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 4 of 32President Nixon met with John B. Connally and other advisors to discuss legislative strategy, particularly regarding the House of Representatives' progress on H.R. 1 and efforts to influence the Senate. Connally was identified as a key political strategist, with the President praising his ability to lobby lawmakers on issues such as Lockheed funding and to secure support from diverse coalitions. The conversation also touched upon the necessity of shaping public image and the strategic use of media appearances to strengthen the administration's political standing.
On May 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 498-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming daily schedule, focusing on coordination for a series of high-level meetings. The discussion specifically addressed the logistics for upcoming appointments with Henry Kissinger, Barber, and James M. Roche. John D. Ehrlichman and Peter G. Peterson were identified as additional participants for the scheduled meeting with Roche.
In this meeting, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the delicate status of SALT negotiations, specifically weighing whether to press for further wording changes with the Soviets or accept the current draft to avoid diplomatic irritation and potential leaks. Following Kissinger's departure, Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, Peter Peterson, and James Roche to address the challenges facing the American automobile industry. The group focused on mitigating overly rigid safety and environmental regulations that threatened the industry's competitiveness against foreign imports, while exploring broader strategies to maintain America's technological and economic dominance in an increasingly globalized market.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate upcoming travel, press strategies, and the scheduling of First Lady Pat Nixon. The discussion centered on managing the President's public image and political capital regarding issues like the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and NATO, while ensuring administration goals remained insulated from unfavorable press coverage. They also reviewed various appointments and personnel matters, including strategies for Texas political races and the handling of sensitive meetings involving external groups.
On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:50 am and 9:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-005 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:58 am and 10:00 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming appointments on his daily schedule. The two discussed logistics for meeting with various individuals, specifically determining the appropriate location to host Max M. Fisher. Nixon finalized arrangements to see Fisher in a private office area to accommodate a brief discussion.
On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:20 am and 11:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:20 am and 11:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-014 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:20 am and 11:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Jacob A. Preus, General James D. Hughes, and others to discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at securing the release of American prisoners of war (POWs) in Vietnam. Preus reported on his international travels, highlighting conversations with Swedish, Indian, and Vatican officials regarding the separation of humanitarian POW issues from the broader military conflict. The discussion underscored the strategic necessity of maintaining pressure on North Vietnam while navigating the complexities of international negotiations and countering negative public perceptions of U.S. efforts in Southeast Asia.
On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Max M. Fisher and Paul W. McCracken to discuss strategies for improving the administration's relationship with the business community, which Fisher described as feeling isolated and harassed by regulatory policies. The participants analyzed the economic impact of rising interest rates on the housing industry, leading Nixon to direct Fisher to coordinate with Treasury Secretary John Connally regarding these concerns. Nixon expressed frustration with congressional pressure on environmental and consumerist legislation, specifically highlighting his personal efforts to curb mandates such as automobile air bags.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinated logistics for a tree-planting ceremony and a tour for visiting Illinois Republican leaders. Nixon emphasized the political importance of the Illinois delegation and instructed Bull to streamline the transition between these events. They finalized a tight schedule to ensure the guests were handled efficiently without disrupting the First Lady's participation.
President Nixon met with Landrum Bolling and D. Elton Trueblood to discuss their recent travels to the Middle East and the USSR, as well as their personal connections to Quakerism. During the discussion, Nixon emphasized his refusal to allow domestic political pressure from the American Jewish community to dictate his Middle East foreign policy or drag the U.S. into a conflict. The meeting concluded with the exchange of gifts, including correspondence regarding Abraham Lincoln, and plans for a future meeting with Quakers in October.
On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:53 pm and 12:56 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met with Senator Edward Brooke to discuss the administration's strategic foreign policy, specifically focusing on the delicate negotiations regarding the People's Republic of China, Vietnam, and arms control. The President emphasized the need for discretion regarding ongoing initiatives to avoid undermining diplomatic efforts or domestic support, while urging Brooke to maintain a unified front against congressional efforts to impose troop withdrawal deadlines. The conversation served to align their messaging and ensure that legislative pressure, such as the Mansfield Amendment, would not jeopardize the administration's broader geopolitical objectives.
