President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to assess the political implications of the ongoing Vietnam War, specifically focusing on the recent blockade, public reaction to Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird’s press conference, and encouraging polling data. The discussion extended to managing the President’s upcoming schedule, with plans for visits to Camp David and a Sequoia cruise, alongside the strategic importance of the POW issue. The conversation served to reinforce administrative control over the campaign and ensure the President's image remained firm during the escalating military conflict.
On May 10, 1972, 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 1:05 pm and 3:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 337-018 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 337-18
Date: May 10, 1972
Time: Unknown between 1:02 and 3:35 pm
Location: Executive Office Building
The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.
Vietnam
-Blockade
-Melvin R. Laird’s press conference
-Riots
-Polls
-Support for the President
President's schedule
(rev. Nov-01)
-Camp David
-Charles G. (“Bebe”) Rebozo
-Sequoia cruise
-Camp Hoover
-Work
Vietnam
-Prisoners of war [POWs]
-ImportanceThis 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.