President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategy regarding upcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically focusing on managing the vetting process and the influence of the American Bar Association (ABA). The President emphasized the need for strict confidentiality, instructing staff to avoid leaks and to withhold information from the press, including directives for Ronald Ziegler to remain noncommittal regarding potential nominees. They also addressed the necessity of compiling detailed biographical data on candidates while asserting the administration's intention to proceed with appointments regardless of ABA approval.
On October 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:30 am and 9:33 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 281-006 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 281-6
Date: October 21, 1971
Time: Unknown between 8:30 am and 9:33 am
Location: Executive Office Building
The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.
Supreme Court appointments
-Richard A. Moore
-Assignment
-News conference
-John N. Mitchell
-William H. Mulligan [?]
-Howard H. Baker
-American Bar Association [ABA] vote
-Mildred L. Lillie
-Administration's response
-Mitchell
-Administration response
-Assignment
-Biography of nominees
-Timing
-Leaks
-John D. Ehrlichman
-John W. Dean III
-William L. Safire
-Leonard Garment
-Notification
-Charles W. Colson
-Ronald L. Ziegler
-Role of ABA
-Ziegler’s public comments
-ConstitutionThis transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.