Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 278
Nixon White House Tape 278 (September 9, 1971 – September 17, 1971)
73 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 3 hr 18 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Sanchez, Kissinger, Bull
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman review the draft of a forthcoming speech on economic policy, focusing on how to effectively integrate themes of the American spirit, work ethic, and global responsibility. They analyze the impact of specific “cheer lines” that resonated with isolationists and discuss the difficulty of navigating a Congress under Democratic control. The two men conclude by finalizing language intended to frame welfare reform as a transition toward a more positive, work-oriented system.
President Nixon held a brief communication with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The interaction served as a logistical step to connect the President with another party for official business. No substantive policy discussions or significant political developments occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss personal logistics and upcoming schedule management. The conversation focused on the President's immediate administrative needs, specifically a request for refreshments, and preparations for his upcoming weekend trip to Camp David. Sanchez encouraged the President to utilize the time away to rest and manage his heavy workload.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the reception of the President's recent economic speech and prepare for his upcoming address on domestic policy initiatives, including revenue sharing, government reorganization, and welfare reform. Nixon expresses significant frustration with his speechwriting staff, specifically Raymond Price, for failing to incorporate effective "cheer lines" into his drafts. To rectify this, Nixon considers hiring a specialized "speech doctor" to refine his rhetoric and increase the persuasive impact of his public messaging.
President Nixon met briefly with his longtime valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The interaction served as a casual check-in between the President and his personal staff member. No substantive policy matters or official administrative decisions were recorded during this exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for shaping public perception regarding welfare reform and national economic competitiveness. Nixon emphasizes the necessity of restructuring the welfare system to prioritize labor over government assistance to avoid societal stagnation. The dialogue reflects a broader political messaging effort to frame the administration's economic policies as proactive and competitive rather than isolationist.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate the remainder of his daily schedule and manage pending telephone calls. The brief interaction focused on organizing the President's immediate administrative commitments before Sanchez departed. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this logistical exchange.
President Nixon consults with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing telephone connection. The interaction is purely administrative, serving as the logistical precursor to a subsequent, substantive call. No policy matters or significant decisions are addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Robert H. Finch discussed the political strategy surrounding the administration's legislative agenda, specifically focusing on revenue sharing and welfare reform. Nixon emphasized the importance of promoting the work ethic to bolster public support for his economic policies heading into an election year. The pair also exchanged personal pleasantries regarding a mutual acquaintance, affirming the individual's qualifications and professional reputation.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the political recruitment of Robert T. Monagan to the administration following a positive assessment from Robert H. Finch. The President expressed strong support for Monagan's abilities and his potential to work effectively with Ronald Reagan, instructing Haldeman to coordinate with Attorney General John N. Mitchell to finalize the appointment. Additionally, the pair touched upon a recent phone call involving Clark MacGregor.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political fallout and public reception of a recent, significant speech delivered by the President. Nixon reflects on the balancing act of promoting American interests while managing foreign policy expectations, specifically regarding potential troop withdrawals. The brief exchange concludes with an agreement to coordinate further on these messaging strategies from the Oval Office.
President Nixon initiates a brief interaction with the White House operator, specifically requesting to be connected to an individual named Eric. The exchange serves as a routine administrative task to facilitate a telephonic communication. No further policy-related discussions or significant decisions occur during this short recording.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor conducted a brief check-in regarding the current legislative climate and the productivity of congressional members. The discussion focused on the lack of substantive action expected from lawmakers, with Nixon expressing skepticism regarding their willingness to advance the administration's agenda. MacGregor was encouraged to maintain pressure on congressional leadership despite these underlying doubts about legislative progress.
