Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 789
Nixon White House Tape 789 (September 30, 1972)
7 conversations · Oval Office · about 1 hr 21 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, Kissinger, Butterfield
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Manolo Sanchez, and Stephen B. Bull to discuss the aesthetics of the White House grounds. The group focused specifically on the appearance of the trees and flowers surrounding the property. No significant policy decisions were made during this brief observation of the exterior environment.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger discussed strategies to manage media coverage, influence corporate advertising toward conservative outlets, and address political campaign logistics ahead of the 1972 election. The group explored ways to leverage administrative influence to discourage White House staff from attending a Washington Post dedication event hosted by Katharine Graham. Finally, Kissinger briefed the President on a new message from the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, which emphasized that upcoming negotiations represent a critical juncture for either achieving a peace agreement or facing a prolonged conflict.
Secret Service agents met with unknown individuals in the Oval Office to briefly discuss matters related to the President's schedule. The interaction was limited in duration, with the participants departing shortly after the discussion concluded. Due to the unintelligible nature of the audio recording, no substantive policy decisions or specific logistical details were preserved.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson met to coordinate strategies on national defense, force structure, and personnel appointments. The discussion emphasized the necessity of maintaining credible conventional forces, particularly given Soviet naval and military expansion, and identified concerns regarding staff disloyalty and incompetence within the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA). Furthermore, they strategized on legislative maneuvers regarding the Jackson Amendment on Soviet Jewry, aiming to pressure the Soviet Union on exit visas without disrupting broader trade and diplomatic negotiations.
President Nixon met with staff members Stephen B. Bull, Alexander P. Butterfield, and Marjorie P. Acker to review daily scheduling logistics and coordinate upcoming personal arrangements. A primary objective was coordinating a potential visit for his brother, Edward C. Nixon, to Camp David, alongside discussions regarding the President’s pending telephone call to the ailing diplomat Charles E. Bohlen. The participants also managed routine administrative tasks, including lunch planning and staff scheduling for H.R. Haldeman and First Lady Pat Nixon.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to strategize for the upcoming 1972 election, discuss public relations regarding the Vietnam War and POW returns, and plan for an upcoming diplomatic visit from Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko. Nixon emphasized a rigid media strategy for Kissinger, demanding that briefings remain focused on one topic at a time to avoid conflicting headlines. The participants also reviewed campaign materials, including imagery of anti-war demonstrations, and solidified logistical plans for Gromyko’s meetings at the White House and Camp David to discuss potential peace settlements and arms control agreements.
President Nixon, Charles Colson, and other staff members met to discuss strategies for the 1972 reelection campaign, focusing heavily on undermining Democratic challenger George McGovern. The group analyzed unfavorable polling data and coordinated the use of media surrogates, including popular athletes and sportscasters, to attack McGovern’s credibility and policy positions. Additionally, Nixon directed staff to maintain a firm stance against critical news organizations like The Washington Post and The New York Times, while discussing tactical responses to upcoming political debates.