Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on J. Fred Buzhardt Jr.
79 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haig, Buzhardt, Ziegler
These are conversations about J. Fred Buzhardt Jr.. For the 68 conversations Buzhardt took part in, see J. Fred Buzhardt Jr.’s page →
When J. Fred Buzhardt Jr. comes up
Related topics: WatergateLegal counselJohn W. Dean IIIWhite House operationsWhite House communicationsExecutive privilegeWatergate investigationPresidential communicationPresidential schedulingLegal strategyErvin CommitteeAlexander HaigWhite House CounselScheduling
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize on managing the burgeoning Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on how to respond to the Ervin Committee and potential testimony from John Dean. The discussion centered on staffing the White House legal team, weighing the merits of candidates like J. Fred Buzhardt and Horace Chapman Rose to bolster their defense against Senate inquiries. Nixon emphasized the need for a dedicated, competent legal strategy to protect the office of the Presidency while asserting that he must personally remain detached from public confrontations with Dean.
Alexander Haig and H. R. Haldeman coordinate to manage internal conflicts between their respective legal teams regarding the handling of sensitive Watergate-related documents. They discuss a potentially damaging document involving a March 26, 1973, phone call from John Dean, which Haldeman asserts is protected by executive privilege and unrelated to his private conversations with the President. To resolve the friction, they decide to remove Leonard Garment from the process and establish direct communication between J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., and Haldeman’s legal counsel to ensure a unified strategy.
On May 9, 1973, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:55 pm and 7:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-182 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1973, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:55 pm and 7:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-183 of the White House Tapes.
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 and H. R. Haldeman discuss the recent New York grand jury indictments of John Mitchell and Maurice Stans in the Robert Vesco case. The conversation turns to legal strategy and internal frustrations regarding the accuracy of reports being relayed to Alexander Haig about meetings with Haldeman's legal counsel. Haldeman specifically corrects the record concerning the attendance of J. Fred Buzhardt, Leonard Garment, and Horace Chapman Rose at a recent meeting, highlighting ongoing friction within the administration’s legal coordination.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. updates President Nixon on his discussions with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. regarding recent legal meetings involving H.R. Haldeman’s counsel and Horace "Chappie" Rose. The conversation centers on clarifying Rose’s level of involvement in these meetings and addressing internal anxieties regarding potential misinformation conveyed by Leonard Garment. Nixon and Haig conclude by reaffirming their trust in Rose’s integrity while seeking to minimize staff tensions regarding the handling of sensitive information.
President Nixon instructed Alexander Haig to direct J. Fred Buzhardt to adopt a more supportive and optimistic tone when communicating with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman regarding their legal strategy. Nixon emphasized that Buzhardt must project confidence that the Watergate situation is manageable to counter the anxiety caused by Leonard Garment’s more alarming counsel. Additionally, the two discussed John Connally’s potential leave of absence from his law firm, with Nixon approving the move to address concerns regarding professional conflicts of interest.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on the sixth draft of an election reform speech and the arrangements for recording a message on the topic. They further coordinated appointments involving J. Fred Buzhardt, potential meetings with Bangladesh envoys based on Henry Kissinger’s recommendations, and matters regarding the FBI. This discussion served to organize the President’s administrative priorities and logistical preparations for diplomatic and legislative engagements.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 5:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-039 of the White House Tapes.
Alexander Haig briefed President Nixon on the handling of sensitive documents and the impending testimony of Lieutenant General Vernon Walters regarding the Watergate scandal. Haig coordinated a meeting with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. to prepare for Walters’s appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee, aiming to manage the committee’s growing desire to distance themselves from the controversy. The participants agreed to discuss further details in person to avoid continued exposure over the telephone.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed White House media strategy and the ongoing developments regarding Watergate and John W. Dean, III. Ziegler reported that the press was becoming increasingly skeptical of Dean's credibility, and the pair agreed on the need for daily, coordinated briefings among senior staff to present a more proactive, less defensive public posture. They also reviewed the status of sealed documents held by Judge John J. Sirica, with Nixon instructing Ziegler to have J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. meet with him to further coordinate their response.
