Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Congressional relations
835 conversations · page 9 of 9 · frequently with Nixon, Haig, Kissinger, Bull
President Nixon met with Attorney General Elliot Richardson and FBI Director-designate Clarence M. Kelley to coordinate strategy ahead of Kelley’s Senate confirmation hearings. The discussion focused on highlighting Kelley’s leadership potential and his record on reducing local crime rates to ensure bipartisan support. Nixon provided guidance on the themes Kelley should emphasize, specifically FBI cooperation with other law enforcement agencies and the administration's progress in crime reduction.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming remarks and logistics for his schedule, specifically concerning cabinet meetings. The two discussed the scope of congressional participation, weighing concerns about the inefficiency of large attendance versus the need for political engagement. They evaluated the roles of various advisors and Republican leaders in managing these sessions to ensure productive executive-legislative interactions.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate White House strategy regarding the national economy, ongoing Vietnam negotiations, and the intensifying Watergate scandal. They discussed the necessity of developing a definitive economic plan to address inflation and potential price controls while managing congressional and public expectations ahead of Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming visit. Furthermore, they strategized on how to counter negative media and political pressure related to Watergate by mobilizing congressional allies and shifting the public debate toward the President’s policy achievements.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig to discuss personnel and political strategy regarding Watergate, specifically focusing on the role of Attorney General Elliot Richardson. Following this, Nixon convened with John Connally, George Shultz, Herbert Stein, and John Dunlop to debate the administration's economic response to mounting Congressional pressure for a wage and price freeze. The group evaluated various options, ultimately deciding on a strategy that balanced political necessity with the risks of economic uncertainty, while preparing for a follow-up consultation with labor and management leaders.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the final details of upcoming Vietnam peace negotiations and the logistics of a summit with Leonid Brezhnev. The discussion focused on the delicate status of the South Vietnamese government's participation and the necessity of managing Congressional expectations during a briefing on the agreements. Amidst the pressure of the Watergate scandal and ongoing media criticism, the two men discussed strategies for maintaining the administration's foreign policy momentum and projecting public confidence.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate the President's schedule with congressional leaders, specifically addressing briefings on the upcoming Leonid Brezhnev summit and Vietnam negotiations. They decided to postpone a meeting with congressional leaders regarding economic controls to avoid presenting an appearance of unresolved conflict in Paris. The discussion also briefly touched upon the political implications of current Watergate-related news and Vice President Spiro Agnew's recent activities.
President Nixon met with Roy L. Ash to strategize a response to ongoing national economic difficulties, specifically discussing the potential implementation of a 45-to-60-day price freeze. The participants emphasized the need to "condition" public opinion and regain control of the economic narrative, noting that while a freeze may be poor economic policy, it serves as a necessary political tool to stop Congress from imposing more restrictive measures. Additionally, Nixon and Ash briefly discussed the political fallout of the Watergate scandal and the President's approach to managing congressional relations amid upcoming veto battles.
President Nixon met with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to coordinate White House strategy regarding ongoing economic policy, administrative personnel appointments, and the unfolding Watergate investigation. The discussion focused on managing the upcoming testimony of John W. Dean, III before the Ervin Committee and preparing a public relations response that would emphasize presidential leadership and reinforce denials of culpability. Additionally, Nixon and Haig evaluated potential presidential vetoes of Congressional spending bills and discussed utilizing radio addresses to communicate directly with the public on economic concerns.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. to plan an upcoming televised address to the nation regarding new economic measures to combat inflation. Nixon outlined his strategy to implement a temporary price freeze while maintaining a positive tone about the broader economy and emphasizing the necessity of congressional cooperation. The discussion also touched upon the political challenges surrounding the ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically regarding the potential impact of testimony from former aides on the administration.
General Brent Scowcroft updated President Nixon on ongoing Vietnam negotiations following a lengthy meeting reported by Henry Kissinger. To pressure Saigon during this critical window, Nixon directed Scowcroft to expedite a cable emphasizing that South Vietnamese intransigence risks jeopardizing crucial U.S. congressional support and aid. Nixon instructed Scowcroft to explicitly promise public support for Saigon's position if they agree to move forward, aiming to prevent Congress from using the stalemate as a justification to cut off assistance.
