Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Clifford M. Hardin
19 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Hardin, Ehrlichman, Connally
These are conversations about Clifford M. Hardin. For the 41 conversations Hardin took part in, see Clifford M. Hardin’s page →
When Clifford M. Hardin comes up
Related topics: Department of AgriculturePresidential schedulingEarl L. ButzWhite House communicationsWhite House operationsPublic relationsPresidential communicationOffice of Management and BudgetJohn B. ConnallyEconomic policyAgricultural policyWhite House correspondenceWhite House coordinationWhite House administration
On April 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, John D. Ehrlichman, Alexander P. Butterfield, and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:10 am and 12:14 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin to announce his decision to support the Agricultural Extension Service, effectively overruling the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) staff and siding with the Secretary. Nixon emphasizes the political importance of the service to the American farm community and instructs Hardin to communicate this victory to the department. Additionally, the President speaks with Claude W. Gifford of the Farm Journal to personally encourage him to accept an appointment within the administration.
President Nixon and General George A. Lincoln discuss the federal response to a severe drought in Texas, weighing the implications of a full disaster declaration versus narrower agricultural relief. Nixon expresses concern that a full declaration would trigger unmanageable unemployment claims and complicate the status of migratory workers. Ultimately, Nixon directs Lincoln to have Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin coordinate with Senator John Tower, prioritizing a swift, politically advantageous release of aid information.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John B. Connally talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:25 pm and 4:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally coordinated a briefing for a delegation including Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin, General George Lincoln, and Peter Flanigan regarding a scheduled federal response to the Texas drought. The President directed Connally to meet with these officials to review their itinerary and logistical maps before their departure. Furthermore, Nixon advised Connally to remain in Washington rather than join the trip to avoid unfavorable political optics.
President Nixon consulted with General James D. Hughes to arrange a larger aircraft for an upcoming trip to Texas, specifically for Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin and his delegation. Hughes confirmed that they would utilize the backup aircraft, designated '970,' which shares the same presidential paint scheme and capacity as Air Force One. Nixon authorized this change to accommodate an expanded party of approximately 60 people.
On June 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:57 pm and 4:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-003 of the White House Tapes.
On August 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 007-132 of the White House Tapes.
On August 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 007-165 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin discussed Hardin’s potential resignation and transition to a private sector role at Ralston Purina. Nixon encouraged Hardin to make his career move before the 1972 election to ensure a smooth transition for his successor and to secure his personal financial future. The two also addressed current administration economic initiatives, farm policy, and the recent Attica state prison riots, with Nixon expressing support for Governor Nelson Rockefeller's handling of the crisis.
On October 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:30 am and 11:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 607-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with William Ruckelshaus, John Ehrlichman, John Whitaker, and later Clifford Hardin to discuss administrative personnel changes and pending agricultural policies. The group focused heavily on managing the timing of Secretary of Agriculture Hardin’s resignation and selecting a successor while avoiding political fallout from various farm interest groups. Additionally, Nixon directed his staff to resolve labor disputes and facilitate a grain sale to the Soviet Union, prioritizing the deal's completion despite resistance from unions.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the final arrangements for the appointment of Earl L. Butz to replace Clifford M. Hardin as Secretary of Agriculture. They discuss scheduling a meeting between John Mitchell and Butz, as well as the timing for the public announcement and the President's personal involvement in the rollout. Additionally, the pair briefly reviews positive reactions to the President's recent fundraising speeches and outlines the protocol for his upcoming Veterans Day ceremony.
President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman discussed the strategic framing of personnel changes within the Department of Agriculture, specifically regarding the transition from Secretary Clifford M. Hardin to Earl L. Butz. They reviewed potential government reorganization plans, focusing on the placement of the Coast Guard and concerns regarding Secretary John A. Volpe’s management. Additionally, the President briefly evaluated his public relations strategy, weighing the benefits of potential interviews with various media outlets, including Reader’s Digest and Playboy.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the internal strategy for reorganizing the Department of Agriculture, emphasizing the need to secure support from Roy Ash and the Ash Council. Nixon instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate with Charls Walker to ensure the reorganization plan is presented as a necessary concession to achieve broader community development goals. They also agree to balance the public framing of the decision by providing credit to both Earl Butz and Clifford Hardin.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed recent press coverage, focusing on the resignation of Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and the appointment of his successor, Earl L. Butz. They discussed strategies to deflect media scrutiny regarding the administration's investigation of reporter Daniel Schorr, reaffirming their commitment to correcting inaccurate press reports. Finally, they prepared for an upcoming press conference, anticipating questions on foreign policy, Phase II economic plans, and China relations.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place holiday calls to two former Postmasters General, Winton M. Blount and Arthur E. Summerfield, at their respective homes in Alabama and Michigan. During the exchange, the operator noted difficulty reaching Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin. Nixon dismissed the need to continue pursuing the call to Hardin, effectively closing that specific task.
President Nixon and former Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin engaged in a personal exchange to finalize a letter of appreciation regarding Hardin’s tenure. The conversation reflected on the challenging economic climate of 1969–1970 and Hardin’s contributions to the administration’s success in the Farm Belt during the 1972 election. Nixon concluded the interaction by formally expressing his gratitude for Hardin’s dedicated service and extending well wishes to the Hardin family.
On January 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Clifford M. Hardin met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:32 am and 9:25 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 829-004 of the White House Tapes.