On May 15, 1973, J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:21 pm and 5:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-067 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:48 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-074 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discuss the contents of a mysterious 43-page document to determine if it involves sensitive national security matters or potential political liabilities. They deliberate on whether the information relates to domestic intelligence gathering and if it is appropriate or necessary to disclose these materials to a judge. Nixon ultimately praises Buzhardt's investigative progress and instructs him to provide a follow-up report on the document's implications.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:23 am and 10:25 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-076 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discussed the identification and control of sensitive internal intelligence documents provided by John W. Dean, III. Buzhardt confirmed that he had secured materials including memos from Dean to John Mitchell and Tom Huston to H.R. Haldeman regarding 1970 intelligence operations. To mitigate potential exposure, the administration moved to secure the documents within the Justice Department and implement strict oversight for their storage.
President Nixon and legal counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. held a brief meeting to verify the status of undisclosed materials or records. Buzhardt confirmed that the requested items had been secured and reviewed, though he noted that the effort yielded unsuccessful or unproductive results. This exchange served as a status update regarding the handling of sensitive documentation amidst the unfolding Watergate investigation.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:25 pm and 3:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-031 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:46 pm and 2:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-080 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:52 pm and 2:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-082 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone from 2:57 pm to 2:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-083 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:08 pm and 9:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-085 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and J. Fred Buzhardt to discuss the potential fallout from the 'Huston Plan,' a controversial domestic intelligence program. The participants assessed the extent to which the plan was implemented and whether any illegal activities, such as domestic wiretapping or the break-in of Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office, could be legally linked to it. Nixon directed his team to gather facts from intelligence agencies while simultaneously attempting to keep the sensitive documents out of the hands of the Ervin Committee, fearing that public exposure would lead to a damaging narrative of a massive government conspiracy.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:31 pm and 5:39 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 920-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize a defense against potential political damage stemming from the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the 1970 Huston Plan. They debated how to frame the plan—which authorized aggressive domestic surveillance tactics like surreptitious entry—as a necessary, albeit unimplemented, contingency response to civil unrest by radical groups. The participants aimed to distance the President from any association between the Huston Plan and the Watergate burglary while planning to utilize J. Fred Buzhardt to coordinate with relevant figures like Robert Mardian and clarify that the program was superseded and never operational.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed efforts to verify the medical history of Thomas F. Eagleton, specifically investigating potential records at Barnes Hospital and the Mayo Clinic. Ziegler confirmed that the administration had no involvement in the medical record searches, aiming to reassure J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., who was concerned about possible leaks or exposure. Nixon instructed Ziegler to immediately relay these findings to Buzhardt to resolve his concerns.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:06 pm and 3:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-097 of the White House Tapes.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 4:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-104 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the negative public perception surrounding the opening days of the Ervin Committee hearings and the ongoing witness testimony. They reviewed the progress of J. Fred Buzhardt’s document preparations, setting a goal to have materials finalized by Sunday. Additionally, Haig provided an update on Elliot Richardson’s confirmation process and they coordinated the agenda for an upcoming Cabinet meeting intended to boost administration morale.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:58 pm and 8:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-108 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the preparation of a statement regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the inclusion of details concerning the President's interactions with Louis Patrick Gray and Vernon A. Walters. The participants discuss whether J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. has sufficient information to draft these specific points and determine how to integrate them into the upcoming document. They agree to finalize their strategy during a planned 2:00 pm meeting, while remaining available for further consultation if new questions arise.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:25 pm to 4:26 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-020 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:29 pm and 5:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-133 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone from 5:34 pm to 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-134 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate the development of a Watergate White Paper, specifically focusing on the drafting of a cover memorandum. They reviewed the collaborative contributions of Raymond K. Price, Jr. and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. regarding the document's structure. The discussion centered on finalizing the strategy for this formal response to ongoing political pressures.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the rollout of an upcoming White House statement regarding the Watergate scandal. The discussion focuses on the strategy for a press briefing, which will include Leonard Garment and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., intended to project a relaxed and positive image. Nixon emphasizes that the staff must maintain a firm conviction in the truthfulness of the forthcoming statement before scheduling a follow-up meeting to finalize implementation details.
