Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Impeachment
20 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haig, Haldeman, Woods
H. R. Haldeman and William E. Timmons discussed ongoing Congressional Democratic Caucus activities and their potential impact on the Nixon administration. The conversation focused on Democratic efforts to challenge the administration through resolutions regarding the impoundment of funds and the requirement for Cabinet members, such as Secretary of State William P. Rogers, to testify before Congress. Timmons reported on the tense atmosphere within the caucus, including reports of impeachment rhetoric, and committed to providing Haldeman with copies of the caucus resolutions once they became available.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss legal strategies regarding the Watergate and Ellsberg investigations, focusing on the potential threat posed by John Dean's testimony. They coordinate their plan to have Haldeman and John Ehrlichman testify before the grand jury as a preemptive, positive step to demonstrate cooperation with judicial institutions. Nixon emphasizes the need for his aides to stand firm, expressing skepticism about the likelihood of impeachment based solely on Dean’s allegations while dismissing the immediate need for high-level staff resignations.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst discuss legal tactics regarding the ongoing Daniel Ellsberg trial, specifically focusing on how prosecutor David Nissen should handle Judge William R. Byrne, Jr. The two men strategize on emphasizing the national security implications of the case to the court while pushing for a post-trial hearing to address concerns regarding tainted evidence. Additionally, the conversation briefly touches upon political anxieties regarding the potential for presidential impeachment and the vice presidency of Spiro T. Agnew.
Rose Mary Woods called President Nixon to express her pride and provide positive feedback regarding his recent speech at the New Majority dinner. She reported that prominent guests, including Bill and Alice Marriott, were deeply moved by his address despite the mounting political pressure Nixon faced. The President dismissed concerns regarding rumors of resignation or impeachment circulating among Congressmen, attributing the negativity to the limitations of his legislative liaison staff.
Alexander Haig updates President Nixon on the positive public reception of the President's speech at the New Majority Dinner, while both men dismiss concerns regarding resignation and impeachment. Nixon emphasizes his firm stance on executive privilege, explicitly directing that no ground be yielded on the release of written documents. To manage the ongoing Watergate fallout, Nixon instructs Haig to sideline Leonard Garment and coordinate efforts through J. Fred Buzhardt, who is tasked with working closely with H.R. Haldeman and Senator John C. Stennis.
President Nixon instructed Alexander Haig to manage the morale of staff members—specifically referencing Bob [Haldeman] and John [Ehrlichman]—by discouraging apocalyptic rhetoric regarding impeachment or legal jeopardy. Nixon directed Haig to reassure these individuals that the administration remains supportive and committed to their defense to prevent them from losing confidence. The primary objective was to ensure that distressed associates felt the White House was actively fighting on their behalf rather than conceding to the growing pressures of the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler, Alexander Haig, and Lawrence Higby to discuss the ongoing fallout from the Watergate scandal and manage the White House's public relations strategy. They addressed the intensifying pressure surrounding John Dean’s allegations, the potential for impeachment, and the legal implications of White House files and intelligence activities. Nixon emphasized a strategy of holding the line, challenging Dean’s credibility, and maintaining administrative operations despite the investigation's encroachment on his staff and records.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss the escalating pressures of the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the resignation of G. Bradford Cook and the potential legal exposure of William J. Casey. The President emphasized his refusal to resign, dismissed impeachment concerns, and stressed the need for the White House staff to remain resilient. They also evaluated potential personnel changes, including roles for Ron Ziegler and John Scali, and monitored Elliot Richardson's progress in selecting a Special Prosecutor.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to discuss the mounting political pressure from the Watergate scandal and strategies for maintaining a strong public image. They strategized on counter-messaging, including encouraging supporters to write letters to editors defending the administration and framing the opposition as McCarthyist. Additionally, they reviewed Nixon’s recent public appearances and discussed the need to project resilience and resolve in the face of calls for the President’s resignation.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss strategic responses to mounting political pressure from the Watergate scandal and ongoing Senate committee investigations. They evaluated the potential benefits of releasing specific documents, including General Vernon Walters’s memoranda, to preemptively control the narrative regarding the President's directives to the FBI and CIA. The two considered whether a proactive, public disclosure—framed as an effort to protect institutional integrity rather than a cover-up—might mitigate long-term damage or potential impeachment proceedings.