Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 685
Nixon White House Tape 685 (March 14, 1972)
22 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, White House photographer, Sanchez, Ehrlichman
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman reviewed a draft of an upcoming speech on school busing prepared by Raymond Price. Nixon emphasized the need to modify specific segments, particularly arguing against the characterization of black schools as inherently inferior and questioning the effectiveness of including numerous anecdotal examples. The meeting also included a brief administrative update from Stephen Bull regarding the President's schedule and an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss foreign policy strategy, specifically focusing on managing the optics and political fallout of the Vietnam War ahead of the 1972 election and the upcoming Soviet summit. They deliberated on the timing of troop withdrawal announcements to neutralize Democratic criticism, the necessity of maintaining a residual force for POW protection, and the potential for a visit to South Vietnam. Additionally, the pair reviewed the success of the recent China trip and explored potential cabinet realignments, including the possible future roles of Nelson Rockefeller and Spiro Agnew.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and others to discuss managing political fallout and public relations strategy, specifically regarding the ITT case and an unflattering Jack Anderson report about Arthur K. Watson. The conversation focused heavily on drafting a television address on school busing, where Nixon emphasized his desire to adopt a firm, hard-line stance against forced busing to appeal to his political base, despite internal opposition from some administration liberals. Nixon also finalized plans for his upcoming diplomatic trips and considered ways to energize his support in key states through targeted domestic appearances.
President Nixon met with Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) Secretary General Nassir Assar and other officials to discuss the strategic importance of the alliance in maintaining regional stability. The President emphasized the ongoing value of CENTO as a counterbalance to Soviet influence and a vital link for non-Communist nations like Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. Nixon also addressed the complexities of securing U.S. congressional support for military and economic aid, while highlighting his planned visits to Iran and the Soviet Union as symbolic gestures to reaffirm American commitment to its regional allies.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly met to coordinate administrative logistics regarding an upcoming meeting with Senator Jack R. Miller. The discussion focused on scheduling details, including arrangements for the Senator’s daughter and the selection of appropriate ceremonial gifts for attendees. The exchange emphasized the importance of symbolic gestures in diplomatic and political interactions.
President Nixon met with representatives from Kiwanis International to discuss their community service initiatives, specifically their work on drug education and environmental projects. The participants shared perspectives on the importance of local community involvement and service organizations, with the President encouraging the group to continue their efforts to reach youth and address social challenges at the grassroots level. The conversation also touched upon Bicentennial planning and the value of active civic engagement compared to passive activities like television viewing.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, specifically regarding a meeting with Representative George H. Mahon. During the discussion, the two transitioned into an informal conversation about the landscaping and aesthetic features of the White House Rose Garden. The exchange concluded without any major policy decisions, focusing primarily on administrative planning and grounds maintenance.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to discuss specific landscaping plans and the horticultural arrangement of the White House grounds. The conversation focused on the anticipated seasonal bloom of various plants, including magnolias, crabapples, and tulips. Nixon expressed a clear vision for the aesthetic development of the garden, emphasizing his personal interest in the botanical display.
President Nixon held an informal, brief exchange with a White House operator regarding logistical arrangements for his upcoming schedule. The conversation primarily focused on confirming the timing for an afternoon commitment and coordinating personal errands. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this interaction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman meet in the Oval Office to strategize on public relations, upcoming travel, and political damage control. They discuss media management regarding the ITT anti-trust controversy, potential strategies for the President’s upcoming busing statement, and the itinerary for the President's trip to the Soviet Union. The pair also reviews the President's schedule, focusing on balancing high-profile domestic events, such as drug policy initiatives and meetings with newspaper editors, while maintaining a controlled image for television.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The discussion was purely administrative in nature, serving as a logistical bridge to connect the President with another party. No substantive policy matters or political decisions were addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with William Safire to provide strategic guidance on an upcoming speech regarding school busing and desegregation. Nixon emphasized the need for a simple, compelling narrative that positions his administration as decisive in curbing mandatory busing while maintaining a commitment to equal education. He directed Safire to cut technical legal jargon and focus on vivid, relatable examples of the hardship busing imposes on families to secure broader public support, particularly ahead of the Florida primary. The discussion prioritized immediate legislative action over long-term constitutional amendments to address public frustration with current court-ordered desegregation policies.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate the White House's public response to ongoing controversy surrounding the ITT case. They discussed strategies for defending staff member Peter M. Flanigan against political attacks, emphasizing that White House officials must maintain contact with various sectors of society as a standard professional duty. Nixon and Ziegler also reviewed the effectiveness of John N. Mitchell's recent testimony, agreeing to maintain a firm stance and frame the criticism from senators as politically motivated harassment.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to review administrative matters regarding the President’s upcoming schedule. The discussion primarily focused on coordinating meetings with various guests, including Luci Johnson Nugent, Tricia Nixon Cox, Patrick Nugent, and Congressman George H. Mahon. The meeting served to ensure logistical arrangements and proper protocol for these scheduled appointments.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting in the Oval Office with Debbie Wright, Congressman George H. Mahon, and several associates to host a photo session and discuss personal matters. The conversation touched upon Debbie Wright’s academic studies at Texas Tech University, her upcoming international travel, and recent diplomatic developments regarding the gift of pandas from the People’s Republic of China. The meeting served primarily as a social engagement and a photo opportunity for the guests.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate logistics for an upcoming social visit involving Luci Baines Johnson and Patrick Nugent. The discussion focused on scheduling details, including arrangements for Tricia Nixon Cox and the use of the tennis courts. Bull was tasked with managing these specific planning items for the President's guests.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate an upcoming meeting with Luci Baines Johnson. The discussion focused on the logistics of providing gifts, including items acquired during the President's recent trip to the People's Republic of China. Nixon also addressed arrangements for a special tour for Johnson and considerations regarding public perception of these interactions.
President Nixon met with his daughter Tricia Nixon Cox, Luci Johnson Nugent, Patrick L. Nugent, and Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office for a social visit and an official photo session. The conversation centered on casual family pleasantries, the history and legacy of the presidency, and the exchange of gifts, including a telescope. The participants also coordinated posing for the White House photographers to capture images of the group during their time in the office.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office to discuss logistical details regarding the transport of a gift. The discussion focused on the practical handling of an object that appeared to be a telescope or similar viewing device related to space exploration. The interaction concluded with the President ensuring Sanchez had the necessary assistance to transport the item safely.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield coordinate the distribution of photographs from a recent event, specifically requesting that copies be sent to former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The brief interaction serves to ensure that participants and relevant former officials are properly provided with visual documentation. Nixon emphasizes the importance of direct delivery to prevent these records from being misplaced or lost.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to organize the President's daily agenda. The primary focus of the discussion was the scheduling of a high-level consultation with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This administrative coordination served to finalize the President's priorities and meeting flow for the day.
Alexander P. Butterfield met with United States Secret Service agents in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding presidential movement and security. The discussion primarily focused on the President’s location and movements between the White House and the Executive Office Building. While the specific transcript is unavailable, the interaction reflects routine operational briefings between White House staff and protective details.