Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 804
Nixon White House Tape 804 (October 18, 1972)
4 conversations · Oval Office · about 1 hr 46 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Butterfield, Haldeman, Ehrlichman, Bull
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and other staff members to finalize his pre-election campaign schedule, including plans for radio addresses, a Veterans Day event, and a trip to Appalachia. The discussion focused on projecting a presidential image while avoiding political pitfalls like unscripted press conferences, where the President feared questions would be dominated by the Watergate controversy. The participants also evaluated potential Senate leadership changes and debated media strategy, with the President directing his staff to shun hostile press members and prioritize more favorable outlets.
President Richard Nixon met with First Lady Pat Nixon in the Oval Office for a brief, two-minute discussion. Due to the lack of an available transcript and the short duration of the recording, the specific subject matter remains undocumented. The conversation is classified as a personal exchange between the President and the First Lady.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office to address personal arrangements. The brief interaction focused on the President's schedule and the handling of his coat. No significant policy decisions were made during this short administrative engagement.
Alexander P. Butterfield met with United States Secret Service agents in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding President Nixon’s whereabouts and potential telephone communications. The discussion centered on the President's transit to and location within the Executive Office Building. Ultimately, the brief exchange served to facilitate administrative updates concerning the President’s movements.