President Nixon directs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to coordinate with Richard Moore regarding the details of past meetings involving John Dean. Nixon emphasizes that Moore’s participation in these discussions will serve to refute allegations that Dean was ordered to execute a cover-up. Ziegler confirms that he and J. Fred Buzhardt will meet with Moore to thoroughly review the record and establish a consistent narrative.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinated efforts to manage internal documentation related to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on John W. Dean III’s files. Nixon instructed Haig to ensure J. Fred Buzhardt provided access to the original documents to facilitate a comprehensive review of the ongoing investigation. The conversation concluded with Haig arranging a follow-up meeting with Stephen B. Bull to further address these administrative requirements.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize a defense against John Dean’s potential allegations by securing and auditing White House materials. Haig recommended that the President personally review relevant White House tapes to determine exactly what information Dean might possess and how to counteract his claims. The discussion also addressed the physical security of Dean’s files, with plans for J. Fred Buzhardt to examine the materials and retrieve personal papers.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the progress of J. Fred Buzhardt's examination of John Dean's files, specifically looking for evidence related to the Watergate scandal. Haig reports that Buzhardt has found nothing incriminating in the files, leading the President to speculate that Dean may have removed materials or that the collection is unexpectedly clean. The President reaffirms his commitment to personally reviewing the White House tapes to continue the investigation despite the significant time investment required.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss updates on economic policy planning and the ongoing Watergate investigation. Haig reports that J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. has thoroughly searched John Dean's files and found no evidence of documentation, leading them to believe Dean is bluffing or being manipulated by his legal counsel. Meanwhile, Nixon details his personal review of the White House tapes, noting that he is methodically analyzing his past meetings with Dean to understand the extent of staff involvement and potential cover-up efforts.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss strategy regarding the handling of presidential papers and the ongoing Watergate investigations. Nixon instructs Ziegler to coordinate with J. Fred Buzhardt and Leonard Garment to frame the refusal of document access in a more positive light, while maintaining an uncompromising stance against subpoenas. The two also agree to wait for internal conflicts within the Senate committee and the office of Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox to unfold before deciding on further public relations tactics.
On June 5, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 5:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-094 of the White House Tapes.
On June 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:01 am and 9:14 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-097 of the White House Tapes.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discuss the administration's response to press reports regarding a potential subpoena from Samuel Dash, chief counsel for the Senate Watergate Committee. Buzhardt confirms he communicated with Dash to dispute the reports, noting that Dash denied ever stating an intention to issue a subpoena. The participants coordinate efforts to have the record publicly corrected to mitigate the political fallout.
On June 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:01 am and 9:14 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-099 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. to coordinate with Leonard Garment regarding a confrontational response to Senate counsel Samuel Dash concerning leaked information about White House cooperation with the Watergate investigation. Nixon emphasizes that the administration must manage public perception and media narratives regarding the release of materials, rather than focusing on logistical logs. The President instructs Buzhardt to demand a public statement from Dash, threatening that the White House will initiate a critical media campaign if the administration's cooperation is not properly acknowledged.
On June 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:56 pm and 1:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-103 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed his attorney, J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., on the strategy for an upcoming meeting with Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox regarding the Watergate investigation. Nixon directed Buzhardt to project an image of full cooperation while maintaining a firm refusal to turn over sensitive presidential papers to avoid a constitutional crisis. Furthermore, Nixon urged Buzhardt to aggressively confront Cox about allegations that his staff was motivated by a desire to target the President, while simultaneously expressing absolute confidence that John Dean's testimony would ultimately prove Nixon's innocence.
President Nixon met with his legal counsel, J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., to discuss the administration's ongoing cooperation with investigations and to coordinate a defensive strategy. Nixon commended Buzhardt’s recent legal work and emphasized that the White House would maintain a cooperative stance while remaining prepared for a political confrontation. The President firmly asserted his innocence regarding the matters under scrutiny and instructed Buzhardt to rebuff any attempts to obstruct their legal position.