President Nixon initiated a brief communication with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. Due to the lack of transcript content beyond the initial connection, the specific subject matter of the subsequent conversation remains undocumented. This interaction serves as a routine administrative bridge for the President’s telephonic operations.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief interaction served as a logistical bridge to connect the President with another party for undisclosed business. No substantive policy discussions or major decisions were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan briefly discussed the shifting political climate, characterized by a rise in 'America First' sentiment among the public. They touched upon the political implications of current economic policies and expressed satisfaction regarding the administration's progress in securing legislative funding. No specific policy decisions were reached during this short exchange beyond assessing the favorable reception of their economic agenda.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. briefly discuss the political implications of recent economic commentary and the challenges of managing congressional isolationist sentiment. The exchange centers on the strategic framing of economic policies to counter opposition from skeptical lawmakers. Nixon concludes by gauging their readiness for upcoming legislative or rhetorical objectives.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly in the Old Executive Office Building to review the effectiveness of a recent televised appearance. The two discussed the public reception of the event, with the President offering a candid, if brief, assessment of the performance's quality. No significant policy decisions or further action items were recorded during this short interaction.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to facilitate the acquisition of a specific phonograph record. Nixon requested that Sanchez secure a copy of a musical piece favored by Nellie L. Yates, both for her collection and his own. Sanchez acknowledged the request and committed to carrying out the task.
President Nixon met with an unknown group of women in his Old Executive Office Building suite to discuss administrative matters and his professional schedule. During the brief interaction, the President coordinated with his staff regarding the appointment of Harry S. Dent. No further substantive policy decisions were documented in the surviving audio fragment.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator regarding the protocol for placing an outgoing call to an unnamed individual. He explicitly directed the operator not to interrupt the recipient if they were currently attending a social event. This brief exchange served as a procedural directive to ensure presidential communication did not cause undue social disruption.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss political strategy and public opinion regarding school busing, foreign policy, and domestic malaise. They evaluated the political impact of busing mandates in cities like Boston, specifically noting the potential for mobilizing Polish-Catholic voters against such policies. Additionally, the conversation touched on the administration's public approval ratings, the perceived moral crisis in America, and the effectiveness of Nixon's recent economic and foreign policy messaging.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to limit the inclusion of social functions in his call logs and scheduling. This request reflects his desire to prioritize substantive official business over personal or ceremonial engagements. No further administrative actions were recorded during this brief directive.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief exchange served as an administrative step to connect the President with another party. The recording concludes immediately after the operator acknowledges the request to remain on the line.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to either Hobart D. Lewis or Robert H. Finch. The interaction was brief, serving strictly as an administrative request to facilitate communication with one of these two individuals. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Richard Nixon and Robert Finch met to discuss political strategy and administrative initiatives, including revenue sharing, environmental policy, and upcoming legislative goals. The conversation also touched upon the necessity of public engagement through media appearances and the anticipated impact of the Vietnam War on the political landscape. They further addressed specific concerns regarding school desegregation mandates in northern states and political maneuvering in California.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a personal call, specifically requesting assistance in connecting with an individual. The brief exchange focused on coordinating this communication and managing the logistics of reaching the intended party. No broader policy or administrative developments resulted from this brief interaction.