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the escalating Watergate crisis and the necessity of formulating a proactive White House defense to avoid impeachment. The pair reviews the potential release of information regarding the "plumbers" unit, the Huston Plan, and CIA involvement in the investigation, specifically focusing on the need for full disclosure to mitigate negative public perception. Nixon and Haldeman also deliberate on the strategic merits of producing specific notes and affidavits to address allegations of obstruction of justice, weighing the risks of resignation against the possibility of fighting a formal impeachment process.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize a public "full disclosure" initiative aimed at managing the fallout from the Watergate scandal and countering potential impeachment efforts. The participants discussed the timing and content of a proposed televised speech and a accompanying "White Paper," focusing on explaining the Huston Plan, national security wiretaps, and the rationale for previous efforts to limit FBI investigations. Nixon emphasized the necessity of framing these actions within a national security context while asserting his ownership over presidential memoranda and internal records to prevent them from becoming ammunition for political adversaries.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize the White House response to the escalating Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the necessity of total disclosure and the preparation of a definitive 'White Paper.' The conversation centered on protecting the President from allegations by framing the events as a national security issue orchestrated by subordinates without his authorization. Nixon and Haig evaluated the merits of a formal speech versus the White Paper to address public perception and provide a cohesive defense against potential impeachment proceedings.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, and Alexander Butterfield met to strategize the White House response to the escalating Watergate scandal, focusing on the upcoming Ervin Committee hearings and potential impeachment proceedings. Nixon expressed a desire to present a 'White Paper' to Congressional leaders to clarify the administration's position and distance himself from the scandal, rather than addressing the public on prime-time television. They also discussed the status of CIA involvement, potential testimony from Richard Helms and Vernon Walters, and the need for a unified defense against political opponents.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Alexander Haig to strategize the White House response to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the preparation of a forthcoming White Paper and the management of sensitive documents. The participants discussed the potential impact of Lieutenant General Vernon Walters’s testimony, the handling of executive privilege regarding presidential conversations, and the necessity of preventing staff members from surrendering their notes to congressional investigators. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining presidential authority and public morale, ultimately deciding that the White House must remain unified and proactive while avoiding premature television speeches or concessions.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the ongoing development of a White House White Paper intended to address the Watergate scandal and associated controversies. Nixon emphasizes that the document must move away from a defensive tone, focusing instead on national security justifications and a more aggressive political posture. They agree to involve Patrick Buchanan in refining the draft's specifics while setting a firm strategy to reject talk of impeachment and confront political critics directly.
President Nixon met with Secretary of State William Rogers, UN Ambassador John Scali, and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger to discuss international affairs and the mounting pressure of the Watergate scandal. The conversation covered progress on foreign relations, including Rogers's recent trip to Latin America and planned diplomatic messaging for the Middle East, while Nixon expressed frustration with the administration's political paralysis and persistent negative media coverage. Nixon analyzed the unfolding Watergate investigations, including the role of former aides, the potential for grand jury testimony, and the necessity of managing public perceptions and congressional hearings to protect the presidency.
President Nixon consulted with Charles W. Colson regarding strategy for an upcoming televised interview with journalist Howard K. Smith. The two men aimed to frame the Watergate investigations as an unfair, partisan effort to unfairly target the President through unsubstantiated hearsay. Nixon emphasized his proactive role in seeking the truth and his cooperation with investigations, while Colson agreed to emphasize the President's innocence and discredit John Dean for seeking immunity.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to combat negative press coverage and bolster public support amidst the unfolding Watergate scandal. Colson reports on the positive feedback from his recent television interview, suggesting that the administration should adopt a more aggressive, offensive posture to discredit John Dean and defend the President. Nixon agrees to coordinate with staff to disseminate these favorable public reactions to congressional allies, aiming to shift the narrative and stabilize the administration's position.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discussed the ongoing political pressure from the Watergate scandal, focusing on the negative impacts of the Ervin Committee hearings and hostile media coverage. Nixon and Woods strategized on how to handle potential campaign contributions and expressed frustration regarding the testimony of figures like John Dean. Throughout the discussion, Woods emphasized the widespread public support for the President and the importance of maintaining his resolve against calls for impeachment.