Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 392
Nixon White House Tape 392 (December 18, 1972 – January 1, 1973)
14 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 3 hr 32 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Sanchez, Haldeman, Colson
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Henry Kissinger to discuss the administration's ongoing challenges with press relations, particularly concerning the media's coverage of the Vietnam peace negotiations. The participants analyzed the political sensitivity surrounding Kissinger’s public comments and potential resignation, while also evaluating the President's credibility and the impact of the 1972 election results. Additionally, the conversation addressed the logistical complexities of the upcoming second-term reorganization and the need for effective communication strategies regarding legislative budget priorities.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building to provide specific personal or administrative instructions. The brief interaction, which concluded immediately after beginning, also involved a discussion regarding a wine list. No further details regarding the nature of the instructions or the participant's identity are available.
President Nixon held a brief, private meeting in his Old Executive Office Building suite to manage his daily schedule. The discussion was limited to logistical arrangements concerning his lunch break. No other substantive policy matters or major decisions were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Richard Nixon met with Zosimo T. Monzon in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's upcoming official schedule. The brief conversation, lasting less than eleven minutes, focused on administrative planning and calendar management. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming daily schedule and logistical arrangements. The discussion focused on managing meetings with George P. Shultz regarding wage, price, and trade policies, as well as organizing a photo opportunity with journalist Saul Pett. Additionally, they reviewed travel plans for the President's upcoming departure to Key Biscayne.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This routine interaction served as a technical step in managing the President's daily communication needs during his time in the Executive Office Building. No substantive policy discussions or significant political decisions took place during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to facilitate communication with his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. The primary purpose of the encounter was to request that the individual initiate a telephone call to Haldeman. No further substantive details regarding the nature of the requested discussion are available due to the lack of a transcript.
President Richard Nixon and H.R. Haldeman held a brief, inconsequential exchange in the Old Executive Office Building. The conversation primarily consisted of fragmented pleasantries and non-substantive filler, with no policy decisions, strategic planning, or significant directives recorded. The interaction concluded almost immediately without advancing any administration objectives.
President Nixon met with Charles W. Colson to discuss public perception of the ongoing Vietnam War, specifically the recent escalation of bombing campaigns north of the 20th Parallel. They analyzed the political strategies for managing the 'hawks' and 'doves' in Congress and the media, while emphasizing the administration's commitment to achieving an 'honorable peace' that secures the return of prisoners of war. Nixon expressed his desire to frame the current military actions as a necessary response to North Vietnam's failure to adhere to previously discussed settlement terms.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a meeting with his Special Counsel, Charles W. Colson. The primary objective of the interaction was to coordinate Colson's arrival at the Executive Office Building. The conversation served as a brief administrative arrangement to ensure the President could convene with his advisor.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the physical management of his workspace. The primary topic of conversation focused on providing specific instructions regarding the adjustment of the window blinds. No other substantive political or administrative matters were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and his valet, Manolo Sanchez, met briefly in the Old Executive Office Building to watch the Rose Bowl Parade on television. The discussion centered on the broadcast and clarifying the nature of the televised event. No significant policy decisions were made during this informal interaction.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the President's personal schedule for New Year's Day. The brief conversation centered on the Rose Bowl Parade, reflecting the informal nature of the interaction. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson held a wide-ranging discussion about White House public relations strategies, Congressional relations, and the political landscape following the 1972 election. They analyzed the effectiveness of the President's public image, focusing on the balance between maintaining professional "aloofness" and connecting with supporters, while debating the efficacy of social interactions with Congress compared to the previous Johnson administration. The conversation also touched on the strengths and weaknesses of potential future political candidates, including John Connally and Spiro Agnew, and reviewed the need to better manage press relations and internal staff communications.