Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 327
Nixon White House Tape 327 (March 27, 1972 – March 28, 1972)
11 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 3 hr 13 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Haldeman, Bull, Haig
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the scheduling of Henry Kissinger and the President's desire to insulate him from bureaucratic distractions regarding personnel like Marshall Green and Arthur K. Watson. The conversation shifts to the military situation in Vietnam, specifically the influx of North Vietnamese aircraft and skepticism regarding recurring military predictions of enemy offensives. Nixon expresses a cautious outlook on the coming month, emphasizing the need for prepared, strategic responses to potential enemy aggression.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to manage administrative tasks regarding the organization of presidential dictabelt memoranda. They specifically focused on the status of filing and transcribing these recordings. The discussion served as a brief procedural update to ensure the proper documentation of official presidential files.
President Nixon initiates a brief, informal interaction with a White House operator. The exchange consists of an unidentified request for telephone assistance, though the specific nature of the call is not captured in the recording. No substantive policy discussions or significant political developments occur during this brief administrative contact.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman held a brief, informal check-in at the conclusion of a staff meeting. The discussion served as a logistical transition between administrative sessions to ensure ongoing coordination. No significant policy decisions or strategic developments were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed a wide range of administrative and political concerns, specifically focusing on the 1972 presidential campaign strategy and the management of high-profile political issues. Key topics included handling overtures from Ross Perot regarding POW negotiations, managing the fallout from ITT-related congressional hearings, and organizing a state-by-state campaign effort that prioritizes winning white ethnic voters in key industrial states while avoiding controversial demographics. Additionally, the pair coordinated on public relations initiatives, including the use of White House gifts for political outreach and the need for more frequent appearances by administration officials to promote the President's foreign policy successes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to review logistical details regarding the President's schedule. Their brief exchange focused on verifying the current time to manage upcoming commitments. The interaction concluded quickly without any significant policy developments.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on a meeting with John B. Connally. The discussion also addressed logistics for a photo session involving individuals from Florida. Bull was tasked with managing these scheduling priorities before the President reviewed further details.
President Nixon met with John Connally and H.R. Haldeman to discuss strategies for managing the national economy, specifically regarding inflation, trade deficits, and potential tax reform initiatives in response to Democratic criticism. The group also addressed the ongoing ITT controversy and the confirmation hearings for Richard Kleindienst, debating whether to force a Senate vote or have Kleindienst withdraw his nomination to preempt further political damage. The President and his advisors expressed deep concern over the lack of strong leadership within the Republican Party and discussed the necessity of adopting a more aggressive political posture to counter Democratic messaging ahead of the upcoming primaries.
President Nixon consulted with his aide Stephen B. Bull regarding the scheduling and presence of the White House barbers. The brief interaction served to confirm the barbers' current availability and status at the Executive Office Building. No further policy or administrative developments resulted from this inquiry.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly coordinated their schedules to facilitate the President's arrival at an upcoming engagement. The dialogue focused on logistics and timing, with Bull confirming he would reach the destination approximately ten minutes before the President. This exchange served as a routine administrative check to ensure the smooth transition of the President's movements for the evening.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to provide specific instructions regarding the organization and transport of personal items from his desk. The dialogue focused on the proper handling and relocation of a boulder and associated documents contained within a folder. This administrative interaction highlights the routine management of the President's personal office effects by his immediate staff.