On May 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:38 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 500-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the status of negotiations for the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and concerns regarding a potential delay or rejection of the agreement by the Soviet Union. Kissinger provided updates on his communications with Anatoliy Dobrynin, emphasizing the importance of managing the announcement timing and the need to maneuver around domestic congressional pressure, specifically the Mathias Amendment. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the lack of resolve among Republican congressional leadership and reiterated his commitment to maintaining a firm stance on foreign policy and military force levels despite political opposition.
On May 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:03 am and 11:06 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 500-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:28 am and 11:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 500-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman to discuss a wide range of administrative and political concerns, including public messaging on drug policy and the vetting of potential presidential appointees. The two reviewed preparations for the 1972 campaign, with a focus on convention scheduling and state-level political strategy in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. Additionally, they deliberated on personnel assignments, specifically evaluating Donald Rumsfeld for a leadership role in the Office of Emergency Preparedness and addressing the ongoing challenges regarding John Volpe’s performance in the Cabinet.
On May 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:04 pm and 3:06 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 500-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review and coordinate upcoming appointments for administration officials. The discussion focused on scheduling logistics for Henry Kissinger, Donald Rumsfeld, and Robert Finch. The brief session concluded with Bull tasked to verify the availability of specific individuals for a requested 4:15 p.m. meeting.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met in the Oval Office to coordinate strategy regarding ongoing SALT negotiations and domestic opposition in the Senate. They discussed frustration over Soviet delays in finalizing terms and explored the potential for a major breakthrough in foreign policy, including upcoming summits and arms control agreements. Additionally, the President reviewed his interactions with Congressional leadership and expressed disdain for the lack of support from moderate Republicans and Senate colleagues regarding his Vietnam and foreign policy agenda.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson met to discuss political strategy for the 1972 election, focusing on how to undermine potential Democratic rivals like Edward Kennedy and Edmund Muskie. They also assessed the legislative status of the Supersonic Transport (SST) and expressed frustration regarding the current leadership in the U.S. Senate. Henry Kissinger joined the latter portion of the meeting to finalize the timing and announcement strategy for the upcoming Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) negotiations with the USSR.
Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office to address a technical issue involving a malfunctioning device that produced a sound described as rushing water. After identifying the source of the noise, the participants discussed the President’s upcoming schedule. The meeting concluded with plans for the group to reconvene in approximately 20 minutes.
President Nixon met with his staff and advisors to coordinate the strategic announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement with the Soviet Union. The group focused heavily on controlling the release of information to the press and Congressional leaders to prevent premature leaks and to ensure that the administration controlled the narrative regarding the agreement's historical significance. They devised a plan to conduct high-level briefings for wire services and network correspondents to shape media coverage, while also briefly discussing the termination of the Supersonic Transport (SST) project.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming dinner aboard the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. They discussed the guest list, which included John B. Connally, Henry Kissinger, H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and John Ehrlichman, and coordinated the specific timing for the gathering. Additionally, the pair briefly touched upon administrative details, including the placement of office equipment and scheduling confirmations.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, and others to discuss recent legislative developments, specifically the House progress on a manpower revenue-sharing bill and the resolution of an impending rail strike. The group reviewed the President's recent meeting with business leaders, focusing on his stance on free trade and domestic economic priorities. Additionally, Nixon emphasized his refusal to be pressured into reactive international monetary policy changes and authorized the initiation of a new intelligence program.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to refine the messaging and strategy for the upcoming public announcement regarding the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). They discussed the content of the President's public statement, debating whether to emphasize personal involvement in initiating negotiations with Soviet leadership versus keeping the announcement brief and formal. To manage potential skepticism and ensure support, they also planned a background briefing for key columnists and a meeting with the verification panel to solidify Congressional and public confidence.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers discussed strategies for advancing peace negotiations in the Middle East and the status of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Union. Rogers provided an update on his recent diplomatic tour, noting promising overtures from Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat regarding a potential interim settlement and the future removal of Soviet personnel. The President emphasized a firm stance toward Israel, arguing that the U.S. must leverage its military and economic support to pressure Israel into serious negotiations, while also planning to coordinate closely with Congressional leaders on the upcoming SALT announcement regarding anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:14 am and 10:22 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the upcoming public announcement of a breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). A primary concern for the participants was managing the ego and professional expectations of Secretary of State William P. Rogers, who was reportedly frustrated by his exclusion from these sensitive negotiations. The group decided to present the achievement as a collective effort involving the State and Defense Departments, while privately acknowledging that such high-level diplomatic channels are uniquely the President's responsibility. They also finalized the schedule for briefing congressional leaders and Cabinet members to ensure the announcement was handled with appropriate gravitas and controlled messaging.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:05 pm and 2:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-017 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, 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 3:50 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-020 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, 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 3:50 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull regarding updates on the Charles McC. Mathias amendment and the progress of pending legislative votes. The President sought information on these developments to coordinate his upcoming schedule with Robert H. Finch and Donald H. Rumsfeld. The meeting concluded with Nixon tasking staff to secure information before his 5:00 pm deadline.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to review pending administrative paperwork and finalize the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion specifically addressed preparations for a 5:00 p.m. meeting involving key advisors including Henry Kissinger, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler. During the exchange, Nixon also gave instructions regarding the visual presentation of staff in photographs, specifically requesting that images of individuals with cigarettes be excluded.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:28 pm and 4:38 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-027 of the White House Tapes.