On June 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:34 pm and 2:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-108 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. regarding his upcoming meeting with Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox to gauge the potential for a hostile confrontation. The President expresses concern that Cox might intentionally provoke a conflict to justify a resignation, prompting the two to strategize on how to manage the interaction. They conclude by scheduling a follow-up briefing to occur after the President finishes a concurrent meeting with Congressional leadership.
President Nixon and White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. engaged in a brief exchange to confirm the scheduling of an upcoming afternoon meeting. The conversation served primarily as a logistical check to ensure the President was aware of the pending appointment with an unidentified individual. No substantive policy discussions or significant decisions were reached during this short interaction.
On June 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-118 of the White House Tapes.
On June 6, 1973, White House operator, President Richard M. Nixon, and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone from 5:40 pm to 5:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-124 of the White House Tapes.
On June 6, 1973, J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 5:40 pm to 5:41 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 443-034 of the White House Tapes.
On June 7, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-136 of the White House Tapes.
On June 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-006 of the White House Tapes.
On June 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-016 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:31 am and 11:34 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-027 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:16 pm and 1:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his counsel J. Fred Buzhardt to strategize the administration's defense regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on John Dean's conduct and credibility. Nixon emphasized the need for a general denial strategy, suggesting that Dean's failure to report information directly to the President proves Dean withheld details of the cover-up. They discussed potential lines of questioning to undermine Dean's narrative and explored the legal defense surrounding national security claims and hush money demands.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:30 pm and 9:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-042 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met to discuss legal defense strategies regarding ongoing investigations and potential witness reliability. The conversation centered on concerns regarding a witness's propensity for lying and the risk that their testimony could undermine the administration's legal position. They weighed the strategic implications of how specific evidence or documentation might be contested or utilized during formal proceedings.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:36 am and 11:37 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-067 of the White House Tapes.
On June 14, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone from 4:12 pm to 4:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-113 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss adjustments to his daily schedule. During the brief interaction, the President noted that a previously planned meeting involving J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. had been concluded. The discussion served primarily to coordinate the President's immediate movements and administrative itinerary for the afternoon.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to coordinate scheduling and legal strategy regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. The discussion specifically addressed the administration's defensive posture toward the Ervin Committee and concerns over damaging press leaks. Nixon also arranged a briefing with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. to further manage the White House's response to the scandal.
President Nixon met with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. and others to discuss strategies for discrediting John Dean in advance of his testimony before the Senate Watergate (Ervin) Committee. The participants focused on leaking evidence regarding Dean's alleged personal misuse of funds to portray him as a common thief rather than a whistleblower motivated by principle. Nixon and Buzhardt reviewed the status of witness preparation and emphasized the importance of using these financial revelations to gain leverage and undermine Dean's credibility with both the committee and the public.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the White House's strategic response to the impending Ervin Committee testimony of John W. Dean III. The President and his aides analyzed how to manage the political fallout of the testimony during the upcoming summit with Leonid Brezhnev, weighing the pros and cons of potential delays. A significant focus of the discussion was the ongoing effort to discredit Dean by publicizing his alleged mishandling of campaign funds and payments to defendants.
On June 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:12 am and 12:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-012 of the White House Tapes.
On June 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-017 of the White House Tapes.
On June 19, 1973, White House operator, President Richard M. Nixon, and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone from 3:07 pm to 3:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed concerns regarding J. Fred Buzhardt's investigation into Watergate-related activities, specifically focusing on a tape Charles Colson provided to John Dean and allegations surrounding the improper handling of campaign funds. They expressed frustration with Dean's conduct and discussed the potential for holding him in contempt for his refusal to testify in executive sessions before the Ervin Committee. To counter the negative narrative, the administration planned to have the Committee for the Re-Election of the President issue a letter demanding the return of the funds, while also coordinating media logistics for the upcoming visit of Leonid Brezhnev.
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.
On June 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:20 pm and 5:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-029 of the White House Tapes.
On June 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone from 5:21 pm to 5:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-030 of the White House Tapes.