Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Edward M. Kennedy
39 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Colson, Ziegler, Haldeman
President Nixon met with Senator Russell Long, administration officials, and congressional representatives to strategize on the advancement of the President’s welfare and health care legislation. The discussion focused on overcoming opposition to the administration's health bill, particularly the competing proposal from Senator Edward Kennedy, while emphasizing the need for congressional education and potential compromises to secure passage. Additionally, the President and Senator Long discussed refining welfare reform, specifically focusing on work incentives, child support enforcement, and addressing public concerns regarding welfare dependency.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to leverage public support for the administration in the wake of anti-war demonstrations. They specifically examine the role of Peter J. Brennan and the potential for a 'hardhat' labor mobilization to counter protesters, including a proposed march on Wall Street. Additionally, the pair discusses the political implications of Edward M. Kennedy's involvement in recent demonstrations and the perceived need for congressional allies to speak out in support of the administration.
President Nixon met with Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Elliot Richardson, incoming official Dr. Merlin K. "Morty" DuVal, and senior staff to discuss the administration's health care reform strategy and the challenges of managing federal health bureaucracies. The President emphasized the need for DuVal to establish firm control over autonomous agencies like the NIH and NIMH while cautioning him against being co-opted by the entrenched bureaucracy. The group also strategized on how to secure political support from the medical profession for the administration's health plan, framing it as a pragmatic, centrist alternative to the more radical proposals championed by Senator Edward Kennedy.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on political strategy and the management of his public appearances. They discussed vetting invitations for events, such as the Chowder and Marching Society dinner and meetings with congressional supporters, to ensure maximum political utility while maintaining the President's time. Additionally, Nixon reviewed Patrick Buchanan's political memoranda regarding the 1972 election, agreeing on a strategy to push Edward M. Kennedy to the political left to benefit Republican electoral prospects. The President emphasized a desire for more ruthless selectivity in his engagements, preferring events that offer clear political or media advantages.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss efforts to generate congressional mail support for the administration's economic program, specifically targeting legislative opposition to a proposed pay raise. Nixon stresses the necessity of pressuring business groups like the Chamber of Commerce to ensure compliance with the campaign. Additionally, the pair discusses political messaging against Senator Edward Kennedy regarding his criticisms of the administration’s handling of prisoners of war in Vietnam.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the President’s recent meeting with the National League of Families, where Nixon successfully addressed concerns regarding prisoners of war (POWs). The two strategize on how to respond to potential failures in peace negotiations, with Nixon expressing a willingness to implement a hard-line policy, such as a naval blockade, rather than withdrawing troops. Additionally, they coordinate plans to counter Senator Edward Kennedy's criticisms regarding POWs and discuss upcoming diplomatic maneuvering involving Soviet officials and UN Ambassador George H.W. Bush.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to attack Senator Edward Kennedy’s recent remarks on Vietnam, comparing them to past controversial statements by John F. Kennedy. They prioritize generating political opposition to Kennedy's stance and coordinating a firm administration response, particularly from Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Additionally, the conversation covers managing economic policy, specifically framing legislative opposition to a federal pay increase as a sabotage of the President's efforts to control the cost of living.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed the political landscape in the Senate, specifically concerning upcoming votes on a federal pay raise and the administration's ability to block or compromise on legislation. The two analyzed the motivations of Democratic rivals, including Hubert Humphrey, Edmund Muskie, and Edward Kennedy, while evaluating the potential impact of their public comments and media perception on Nixon's administration. They also reviewed recent polling data from Louis Harris and George Gallup, and discussed the economic outlook, particularly the upcoming unemployment and wholesale price figures and their influence on labor relations.