In this Oval Office meeting, President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and other key staff to coordinate the rollout of a major breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Union. The President emphasized the need to maintain secrecy regarding the specific channels used to achieve this diplomatic progress while ensuring that the public message highlighted his personal initiative and the transition to simultaneous negotiations on offensive and defensive weapons. Additionally, Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Finch reported on their recent foreign tour, discussing European perceptions of U.S. foreign policy, the status of U.S. ambassadors, and the challenge of managing drug usage among military personnel abroad.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to refine the public announcement of a breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), focusing on the precise wording to characterize the agreement and its potential to improve U.S.-Soviet relations. Beyond the announcement, they reviewed recent legislative successes, including the defeat of the Mathias amendment, and discussed strategies for improving communication with the State Department and key congressional allies like Senator John C. Stennis. The President emphasized the need for strict secrecy regarding the negotiations until the simultaneous release in Washington and Moscow to prevent leaks and maximize the political impact.
In this meeting, President Nixon consulted with Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding Middle East diplomacy, emphasizing his desire to push for a peace settlement before the upcoming election season and expressing frustration with the influence of Israeli interests. Following this, the President met with Henry Kissinger and Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the upcoming public announcement of a SALT agreement with the Soviet Union. Nixon and Kissinger strategically aligned on how to brief Congressional leaders while minimizing specific disclosures about negotiating history, MIRVs, and treaty structures to maintain control over the process.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:03 am and 10:09 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize talking points for a briefing with Congressional leaders regarding the impending announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement. They discussed the strategic framing of the announcement, specifically focusing on positioning the initiative as a personal presidential endeavor while acknowledging defensive weapons limitations. Stephen B. Bull joined the discussion to coordinate the arrival of Democratic leadership, and the group reviewed the planned script to ensure an effective presentation of the administration's progress on nuclear arms control.
President Nixon and his advisors met to finalize the announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement and coordinate the administration's strategy for managing congressional and public reactions. The discussion focused on emphasizing the historic nature of the deal—despite its initial status as a framework—and included logistical planning for a televised address and related press briefings. Additionally, the President addressed minor White House operational concerns, such as plumbing issues in his residence, while maintaining focus on the political leverage gained through recent ABM (Antiballistic Missile) defense initiatives.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:05 pm and 2:08 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-015 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and Leslie C. Arends met in the Oval Office of the White House from 2:08 pm to 2:09 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with key advisors including John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, and Henry Kissinger to navigate a broad agenda covering economic policy, domestic legislative priorities, and the recent Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement. The participants discussed strategies for managing inflation and fiscal policy, coordinating economic messaging through the Quadriad, and securing congressional support for revenue-sharing initiatives. Furthermore, the President focused on maintaining political discipline regarding his SALT negotiations, successfully leveraging support from key figures like McGeorge Bundy to bolster the agreement's reception among Senate leadership.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to verify the logistics for a dinner event honoring the Louisiana congressional delegation, specifically asking Bull to confirm if the function was scheduled at the Washington Hilton. Nixon directed Bull to report back immediately to ensure he arrived at the correct location. This brief exchange served to finalize the President's departure plans for the evening engagement.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 8:28 pm to 8:29 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-106 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his SALT delegation, including Henry Kissinger and Gerard C. Smith, to strategize for upcoming negotiations in Helsinki and manage public and bureaucratic expectations. The discussion focused on maintaining a firm stance on the 'Safeguard' ABM program while emphasizing the need to keep details confidential to prevent premature leaks and political opposition. Nixon stressed that the delegation should project strength and avoid defensiveness, ultimately aiming to finalize a comprehensive treaty that would serve American security interests.
