Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Caspar Weinberger
27 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Bull, Weinberger
These are conversations about Caspar Weinberger. For the 82 conversations Weinberger took part in, see Caspar Weinberger’s page →
When Caspar Weinberger comes up
Related topics: Presidential schedulingOffice of Management and BudgetGeorge P. ShultzWhite House operationsWatergatePolitical strategyJohn D. EhrlichmanWhite House schedulingWhite House administrationPublic relationsPresidential communicationJohn N. MitchellH. R. HaldemanBudget policy
President Nixon held a social meeting in the Oval Office with the Ulmer family and their associates to reminisce about past personal connections and exchange presidential memorabilia. Following an informal tour of the office and family pleasantries, the conversation shifted toward potential professional coordination between Ralph E. Ulmer and administration officials George Shultz and Caspar Weinberger regarding the National Association of County Administrators (NACA). The meeting concluded with the President facilitating arrangements for further discussions between these parties to address administrative and organizational matters.
President Nixon instructed Peter M. Flanigan to coordinate a meeting with Caspar Weinberger to discuss the political implications of various federal projects. Nixon emphasized that Weinberger’s involvement was essential given his control over project funding. The two agreed to finalize the scheduling details for a follow-up meeting to review the program previously submitted to H.R. Haldeman.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate scheduling and administrative logistics for upcoming political and federal project initiatives. The discussion focused on establishing high-level meetings with Caspar Weinberger regarding budget oversight and arranging private appointments with several individuals, including John Greiner of the American Federation of Law Enforcement and Peter Grace. Nixon directed Bull to finalize these arrangements, emphasizing the need for brief, exclusive sessions with his guests.
On May 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:01 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 492-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Robert Finch, Ronald Ziegler, and Alexander Butterfield to coordinate 1972 re-election strategy, focusing specifically on California politics and the management of Republican primaries. The group discussed the potential for Caspar Weinberger to run for mayor of San Francisco to boost the President's standing in the state, while also strategizing on how to handle potential stand-in candidates and primary challenges. Nixon emphasized a desire to minimize his direct campaign travel during the primaries, delegating tactical operations to a small, loyal team including Haldeman, Finch, and Bryce Harlow, while expressing distrust toward Charles Colson’s political judgment.
On June 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:40 am and 9:43 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 514-005 of the White House Tapes.
On August 3, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:55 pm and 4:09 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 270-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Caspar Weinberger regarding the status of the 1972 federal budget in preparation for an upcoming press conference. Nixon requested a precise calculation of how much Congressional spending had exceeded the administration's proposed budget to anticipate potential media inquiries. The President also briefly directed Weinberger to manage communications with the Secretary of Health to avoid premature or unauthorized public disclosures.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to evaluate potential Supreme Court nominees, weighing the political implications and qualifications of figures such as Howard Baker, Caspar Weinberger, Hershel Friday, and Mildred Lillie. The discussion focused on selecting candidates who could secure Senate confirmation while adhering to the administration's philosophical goals and navigating regional and gender-based political concerns. Additionally, the President and his staff touched upon U.S. foreign economic policy, specifically assessing the performance of Peter G. Peterson regarding textile negotiations.
President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman discussed the development of the 1973 federal budget, specifically focusing on potential new initiatives and tax policy. The participants reviewed the perspectives of Caspar Weinberger regarding fiscal strategy and coordinated their respective schedules with John B. Connally. This meeting served as a planning session to align administrative priorities and scheduling for upcoming budgetary negotiations.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule and manage key personnel and budgetary meetings. They specifically addressed the roles of George P. Shultz and Caspar Weinberger regarding administrative priorities. The brief exchange also included a tangential historical reflection on political perceptions surrounding Lyndon B. Johnson’s past bombing decisions.
On January 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss administrative appointments, specifically exploring the potential role of Caspar Weinberger as a successor to George Shultz at the Office of Management and Budget. They also coordinate communication strategies regarding Henry Kissinger’s recent meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to ensure Secretary of State William Rogers remains informed without disclosing excessive detail. Finally, the two review recent polling data that shows a slight uptick in the President's approval ratings following his January 25th speech on Vietnam.
