Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on 1973 Inauguration
34 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Bull, Sanchez
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Rose Mary Woods to discuss the feasibility of hosting a performance by members of the Bohemian Grove at the White House. While acknowledging that Secret Service security requirements and presidential duties preclude his personal attendance at the Grove's events, Nixon enthusiastically supported the idea of inviting the group to perform in the East Room after the 1973 inauguration. The discussion focused on the logistics of the event, including dinner arrangements and the potential for a themed campfire-style production.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss the staffing and strategic organization for the second presidential term. They reviewed potential roles for Charles Colson and Patrick Buchanan, emphasizing the use of investigative pressure on tax-exempt foundations like the Ford Foundation and Common Cause. Additionally, they planned the logistics for the 1973 Inauguration, focusing on creating inclusive events that appealed to a broader "New Majority" rather than the traditional Washington elite.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, held a personal telephone conversation to discuss family matters, upcoming inaugural preparations, and White House renovations. The President shared updates on his electoral vote margins, the progress of facility improvements at the White House and Key Biscayne, and the receipt of a private gift intended for his daughters. They also discussed plans to refurbish the White House solarium to create a more functional and aesthetically pleasing living space for the family.
In this meeting at Camp David, President Nixon consulted with H. R. Haldeman and Ronald Ziegler regarding a wide-ranging agenda for his second term, including the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, the reorganization of executive branch personnel, and the planning for the 1973 Inauguration. Nixon emphasized the necessity of ensuring loyalty within federal agencies and directed the creation of a '1,000 days' schedule to maintain urgency throughout his second term. The group discussed public relations strategies, specifically regarding the handling of potential setbacks in the ongoing Paris peace talks, and finalized logistical details for inaugural events like the 'Spirit of '76' theme.
President Nixon held a brief phone conversation with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, and his wife, Pat Nixon, while staying at Camp David. The call touched on family travel preparations, including Edward Cox's recent bar exam results, and logistical planning for the 1973 inaugural events. Additionally, the President and Mrs. Nixon discussed minor administrative matters regarding White House office aesthetics, specifically the lighting requirements for photography and the search for a new, comfortable office chair.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the scheduling and coordination of events for the 1973 inauguration, specifically focusing on functions for family members. The President directs Haldeman to ensure that Stephen Bull or the relevant staff clearly communicate the planned itinerary to First Lady Pat Nixon, including the proposed Sunday afternoon reception. The objective is to confirm the schedule for Mrs. Nixon so she remains informed of the events while minimizing her personal involvement in the planning logistics.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Stephen B. Bull to discuss operational planning for the 1973 Inauguration, including venue logistics and the President's public appearances. The participants also reviewed second-term staff reorganization, focusing on potential roles for Julie Nixon Eisenhower and the need for stronger executive support for congressional liaison William Timmons. Additionally, they addressed the sensitive transition of Richard Helms from the CIA to an ambassadorship and expressed frustration over Henry Kissinger’s recent press interactions.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss White House staff reorganization, upcoming inauguration ceremonies, and public relations strategy. They reviewed the logistics of the inaugural worship service—specifically balancing religious representation—and debated how to manage personnel departures, including Dwight Chapin and Alexander Butterfield, to avoid political damage. Additionally, the President expressed reluctance to issue formal statements regarding the Watergate and Segretti controversies before trial proceedings concluded, opting instead to maintain a low profile to protect his credibility.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the administrative reorganization for the second term, which included staff reductions and reassigning personnel to cabinet departments to improve efficiency. They discussed managing the East Wing and the role of Julie Nixon Eisenhower in assisting with transitions, as well as preparations for the 1973 Inauguration, including speechwriting and inaugural events. Additionally, the President reviewed his strategy for Vietnam negotiations, focusing on a proposal to link the cessation of bombing and troop withdrawal to the return of American prisoners of war.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and key staff to coordinate end-of-year administrative tasks, including the scheduling of holiday messages and upcoming inaugural activities. The discussion focused on managing the White House staff's workload, press relations regarding the escalating bombing campaign in Vietnam, and strategic planning for bipartisan congressional outreach in the second term. Nixon also addressed personal correspondence regarding a recent article about his family and coordinated efforts related to the establishment of the Nixon Foundation.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. regarding the preparation and thematic direction of his 1973 inaugural address. He provided specific instructions on the desired length of the speech and emphasized the need to address the status of Vietnam War negotiations in relation to ongoing military operations. The President further directed Price to incorporate international developments into the inaugural themes while managing the production schedule for the first draft.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate administrative logistics regarding the upcoming 1973 inauguration. They reviewed guest lists and ticket arrangements for individuals including Marjorie P. Acker and historian David Davis, the latter of whom was being considered for potential research collaborations. The discussion also touched upon the scheduling of upcoming appointments and the management of current office correspondence.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the resumption of Vietnam peace negotiations following North Vietnam's positive response to U.S. overtures. The two agreed on a schedule to announce a bombing halt of North Vietnam and the subsequent restart of technical talks. They also strategized on how to manage the South Vietnamese leadership and domestic U.S. political concerns, ultimately deciding to delay major diplomatic moves, including Vice President Agnew's trip to Saigon, until after the 1973 presidential inauguration to minimize the risk of a public confrontation.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss various personnel and administrative matters, including the nomination of George D. Webster, potential diplomatic assignments for L. Patrick Gray and William D. Ruckelshaus, and planning for the 1973 inaugural church service. They reviewed the status of Webster's nomination amid concerns over his past financial practices and tax payments, ultimately considering alternatives. The conversation also touched upon sensitive political intelligence regarding Anna C. Chennault and 1968 election-related activities, as well as the ongoing second-term reorganization of White House staff.
