Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 172
Nixon White House Tape 172 (June 9, 1972)
12 conversations · Camp David Study Desk · about 1 hr 7 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Colson, Mitchell, Finch
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate communication with Charles W. Colson. The primary purpose of this brief exchange was to request that Colson be patched through to the President’s location. This call served as a logistical step to enable direct consultation with one of Nixon's key advisors.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political fallout of the 1972 Democratic primaries, specifically focusing on the campaign of George McGovern. They analyze recent polling data, the failed attempt by Edmund Muskie to influence the nomination, and strategic efforts to exploit divisions within the Democratic Party. Nixon and Colson also deliberate on campaign messaging, including the use of political surrogates to highlight McGovern's perceived isolationism and vulnerability on social issues.
President Nixon initiates a telephone call through the Camp David operator to reach John N. Mitchell. The primary purpose of the contact is to facilitate a direct communication between the President and his former Attorney General. No further substantive policy matters or decisions are recorded during this brief administrative request.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the 1972 Democratic primary, focusing on the "stop-McGovern" movement and the potential political fallout from George McGovern's candidacy. They analyze Edmund Muskie's recent critique of McGovern as an opportunity to portray McGovern as an extremist and note that internal Democratic division serves the Nixon campaign's interests. The two also coordinate strategic efforts to recruit Democrats and independents for Nixon in key states, including California and Texas, while brainstorming tactical campaign theater such as using veterans to protest McGovern’s defense policies.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Robert H. Finch. The primary purpose of the call was to locate and reach Finch, who was in California at the time. This exchange served as a logistical coordination effort to initiate a private consultation between the President and his advisor.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to request an additional attempt to reach Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst by telephone. The brief exchange served as a logistical effort to facilitate a high-level communication between the President and the Department of Justice. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this connection.
President Nixon and Robert H. Finch discuss campaign strategy for the upcoming general election, focusing on the Democratic primary and the perceived political threat posed by George McGovern. They analyze recent California election results, particularly the defeat of John G. Schmitz, and evaluate the effectiveness of labeling McGovern as an extremist associated with radical figures. Finch reports on his recent positive reception during public speaking events in California, while the two men coordinate efforts to frame McGovern as a dangerous isolationist regarding the Vietnam War and the POW issue.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone communication through the Camp David operator to request a conversation with H.R. "Bob" Haldeman. The exchange serves as a logistical bridge to facilitate direct contact between the President and his Chief of Staff. No substantive policy matters or broader political developments are addressed during this short administrative connection.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst discussed recent political developments, including the search for a new Deputy Attorney General and the logistical planning for upcoming national conventions. They evaluated the potential political fallout of a proposed clean water bill veto and the merits of potential candidates for the deputy position, such as William D. Ruckelshaus. Additionally, they reviewed recent political trends, specifically speculating on the chaotic nature of the Democratic National Convention and the presidential campaign of George McGovern.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discussed personnel concerns regarding the Department of Justice, specifically John Mitchell's opposition to appointing William Ruckelshaus as Deputy Attorney General. Mitchell prefers a professional with convention experience for the role, while Nixon expresses skepticism about the necessity of that qualification. The conversation concludes with a dismissal of Robert Mardian as a candidate and a focus on utilizing John Dean for related departmental tasks.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone communication with the Camp David operator to request a connection to H. R. Haldeman. The exchange served primarily as a logistical step to facilitate direct communication with his Chief of Staff. No substantive policy discussions or complex decision-making occurred during this administrative interaction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the logistics for the President's departure from Camp David to the White House. They discussed helicopter standby procedures and established an 8:00 p.m. departure time for the President. Nixon explicitly clarified that he would be traveling alone, noting that other guests remaining at Camp David did not need to accompany him.