Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on John A. Scali
46 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Colson, Haldeman, Bull
These are conversations about John A. Scali. For the 46 conversations Scali took part in, see John A. Scali’s page →
When John A. Scali comes up
Related topics: Public relationsHenry KissingerVietnam WarWhite House communicationsPresidential schedulingMedia relationsWhite House operationsUnited NationsDiplomacyPeople's Republic of ChinaMedia strategyCharles W. ColsonWilliam P. RogersWhite House administration
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Charles Colson to discuss foreign policy messaging, the administration's defensive stance regarding the Vietnam War, and potential media strategies. A primary focus was the potential recruitment of journalist John A. Scali to assist in communications and press relations, despite concerns about how he would interact with Henry Kissinger and the National Security Council. The group also reviewed current Gallup poll trends and the impact of public-facing appearances, including the President's daughter’s engagement and media interviews, on the administration's approval ratings.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Representative Gerald Ford discussed the potential appointment of journalist John Scali to a senior White House role intended to improve the administration's public relations and media strategy. Nixon emphasized the need for a seasoned professional to help streamline communication and counter negative media coverage, specifically regarding Vietnam and the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding vote. They also coordinated logistics for the upcoming funeral of Thomas E. Dewey, including seating arrangements and travel, while reflecting on the political challenges of the administration's legislative agenda.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to review the President’s upcoming schedule and administrative priorities. The discussion focused on coordinating a meeting with John A. Scali and arranging the logistics for a forthcoming signing ceremony. The brief interaction concluded with the finalization of these immediate ceremonial and professional engagements.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to review and finalize the President’s daily schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating appointments with John A. Scali, Oliver F. Atkins, and Henry A. Kissinger. They confirmed the expected duration and logistical arrangements for these upcoming meetings.
President Nixon consults with Charles Colson regarding an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger and John Scali, ultimately deciding to speak with them privately to manage potential professional rivalries. Colson updates the President on the progress of Harris polling, noting that the White House has provided comparative data from the Opinion Research Corporation to ensure accuracy. Additionally, they discuss strategies to improve relations with POW wives, determining that Don Hughes should assist Kissinger in future meetings to provide a softer, more effective approach.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss managing journalist John Scali, who is pushing for a more aggressive public relations campaign regarding the administration's China policy and Vietnam withdrawal plans. Nixon firmly rejects Scali's suggestions for premature withdrawal announcements, insisting that any public pronouncements on Vietnam be delayed until after Kissinger's scheduled meetings in Paris and consultations with South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. Kissinger confirms he is maintaining contact with Scali to keep him aligned with administration strategy without adopting his disruptive proposals.
President Nixon directs H. R. Haldeman to coordinate a meeting between Henry Kissinger, Ronald Ziegler, and journalist John Scali to manage Scali’s views on Vietnam and the administration's China initiative. Nixon expresses frustration with Scali’s perspectives and Kissinger’s handling of the situation, insisting that Haldeman facilitate the discussion to align their messaging. The President explicitly tasks Haldeman with managing these communications to shield himself from the direct conflict and ensure policy consistency.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate media strategy regarding the administration's China initiative, focusing on countering news reports that suggested a rift between Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William Rogers or that the State Department deserved primary credit. They discussed using journalist John Scali to correct the narrative and emphasized that the China policy was fundamentally driven by the President. Additionally, the pair reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, including a meeting with the U.S. table tennis team, and considered potential administrative personnel reassignments for Clifford Hardin and Bryce Harlow.
On April 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:42 pm and 2:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-064 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss strategies for managing the upcoming U.S. visit of the People's Republic of China ping pong team to ensure the event is handled with appropriate subtlety and control. Nixon directs Kissinger to coordinate with John Scali to oversee the logistics and press engagement, specifically intending to keep the State Department from dominating the initiative. The President emphasizes the need for a discreet, well-managed approach to avoid domestic political pitfalls while managing delicate diplomatic outreach.
