Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 589
Nixon White House Tape 589 (October 12, 1971)
3 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Ehrlichman, Mitchell, Kissinger
President Nixon met with John N. Mitchell and John D. Ehrlichman to discuss the vetting and selection of nominees for the Supreme Court, specifically Herschel H. Friday and Mildred L. Lillie. The participants evaluated the candidates' judicial backgrounds, conservative credentials, and potential obstacles to confirmation, such as past clients and political affiliations. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the nominees' ideological suitability and agreed to initiate thorough background checks while considering the potential reactions of Senate Democrats and Republicans.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and later Henry Kissinger to discuss a range of sensitive administrative and political matters, including Supreme Court appointments and the declassification of CIA documents related to the Ngo Dinh Diem assassination. The participants strategized on managing intelligence disclosures and potential immunity questions, while also coordinating the President's upcoming schedule, budget priorities, and Phase II wage and price controls. Finally, they deliberated on diplomatic appointments for the inauguration of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, ultimately favoring Elliot Richardson for the delegation.
Manolo Sanchez and unidentified individuals met with President Nixon in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding the President’s upcoming schedule and travel locations. The participants discussed necessary administrative arrangements and confirmation of travel plans. No major policy decisions were recorded during this brief logistical exchange.