Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on George H.W. Bush
74 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bush, Bull, Haldeman
These are conversations about George H.W. Bush. For the 82 conversations Bush took part in, see George H.W. Bush’s page →
When George H.W. Bush comes up
Related topics: United NationsPresidential schedulingRepublican National CommitteeWhite House operationsWhite House communicationsPublic relationsPolitical appointmentsWhite House administrationWatergateSchedulingJohn D. EhrlichmanForeign PolicyWilliam P. RogersRobert J. Dole
President Nixon met with Thomas L. Lias and Harry S. Dent for a brief, informal session following a photo opportunity. The President offered career advice and encouragement to Lias regarding an upcoming diplomatic assignment, specifically highlighting the challenges of the social obligations associated with such a role. The participants concluded by affirming their ongoing commitment to future political campaign efforts.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:18 pm to 4:21 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-026 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discuss the strategic timing of releasing poll results to maximize their impact in morning newspapers. Nixon emphasizes the urgency of the release, instructing Haldeman to coordinate the effort with George Bush. The exchange highlights the administration’s focus on controlling the public narrative through media placement.
On October 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 6:08 pm to 6:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 012-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly to adjust the President's upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on rescheduling a meeting with George H. W. Bush. The pair also coordinated logistical arrangements for a forthcoming White House dinner. The brief discussion concluded with an agreement on the necessity for Bush to fulfill other professional obligations before meeting with the President.
On October 22, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:45 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 599-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including H. R. Haldeman, Secretary of State William Rogers, and UN Ambassador George H. W. Bush, to coordinate a final, high-pressure diplomatic push regarding the United Nations vote on Chinese representation. The participants strategized on how to secure decisive votes from key nations, including Italy, Mexico, Argentina, and Malta, while weighing the political risks of direct presidential intervention and the potential impact of Henry Kissinger's upcoming return from China. They concluded by establishing a list of targeted countries and specific action items, such as arranging presidential phone calls and leveraging foreign aid dependencies, to bolster support for the U.S.-backed position.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson and Ronald Ziegler to discuss the strategic framing of the recent United Nations vote to expel Taiwan. They focused on leveraging public outrage regarding the perceived hostility of the UN delegates to bolster support for the President’s leadership and his new economic policy. Nixon and his advisors decided to have George H.W. Bush speak to friendly columnists to emphasize the administration's active efforts to fight the expulsion, while maintaining the President's public stance of supporting the UN institution despite his frustration with its actions.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss political messaging strategies in response to a recent Senate vote on foreign aid. Nixon praises George H.W. Bush’s media performance, contrasting his loyalty with the perceived deficiencies of Charles Yost, while dismissing Henry Kissinger's recommendation for a presidential television address on the complex, technical topic. The two also coordinate upcoming cabinet scheduling and explore the possibility of inviting Ronald Reagan to an official dinner for Indira Gandhi.
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 Secretary of State William P. Rogers discussed the ongoing India-Pakistan War, focusing on the deadlock at the UN Security Council and the deteriorating military situation in East Pakistan. The President reaffirmed the U.S. demand for a mutual withdrawal of forces as a condition for any resolution. They also coordinated the logistics for an upcoming high-level meeting at the Executive Office Building and scheduled follow-up communications with Ambassador George H.W. Bush.
On December 6, 1971, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:24 am and 9:37 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and UN Ambassador George H.W. Bush discuss U.S. strategy regarding the ongoing India-Pakistan War at the United Nations. The President directs Bush to aggressively pursue a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal, insisting that a political settlement must be secondary to stopping the fighting. Nixon also authorizes Bush to take the issue to the General Assembly to build public pressure and instructs him to forcefully counter any domestic political misrepresentations of the administration's position.
On December 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:55 am and 11:03 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-046 of the White House Tapes.
On December 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:55 am and 11:03 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 632-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ambassador George H.W. Bush discuss the successful UN General Assembly vote regarding the India-Pakistan War, which favored the U.S. position for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal. They analyze why India’s claims of moral superiority failed to sway the international community and criticize domestic media narratives that portray the administration's stance as anti-Indian. Nixon directs Bush to maintain the focus on the principle of anti-aggression, emphasizing that neither population size nor form of government justifies military invasion.