President Nixon dictated a formal birthday acknowledgement letter addressed to Steven B. Bull. In the message, Nixon expressed his appreciation for Bull’s long-standing friendship and steadfast support throughout his career. The President also reflected on his advancing age and confirmed his expectation to see Bull at the upcoming 1973 inauguration ceremony.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Stephen Bull, and staff members to discuss details regarding the President's 60th birthday celebration, the upcoming inauguration, and long-term staffing reorganization. The group reviewed the success of a surprise birthday film featuring football highlights and discussed the necessity of strictly limiting guests at inaugural events to avoid uncontrollable crowd sizes and political optics issues. Additionally, Nixon emphasized his desire to move toward more informal White House gatherings, while Haldeman provided updates on personnel appointments and strategies for handling the skeptical Washington press corps.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met with various staff members and Cabinet officials to discuss preparations for the 1973 Inauguration, administrative reorganization, and legislative strategy. They reviewed logistical details for inaugural events, evaluated the performance of congressional Republicans, and strategized on how to manage media and public perception regarding the administration's second-term agenda. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a low-profile, disciplined approach to 1974 midterm campaign activities to avoid perceptions of political deception while advancing his policy goals in areas such as crime, the federal budget, and education.
President Nixon called Claude S. Brinegar to offer personal well-wishes and encouragement regarding the transition process ahead of the upcoming inauguration and first Cabinet meeting. Brinegar confirmed that his confirmation hearings were progressing smoothly and that his family would be joining him in Washington shortly. The brief exchange served to solidify rapport and ensure the nominee felt supported as he settled into his new role.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Rose Mary Woods, and Marjorie Acker to discuss the technical operations, portability, and functionality of various dictation machines for use in his offices and during travel. The conversation also covered logistical details regarding the President's attire and protocol for the upcoming 1973 Inauguration, including coordination with family members. Additionally, the group touched on broader administrative matters, including personnel considerations for the second-term reorganization and the public perception of press relations staff.
President Nixon speaks with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, to discuss logistics for his upcoming Florida trip and final preparations for his 1973 second-term inauguration. During the call, the President encourages Julie to maintain an oral diary using her new Dictaphone, emphasizing that personal anecdotes and daily observations are historically valuable. Additionally, the President coordinates scheduling with Stephen B. Bull regarding a potential appearance at a Chinese cultural event and confirms his itinerary for the inaugural week.
President Nixon met with advisors Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Ronald L. Ziegler to finalize logistical preparations for his upcoming 1973 second inauguration. The discussion focused primarily on the strategic timing, distribution, and media management of the President's inaugural address, including vetting which journalists and commentators should receive advance copies. The participants also touched on peripheral topics ranging from professional football coaching records to historical comparisons regarding former President Eisenhower.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, while documenting administrative notes regarding his upcoming schedule and work pressures. The discussion focused on the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the Vietnam settlement, involving key advisors Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig. Additionally, the President addressed preparations for his 1973 Inauguration, including final adjustments to his address and associated reception events.