President Nixon consulted with John A. Scali regarding the sensitive management of an upcoming visit by a Chinese athletic team to the United States. Emphasizing the need for subtlety, the President instructed Scali to coordinate with Henry Kissinger and William T. Gossett to ensure the visit was controlled, low-key, and aligned with diplomatic protocol. Nixon stressed the importance of timely execution to maximize the impact of the initiative while maintaining a balance between visible government oversight and avoiding excessive press scrutiny.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed strategies for countering negative media coverage and handling anti-war demonstrations, particularly in light of recent testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. They reviewed tactics for exerting pressure on news networks, including utilizing antitrust concerns and leveraging internal allies like John Scali to influence reporting. Additionally, the President expressed satisfaction with the political resolve of Republican senators against demonstrators and emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm public stance on the Vietnam War and the economy.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:50 pm and 7:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-098 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-099 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called ABC executive Leonard Goldenson to express his gratitude for the performance of John Scali and to confirm that Charles Colson was managing a pending cable television issue. The two discussed the importance of balanced network news coverage, with Nixon expressing satisfaction with ABC’s reporting and his own press conference strategy. Nixon also checked on Goldenson’s health during his hospital stay and encouraged him to maintain a positive outlook.
President Nixon dictates a letter reflecting on his past interactions with the press while preparing for an upcoming press conference. He specifically discusses the performance of Ronald L. Ziegler and John A. Scali, evaluating their roles in managing media relations. The President further analyzes his own strategic approach to public appearances, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a cooperative persona when addressing the White House press corps.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to discuss several key issues. The conversation touched upon recent casualty figures, which Nixon emphasized were the lowest in weeks and lower than the previous year, and he expressed anger over a potential Labor Department leak suggesting these figures were a political move, demanding the responsible party be identified and fired. They also discussed personnel matters, including the placement of Brennan and Fletcher, and the negative impact of the Philadelphia Plan on public perception. Additionally, the President inquired about progress on the "New York plan" and the wage-price board, and there was a discussion about John Scali potentially accompanying Secretary Rogers on a trip.
President Nixon directed Charles Colson to relay praise from Secretary of State William Rogers to John Scali regarding their collaboration on a joint press statement. Nixon further specified that Scali should be positioned as the primary advisor for future presidential trips to boost his morale and improve press coordination. Finally, the two discussed managing media coverage of recent unemployment data, with Nixon instructing Colson to minimize the narrative of a "statistical fluke" in upcoming NBC news reports.
On September 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:53 pm and 9:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 008-105 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon engaged in a brief telephone conversation with John A. Scali, a journalist and future diplomat. Given the lack of a transcript and the withdrawn status of the primary segment, the specific subject matter remains restricted. No substantive policy decisions or actionable outcomes are reflected in the available documentation.
President Nixon and Charles Colson reviewed the success of a recent cabinet meeting, specifically praising a presentation by John Scali. They discussed the public relations strategy for the Soviet Union grain deal, with Colson outlining efforts to ensure the President receives personal credit for the diplomatic and economic success. Additionally, they touched upon the status of current unemployment figures, the performance of the stock market, ongoing negotiations regarding the Pay Board, and the necessity of maintaining favorable relations with pollster Louis Harris.
On January 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Alexander M. Haig, Jr., and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:31 pm and 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-055 of the White House Tapes.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:55 pm and 10:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-074 of the White House Tapes.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:55 pm and 10:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-075 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to coordinate White House public relations strategies, focusing on the announcement of Marina von Neumann Whitman to the Council of Economic Advisers and potential attendance at a sickle cell anemia fundraiser. The discussion pivoted to a broader political strategy involving a 'vicious' counterattack against Vietnam critics, framing them as advocates of surrender and supporters of a communist government. Nixon stressed the importance of aggressive, unified messaging and expressed frustration with Henry Kissinger’s reluctance to utilize staff expertise—specifically that of John Scali—in refining public communication regarding peace initiatives.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate the administration's public relations strategy following an interview given by H. R. Haldeman. They discussed whether to issue a formal statement regarding the controversy or simply allow the issue to fade, ultimately deciding against volunteering further information to the press. The conversation also touched on preparations for the President's upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China and the timing of a planned foreign policy address.
President Nixon met with Charles W. Colson to discuss the administration's public relations strategy regarding a specific news story involving Kenneth W. Clawson and John A. Scali. The President instructed Colson to investigate the details of this story to preempt potential complications. Manolo Sanchez joined the meeting briefly at its conclusion as the President managed his scheduling obligations.
On October 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 2:40 pm to 2:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 032-055 of the White House Tapes.