President Nixon met with John Mitchell and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the deepening political crisis surrounding the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) case and the confirmation hearings for Richard Kleindienst. The group evaluated the strategic necessity of withdrawing Kleindienst’s nomination as Attorney General to mitigate further damage to the administration, while simultaneously vetting Caspar Weinberger as a potential replacement. They also reviewed broader political strategies, including how to handle Democratic criticism regarding the Vietnam War and how to manage the transition if Kleindienst were to resign.
On April 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:10 pm and 3:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-055 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, Caspar Weinberger, and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of George Wallace and to formalize upcoming cabinet shifts. The group reviewed the details of the shooting and coordinated the administration's public response and schedule. Additionally, Nixon confirmed the appointment of George Shultz as Secretary of the Treasury and Caspar Weinberger as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, emphasizing the necessity of a stringent fiscal policy and budget control.
On May 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone at Camp David from 12:33 pm to 12:34 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 131-040 of the White House Tapes.
H. R. Haldeman and Charles Colson consulted regarding the delivery of a letter from Caspar Weinberger. They also coordinated strategy concerning the President's upcoming press conference, specifically focusing on the administration's policy toward low and moderate income housing. The discussion served to align talking points and briefing materials for the President's public appearance.
On June 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:55 pm and 3:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 026-045 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the strategic response to John N. Mitchell's resignation as chairman of the Committee to Re-elect the President, specifically discussing the timing of press releases and public statements. The group also addressed administrative scheduling, including the President's attendance at Dabney Hibbert's wedding and coordination with NSC staff regarding anecdotes from his recent trip to the Soviet Union. Additionally, the President discussed budget meetings with Caspar Weinberger and communicated a preference for a saltwater swimming pool over a tennis court in response to a gift offer from Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed upcoming scheduling commitments, including a strategy meeting at Camp David and a planned event at the F St. Club. Nixon emphasized limiting the attendance of Domestic Council staff at the Camp David session to maintain a focus on future policy projections. They also coordinated logistical details regarding Caspar Weinberger's participation and Nixon’s subsequent trip to Texas with Senator John Tower.
President Nixon calls Leonard Garment to coordinate a meeting at Camp David regarding the reorganization of his second-term cabinet. Nixon emphasizes his intent to break free from bureaucratic constraints by installing new personnel, specifically noting plans to move Caspar Weinberger into a major cabinet position and reassign Elliot Richardson. The conversation also transitions into a discussion on political conduct, with Nixon criticizing George McGovern’s 1972 concession statement while reflecting on his own history of gracious election losses.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the day's upcoming schedule, focusing on a bill signing ceremony involving Caspar Weinberger and photo opportunities. Nixon provided specific instructions regarding the recipients of ceremonial pens and limited the scope of media coverage for meetings with Congressional and Republican leaders. The conversation concluded with Nixon emphasizing his preference for maintaining a controlled and streamlined public relations strategy for the day.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, focusing on the availability of staff for key meetings and the logistics of official engagements. They discussed the scheduling of Cabinet members and advisors, specifically noting Caspar Weinberger’s absence in San Francisco and the timing of a future meeting with George H.W. Bush regarding the Congressional Campaign Committee. These administrative discussions served to coordinate upcoming staff interactions and prioritize essential appointments for the following days.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the public reception of the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal, which resulted in the departures of Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon expresses frustration over the perceived lack of loyalty from his Cabinet, noting that only Caspar Weinberger reached out to offer support, while simultaneously reaffirming his deep personal affection for Haldeman. The two men agree to cease further public discussion of the scandal, and Nixon instructs the switchboard to begin accepting incoming calls from staff and officials.
President Nixon and Roy Ash discussed the administration's economic policy, specifically affirming their rejection of a price freeze despite pressure from some advisors. They also coordinated cabinet management strategies, with Nixon tasking Ash to reassure Caspar Weinberger regarding his continued importance as a key domestic counselor. Finally, the President reflected on the recent, painful resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, reiterating that these departures were necessary steps for the administration to move past the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower discuss the positive reception of a recent student event featuring Secretary Caspar Weinberger, noting the students' interest in the upcoming Soviet summit. Nixon updates Julie on his strategy to counter John Dean's allegations, alleging that Dean embezzled funds and was the architect of the Watergate cover-up. The conversation concludes with a discussion regarding supportive media figures and the successful state dinner held for Leonid Brezhnev.