President Nixon met with Nellie L. Yates to review administrative details and preparations surrounding his second inauguration and the concurrent Vietnam peace negotiations. The discussion touched upon public relations strategies, including the President's potential television address regarding the peace settlement, as well as logistical coordination for inaugural events and staff roles. Additionally, the President engaged in long-term strategic planning for second-term government reorganization and executive branch personnel appointments.
President Nixon met with Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo, Stephen B. Bull, and Manolo Sanchez to discuss final logistical details regarding the upcoming 1973 presidential inauguration ceremonies and schedule. The group coordinated seating arrangements for the Kennedy Center and clarified the President's role in various worship services and receiving lines. Additionally, the President addressed administrative matters, including the hiring of Rita de Santis and the proper operation of his personal dictation equipment.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull coordinate seating arrangements for the 1973 inaugural concerts to ensure specific high-profile guests are positioned for optimal public appearances. The discussion focuses on accommodating Billy Graham, Mamie Eisenhower, and the J. Willard Marriott family within the designated boxes. Nixon specifically instructs Bull to ensure that he and his guests appear together in a front-row grouping at the symphonic concert for favorable photography.
President Nixon met with his close friend Bebe Rebozo and valet Manolo Sanchez at the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the logistical complexities surrounding the upcoming 1973 presidential inauguration. The conversation shifted to personal observations regarding an unidentified individual in Philadelphia, toward whom the President expressed strong disdain. The meeting concluded with the men preparing to depart, following the handling of items for the President's private files.
President Nixon and Charles Colson spoke in the early hours of his second inauguration to discuss the success of inaugural events and coordinate the inclusion of political allies during the upcoming parade. Nixon sought to bolster his "New Majority" coalition by inviting key labor and veteran supporters, such as Peter J. Brennan and Frank Fitzsimmons, to stand with him in the reviewing stand. They also reviewed favorable polling data and political strategy, agreeing to maintain a firm stance against war critics while anticipating that the impending Vietnam peace settlement would silence opposition and vindicate the administration's bombing policies.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss Robert H. Finch’s decision to travel to the Virgin Islands during the 1973 inauguration events. While Herbert G. Klein confirmed that Finch had prior business and personal commitments, the President and Haldeman expressed concern that missing the official inaugural festivities would be perceived negatively. Ultimately, the President directed that any public inquiries regarding Finch's absence should be handled by Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler.
President Nixon dictated a retrospective memorandum for the files to capture his impressions of the 1973 inaugural events. He reviewed memories of the inaugural balls, parades, and church services, emphasizing the sense of pride, dignity, and public behavior displayed during the festivities. Throughout the dictation, Nixon recounted personal anecdotes, including surprise guest appearances and interactions with family members and staff, to memorialize the occasion.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to troubleshoot technical issues with a dictation machine. During the session, the President utilized the equipment to replay and review personal notes regarding his recent 1973 Inauguration, including observations on the weather and family matters. The interaction focused primarily on ensuring the functionality of the recording device for his administrative records.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Ronald L. Ziegler, and Julie Nixon Eisenhower to manage the administration's public image and political strategy during the transition into his second term. The discussions focused on coordinating press responses to negative stories, planning follow-ups for the 1973 Inauguration events, and navigating the sensitive politics surrounding the Vietnam settlement. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining control over his public narrative and discussed upcoming meetings with bipartisan Congressional leaders and international figures like Eisaku Sato.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson to evaluate the political fallout and public reaction following his 1973 Inauguration, focusing specifically on the effectiveness of his inaugural address and the bias of press coverage. The two discussed strategic approaches to handling the President's political opponents, including the use of lawsuits against critical media outlets like Time magazine. Additionally, they reviewed security concerns and legal responses regarding protestors who disrupted the inaugural parade.
President Nixon utilized this time in the Old Executive Office Building to dictate a memorandum for the files regarding his recent activities and administrative priorities. The recording captures the President documenting thoughts on the 1973 inauguration, the impending Vietnam peace settlement announcement, and personnel matters involving Alexander Haig and Charles Colson. Following this dictation, Manolo Sanchez entered the office to fulfill a request for refreshments.
In this meeting, President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and H. R. Haldeman to address various administrative and political matters, including the guest list protocols for White House events and potential personnel changes for administration appointees. The discussion also covered the logistical planning for an upcoming radio address, where the President expressed frustration over inadequate preparation time and the poor quality of recent briefings provided by his staff. Additionally, they reviewed details regarding the 1973 inaugural ceremonies and the military discharge status of David Eisenhower, reaching consensus on how to manage these sensitive issues.