Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Congress
38 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Butterfield, Kissinger, Price
President Nixon met with Secret Service agents in the Oval Office to discuss concerns regarding a congressman’s recent conduct and the potentially damaging public narrative surrounding it. The participants expressed frustration over the congressman's actions, characterizing them as a significant overstep. The discussion concluded without a formal policy shift, serving primarily as a brief exchange regarding security and political optics.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to coordinate a follow-up communication with Congressman John W. Byrnes of Wisconsin. Upon learning that the Congressman was traveling home, the President instructed the operator to leave a message at Byrnes's residence. This exchange served as a logistical effort to facilitate a pending political conversation.
President Nixon met with Treasury Secretary John Connally and the Citizens' Committee for Government Reorganization to discuss the administration's proposals for executive branch restructuring. The participants focused on the importance of bureaucratic reform, the necessity of securing congressional support, and strategies for navigating political opposition to these institutional changes. The President emphasized the historical significance of the committee's work and presented commemorative gifts to the attendees at the conclusion of the session.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to review the latest developments regarding the Mansfield Amendment in Congress. The discussion focused on evaluating the status of this legislative proposal and its progress through the congressional process. No further actions were recorded in this brief exchange.
President Nixon held an informal discussion with an unidentified individual regarding the composition and political influence of the 80th Congressional Club. The dialogue focused on the difficulties of governance during that legislative period and the historical dynamics between the executive branch and congressional leadership. No specific policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate the press strategy for the President’s upcoming energy message. Nixon emphasized the importance of framing the initiative as a bipartisan effort and instructed Ziegler to acknowledge the specific support of key congressional figures, including Chet Holifield, John O. Pastore, and Craig Hosmer. The discussion focused on maximizing favorable media coverage by highlighting this legislative cooperation.
President Nixon called Senator John O. Pastore to inform him that his energy message had been submitted to Congress and to ensure the administration's public messaging highlighted the bipartisan nature of the effort. Nixon specifically credited Pastore, Chet Holifield, and Craig Hosmer for their crucial contributions to the policy's development. In response, Pastore pledged to deliver supportive remarks on the Senate floor to underscore this cooperative legislative approach.
President Nixon called Congressman Pierre S. DuPont to express his appreciation for DuPont’s effective public support of a resolution during recent Vietnam-related hearings. DuPont acknowledged the difficulty of taking such a stance and hinted at ongoing, undisclosed administration efforts regarding the conflict. The brief exchange served to solidify political alignment and boost morale for the Congressman amidst intense congressional debate.
President Nixon initiated a call to the White House operator to request a telephone connection with Congresswoman Florence P. Dwyer of New Jersey. The President acknowledged that she was likely unavailable at her office but requested that the operator attempt to locate her. No further policy discussions or significant substantive developments occurred during this brief request for communication.
President Nixon, Secretary of State William P. Rogers, and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger coordinated strategy regarding ongoing efforts to achieve an honorable end to the Vietnam War. The discussion centered on aligning U.S. negotiating objectives—specifically a ceasefire, POW release, and regional peace—with potential legislative maneuvers in Congress. The participants evaluated how to manage Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield’s involvement to prevent unfavorable legislative interference with the administration's diplomatic goals.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally discuss plans for an upcoming September 9, 1971, address to Congress regarding the administration's "Stage II" economic stabilization program. While they consider the prospect of the President appearing before Congress to participate in a televised question-and-answer session, they ultimately reject the idea due to concerns about establishing a precedent that could undermine executive privilege. Additionally, the President outlines a new public outreach strategy involving a briefing for Cabinet members' wives to build symbolic support for his economic policies among women.