President Richard Nixon met with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, for a brief personal conversation regarding family matters. The discussion centered on social engagements, including a recent church service and lunch with the Connellys and the Grange. No significant policy decisions were made during this informal exchange.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the status of an unnamed individual recovering in the hospital and coordinate viewing plans for an upcoming ABC television special. The President directs Woods to ensure his daughters, Trisha and Julie, are informed about the program and requests that Mark assist in reaching out to Julie. The conversation reflects administrative management of the family's personal schedule and social correspondence.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the handling of potential scrutiny regarding Nixon's real estate dealings, specifically the acquisition of federal property for his presidential foundation and museum. Nixon expresses a desire to proactively disclose information to shut down false rumors or investigative interest, noting that he wants to avoid the level of press intrusion experienced by the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. Additionally, the pair briefly touches upon political strategy for the current congressional session, emphasizing a push for legislative action on health and environmental programs to pressure Congress.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a communication to an unidentified individual currently aboard a ship. He also provided instructions regarding a scheduled 7:00 PM broadcast on ABC. This brief exchange served to coordinate presidential messaging and media engagement.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman engaged in a wide-ranging discussion regarding personnel evaluations and the management of various White House staff and associates. The conversation touched upon the personal challenges and professional effectiveness of specific individuals, including concerns about alcohol-related issues and leadership styles. The two assessed the suitability of potential appointees and staff members for sensitive roles, debating whether certain individuals could successfully navigate administrative burdens and represent the administration effectively.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the scheduling and public messaging for upcoming high-level summits in Moscow and the People's Republic of China, emphasizing the need to maintain a firm stance on Vietnam during these negotiations. The discussion focused on managing public perception, the potential for troop withdrawals, and ensuring South Vietnamese stability without appearing to abandon the country. Additionally, the President expressed a desire to address the recent Attica Prison riots and emphasized that the administration would maintain its commitment to military protection and foreign policy objectives despite domestic and political pressures.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to facilitate a return call from an unnamed individual, noting his impending meeting with Henry Kissinger. The President indicated he would be occupied for a short period and requested to be contacted once the other party was available. This brief exchange served primarily to manage the President's schedule and secure pending communications.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Old Executive Office Building to facilitate a telephonic communication. The brief encounter served as a precursor to an incoming call from Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The meeting concluded quickly to allow for this official exchange between the President and the Secretary.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and others to discuss television strategy, public relations for his upcoming foreign summits, and administrative crises. The President emphasized his desire to use live television broadcasts from China to maximize public impact and discussed managing domestic perceptions through news-time appearances. The participants also addressed the Attica Prison riots, coordinating presidential support for Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and discussed policy options regarding Chile and Vietnam, including planning for an upcoming National Security Council meeting.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to provide brief, specific instructions regarding household or personal arrangements. The exchange was extremely brief, lasting only seconds, and focused on the practical management of the President's personal affairs. No broader policy or administrative developments were recorded during this interaction.
President Nixon consulted with his personal aide Manolo Sanchez to receive an update on the health of his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. Sanchez confirmed that he had recently spoken with California regarding her hospital stay and reported that she was recovering well and resting comfortably. The brief discussion served to reassure the President of Woods' positive health status following her recent procedure.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistics for Tricia Nixon Cox and her husband, Edward R.F. Cox, to stay at Camp David. The discussion focused on securing accommodations for the couple in the Aspen Lodge and planning for potential future housing arrangements. Nixon instructed Butterfield to work directly with Tricia to finalize these stay details.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to address the disruptive barking of his Irish Setter, King Timahoe. Nixon instructed Sanchez to relocate the dog to the Executive Office Building and keep the door ajar to allow the pet to move freely between spaces. This informal interaction focused exclusively on managing the President's personal living and office arrangements regarding his dog.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss mundane administrative and personal matters within the Old Executive Office Building. Their conversation primarily centered on the logistics of the President's personal grooming equipment and brief remarks regarding the President's dog, King Timahoe. No significant policy decisions or administrative actions were addressed during this brief interaction.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate his daily schedule and administrative logistics. The discussion focused primarily on arranging a telephone conversation with George P. Shultz, including confirming Shultz's current location to facilitate the call. No broader policy discussions occurred, as the meeting was limited to operational planning.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate administrative matters. Their discussion centered on the President’s daily schedule and the review of unspecified draft documents. The meeting concluded when both parties departed the office together.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building to review his upcoming schedule. Due to the lack of audio content in the recording, no specific policy discussions or executive decisions were captured. The brief interaction concluded when the participant departed the office.