On May 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:47 am and 11:02 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 503-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met briefly with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate scheduling and logistics for upcoming appointments. The participants finalized the arrangements for an impending meeting and confirmed the availability of staff support. The discussion concluded with the parties departing to continue their daily schedules.
On May 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:20 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 503-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:31 pm and 2:59 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 503-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, George Shultz, John Ehrlichman, and Henry Kissinger to discuss several pressing domestic and foreign policy issues. The team reviewed Peter Peterson's potential new roles in intelligence and government reorganization, addressed political concerns regarding environmental regulations, and formulated plans to require an "economic impact statement" for future agency decisions. Additionally, the President and Kissinger finalized plans for a diplomatic meeting with South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, deciding to prioritize the regional impact over potential negative reactions from American liberals.
President Nixon met with Herbert Stein, George Shultz, John Connally, and Arthur Burns to discuss the state of the U.S. economy, specifically focusing on inflation, sluggish recovery, and steel industry negotiations. The group debated the potential risks of government intervention, including wage-price freezes, while also planning a strategy to better communicate budget deficits and fiscal policy to the American public. Additionally, Nixon emphasized the need for a unified administration voice on economic policy ahead of upcoming international monetary conferences, urging his team to maintain a confident and assertive posture regarding U.S. domestic economic strength.
On May 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:07 pm and 6:26 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 503-023 of the White House Tapes.
On May 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:08 am and 10:03 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 505-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger discussed the recent killings of police officers in New York and Washington D.C., with Nixon expressing strong support for law enforcement and frustration over perceived inaction. They also covered upcoming presidential travel, including potential trips for Vice President Agnew and Kissinger's own international engagements, as well as the ongoing Vietnam War and the complex diplomatic situation regarding the People's Republic of China. A decision was made to schedule a press conference for Tuesday, May 25th, and Nixon emphasized the need for a strong statement on marijuana policy.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other staff members to review administrative operations and discuss public relations strategies. They evaluated the success of a recent trip to Alabama, debated the appropriate use of motorcades and podiums to maintain presidential dignity, and addressed upcoming personnel appointments, including a potential position for Albert Watson. Additionally, Nixon emphasized his preference for controlling his media appearances and artistic portraiture, insisting that staff streamline his briefing materials and limit his direct physical engagement with crowds.
On May 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:37 pm and 1:41 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 505-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with J. Edgar Hoover, John Mitchell, and senior staff to coordinate a stronger federal response to rising violence against police officers, including the potential implementation of federal insurance benefits for fallen officers' families. The group discussed strategies to foster public support for law enforcement, such as establishing an annual Police Recognition Day and organizing high-profile meetings between the President and police leadership to counter anti-authority sentiment. Additionally, the President issued a directive to create a centralized, independent agency to tackle the national drug crisis, moving responsibilities away from HEW to improve accountability and treatment programs for military personnel.
President Nixon met with Hong Kong-based businessman Harold Lee and Henry Kissinger to solicit an expert perspective on the shifting geopolitical landscape in Asia. The discussion focused on U.S.-China relations, the motivations behind the People's Republic of China's recent diplomatic openness, and the broader, even-handed foreign policy Nixon intended to pursue between the USSR and China. Nixon and Kissinger also discussed the difficulties of maintaining U.S. alliances, specifically regarding Taiwan, while managing the pragmatic realities of global power dynamics.
On May 27, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:25 am and 9:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 504-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and others to discuss administrative matters, including the President's recent Southern trip, press strategy, and upcoming state visits. The group reviewed the success of the President's recent tour, debated the merits of using certificates of appreciation to bolster local support, and strategized on how to better leverage public relations for administration priorities like the drug crisis. Furthermore, the President and Kissinger discussed the ongoing Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), with Nixon emphasizing the need to adopt a hardline stance toward the Soviet Union to ensure progress before any potential summit.
President Nixon hosted a series of brief meetings in the Oval Office to recognize the service of several individuals, including Admiral R. C. Robinson, Jack T. Cole, and long-serving government employee Carson Howell, often presenting them with commemorative gifts. During these sessions, the President discussed his opposition to the legalization of marijuana and orchestrated various photo opportunities for his guests. Additionally, Nixon met with Catherine May Bedell and Peter G. Peterson to discuss her nomination to the U.S. Tariff Commission, emphasizing the need for her to work closely with his administration and maintain direct communication with his key advisors.
