Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 159
Nixon White House Tape 159 (December 31, 1972)
2 conversations · Camp David Study Table · about 30 min of released audio
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Special Counsel Charles W. Colson. The brief exchange served as an administrative request to reach Colson for a conversation. No further policy or strategic discussions took place during this specific call.
President Nixon and Charles Colson reviewed the events of 1972, focusing heavily on public and press reactions to the Vietnam War and recent U.S. bombing campaigns. They discussed the administration's frustration with media coverage, specifically criticizing James Reston’s analysis of Henry Kissinger and the alleged discord within the executive branch. The conversation served to coordinate political strategy and message control as the President prepared for his second term.