Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Christmas
15 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Nixon, Stans, Mulcahy
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed logistical arrangements for the upcoming television special, 'A Day in the Life of the President.' The conversation focused on coordinating interview segments involving the President, the First Lady, and their daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. Additionally, they briefly touched upon plans for a Christmas party to be held in the Lincoln Room.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to discuss logistical arrangements for the upcoming Christmas holiday. The conversation centered on the President's potential visit to Camp David and the status of his son-in-law David Eisenhower's travel plans. Nixon also briefly coordinated a call to Clark MacGregor regarding official business.
President Nixon placed a holiday call to Secretary of Commerce Maurice Stans, who was vacationing with John A. Mulcahy. The discussion primarily served to exchange Christmas greetings, though Nixon briefly addressed geopolitical concerns regarding the Soviet Union. The President praised Stans’s recent trip to the USSR and reaffirmed the administration’s strategic approach to upcoming diplomatic negotiations.
President Nixon initiated this brief, informal phone call to exchange Christmas greetings with his friend and associate, John A. Mulcahy. The discussion touched upon the President's upcoming trip to Florida, specifically mentioning his scheduled meeting with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. The conversation concluded with pleasantries regarding Mulcahy’s family and an agreement to meet in the near future.
President Nixon and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover exchanged holiday greetings and discussed logistics for upcoming social engagements, including a planned dinner in Florida. The conversation shifted to the President's decision to release Jimmy Hoffa from prison, a move supported by Attorney General John Mitchell. Nixon cited Hoffa's status as a model prisoner and his wife’s illness as primary reasons for the commutation, while also noting his belief that the late Robert F. Kennedy had pursued a personal vendetta against Hoffa.
President Nixon initiated a Christmas Eve call to Hobart D. Lewis, the head of Reader's Digest, to exchange holiday greetings and discuss the President's recent media interview. Lewis praised the organization and articulation of the interview, expressing optimism for the President's upcoming political prospects. The brief conversation also touched upon the President's personal holiday schedule with his family and interest in collegiate football.
President Nixon speaks with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to exchange Christmas greetings and discuss the television broadcast of his daughter Julie Nixon Eisenhower’s show, "Christmas at the White House." The two also review Woods's progress in making holiday telephone calls to various associates, including McIntyre Faries and Ralph H. Cake. The conversation concludes with mutual well-wishes for the holiday.
President Nixon and Reverend Billy Graham exchanged Christmas greetings and briefly discussed Graham's recent television appearance regarding the White House holiday celebration. The two confirmed plans for Graham and his wife, Ruth, to visit the White House on the following Friday. During the exchange, Nixon also jokingly advised Graham to ensure his wife remained ideologically conservative.
President Nixon called Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz to exchange Christmas greetings and check on his progress in his new role. Nixon praised Butz's recent media appearances on programs like "Meet the Press" and the "Today" show, encouraging him to prioritize regional broadcasts to reach key farm audiences. The conversation served primarily as a gesture of personal rapport and strategic communication advice.
President Richard Nixon initiated a brief holiday call to Frank B. Rackley and his wife, Marguerite, to exchange Christmas greetings and express appreciation for a gift provided by the couple. The conversation served primarily as a personal gesture of friendship, with the President offering encouragement to Frank Rackley and acknowledging the couple's support. No formal policy or administrative decisions were made during the exchange.
President Nixon initiated a brief holiday call to Postmaster General Winton M. "Red" Blount to exchange Christmas greetings. Beyond pleasantries, the two discussed the positive reception of a television special featuring Julie Nixon and evaluated the current state of the national economy. Nixon specifically sought Blount’s assessment of the performance of the Pay Board and Price Board as indicators of economic recovery.
President Nixon initiated this Christmas Day telephone call to Michael Lauer and his family to respond to a heartfelt letter Michael had sent regarding a recent family tragedy involving his brother. The President offered condolences and words of encouragement to Michael, his mother, and his siblings, urging them to remain hopeful and supportive of one another despite their loss. Nixon explicitly encouraged the children to maintain their optimism and tasked the eldest brother, Kevin, with keeping the family's spirits high.
President Nixon called Senator Hugh Scott and his wife, Marian, to exchange Christmas greetings and express appreciation for the Senator's political support. The discussion briefly touched upon the upcoming year's political battles and the Scotts' recent activities, including Marian's involvement in speaking engagements. The call concluded with the President acknowledging a television program featuring Julie Nixon Eisenhower.
President Nixon initiated a holiday phone call to Congressman Gerald R. Ford to exchange Christmas greetings and discuss college and professional football. During the conversation, Nixon informed Ford of the death of Representative George W. Andrews, noting that he would send a military aide to honor the late congressman. The two concluded by briefly discussing political strategy and preparing for upcoming legislative challenges in the new year.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building for an informal discussion. The conversation reflected on the rapid passage of time and touched upon the upcoming holiday season. No major policy decisions were made during this brief, personal exchange.