President Nixon and an unknown associate discuss urgent legislative strategies regarding an extension bill for the military draft. The participants analyze the timing of a recent legislative vote and the necessity of coordinating with figures like George P. Shultz and F. Edward Hébert to influence the Senate. Nixon emphasizes the need for a swift, decisive approach to manage political deadlines and ensure the success of the administration's policy objectives.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The interaction was limited to administrative coordination regarding telephone connectivity. No substantive policy discussions or significant political decisions occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon directed Alexander P. Butterfield to arrange specific gifts for a family in Indiana. He instructed Butterfield to procure silver cufflinks for the three men, tie bars for the boys, charms for the girls, and silver contacts for the two wives. This meeting served as a brief administrative directive to ensure appropriate tokens were prepared for the family.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the stalled peace negotiations regarding Vietnam and the critical, unresolved issue of American prisoners of war. Facing pressure from Senator Mike Mansfield to set a withdrawal deadline, Nixon expresses frustration with the political opposition and orders an urgent, independent military and political assessment from Sir Robert Thompson. Additionally, the pair reviews the status of the Draft Extension Bill, with Nixon expressing deep skepticism regarding the feasibility and cost of transitioning to an all-volunteer military.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a connection to another party. The brief interaction focused on technical assistance for an outgoing communication. No substantive policy matters or major decisions were addressed during this exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss economic and military data intended to support administration foreign policy objectives. The President requests comparative statistics on Japan’s Gross National Product versus the rest of Asia, as well as a breakdown of the U.S. military budget relative to those of Europe and Japan. This information is sought to substantiate arguments regarding the distribution of global defense burdens and international financial contributions.
President Nixon, Representative F. Edward Hébert, and Henry Kissinger discussed legislative strategies for securing a draft extension bill, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining national security and presidential authority. The participants strategized on how to manage congressional opposition and media pressure, specifically regarding artificial Vietnam withdrawal deadlines and the potential political fallout of the Mansfield amendment. Nixon and his advisors also reviewed foreign policy accomplishments and agreed to adopt an aggressive, non-defensive public stance regarding Vietnam and the Attica prison riots to counter critical media narratives.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate strategy regarding the pending draft extension bill and upcoming diplomatic events. The discussion focused on securing legislative support from congressional leaders like F. Edward Hébert and managing the political narrative around the volunteer army and forthcoming summit announcements. Nixon also instructed Haldeman to coordinate with Clark MacGregor to ensure a friendly question regarding foreign policy is planted at the President’s next press conference.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the political optics surrounding the Attica prison uprising, specifically weighing how Governor Nelson Rockefeller should handle the situation in light of forthcoming public opinion polls. The President also touches upon a potential meeting with former Miss America Phyllis George to build public rapport. The dialogue emphasizes the need to proactively refine messaging strategies before unfavorable poll data is released.
President Nixon held a brief, private meeting with an unidentified woman in his Old Executive Office Building workspace. The interaction lasted only eight seconds before the guest departed. Due to the lack of recorded substance or meaningful dialogue, the specific purpose and topics of the encounter remain historically undocumented.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the political management of the Mack Truck deal with the Soviet Union, emphasizing the need for a swift and effective public relations strategy to address political fallout. The two also coordinated the President’s messaging regarding the UN Security Council vote on China, specifically focusing on the US stance on Taiwan. Additionally, they reviewed protocol for a potential meeting with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko and addressed the broader implications of US policy toward Vietnam.
President Nixon initiates a call to the White House operator to facilitate a connection with George Shultz, then serving as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The exchange serves as a brief administrative bridge to reach the cabinet member for policy discussions. No further substantive policy matters are addressed in this short operational recording.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss the need to suppress public speculation regarding the administration’s forthcoming economic policies on wages and prices. Nixon emphasizes the importance of maintaining silence to preserve his executive options and international negotiating leverage, particularly regarding Japan. Shultz agrees to issue a memorandum instructing officials to avoid guessing the President's final decision to ensure continued credibility in upcoming consultations.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the management of a pending announcement regarding an accidental event. The two determined that the situation would not be made public that day to ensure proper coordination. They agreed to deflect press inquiries by stating that the matter remained under active consideration.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the management of White House staff interactions with the press and the logistical preparations for an upcoming meeting with state and local officials. Nixon expresses frustration over staff members spending excessive time with journalists and mandates a more disciplined communications strategy, specifically regarding speculation on sensitive policy issues. They further review the roles of key advisors, including Henry Kissinger and Clark MacGregor, emphasizing the need for a unified, cautious stance on administration initiatives.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the needs of the President’s Irish Setter, King Timahoe. The brief exchange focused on coordinating a walk for the dog, with Nixon authorizing Sanchez to take the animal outside immediately. The conversation was strictly informal and centered on managing the President's pet.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator in his Old Executive Office Building workspace. The brief exchange focused on administrative communication needs to facilitate upcoming phone calls. No major policy developments occurred during this routine operational interaction.
