Nixon White House Tape 166 (May 13, 1973)

Nixon & Camp David operator

President Nixon initiated a brief telephone call to his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, through the Camp David operator. The exchange served as a functional administrative request to facilitate communication with his staff. No substantive policy matters or major political decisions were recorded during this brief connection.

Nixon & Woods

President Nixon and his secretary Rose Mary Woods discussed administrative matters, staff assignments, and the administration's political strategy during the Watergate crisis. Nixon directed Woods to initiate a project of making 15 to 20 appreciation calls daily to political supporters to bolster morale and counter negative media coverage. The two also exchanged views on the perceived conspiracy by the press, Congress, and political opponents to undermine the presidency.

Nixon & Camp David operator

President Nixon requested that the Camp David operator attempt to place a telephone call to Congressman Joe D. Waggonner, Jr. of Louisiana. Nixon specified that the operator should not disturb the Congressman if he was unavailable, expressing his intent to postpone the outreach until the following day if necessary. The brief exchange served as a logistical arrangement to facilitate a direct communication between the President and the Representative.

Nixon & Waggonner

President Richard Nixon and Representative Joe D. Waggonner, Jr. discussed the mounting political pressures of the Watergate scandal and ongoing challenges in Congress. Waggonner expressed his loyalty and support for the administration, while Nixon criticized the media, the Senate hearings, and the legal treatment of figures like Daniel Ellsberg. The two men also reviewed legislative strategy regarding Cambodia, agreed on the importance of demanding an accounting for MIAs in Indochina, and expressed optimism about the President’s ability to overcome the current political crisis.