Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 663
Nixon White House Tape 663 (February 1, 1972)
8 conversations · Oval Office · about 3 hr 29 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, Ziegler, Woods
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office to discuss the logistics and inventory of presidential fleet vehicles. The conversation focused on establishing an accurate count of the total number of vehicles available for the President's use. Nixon confirmed the figures provided by Bull as they reviewed the operational status of the fleet.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, in the Oval Office to discuss administrative or personal matters. The recorded audio is largely unintelligible, consisting primarily of a brief exchange regarding Woods's current tasks. No significant policy decisions or substantive developments were captured during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate a strategy for challenging the perceived bias of major television networks, focusing specifically on the distribution and promotion of Edith Efron's book, *How CBS Tried to Kill a Book*. The discussion involved plans to utilize Patrick Buchanan and various conservative organizations to monitor media coverage and distribute Efron’s forthcoming testimony to key influencers. During the meeting, Stephen B. Bull joined to briefly discuss the President's schedule, including a potential appointment related to the Atomic Energy Commission.
President Nixon met with California Governor Ronald Reagan and various administration officials to discuss domestic policy challenges, specifically addressing stalled welfare reform legislation and the ongoing West Coast dock strike. The group explored the economic implications of federal spending and potential strategies to bypass congressional inaction regarding labor disputes, with Reagan sharing his past experience managing strike negotiations. Additionally, the participants discussed the political and ethical complexities surrounding abortion access through Medicaid and the legal status of the unborn.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and John Connally to strategize on domestic political messaging, potential 1972 election tactics, and managing the economy. The discussion covered the political necessity of targeting Democratic economic messaging regarding the 'rich versus the poor,' and the importance of using Republican surrogates to counter criticisms. Additionally, the President and Connally discussed the potential for organizing private, high-level outreach to congressional members and key staff, while planning for future presidential retreats to facilitate private planning away from media scrutiny.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics for a forthcoming meeting with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The discussion focused primarily on determining the appropriate location for the subsequent briefing. The encounter concluded shortly thereafter with Bull departing to facilitate the requested arrangements.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate messaging regarding welfare reform and the administration's stance on state-level experimentation. They discussed recent interactions with Ronald Reagan and Washington Governor Daniel J. Evans, focusing on maintaining administrative control over welfare funding and federal waivers. The discussion aimed to ensure consistent public remarks during upcoming press conferences and Senate Finance Committee engagements.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate upcoming administrative events, including a governors' dinner and potential cabinet-level meetings. The discussion focused on managing staff and cabinet morale, planning gifts and logistics for the President's upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China, and evaluating the political landscape regarding Democratic Party candidates. Nixon expressed concerns over staff efficiency and loyalty, emphasizing the need for a cohesive team as he prepared for his re-election campaign.