aide Manolo Sanchez to coordinate logistical details regarding his immediate schedule. The discussion centered on the President's upcoming movements between the Oval Office and the Executive Office Building. The primary action item was facilitating a planned meeting with John B. Connally.
On October 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 801-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and John Connally met to strategize on campaign fundraising and address the growing political fallout from the Watergate scandal. The participants discussed methods for securing large donations from high-profile contributors and analyzed the potential impact of Connally’s forthcoming foreign policy broadcast. Additionally, Nixon sought to distance the White House from the Segretti-led sabotage operations and Watergate, while framing the upcoming election as a critical opportunity to repudiate the values of the "Eastern Establishment" and liberal media.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to review and coordinate upcoming scheduling matters regarding Pegge Begich and Lindy Boggs. During the brief session, the President also held a short telephone conversation with First Lady Pat Nixon. The discussion served primarily as an administrative update to finalize the President's immediate agenda.
President Nixon consulted with H. R. Haldeman and Alexander Haig regarding critical foreign and domestic policy matters, most notably the status of Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon instructed Haig to ensure Henry Kissinger avoided traveling to Hanoi unless a final agreement was secured, while expressing concerns about North Vietnamese military maneuvers near Saigon. Additionally, the President and his staff discussed managing the optics of his 1972 re-election campaign, specifically defending the strategy of remaining in the White House to focus on official duties rather than traditional public campaigning.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull spoke to clarify the status of the current Congressional legislative session. Bull informed the President that the Senate would remain in session overnight, necessitating a change in the expected schedule for receiving final legislation. Consequently, the President acknowledged the delay in the adjournment process.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull engaged in a brief, informal exchange to confirm the status of ongoing operations. The conversation serves primarily to reassure the President that his objectives regarding a specific commissioner were being handled effectively. No formal policy decisions were recorded during this short interaction.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Alexander Haig, and Stephen Bull to discuss the status of ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically the unresolved issues regarding prisoners of war and military equipment for South Vietnam. Beyond foreign policy, the group coordinated the President's administrative response to a recently vetoed water bill, strategizing to frame a potential clean water tax as a fiscal necessity. Finally, the President established protocols for upcoming public events, including a U.S.-Soviet trade pact signing and a SALT II announcement, opting to limit his direct involvement in formal photo opportunities to maintain presidential distance.
President Nixon met with William E. Timmons and John D. Ehrlichman to discuss legislative strategy regarding the federal debt limit, impending congressional adjournment, and the political fallout from his recent veto of a water bill. The President emphasized his desire to use these vetoes to frame a narrative of fiscal responsibility, specifically positioning the water bill as a choice between higher taxes and fiscal restraint. Nixon also directed his staff to continue pursuing substantial cuts to federal personnel and spending while carefully timing additional vetoes to maximize political advantage before the 1972 election.
President Nixon met with Japanese Foreign Minister Masayoshi Ohira and other officials to discuss the shifting landscape of Asian diplomacy, specifically regarding Japan's recent normalization of relations with the People's Republic of China. The participants addressed the implications of this new relationship for the U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty, the stability of the Korean Peninsula following South Korea's declaration of martial law, and the ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon emphasized that the U.S. remained committed to negotiating peace with honor in Vietnam and cautioned that the administration would not be pressured by the upcoming presidential election to accept a forced coalition government in South Vietnam.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to discuss formal protocol and logistical arrangements for upcoming visits by foreign dignitaries, specifically focusing on Japanese Foreign Minister Masayoshi Ohira. Nixon instructed Bull to ensure that standard amenities, such as cigarettes, are consistently provided for heads of state who are known smokers. Additionally, the pair coordinated an upcoming meeting between the President and Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
On October 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:05 am and 11:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 803-004 of the White House Tapes.
On October 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:43 am and 11:45 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 803-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Alexander Butterfield to debate campaign strategy and the President's public schedule for the final weeks of the 1972 election. They discussed the political risks of intensive campaign travel versus staying in the White House, ultimately weighing the benefits of presidential-style events—such as bill signings and meetings on defense or budget issues—against the potential for appearing to be "smoked out" into a competitive race. Nixon expressed a strong preference for limited, controlled appearances to maintain a presidential image, rejecting proposals for excessive rallies or unscripted press interactions while considering a targeted trip to Kentucky to bolster support.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the President's schedule and manage accessibility regarding upcoming engagements. The discussion centered on managing the President's availability for meetings with Soviet officials, consultations with Alexander M. Haig, Jr., and potential communications with Speaker of the House Carl B. Albert concerning Congressional adjournment. Ultimately, Nixon directed Bull to restrict his availability, explicitly instructing him to inform callers that he was not present.