President Nixon and UN Ambassador George H.W. Bush discuss the ongoing Indo-Pakistani War and the diplomatic strategy regarding the United Nations. Nixon emphasizes that the U.S. position should be framed as opposition to international aggression rather than a choice between India and Pakistan. The two leaders coordinate a narrative focused on upholding international order, arguing that no domestic political or moral justification permits one nation to invade another.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss administrative scheduling and coordination regarding key staff members and political figures, including John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, and Charles Colson. The discussion focuses on managing upcoming meetings and addressing recent developments concerning United Nations activities involving George H.W. Bush. Additionally, the President reviews logistical matters, including a potential conversation with John W. McCormack, to streamline executive operations.
President Nixon telephoned Ruth A. Bunche to offer his condolences following the death of her husband, the renowned diplomat Ralph J. Bunche. During the call, the President reflected on Bunche’s character and their shared connection to California. Nixon concluded by assuring Mrs. Bunche that the White House would issue an appropriate formal statement to honor the late diplomat's contributions to global peace.
On December 31, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:14 pm and 9:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-120 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon called U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations George H.W. Bush to exchange New Year's greetings and express mutual appreciation for their work throughout 1971. The two discussed Bush's professional experience in New York, their shared interest in upcoming football games, and personal family well-wishes. The conversation served to reinforce political alignment and rapport, with Bush reporting optimism regarding the administration's national standing following a recent trip to Texas.
President Nixon initiated this brief year-end call to commend George H.W. Bush for his performance while serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. During the exchange, Nixon praised Bush's efforts in navigating the political landscape of New York and reaffirmed his value to the administration. The conversation concluded with a casual invitation for Bush to join the President for a social gathering at Camp David in January.
President Nixon met with UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim, Secretary of State William P. Rogers, and Ambassador George H.W. Bush to discuss the future of the United Nations and U.S.-UN relations. The President emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to the organization but noted that public and congressional support is currently strained due to financial issues and perceived failures. The group discussed administrative reforms, the need for the UN to play a role in global peacekeeping, and strategies for Waldheim to establish strong, fair leadership to restore international and domestic confidence in the UN.
Henry Kissinger coordinated with Alexander Haig to gauge the domestic and international reactions to President Nixon’s recent speech on Vietnam. The pair discussed positive feedback from various officials, including George H.W. Bush, and noted Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin's distress over the administration's actions. Kissinger concluded the call by instructing Haig to have Winston Lord draft two urgent cables regarding the situation.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming White House social events, specifically reviewing guest lists for a dinner and discussing the logistics of hosting a larger, more inclusive gathering. They also reviewed administrative matters, including the status of a sculpture project and potential business interests in Turkey involving Pepsi-Cola executive Donald Kendall. The conversation concluded with a discussion of security concerns and the perceived decline of New York City, referenced through anecdotes shared by George H.W. Bush.
President Nixon met with U.N. Ambassador George H.W. Bush to commend his performance and technical competence in the role. Nixon shared praise from the Turkish Foreign Minister, who specifically highlighted Bush’s effectiveness and the personal kindness shown by Barbara Bush toward the families of other diplomats. The discussion reinforced the President’s high regard for Bush’s diplomatic efforts compared to traditional career officers.
President Nixon and Ambassador George H.W. Bush consulted on media strategy and diplomatic messaging regarding the Vietnam War. Nixon instructed Bush to emphasize the humanitarian toll of the conflict, specifically citing high casualty figures in South Vietnam, during his interactions with United Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim. The call served to align the administration's public narrative on the war's impact with the diplomatic initiatives being handled by Bush.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson met to discuss campaign strategy, press relations, and economic policy ahead of the 1972 election. They evaluated tactics for addressing inflation and debated how to effectively frame political messaging, including the potential to leverage questions about campaign finance and foreign funding against George McGovern. Additionally, the President expressed frustration with campaign official Clark MacGregor's public criticisms of the staff, leading the group to discuss the necessity of maintaining discipline and secretly recording interviews for future protection.
On September 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:34 am and 10:39 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 783-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon called Prescott S. Bush to offer well wishes and encouragement as Bush prepared for an upcoming surgery. The conversation touched briefly on the U.N. General Assembly and Nixon's recent discussion with George H.W. Bush regarding his father's health. The exchange focused primarily on providing personal support to a long-time friend and political ally during his recovery.
