Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 247
Nixon White House Tape 247 (April 13, 1971)
9 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 3 hr 28 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Haldeman, Bull, Ehrlichman
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in H.R. Haldeman’s office to await the arrival of specific information. The brief exchange indicates a period of anticipation regarding an pending update or report. No substantive policy decisions or definitive actions were finalized during this particular segment of the recording.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's upcoming professional schedule. The brief interaction focused on logistics regarding an unspecified service or event. No significant policy decisions were made during this routine administrative coordination.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Executive Office Building to discuss mundane matters, specifically concerning the local weather. The brief interaction reflects the routine personal exchanges between the President and his long-time aide. No significant policy decisions or official government actions were recorded during this brief segment.
President Nixon held a broad-ranging meeting with H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, Henry Kissinger, and John Connally to discuss domestic and foreign policy priorities, including economic strategy, upcoming personnel changes, and bureaucratic management. The participants reviewed positive retail sales and GNP growth, evaluated the political viability of energy and environmental proposals, and strategized on handling potential civil service and diplomatic appointments. A significant portion of the discussion focused on managing the administration's political image, navigating legislative obstacles in Congress, and addressing the status of long-serving officials like J. Edgar Hoover.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategies for managing political opposition, specifically focusing on the performance of Cabinet members. Nixon reflected on recent counsel from John B. Connally, who urged the administration to adopt a more aggressive, confrontational approach when dealing with Congress. The discussion emphasized the need for stronger executive leadership and decisive action to counter critics like Edmund Muskie.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon coordinated plans for an evening social engagement. The pair briefly discussed the timing of their arrival and confirmed the small size of the group expected to attend. The brief exchange concluded with an agreement for the President to meet the First Lady at 6:40 p.m.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate the President's evening schedule at the White House residence. During the brief exchange, Nixon directed Sanchez to retrieve specific notes needed for his personal use. This meeting served as a routine administrative interaction to facilitate the President's transition from his office to his living quarters.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, for a brief, informal conversation in the Old Executive Office Building. The dialogue appears to center on casual remarks regarding acquaintances and employment matters. No significant policy decisions or official government actions were recorded during this short exchange.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the perceived lack of assertiveness and public impact of the Nixon administration's cabinet and staff. The President expresses frustration with the team's inability to effectively "attack" political opponents or command public attention, suggesting that significant personnel changes may be necessary to improve the administration's political image. They explore strategies for better projecting the President's personality and policy priorities, including evaluating potential Cabinet reshuffles and deliberating on the political optics of military-related public appearances.