Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 830
Nixon White House Tape 830 (January 2, 1973)
6 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 27 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Mansfield, Atkins, Timmons
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to discuss legislative strategy and ongoing congressional relations. The conversation specifically addressed a report from William E. Timmons regarding interactions with Speaker of the House Carl B. Albert. The exchange served as a brief administrative update on the administration's efforts to manage relations with key congressional leadership.
President Nixon met with Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield to discuss upcoming bipartisan Congressional leadership meetings, administrative reorganization, and the status of Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon emphasized the need for strict confidentiality regarding the sensitive peace talks while requesting Mansfield’s assistance in managing Congressional pressure. The two leaders also coordinated on procedural matters, including the handling of Cabinet confirmations and the structure of future legislative communication.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to discuss administrative matters within the Oval Office. The primary focus of the brief session was a specific request regarding William E. Timmons, then serving as the Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs. The meeting concluded quickly following the discussion of this personnel or scheduling objective.
President Nixon and William Timmons discussed strategies for managing congressional opposition, particularly regarding the Vietnam War and efforts by antiwar Democrats to challenge administration policy. They focused on navigating the upcoming Democratic caucus, coordinating future meetings with Speaker Carl Albert and Senator Mike Mansfield, and maintaining a unified front against anti-administration resolutions. Additionally, they reviewed logistical arrangements for a reception for new Republican members of Congress, deciding to include Democratic leadership to foster better relations.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate logistics regarding the attendance of former President Lyndon B. Johnson at a memorial service for Harry S. Truman. The President directed Bull to relay specific instructions to Charles W. Colson to ensure Johnson was properly informed of the arrangements and discouraged from attending. The brief exchange focused on managing these sensitive high-level protocol matters.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed political strategy and personnel matters, focusing on public relations management regarding the Harry S. Truman memorial service and the President's Vietnam War policy. They weighed the political risks and benefits of the President's attendance at various public events, ultimately coordinating a low-key approach to avoid political exploitation. Additionally, they reviewed organizational staffing for the second term, including the reassignment of White House personnel and the importance of maintaining an enthusiastic and disciplined political apparatus to counter Democratic opposition.