President Nixon directs Rose Mary Woods to notify his associates that his upcoming Florida trip will be delayed by one week to accommodate Henry Kissinger’s return from Paris and to coordinate with his Cabinet’s return from abroad. The two also discuss the impending resignation of U.S. representative Gordon H. Scherer, which stemmed from a disagreement with State Department instructions regarding a treaty for the protection of journalists. Nixon agrees to consult with George H.W. Bush on the matter and mandates that a congratulatory telegram be sent to West German Chancellor Willy Brandt regarding his electoral victory.
President Nixon coordinates a meeting at Camp David with John D. Ehrlichman and George H.W. Bush. The President determines the logistics for the gathering, instructing Ehrlichman to bring Bush to the Aspen Lodge to facilitate their discussion. The brief call serves primarily as a scheduling coordination between the participants.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the logistics of second-term administration staffing, specifically confirming George H. W. Bush’s acceptance of the Republican National Committee chairmanship. The two men also strategized on managing Robert Dole’s transition and finalized plans to replace Secretary of Transportation John A. Volpe. They determined that a firm, consistent policy of limiting domestic cabinet appointments to four years would be the primary justification for personnel changes.
On November 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:10 am and 1:47 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 156-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with George H.W. Bush to secure his commitment to serve as the new Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Nixon outlined a delicate strategy to replace the incumbent, Bob Dole, by framing the transition as a necessary change to a full-time chairmanship to ensure Dole's graceful exit. The President instructed Bush to coordinate closely with John Ehrlichman and H.R. Haldeman regarding the timing of the announcement and emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified front with party leadership, including Gerald Ford, to finalize the appointment.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the transition of George H. W. Bush from his role as UN Ambassador to Chairman of the Republican National Committee. The discussion focused on managing Robert Dole’s potential resistance to the leadership shift, with Nixon directing Haldeman to use a firm approach to ensure a seamless succession by the 20th of December. They also strategized the timeline for public announcements and transition periods to avoid conflicts with ongoing Middle East negotiations.
On November 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:10 am and 1:47 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 232-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with George H.W. Bush regarding his appointment as the new chairman of the Republican National Committee. Nixon outlines a political strategy to ease the transition by replacing the current chairman, Bob Dole, while maintaining party unity and securing consensus from figures like Gerald Ford. Nixon instructs Bush to hold a firm stance on the timing of his departure from the United Nations to ensure a clean, immediate transition into his new role following the committee's vote.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the transition of George H.W. Bush from his role at the United Nations to a new position as National Chairman of the Republican National Committee. The discussion focuses on the strategic timing of this announcement to ensure a seamless transition that avoids any operational gap in party leadership. Nixon instructs Haldeman to manage the process carefully, ensuring that the official appointment coincides with the committee's actions while managing public perception.
President Nixon and Representative Gerald Ford discussed the upcoming reorganization of the Republican National Committee and the administration’s cabinet. Nixon confirmed that George H.W. Bush would be appointed as RNC Chair to replace Robert Dole, while Ford provided updates on managing internal party friction regarding other leadership roles, specifically balancing regional representation. The two also addressed personnel shifts, including the transition of John Volpe to Ambassador to Italy and the difficulty of vetting candidates for high-level government positions due to background check concerns.
President Nixon and Gerald Ford met to coordinate staffing and leadership changes within the Republican Party and the administration. The conversation centered on the planned appointment of George H.W. Bush as Republican National Committee chairman and the strategic necessity of balancing party leadership across various geographic and ideological lines. They also discussed administrative personnel changes, specifically the appointment of John Volpe as Ambassador to Italy and the vetting challenges associated with potential high-level appointments.
On December 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:18 am and 11:07 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 034-034 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and George H.W. Bush discussed the strategic plan for transitioning Bush from his position as UN Ambassador to Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). The group coordinated a public narrative intended to frame the appointment as a necessary move to broaden the party's base and improve coordination between national and congressional committees, while emphasizing Bush's initial reluctance to leave his diplomatic post. They finalized a plan for an announcement to be issued from the White House, clarifying that Bush would remain at the UN until the current session concluded on December 19th and confirming the President's full support for his new role.
President Nixon and McDill "Huck" Boyd discussed the planned resignation of Robert J. Dole as Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman and his replacement by George H.W. Bush. Nixon explained that the transition was a strategic move to allow Dole to focus on his Senate responsibilities and future political battles. The conversation also covered the President's vision for the "New Majority," emphasizing the need for early candidate selection and the recruitment of diverse, high-quality candidates to ensure future electoral success.