On May 27, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:05 pm and 12:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 504-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and later Henry Kissinger to navigate sensitive political scheduling and high-stakes foreign policy dilemmas. The group discussed managing state visits, including the logistical and political optics of hosting King Faisal and Anastasio Somoza, while also deliberating on the timing of a presidential press conference and potential meetings with congressional leadership. A significant portion of the session focused on the 'Two Chinas' issue, where the President weighed the risk of losing Taiwan's United Nations seat against the diplomatic consequences of shifting U.S. policy toward the People's Republic of China. Ultimately, Nixon directed his team to stall for time, opting for noncommittal consultations with allies while prioritizing the preservation of existing diplomatic postures.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to strategize on two critical foreign policy initiatives: the pursuit of Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR) in Europe and the shifting U.S. approach toward the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the United Nations. They discussed the tactical necessity of appearing proactive while maintaining control over the pace of negotiations, specifically regarding a potential 10% troop reduction in Europe and the delicate diplomatic maneuverings required to manage Taiwan's status at the UN. Secretary of State William P. Rogers joined the discussion to refine these strategies, and the President emphasized the importance of consulting with allies before making any final policy declarations to ensure domestic and international stability.
On May 27, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:26 pm and 4:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 504-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and other staff members to strategize on administration messaging, foreign policy initiatives, and political tactics. The conversation centered on managing the upcoming press conference, refining the administration's stance on drug policy by shifting focus toward youth rather than just veterans, and monitoring polling data regarding China and the United Nations. Nixon and his advisors also reviewed plans for an upcoming speech at West Point and discussed sensitive diplomatic maneuvering regarding potential summits and China-related negotiations.
President Nixon met with leaders of the Retail Clerks International Association, including James Suffridge, James Housewright, and William McGuire, alongside aide Charles W. Colson for a brief, ceremonial visit. The participants engaged in light conversation, exchanged gifts including golf balls and cuff links, and discussed a prayer shared by a local pastor. The interaction concluded with a photo opportunity and a brief discussion regarding a gift received from Saudi Arabia intended for the presidential library.
On May 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:13 pm and 12:14 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 506-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, and Peter Peterson to strategize on national economic goals, focusing on research and development (R&D) and long-term industrial planning. The discussion centered on creating a cohesive framework to address U.S. competitiveness, particularly regarding trade and labor, and the potential for a new commission to oversee domestic technological breakthroughs like breeder reactors and desalinization. The participants also explored strategies to communicate these initiatives to the public and political leaders, aiming to frame them as vital for future job growth and national strength.
On May 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 3:10 pm to 3:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-180 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the administrative handling of a forthcoming presidential speech and the vetting of potential political appointees. They reviewed the distribution of speech drafts to key staff members, including Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig, while incorporating revisions based on Kissinger's recommendations. Additionally, Nixon expressed strong reservations about appointing individuals like Charles Schultze or John Gardner due to their perceived ties to Democratic candidates, ultimately deciding against their inclusion.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling of several upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on arrangements for meetings with Representative Harley O. Staggers, White House photographer Oliver F. Atkins, and Deputy Assistant Alexander P. Butterfield. No specific policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative briefing.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull and his personal valet Manolo Sanchez in the Old Executive Office Building to review and coordinate the President’s upcoming schedule. The discussion focused on logistical planning and administrative arrangements for the President's official commitments. No major policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative consultation.
On June 2, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:55 am and 9:20 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 508-010 of the White House Tapes.
In this extensive meeting, President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman, later joined by Henry Kissinger and other staff, discussed a broad range of administrative, political, and foreign policy matters. The conversation focused heavily on the President's recent press conference, strategies for managing the press and domestic public opinion, and the imperative to achieve foreign policy breakthroughs in Vietnam, relations with the USSR, and potential overtures to the People's Republic of China. Significant developments included internal planning for clandestine diplomatic channels and a firm resolve to maintain a "law and order" stance against anti-war demonstrators and critics of the administration.
President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and Stephen Bull met with William J. Hopkins and his guests to coordinate a Medal of Freedom ceremony. The participants discussed the logistics and sequence of events for the presentation, including the role of Commander Craig Campbell. Following brief social conversation regarding their shared experiences growing up in small towns, the group departed the Oval Office to proceed to the formal ceremony.
