Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 143
Nixon White House Tape 143 (September 16, 1972 – September 17, 1972)
9 conversations · Camp David Study Table · about 7 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Golden, Colson
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a personal communication. The President requested that the operator connect him to Manolo Sanchez, his longtime personal valet. This brief interaction served as a routine logistical step to establish private contact with a member of his staff.
President Nixon consulted with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, regarding the scheduling and logistics of a movie screening. The brief exchange focused on selecting a film for the President to watch, specifically mentioning a desire to see 'The Northwest Train Robbery.' No major policy decisions were made during this casual administrative interaction.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. This brief administrative interaction served as an operational bridge to coordinate communication with a key advisor. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this exchange.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to inquire about the whereabouts of H.R. Haldeman and to request a telephone connection. Upon learning that Haldeman was attending church and would not be available until 12:30, the President directed the operator to connect him with Stephen B. Bull instead. This exchange reflects the administrative coordination required to maintain presidential communications while at the Camp David retreat.
President Nixon consulted with the Camp David operator regarding the status of staff members Stephen B. Bull and H.R. Haldeman. After learning that Bull was temporarily unavailable via radio, the President decided to abort his attempt to reach him. Additionally, Nixon directed the operator to cancel a scheduled call to Haldeman, indicating he would initiate contact himself at a later time.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to arrange direct telephone communications with military personnel at the retreat. He specifically requested to be connected with Commander Craig S. Campbell and Lieutenant Colonel William L. Golden, the resident military aide. The conversation served as a brief administrative coordination to facilitate these military briefings.
President Nixon consulted with Lt. Col. William L. Golden regarding the logistics of his upcoming trip to an Italian festival picnic. They discussed the President’s departure schedule, his transportation preference for returning to either Camp David or the White House, and whether Pat Nixon or Julie Nixon Eisenhower would be in attendance. Nixon also verified the status of his prepared remarks for the event, tasking himself to check his briefcase for the necessary materials.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an outgoing call to White House special counsel Charles W. Colson. This brief communication served solely as a logistical request to establish a line of connection. No substantive policy matters or political strategies were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed campaign strategy for the 1972 election, focusing primarily on undermining George McGovern’s attempts to make the Watergate scandal a central campaign issue. Colson advised that the administration should temporarily ignore McGovern’s accusations to allow him to overplay his hand, noting that McGovern’s increasingly aggressive public persona was hurting his standing with voters. The two also reviewed polling data and coordinated surrogate messaging, deciding to pivot their own attacks toward McGovern’s vulnerable positions on wage and price controls.