H. R. Haldeman briefed John B. Connally on the selection of George H. W. Bush as the new Republican National Committee chairman to replace Robert Dole. Connally expressed frustration with DNC chair Robert Strauss over criticisms regarding his support for Nixon, further discussing the potential for Southern Democrats to realign politically. Finally, they coordinated the logistics of Connally's upcoming diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia, with Haldeman agreeing to notify King Faisal of the visit.
President Nixon met with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, to discuss her potential professional role during his second term and her desire to contribute to the administration. They explored various employment options for Julie and her husband, David Eisenhower, while touching upon administrative reorganization, including the appointment of George H. W. Bush as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. The discussion also covered logistical concerns regarding White House staff and the President’s personal schedule.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and upcoming engagements. The discussion focused on preparations for a Cabinet meeting, specifically ensuring the participation of George H. W. Bush and John A. Scali. Additionally, the President reviewed plans regarding an interaction with Charles W. Colson.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate communication strategies regarding the 1974 federal budget and manage the President’s increasingly demanding schedule. They discussed drafting a letter to Republican members of Congress to promote the administration’s fiscal agenda and debated the logistics of high-level meetings, specifically regarding POW/MIA families and Republican leadership. Additionally, the pair touched upon the potential role of George H.W. Bush in the administration and the need to streamline presidential engagements to improve efficiency.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate a meeting with George H.W. Bush and H.R. Haldeman for later that afternoon. The President directed that the meeting be officially placed on his schedule, but explicitly excluded a photo opportunity. Nixon also adjusted his subsequent appointment with John Ehrlichman to accommodate the timing of the meeting with Bush.
President Nixon consulted with his aide Stephen B. Bull regarding the scheduling of a meeting with George H.W. Bush. The discussion centered on adjusting the timing of Bush's visit, with Nixon requesting that Bull coordinate the appointment around other existing obligations. Ultimately, Nixon directed Bull to reach out to his staff to finalize the updated meeting time.
On February 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:04 pm and 4:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 412-006 of the White House Tapes.
On February 23, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:05 pm and 3:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-187 of the White House Tapes.
On February 23, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-188 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on political maneuvering and high-level meetings. The discussion addresses Nelson Rockefeller’s objections regarding George H. W. Bush’s potential involvement in New York politics and the logistics of a planned meeting with Rockefeller. They also finalize timing for a session with George P. Shultz, a VFW engagement, and other administrative preparations for the President’s evening commitments.
President Nixon met with RNC Chair George H.W. Bush and Janet J. Johnston to discuss Republican Party strategy, personnel, and upcoming electoral goals. They reviewed internal leadership races, specifically addressing tensions between Clarence J. Brown and Robert H. Michel, and discussed the President's stance on intervening in internal party contests. Additionally, the group strategized on recruitment, focusing on potential party-switching candidates in Virginia and the broader political implications of recruiting high-profile figures like John Connally to the Republican cause.
President Nixon met with George H. W. Bush to discuss Republican candidate recruitment and election strategy for the 1974 cycle. The two reviewed primary race scenarios, including potential endorsements and the necessity of managing internal party conflicts, specifically regarding House and Senate campaigns. They also discussed the administration's policy on dispersing campaign funds through a candidate trust fund and reviewed controversial ambassadorial appointment processes.
George H. W. Bush met with unknown individuals in the Cabinet Room to discuss matters that remain obscured due to the withdrawal of the recording for personal reasons. The available archival material provides no substantive record of the topics addressed or decisions made during the six-minute and forty-one-second duration of the meeting. Consequently, the historical significance of this encounter cannot be determined from the existing documentation.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, focusing on the availability of staff for key meetings and the logistics of official engagements. They discussed the scheduling of Cabinet members and advisors, specifically noting Caspar Weinberger’s absence in San Francisco and the timing of a future meeting with George H.W. Bush regarding the Congressional Campaign Committee. These administrative discussions served to coordinate upcoming staff interactions and prioritize essential appointments for the following days.