Raymond K. Price, Jr. contacted the White House operator to facilitate a call to his own office. The discussion primarily involved the logistical coordination of drafting the President’s forthcoming address to Congress. The parties specifically addressed the current status and word count requirements for the speech draft.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. and John D. Ehrlichman to finalize his upcoming economic address to Congress. The participants reviewed and revised multiple drafts of the speech, focusing on the tone toward congressional Democrats and the strategic presentation of tax and spending policies. Nixon emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation and specific wording regarding the legislative agenda, while also discussing logistical arrangements for the event and upcoming official functions with Alexander P. Butterfield.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistics regarding a forthcoming congressional vote. The discussion centered on scheduling and administrative support involving an unidentified secretary. The meeting concluded with preparations for the President’s imminent departure to a boat.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss international diplomatic strategies and the necessity of securing support within Congress regarding the status of Taiwan. The conversation touches upon the importance of leveraging relationships with various nations, including Greece and Turkey, to bolster the administration's foreign policy goals. Nixon emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort among his staff and diplomatic envoys to ensure consistent backing for their objectives.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to Congressman Barber B. Conable, Jr. The brief exchange served solely as a logistical request to establish communication with the New York representative. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occurred during this brief request.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a telephone call to Congressman Joel T. Broyhill. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to initiate communication with the representative. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Congressman Silvio O. Conte of Massachusetts. The exchange served strictly as a procedural request to facilitate communication between the President and the Representative. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occurred during this brief administrative interaction.
Senator Barry Goldwater met with President Nixon to share positive feedback regarding the President's recent public appearances and to discuss their shared concerns about national defense. Goldwater recounted his recent speeches in which he defended the necessity of a strong military posture and dismissed environmentalist objections to defense testing. Nixon emphasized the urgent need to maintain U.S. military strength against Soviet advances, expressing frustration with Congressional efforts that he equated to disarmament.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and H. R. Haldeman to deliberate on urgent fiscal and political strategies as the administration faced a looming deadline regarding a continuing resolution for federal funding. The group discussed the political risks of taking a hardline stance against Congress, specifically targeting the Senate's perceived irresponsibility, while weighing the potential consequences of a government shutdown. Ultimately, the President decided to adopt a confrontational approach with Congressional leaders to avoid being forced into signing unfavorable legislation, prioritizing his image as a decisive leader over compromising with legislative opponents.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Congressman John J. Rooney of New York. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to initiate communication between the President and the Representative. No substantive political or policy discussions occurred during this brief request.
President Nixon met with members of the President's Commission on Financial Structure and Regulation to discuss the findings and implementation strategy of their report on domestic financial reform. The discussion focused on the challenges of navigating bureaucracy and congressional committees to enact an omnibus bill aimed at increasing the viability of depository institutions through free-market mechanisms. The President emphasized the need for a cohesive legislative strategy while the group touched upon international economic policy and the recent successful efforts of the Treasury Department in global currency realignments.
President Nixon and John B. Connally discuss legislative strategy regarding the administration's upcoming agenda, focusing on preempting political opposition in Congress. They evaluate a plan to delay new legislative proposals by emphasizing that the administration is still studying the issues while urging Congress to prioritize previously submitted reforms like revenue sharing and welfare. Nixon and Connally agree that this approach allows them to maintain flexibility while avoiding unnecessary political friction on the Hill.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the preparation of a briefing book based on Henry Kissinger's recent work to effectively manage anticipated public and political inquiries. The President directed that a concise two-to-three-page list of questions and answers be drafted, specifically identifying William Safire or James Gannon as potential authors to refine the material. This document was intended for strategic distribution to members of Congress and the press to ensure a controlled and consistent administration message.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate an outgoing call to Congressman Robert McClory of Illinois. The primary purpose of this brief exchange was to facilitate communication with the Representative. No substantive political discussions occurred as the President merely provided the operator with the necessary contact information.
President Nixon and Representative Thomas N. Downing engaged in a brief, informal exchange to exchange birthday greetings. During the call, they discussed shared birthdays among acquaintances, including Congressman Charles Gubser, and compared their physical appearances to that of Billy Graham. The conversation served primarily as a social pleasantry to foster rapport between the President and the Congressman.