President Richard Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met to coordinate administration strategy regarding Vietnam policy and upcoming domestic economic announcements. They discussed maintaining support for South Vietnamese President Thieu and reviewed preparations for a high-level economic meeting involving Arthur Burns and George Shultz. Additionally, the President provided guidance on the tone and content for an impending address concerning price control measures, specifically regarding food and gasoline costs.
President Nixon met with his senior economic advisors and staff to deliberate on a strategy for stabilizing the national economy, specifically focusing on a proposed 60-day price freeze on food and gasoline. The discussion covered the implementation of Phase IV economic controls, the necessity of securing congressional support for trade and spending measures, and the political challenges of potential vetoes on agricultural and minimum wage legislation. Nixon emphasized the importance of public education regarding his administration's economic goals and requested that his cabinet members and advisors actively advocate for these policies to build public and congressional confidence.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate administration responses to economic challenges, including potential price freeze legislation and export regulation policies. The two discussed personnel management and morale within the White House staff, addressing friction between Roy Ash and other key advisors while emphasizing Haig’s role as the primary operational authority. Additionally, they reviewed political strategies regarding Congressional relations and the ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically regarding anticipated testimony from John Dean.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to discuss the content and phrasing of the President's forthcoming address to the nation announcing price control measures. Key topics included the rationale for controls, exemptions for unprocessed agricultural products, the impact on food and gasoline prices, and the need for Congressional action. They also touched upon the upcoming visit of Leonid Brezhnev and the context of Vietnam negotiations.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler, Alexander Haig, and William Timmons to coordinate White House strategy regarding the impending Ervin Committee testimony of John Dean and the administration’s broader press relations. The participants discussed the necessity of discrediting Dean and managing public perception amid the Watergate scandal, while balancing these concerns with the President's upcoming economic address and the diplomatic significance of the forthcoming Leonid Brezhnev summit. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified front with congressional allies and directed his staff to ensure that supporters, including members of the Chowder and Marching Society, publicly prioritize national policy over the ongoing hearings.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated the messaging strategy for an upcoming televised speech on the economy. The discussion focused on maintaining public momentum following recent diplomatic successes while carefully managing media expectations. Nixon explicitly instructed Ziegler to withhold the full text of the speech from Cabinet members and Congressional leaders prior to the 7:00 pm briefing to avoid last-minute critiques and prevent market volatility.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and David C. Hoopes met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:30 pm to 1:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 445-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to monitor the arrival of bipartisan Congressional leaders for an upcoming meeting. Nixon emphasized his desire to avoid waiting for the full group to assemble, instructing Bull to coordinate with William E. Timmons to ensure the President arrives only once a majority of attendees are present. This directive served to streamline the President's schedule and manage his appearance at the event.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 5:22 pm to 5:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 445-027 of the White House Tapes.
On June 13, 1973, Stephen B. Bull and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone from 5:39 pm to 5:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-081 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors and Vice President Spiro Agnew to discuss foreign policy, the recent national price control address, and the growing political fallout from the Watergate and Baltimore County investigations. Nixon and his team strategized on how to manage the public perception of the Watergate hearings while considering ways to pivot toward an aggressive political defense. Additionally, they reviewed Vice President Agnew's role in the administration, including future travel and the need for him to maintain a visible and high-profile presence to support the President's agenda.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated the logistical details and public relations strategy for the upcoming visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The conversation covered the schedule for signing ceremonies, the arrangement of television tapings at Camp David, and the distribution of responsibilities for congressional briefings. Nixon also addressed the political climate, expressing satisfaction that positive engagement with congressional leaders was successfully distracting from the ongoing Watergate scandal.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig, J. Fred Buzhardt, and Melvin Laird to discuss ongoing challenges including the Watergate scandal and upcoming administrative transitions. They reviewed the status of John Dean's legal situation, focusing on his handling of campaign funds and the political advantage of exposing his alleged financial impropriety through press coverage. Furthermore, the group discussed personnel adjustments, including bringing Bryce Harlow onto the White House staff, and coordinated legislative strategies regarding a pending House vote on Cambodia funding and the implementation of the Phase IV economic program.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the White House's economic messaging strategy, specifically praising Melvin Laird’s recent success in bolstering support among Congressmen. The conversation shifted to monitoring Attorney General Elliot Richardson and the ongoing investigation into Vice President Spiro Agnew. Haig confirmed he had tasked J. Fred Buzhardt with pressing Richardson for information regarding the Agnew probe to ensure the administration was not blindsided by potential legal or political crises.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to refine strategy regarding Leonid Brezhnev’s ongoing visit and the upcoming Agreement on the Prevention of Nuclear War. They discussed whether to seek a Congressional resolution for the agreement, ultimately deciding against it to avoid unnecessary legislative scrutiny. Additionally, the pair reviewed the President's foreign policy accomplishments, specifically noting the positive shifts in media coverage and public perception despite the ongoing Watergate scandal.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, Ronald Ziegler, and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the administration's defensive strategy regarding the unfolding Watergate scandal and the Ervin Committee's upcoming hearings. The participants discussed strategies for discrediting John Dean and mitigating damaging press coverage by leaking information regarding historical FBI surveillance abuses conducted under the Kennedy administration. Furthermore, the President emphasized the necessity of a firm legislative stance against Congress, specifically regarding spending vetoes and the handling of foreign policy agreements like the nuclear war prevention pact with the Soviet Union.