President Nixon met with George H.W. Bush, William Timmons, William Brock, and Robert Michel to coordinate Republican strategy and candidate recruitment for the 1974 midterm elections. The President emphasized a shift in focus toward recruiting younger, high-quality candidates rather than relying solely on incumbents, while urging the attendees to improve organizational cooperation and resource sharing among campaign committees. Nixon also provided guidance on navigating complex state-level political dynamics, including advising a non-interventionist approach in certain gubernatorial races and streamlining fundraising efforts.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly conferred regarding the scheduling and logistical coordination of upcoming meetings. The discussion focused on sequencing the President's appointments with John Ehrlichman, Haldeman, and George H. W. Bush. Stephen B. Bull was identified as the point of contact to manage the timing of these engagements.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the White House’s political strategy regarding the escalating Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the public perception of executive privilege. Haldeman briefed the President on discussions with George H.W. Bush and Howard Baker concerning legislative negotiations and the need for a shift in policy regarding witness appearances. They also reviewed the content of the President’s forthcoming address, which was intended to address public concerns while balancing policy issues like the defense budget and price controls.
Bebe Rebozo contacted the White House operator to manage scheduling logistics regarding outgoing calls to Harry S. Dent and George H.W. Bush. Rebozo instructed the operator to cancel both planned calls. The conversation concluded with arrangements for Rebozo to meet with Dent the following afternoon once Dent returned from South Carolina.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to coordinate a return call with Reverend Billy Graham, who was traveling to Pittsburgh. Following this, the President spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, to discuss political efforts involving George H. W. Bush regarding David Eisenhower’s future plans. Nixon concluded the conversation by informing his daughter that he would miss dinner due to a meeting with John Ehrlichman concerning upcoming trade bill legislation.
George H. W. Bush called President Nixon to express support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically acknowledging the difficulty of the President's decision to part with aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Bush conveyed optimism about the speech's reception among the public despite criticism from media commentators, citing his recent travels as evidence of grassroots political backing. Nixon reaffirmed his perseverance and pledged a close working relationship with Bush as his administration navigated the ongoing crisis.
On May 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:50 am and 9:53 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 909-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and William P. Rogers met to discuss the staffing of the White House Counsel position following the resignations of H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, as well as the ongoing management of the Watergate scandal. The two evaluated potential candidates for Counsel—including George H. W. Bush, John W. Byrnes, and others—emphasizing the need for a candidate with legal expertise who could effectively manage Cabinet and Congressional relations. Furthermore, they reviewed the search for a Special Prosecutor to handle the difficult legal proceedings involving high-level administration officials, ultimately favoring individuals with strong integrity and non-partisan backgrounds.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to coordinate the logistics for a forthcoming meeting with Senator William E. Brock, III, Robert H. Michel, George H. W. Bush, and David K. Wilson. The discussion focused on administrative details, including the handling of a briefing paper and arrangements for a photograph to be taken by White House photographer Oliver F. Atkins. The parties agreed to limit the duration of the subsequent scheduled meeting to approximately five or ten minutes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the enthusiastic reception Nixon received at a recent Republican fundraising dinner. The conversation shifts to the ongoing Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the legal troubles and reputations of Maurice Stans and John Mitchell. Nixon expresses personal sympathy for both men, while Woods provides updates on her efforts to maintain contact and support them during their testimony and legal challenges.
President Nixon reviews past instructions intended for H.R. Haldeman regarding George H.W. Bush by listening to previously recorded dictabelt tapes. He also consults with George P. Shultz to discuss ongoing difficulties concerning the Labor Management Committee and the composition of its membership. The pair evaluates international economic affairs and specific administrative memos to address current organizational challenges.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 5:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-035 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:32 pm and 8:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-031 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon coordinated with Stephen B. Bull to organize a meeting with key Republican congressional leaders, including Gerald R. Ford and George H. W. Bush. Nixon instructed Bull to track the arrival of the attendees and ensure they were provided refreshments while awaiting his arrival at the Executive Office Building. Bull confirmed that a partial group had already arrived, prompting Nixon to direct that the present guests be escorted to the location immediately while he prepared to join them shortly.
President Nixon and Bryce N. Harlow discuss the political fallout of the Watergate scandal following the release of a new presidential statement. Harlow reassures Nixon of his support among congressional allies, specifically noting George H. W. Bush's defense of the presidency against calls for Nixon to testify before the Ervin Committee. The two men address the need for Nixon to maintain strong communication with his supporters, with Harlow suggesting that Nixon schedule informal retreats at Camp David to foster better relationships with legislative leaders. Nixon expresses his need for a trusted advisor, ultimately asking Harlow to serve as a confidant and assistant as he navigates the ongoing crisis.