President Nixon dictated a memorandum to provide guidance on public relations strategy and key messaging for the administration. He emphasized the necessity of a disciplined, repetitive approach to promoting the President's image and accomplishments—particularly regarding Vietnam, foreign policy, and the economy—while framing major issues to deflect criticism toward the Democratic-controlled Congress. Nixon also directed staff to identify the most effective spokesmen to ensure sustained, positive media coverage across a prioritized list of policy initiatives.
On April 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:08 pm and 2:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 329-023 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 329-23
Date: April 11, 1972
Time: Unknown between 2:08 pm and 2:45 pm
Location: Executive Office Building
The President dictated a memorandum.
Spokesmen for administration
-Points to make to supporters
-Vietnam
-Current situation
-Airmen
-Navy men
-Defense of South Vietnam
-Accomplishments
-Reduction in casualties
-Henry A. Kissinger's office
-Julie Nixon Eisenhower
-Mrs. Nixon
-Tricia Nixon Cox
John D. Ehrlichman
Best spokesmen for administration
-The Vice President
-Cabinet members
-Congressmen
-Governors
-White House staff
-Robert J. Dole
-First Family
-Subcabinet
-Veterans and other organizations
-Charles W. Colson's office's list
-Advantages
Taxes
-Public relations efforts
Public relations
-Frequency of stories
-Follow-up
-The President's policies
-Positive publicity
-Rebuttal to opposition
-The President's image
-Proper projection
-Vietnam development
-Issues
-Foreign policy
-Peace
-The President's image as leader
-Cost of living
-Food
-Crime
-Drugs
-Jobs
-Busing
-Democrats' position
-Programs
-Welfare
-Revenue-sharing
-Government reorganization
-Health
-Use of programs
-Political Group discussion
-Reform
-Congress
-Democratic convention
-Property tax
-Jobs
-Busing
-Property tax
The President replayed portions of the tape.
Public relations efforts
-Busing
-Property tax
-Jobs
-Busing
-Property tax
The President resumed dictation.
Public relations efforts
-List of issues
-Tax relief for non-public schools
-Changes
-Environment
-Foreign competition
-John B. Connally
-Political Group discussionThis 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.