On June 2, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:19 pm and 12:24 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 508-015 of the White House Tapes.
On June 2, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:19 pm and 12:24 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 508-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly conferred in the Oval Office regarding the President's schedule. The primary topic was the upcoming meeting with Robert H. Finch, with H.R. Haldeman also mentioned as potentially being involved or having recently departed. The conversation was very brief, with Bull confirming Finch's arrival and offering to start a fire.
On June 2, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 3:15 pm to 3:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 510-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the administration's aggressive new strategy for addressing drug abuse, including the formation of a centralized office led by Dr. Jerome H. Jaffe and the implementation of mandatory drug testing and rehabilitation for military personnel. They further explored political tactics for the President, debating whether he should adopt a more combative public persona to better challenge opponents and define his presidency. Finally, they touched upon federal personnel management and potential legislative strategies regarding economic issues, such as revenue sharing and public service employment.
President Nixon met with an advisory committee of the Boy Scouts of America's Explorer division to discuss their organization, the integration of female members, and the age demographic of the program. The President engaged in brief conversation regarding his personal history with the Boy Scouts and his upcoming travel plans to Rochester, New York. The group also reviewed the logistics and schedule for an outdoor ceremony where Nixon would provide remarks and present gifts to the attendees.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details regarding an upcoming evening meeting with FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The participants confirmed the 10:00 p.m. scheduling for the session and established the protocol for the officials' arrival. Nixon directed that Hoover and Mitchell enter together so he could join them at the start of the discussion.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review the President's upcoming schedule, including various appointments and the preparation for a press conference. The discussion focused heavily on the political risks posed by unfavorable economic indicators, specifically rising unemployment figures and the wholesale price index. They strategized on how to manage media narratives surrounding these economic reports and potential legislative vetoes to minimize negative press coverage.
On June 3, 1971, Stephen B. Bull and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:04 am and 11:47 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 509-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss strategies for upcoming press conferences, focusing on how the President should handle political questions and maintain his control over the news cycle. Nixon expresses a desire to avoid being drawn into partisan debates or candidate-specific topics, instead preferring to project a presidential image that resonates with the public. They also review the political utility of recent law-and-order rhetoric, particularly regarding police support and the administration's firm stance against drug legalization, and deliberate on the timing and location of future press engagements to maximize reach and impact.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the logistics for an upcoming appearance by a Polish boys' choir at the White House. They discussed the involvement of Senator Robert P. Griffin and Congressman Lucien N. Nedzi in coordinating the visit for the Polish-American community. The brief meeting also included a specific clarification regarding the correct pronunciation of the Polish city, Poznan.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate logistics for upcoming presidential travel, review scheduling for meetings with political allies and foreign officials, and discuss the administration's media strategy regarding recent May Day protests. The group reviewed gift-giving protocols for members of Congress and evaluated the political risks associated with various appearances, including a rejected proposal for a concert in the Rose Garden. Nixon and his staff also discussed managing press relations, specifically reinforcing the President's policy of declining to answer partisan political questions during televised press conferences.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Robert Dole, and John Mitchell to discuss the administration's political strategy, including the management of the 1972 Republican National Convention site selection and efforts to increase youth voter registration. The group evaluated the political risks of pending legislation, specifically gun control, health care, and public works bills, while coordinating messaging to contrast Nixon's policies with Democratic alternatives. Additionally, the President and his advisors reviewed strategies for handling press relations—including a potential public moratorium for Vice President Agnew—and addressed concerns regarding the Vietnam War, POW repatriation, and the impact of economic issues on his reelection prospects.
On June 4, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:08 am and 9:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 512-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss a variety of domestic policy issues, including strategies for handling energy policy, narcotics enforcement, and the national economy. They reviewed recent polling data that identified crime and the economy as primary public concerns and discussed the potential political implications of an upcoming public service jobs bill. The President decided to pursue a more aggressive "hard-line" approach to drug enforcement and requested a strategic evaluation of the administration's economic messaging to bolster public confidence.
President Nixon met with Herbert G. Klein, Henry Kearns, and Rosemary Mazon for a brief Oval Office photo session and informal discussion. The conversation centered on Kearns’ career history and the status of pending legislation, with participants expressing cautious optimism regarding its progress. The meeting concluded after the exchange of gifts and brief personal anecdotes.