Senator Barry Goldwater called President Nixon to express support for the President’s recent political rhetoric, specifically targeting Senator Edward Kennedy’s comments on Communism. The two discussed the potential 1972 presidential ambitions of Hubert Humphrey and the political damage done to Kennedy. Nixon also affirmed his commitment to appointing two conservative justices to the Supreme Court, highlighting William Rehnquist as a potential candidate despite potential pushback from the American Bar Association.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to counter aggressive political attacks from Senator Edward M. Kennedy, particularly regarding recent Supreme Court nominations and Kennedy’s attempt to associate the administration with the John Birch Society. They assess polling data from Connecticut that shows Nixon gaining significant ground against Kennedy and Muskie, and they explore ways to leverage the President’s support among Catholic voters regarding parochial school aid. To push back against negative media coverage and opposition rhetoric, Nixon directs Colson to have cabinet members and Republican leadership more forcefully challenge Kennedy’s "gutter politics" and promote the administration's recent successes.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss political strategies and upcoming Supreme Court nominations. They express frustration with Senator Edward M. Kennedy's criticism of the administration, agreeing that his rhetoric has been damaging to his own political standing. The conversation focuses on securing candidates for the Supreme Court, with Nixon pushing for a swift resolution from Howard Baker while evaluating the political optics of potential nominees William French Smith and William H. Mulligan.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for securing the confirmation of Supreme Court nominees William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. following the President's recent announcement. They weigh the political challenges posed by opposition from groups like the American Bar Association and individual Democrats, specifically Edward M. Kennedy. Nixon emphasizes the nominees' superior academic and professional credentials as a defense against criticism and stresses the importance of maintaining momentum for their confirmation.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler discussed the political fallout from a recent Senate vote on the foreign aid program, specifically noting the roles of Hubert H. Humphrey and Edward M. Kennedy. The conversation also touched upon a speech delivered by Kennedy regarding Taiwan and the Republic of China in the context of Henry Kissinger's upcoming trip to the People’s Republic of China. The meeting served to coordinate the administration’s response to these legislative and diplomatic challenges.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler held a brief meeting to address the aftermath of a recent Senate vote concerning the foreign aid program. The discussion focused on the political implications of the legislative defeat, specifically noting the roles played by Senators Hubert H. Humphrey, Edward M. Kennedy, and Edmund S. Muskie. No further actions were recorded during this one-minute exchange.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and Ron Ziegler to coordinate political attacks against Senator Edward M. Kennedy and formulate strategies regarding controversial legislative issues. The group discussed utilizing negative publicity, such as an anti-busing cartoon and polling data, to damage Kennedy’s standing and national image. Additionally, they strategized on foreign policy matters, specifically coordinating a response to the recent United Nations vote on Taiwan and addressing potential foreign aid legislation through public messaging and Senate maneuvering.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the administration's public relations strategy, specifically praising George H.W. Bush's recent aggressive media appearances against Senator Edward Kennedy and his effective defense of White House policies. The two analyzed the political benefits of framing current foreign policy controversies, such as the U.N. vote on Taiwan and the Senate's rejection of the foreign aid program, as evidence of Democratic partisan obstructionism rather than presidential failure. Looking forward, they coordinated plans to have Vice President Spiro Agnew deliver a speech highlighting this partisan shift, while also planning to influence press coverage at the Washington Star by engaging with columnist Smith Hempstone.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed the national economy, focusing on the recent reduction of the discount rate by Arthur Burns and the ongoing volatility of the stock market. They reviewed the progress of Pay Board regulations, emphasizing the need to frame these policies to avoid the appearance of yielding to labor interests. Additionally, Colson reported on Frank Fitzsimmons' offer to provide intelligence gathered by labor investigators regarding Edward M. Kennedy, which the President encouraged him to pursue.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the administration's public messaging regarding the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict and the flow of refugees. They considered having Henry Kissinger provide a press briefing to explain the White House position and counter criticisms from figures like Senator Edward Kennedy. The goal was to establish a more effective diplomatic posture at the United Nations without directly engaging in a political confrontation with Kennedy.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed political strategies to manage Democratic opposition, particularly regarding Senator Edward Kennedy's recent criticisms of the administration's Vietnam policy. They strategized on how to leverage the resulting friction between Kennedy and Senator Edmund Muskie, while also utilizing Congressional Republicans to attack the Democrats' past involvement in the war. Additionally, they reviewed positive economic indicators—including stock market gains and housing statistics—and finalized plans for the Administration to take a public stand against ongoing West Coast dock strikes to bolster their political standing.
