Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 573
Nixon White House Tape 573 (September 16, 1971)
3 conversations · Oval Office · about 1 hr 5 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Ziegler, Butterfield, Kissinger
President Nixon met with his staff and members of the press to review his recent, highly effective performance during a press conference. They discussed the tactical success of his responses regarding key administration initiatives, including the military draft extension, Phase II of his economic policy, and his upcoming summit in the People's Republic of China. The conversation underscored the administration's determination to maintain the draft to safeguard U.S. peace initiatives and focused on framing the South Vietnamese elections within a realistic, historical context of global democratic development. Finally, the group considered future media strategies and the need for supporting data regarding U.S. foreign aid distribution to bolster the President's public narrative.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the political potential of the Apollo 15 astronauts, specifically Colonel David R. Scott, before moving into a broad review of administrative challenges and scheduling. The conversation addressed the frustrations of managing press relations—notably regarding books by Walter Hickel and columnists Evans and Novak—and compared the executive demands of the presidency with those of governors and mayors. The pair concluded by coordinating upcoming meetings, including sessions with Black military officers and the American Legion commander.
Secret Service agents met briefly in the Oval Office to discuss security-related logistics or personnel movements. The conversation remained vague and informal, consisting primarily of brief exchanges regarding locations and situational assessments. The dialogue concluded abruptly after less than one minute without establishing a specific policy directive or significant administrative decision.