President Nixon consulted with an associate to clarify the identification of astronauts featured in a specific photograph. He requested details regarding the names of the mission commander and the crew members to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. The primary goal of the exchange was to verify the subjects in the image before proceeding with further use of the material.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to attend to routine administrative needs within the Old Executive Office Building. During the brief interaction, Sanchez served the President coffee and received instructions regarding the distribution of beverages to staff members. The discussion remained focused exclusively on these minor personal and logistical tasks.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategies to implement an aggressive public relations campaign aimed at labeling Senate Democrats as obstructionists, particularly regarding the Vietnam War and national defense issues. Nixon directed Haldeman to coordinate with Charles Colson to develop a media plan utilizing columnists like Victor Lasky to counter Democratic opposition. While Nixon emphasized the need to maintain a level of separation from the direct political attacks, he pushed for the White House communications team to aggressively challenge Democratic legislative maneuvers.
President Nixon held an undocumented meeting with an unidentified individual within the Old Executive Office Building. While the specific transcript remains undefined, the interaction appears to concern logistical movements or administrative scheduling. No significant policy decisions or historical developments were recorded in the available fragments.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss congressional legislative maneuvering regarding the draft extension bill, specifically focusing on the efforts of Senators Cranston and Allott and coordination with House leaders Hébert and Arends. The conversation also covered administrative details concerning the President's schedule, including logistics for an upcoming Apollo 15 dinner and public relations strategy for a trip to Detroit. Additionally, they reviewed political communications, briefly touching on the role of Vice President Agnew and reactions to recent statements by Edmund Muskie.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Clark MacGregor in the Executive Office Building to facilitate the delivery of an unspecified item. The brief exchange, which also involved an unidentified participant, focused on the transfer of these materials. No broader policy discussions or strategic decisions were recorded during this brief administrative encounter.
President Nixon met with his personal aide Stephen B. Bull to review and refine his upcoming official schedule. The discussion focused on the management of the President's time and administrative priorities within the Executive Office Building. No further details regarding specific events or appointments were recorded during this brief logistical consultation.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss political maneuvering regarding the draft extension bill and concerns over a lack of support from Senator George L. Allott. The two assess motives behind congressional resistance and evaluate whether to leverage economic data provided by George P. Shultz to influence legislative outcomes. The conversation concludes with Nixon considering direct intervention to pressure stakeholders and secure his administration's objectives.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate legislative strategy regarding the draft extension bill, specifically focusing on managing key congressional figures like Gordon L. Allott and Clark MacGregor. The discussion addressed the need for securing stronger leadership support for the President's agenda within Congress. They further considered the role of Attorney General John N. Mitchell in facilitating meetings with Republican legislators to align their efforts with White House objectives.
President Richard Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The brief interaction focused on the President requesting that Sanchez bring him tea. No other substantive political or administrative matters were discussed during this exchange.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the political strategy surrounding the upcoming draft extension bill in Congress. They focused on securing necessary Republican votes and managing the legislative maneuverings of Senator Richard S. Schweiker. Haldeman was tasked with coordinating with George P. Shultz to follow up with key committee leaders, including F. Edward Hébert, Margaret Chase Smith, and John C. Stennis, to ensure the bill's success.
President Nixon interacts informally with Manolo Sanchez, his personal valet, in the Old Executive Office Building. The exchange focuses on the President requesting a martini and engaging in friendly, affectionate banter with his staff member. No policy matters or significant administrative decisions are addressed during this brief personal encounter.