President Nixon met with his staff, including Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Ronald L. Ziegler, to finalize the text and release strategy for his upcoming State of the Union Address. They discussed refining the speech's tone and content, particularly regarding foreign policy, agriculture, and the need for a non-partisan approach to contrast with Senator Edward Kennedy's recent criticisms. Additionally, the President and Ziegler addressed the political fallout from the Jack Anderson Papers, focusing on managing administration credibility and the role of Henry Kissinger in sensitive foreign policy matters.
President Nixon consulted with John B. Connally regarding the final draft of his upcoming State of the Union speech, specifically requesting feedback on its tone and style. Nixon characterized the speech as conciliatory in response to recent political attacks from figures like Ted Kennedy and Fred Harris, while noting that a broader administration strategy would handle partisan criticisms. Connally agreed with the approach of letting Congressional allies, such as Hugh Scott and Gerald Ford, counter attacks while the President maintained a more elevated posture.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods to discuss the reception of his recent State of the Union Address and administrative strategy. The two analyzed the reactions of political opponents, specifically Senator Edward Kennedy, and reviewed the logistics of promoting the Equal Rights Amendment to ensure the administration's position was clear. Additionally, the President discussed personal matters, including securing funding for his daughters, Julie and Tricia, to purchase campaign-appropriate clothing to bolster their public appeal.
President Nixon and John Connally met to assess the national economic outlook and discuss the 1972 presidential campaign. Connally emphasized that despite some public anxiety regarding inflation and meat prices, the administration should remain steady rather than reactive, noting that key indicators like stock market performance and machine tool orders signaled improvement. They also analyzed the Democratic field, concluding that Edmund Muskie's campaign was effectively over, while anticipating that Edward Kennedy might emerge as the eventual challenger despite the political risks surrounding Chappaquiddick. The conversation underscored a strategic preference for maintaining a calm, confident administrative posture heading into the election year.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss a strategic media push to frame the President’s recent Pay Board confrontation with AFL-CIO leader George Meany as a stand against special interests. The two also address the ongoing controversy surrounding the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) case, specifically expressing frustration over inconclusive FBI reports and potential leaks to Senator Edward Kennedy. Colson is tasked with notifying John Ehrlichman of concerns regarding Kennedy's prior knowledge of sensitive investigations, reflecting the administration's belief in systemic bureaucratic hostility.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discuss the political fallout and media coverage surrounding Dita Beard and the ongoing International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) investigation. They specifically evaluate the implications of Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s aggressive questioning of Beard and explore potential White House strategies for managing the situation. The conversation concludes with a brief review of the President's upcoming schedule.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed the sudden collapse and reported heart seizure of Dita D. Beard during her intense questioning by Senator Edward M. Kennedy regarding the ITT case. Colson provided the President with details on the medical incident and speculated on the potential political fallout and media narrative surrounding the event. The two men agreed that the dramatic nature of the situation would likely dominate news coverage in the coming days.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss the political fallout from the recent death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and strategies for managing public perception regarding Vietnam and domestic crime policy. The conversation included disparaging remarks about Senator Edward M. Kennedy's personal life and health, as well as an assessment of media coverage surrounding Hoover's legacy. They further analyzed polling data and economic indicators, specifically focusing on how the ongoing Vietnam War and bombing campaigns were affecting public support and the stock market.