President Nixon and Representative John T. Myers engaged in a brief, informal telephone conversation initiated by Myers to extend birthday wishes to the President. During the exchange, the two men discussed the President's age and speculated about the long-term political career of the Congressman. The dialogue concluded with a lighthearted remark regarding the potential for Myers to eventually become Speaker of the House.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly met in the Oval Office to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion focused on logistical arrangements for a meeting involving retiring members of Congress. No major policy decisions were reached, as the conversation served primarily as a brief administrative update regarding the President's calendar.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor consulted regarding legislative strategy and the administration’s response to ongoing congressional debates over Vietnam policy. The discussion touched upon the timing of legislative actions, the effectiveness of specific messaging proposed in a memorandum by Patrick J. Buchanan, and the political implications of compromise on war-related votes. Nixon emphasized a cautious approach, advising against certain public statements while evaluating how congressional movements might influence North Vietnamese strategy.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator locate Congressman John J. Rooney for a telephone conversation. The operator informed the President that Rooney was currently in New York and occupied on another line. Nixon directed the operator to continue attempting to establish the connection.
President Nixon consulted with Patrick J. Buchanan to request research regarding a recent congressional speech by Senator Mike Mansfield concerning Greece. The primary objective was to obtain historical context or records related to the Senator's remarks for use in administration policy or messaging. No further substantive developments were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for managing public perception regarding the ongoing congressional session, the federal budget, and the threat of tax increases. The conversation highlights the administration's plan to use upcoming presidential vetoes and meetings with budget advisors—Caspar Weinberger, George Shultz, and John Ehrlichman—to emphasize fiscal responsibility. Additionally, they reflect on the political efficacy of the President's recent rhetoric regarding amnesty and the treatment of prisoners of war, noting strong positive feedback from labor leader George Meany.
President Nixon directs Henry Kissinger to take an icy, confrontational stance with Senator Mike Mansfield regarding congressional interference in Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon tasks Kissinger with informing Mansfield that his legislative actions have jeopardized the potential for an honorable peace and forced the President to consider a national televised address to hold Congress accountable. This strategy aims to shift public blame toward Senate Democrats for any future failure in the ongoing peace talks.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the logistics and venue for a televised address regarding the impending Vietnam peace settlement. The discussion focused on the political implications of delivering the speech before Congress, specifically weighing the advice and perspectives of Speaker Carl Albert and Representative Gerald Ford. The participants evaluated the potential for a Congressional boycott and the broader necessity of securing legislative prestige for the administration's foreign policy announcement.
President Nixon and his Cabinet met to launch a strategic public relations campaign, titled the Presidential Spokesmen program, aimed at pressuring Congress to support his budget priorities and oppose spending-heavy legislation. Nixon urged his officials to frame the budget debate not as a constitutional conflict, but as a direct choice between the economic interests of the 'New American Majority' and the fiscal irresponsibility of the opposition. The session included briefings on foreign policy, defense spending, and law enforcement, emphasizing the need for administration spokesmen to maintain a positive, disciplined narrative while avoiding defensive posturing on 'false issues.'
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his personal file regarding ongoing political developments. The discussion focused on legislative relations with Congress and the public and press reception concerning the return of American prisoners of war. This administrative task served to document the President's perspective on the administration's current strategic priorities.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage administrative priorities. The discussion centered on adjusting the meeting time for Representative William G. Bray and facilitating communication between the President and Treasury Secretary George P. Shultz regarding congressional matters. These logistical adjustments were part of the administration's ongoing efforts to maintain legislative momentum during the heightened political pressure of the Watergate era.
President Nixon met with South Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Kim Phuong, Alexander Haig, and Brent Scowcroft to discuss the critical need for continued U.S. aid to South Vietnam amidst growing Congressional opposition. Nixon emphasized that he remains committed to supporting President Nguyen Van Thieu but warned that legislative resistance makes securing future appropriations increasingly difficult. The discussion centered on the importance of survival for the South Vietnamese government and the necessity of managing expectations regarding American military and economic assistance.