President Nixon contacted Speaker of the House Carl Albert to lobby against further congressional restrictions on military operations in Cambodia during the pending Second Supplemental Appropriations Act. Nixon argued that maintaining tactical air support is essential to leverage ongoing diplomatic efforts with the Soviet Union, China, and local factions to secure a peace settlement. He warned that if the House adopted the more restrictive stance favored by the Senate, he would be forced to veto the bill, shifting the political responsibility for any resulting instability onto Congress.
President Nixon met with Speaker of the House Carl Albert to urge the House of Representatives to support his administration's position on ongoing military and diplomatic efforts in Cambodia. Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining tactical air support until a settlement is reached, warning that legislative interference could undermine delicate negotiations with China and the Soviet Union. He pressured Albert to lead the House in resisting congressional efforts to curtail this authority, framing the request as a critical matter of national interest.
President Nixon prepares for an upcoming meeting with Congressional leaders, including Gerald Ford and Leslie Arends, to discuss legislative strategy and pending petitions. The participants coordinate the arrival of these guests and emphasize the importance of maintaining communication with Senate leadership. The brief discussion serves as a final briefing to ensure the President is ready to address key legislative priorities upon the arrival of the congressional delegation.
On June 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and William E. Timmons met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:41 am to 11:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 946-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated a strategic communication effort to influence Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev ahead of his upcoming visit. Kissinger was instructed to contact Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to convey that Congressional leaders held a positive reaction toward the President's diplomatic initiatives, specifically emphasizing the progress on Most Favored Nation (MFN) status. This action aimed to reassure the Soviet leadership and build momentum for negotiations despite delays in the summit's business agenda.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the positive domestic and international reception of the newly signed U.S.-Soviet agreement on the prevention of nuclear war. Nixon emphasized the strategic importance of characterizing the arrangement as an executive agreement rather than a treaty to avoid a contentious and unnecessary congressional approval process. The pair also discussed the geopolitical implications of the agreement, including the potential to restrain Soviet aggression, and Nixon directed Kissinger to highlight the importance of the personal relationship between the two nations' leaders during media briefings.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the successful negotiation of a new agreement with the Soviet Union, characterizing the deal as a diplomatic masterpiece. Nixon instructs Kissinger to brief the press on the significance of the agreement, emphasizing that the treaty's strength lies in the personal relationship between the leaders and the mutual commitment to avoid the use of force. They also express relief at avoiding potential congressional hurdles by deciding that formal legislative approval is not required for the treaty.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize the administration's upcoming "Phase IV" economic program, specifically discussing the timing and format for public and congressional announcements. They agreed to avoid a joint session of Congress to bypass "crisis" rhetoric, instead favoring a plan that uses briefings for congressional leaders and radio addresses to demonstrate decisive presidential leadership. Additionally, they reviewed recent Watergate-related developments, including John Mitchell's committee testimony, which they viewed as helpful to the President's position, and expressed continued frustration with the scope and personnel of the Archibald Cox special prosecution team.
President Nixon and William E. Timmons met to discuss strategies for managing congressional relations and the ongoing Watergate investigations. The President expressed intense frustration with Senator Howard Baker’s conduct during the hearings, particularly his questioning of John Mitchell, and directed that Baker be denied further access to the White House. They also reviewed plans to engage supportive members of Congress through White House meetings to build a stronger political base, while dismissing the impact of John Dean’s testimony as a failure to implicate the President.