Following the assassination attempt on Governor George Wallace, President Nixon and John Connally discussed the political fallout and the immediate need to provide enhanced Secret Service protection to other presidential candidates, specifically Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Representative Shirley Chisholm. The participants deliberated on how to frame these security measures publicly while bypassing legal obstacles that previously barred the Secret Service from covering non-candidates. During the discussion, Connally recounted his personal experience surviving the John F. Kennedy assassination, providing a grim context for the ongoing concern over the safety of political figures.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, John Connally, and Eugene Rossides discussed the immediate expansion of Secret Service protection for presidential candidates following the assassination attempt on George Wallace. The group specifically evaluated the security needs of Edward M. Kennedy and Shirley Chisholm, while dismissing candidates deemed inactive. Nixon ordered that protection details be prepared for both Kennedy and Chisholm, pending further investigation into the status of other potential candidates.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection between Secretary John B. Connally and Senator Edward M. Kennedy. The brief interaction serves solely to initiate this communication channel between the two political figures. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occur during this exchange.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with the White House operator to facilitate communication with Senator Edward M. Kennedy. The conversation serves to confirm that a message has been left for the Senator, who is currently in transit. The primary purpose is to ensure the completion of a return call regarding Kennedy's whereabouts.
John B. Connally calls Senator Edward M. Kennedy on behalf of President Nixon to offer him full Secret Service protection following the recent shooting of George Wallace. Connally emphasizes that the President considers Kennedy highly vulnerable and insists on providing security regardless of legal interpretations regarding candidate status. The two agree to begin with temporary arrangements while coordinating with Secret Service leadership, with Connally urging Kennedy to accept the protection for his own safety.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and FBI Associate Director W. Mark Felt discussed the aftermath of the assassination attempt on George C. Wallace. The participants focused on the background of the assailant, Arthur H. Bremer, specifically exploring potential political motivations, his anti-war connections, and rumored ties to Edward M. Kennedy. The group coordinated on the FBI's investigation and the necessity of verifying these rumors to ensure accurate reporting to the President.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss scheduling matters regarding a trip to Camp David and Woods's personal commitments following a recent death in her family. The conversation shifts to the security implications of the assassination attempt on George C. Wallace, with the participants evaluating the mental state of the assailant, Arthur Bremer. They conclude by debating the necessity of heightened Secret Service protection for other political figures, including Edward M. Kennedy and John B. Connally.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, John Ehrlichman, and others to discuss international economic policy ahead of an upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting. Shultz presented a systematic plan for currency convertibility and reserve management, which Nixon approved for use in his upcoming IMF address. The conversation also covered the potential for wage and price control adjustments following the 1972 election and finalized the decision to provide Secret Service protection for Senator Edward M. Kennedy based on specific threats.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discussed the political implications of providing Secret Service protection to Senator Edward M. Kennedy. The conversation centered on the visibility of such security details, with Woods analyzing how Kennedy’s status might draw more public attention than Democratic opponent George McGovern. Stephen B. Bull joined briefly to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule with various senators.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate the administration's upcoming public schedule. Primary attention focused on planning a signing ceremony for the National Heart, Blood Vessel, Lung, and Blood Act, specifically addressing the political implications of inviting Senator Edward M. Kennedy to the event. The group also discussed potential press opportunities involving Ray Charles to promote sickle cell anemia research and briefly touched upon status updates regarding Vietnam War negotiations.
President Nixon met with aide Patrick J. Buchanan to discuss the President's health and coordinate political strategy regarding recent press coverage of the 1972 campaign. They reviewed a critical New York Times article and analyzed the internal divisions within the Democratic Party. Nixon specifically instructed Buchanan to continue emphasizing the association between George McGovern and Edward M. Kennedy to prevent the latter from distancing himself from the failed campaign.
President Nixon met with Dr. Edward E. David, Jr. to discuss David’s upcoming departure from government service to join Gould, Incorporated in the Chicago area. The President expressed his appreciation for David's work and proposed that David remain available for future advisory assignments, particularly concerning national energy policy and organizational strategy. They also discussed their mutual concerns regarding Senator Edward M. Kennedy's influence on science policy and the potential legislative overreach of the Office of Technology Assessment.