Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 228
Nixon White House Tape 228 (November 20, 1972)
8 conversations · Camp David Hard Wire · about 1 hr 56 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Sanchez, Ziegler, Ehrlichman
In this meeting at Camp David, President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the personnel and strategic reorganization of the administration's second term, including the management of press relations and the handling of key cabinet members and staffers. Nixon emphasizes the need for loyal, dedicated personnel and discusses his desire to establish a more personal, warmer public image by utilizing surrogates and better controlling media access. They also address the tactical handling of critical news outlets, specifically Life and Time magazines, and deliberate on the best approach for announcing upcoming cabinet changes and the President’s post-landslide agenda.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the file regarding a wide-ranging review of his administration's political landscape following the 1972 election. The recording captures his reflections on personnel management, including potential changes to the Republican National Committee and cabinet-level shifts, as well as strategies for managing his public image and press relations. Additionally, the President assesses the effectiveness of key advisors and evaluates potential appointments for his second term, including considerations for the United Nations and the Internal Revenue Service.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate logistical preparations for an upcoming trip, focusing on managing public perception and scheduling meetings with key political figures. They discuss the importance of delaying official announcements to avoid premature speculation and finalize the guest list, which includes Nelson Rockefeller and Barry Goldwater. The conversation concludes with the President instructing Haldeman to hold off on contacting John Mitchell for the time being.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum outlining key strategies for his second-term administration and executive reorganization. He specifically considered implementing a 'Super Cabinet' structure to better navigate relations with Congress. Additionally, the President reviewed John Connally’s proposal regarding the potential retirement and reconfirmation of Supreme Court justices.
President Nixon consulted with the Camp David operator to locate a specific item or document within the presidential retreat. The brief interaction focused on logistical assistance regarding the physical placement of materials. No substantive policy or political developments occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss personnel appointments and political strategy following the 1972 election. They cover potential Cabinet and sub-Cabinet placements, including the roles of Peter Brennan, Elliot Richardson, Caspar Weinberger, and Roy Ash. The conversation also touches on legislative relationships and the internal assessment of Republican electoral performance.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate logistics for a private Thanksgiving gathering at Camp David. The discussion focuses on inviting a guest, managing travel arrangements back to the White House, and maintaining secrecy regarding the President's schedule. Nixon decides to delay final confirmation and requests a follow-up call later that evening to finalize the plans.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the political complications surrounding the potential Senate confirmation of Peter M. Flanigan for a position within the administration. The conversation centered on concerns that a confirmation hearing would invite unwanted scrutiny into past controversies, specifically involving ITT and the influence of Charles Colson. They reviewed the structure of the Council on International Economic Policy (CIEP) and reached a consensus that Flanigan’s future tenure should be managed to avoid damaging the administration’s public standing.