On November 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:44 am and 10:45 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 032-113 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with John A. Scali regarding a personal matter involving a potential future commitment. The brief exchange centered on Nixon’s recent conversation with professional football player Sonny Jurgensen and the President's deliberation over an unspecified offer or request. Nixon ultimately expressed a desire to keep the matter private, concluding the discussion without any further formal action.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the staffing and strategic reorganization of the administration's second term, including the planned departure of Cabinet members like George Romney and John Volpe. They evaluated the optics of announcing these changes, weighing the advantages of a symbolic press event at Camp David to project an image of decisive action. Additionally, they reviewed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, acknowledging the high public expectations created by Henry Kissinger, and strategized on potential personnel appointments, including the U.N. ambassadorship for John Scali and various departmental roles.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly to coordinate administrative logistics and executive appointments. The discussion centered on the timing of the announcement regarding John A. Scali’s nomination as Ambassador to the United Nations. Additionally, the participants reviewed the President’s schedule, including a planned telephone call to Arthur Krock.
In this wide-ranging discussion, President Nixon met with top aides and political associates to strategize for his second term, with a primary focus on navigating the difficult final stages of the Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon emphasized his resolve to continue bombing campaigns until a satisfactory agreement was reached while managing public perception and Congressional relations. The conversation also covered extensive planning for second-term personnel appointments—including naming John Scali as UN Ambassador—and organizational restructuring to ensure a loyal, efficient administration. Throughout, Nixon stressed the need for his appointees to avoid being captured by existing bureaucracies and to cultivate new political constituencies rather than deferring to the traditional East Coast establishment.
In this extensive Oval Office meeting, President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and other key advisors discussed the administration's second-term reorganization, personnel appointments (including John Scali as UN Ambassador), and public relations strategies. A significant portion of the conversation focused on the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, with Nixon emphasizing a hardline approach, including the escalation of bombing and mining operations to pressure North Vietnam. The President also provided specific directives for handling the press and managing the White House social schedule, including the exclusion of certain media outlets and the coordination of internal White House renovations.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss communication strategy regarding the Vietnam War, emphasizing the need for administration officials to remain silent until concrete developments occur. Nixon stresses that public appearances, such as his attendance at President Truman's funeral, serve to project stability without necessitating political commentary. The two also evaluate the appointment of John A. Scali as UN Ambassador and address concerns regarding Henry Kissinger’s sensitivity to press leaks and his unauthorized meeting with Senator Charles Percy.
President Nixon met with Stephen Bull and Col. Richard T. Kennedy to coordinate humanitarian relief efforts following a devastating earthquake in Managua, Nicaragua, and to discuss the ongoing status of the Vietnam War. Regarding Nicaragua, the President reviewed travel logistics for a potential visit and determined that Ambassador-designate John Scali should instead act as his personal representative to manage aid efforts and public relations. The discussion then shifted to Vietnam, where the participants analyzed North Vietnam’s potential responses to recent U.S. bombing campaigns, the state of peace negotiations, and the internal political challenges facing South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed public relations strategy following the resumption of US bombing in North Vietnam and the subsequent stalling of peace negotiations. They focused on countering negative media portrayals and criticism from "liberal" commentators by emphasizing the necessity of the bombing to force North Vietnamese compliance. Nixon directed Colson to coordinate with John Scali to leak the administration's perspective on a deep-background basis, aiming to control the narrative and reinforce the President's credibility with his "new majority" of supporters.
Charles W. Colson contacted his office and Holly Holm to secure transcripts of the President's remarks and Ronald Ziegler's press briefing regarding a bipartisan leadership meeting. Additionally, he instructed Holm to relay authorization to John A. Scali concerning the handling of CIA reports. This directive emphasized that Scali had a "green light" to proceed with his proposal while maintaining strict discretion.
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 Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate logistics for a scheduled photo session with Ambassador John A. Scali. They discussed moving the shoot to the Rose Garden to take advantage of the pleasant weather. The President directed Bull to inform relevant staff of the change in venue before the participants proceeded with the walk and subsequent meeting.
President Nixon met with incoming UN Ambassador John A. Scali and General Brent Scowcroft to discuss strategies for representing U.S. interests within the United Nations. Nixon emphasized that Scali should adopt a pragmatic approach, defend U.S. foreign policy, and actively challenge the 'double standard' often applied to the United States by smaller nations. The discussion also covered logistical improvements for the UN mission staff, the status of Vietnam POWs, and the administration's firm stance against international subversion, particularly regarding Cuba.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:01 am and 11:02 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-100 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called John A. Scali to offer his well wishes before Scali assumed his new role as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. During the brief exchange, the President also extended congratulations regarding Scali’s recent marriage to his wife, Denise. The conversation served primarily as a formal and personal gesture of encouragement as Scali prepared for his upcoming diplomatic assignment.
President Nixon held a brief, unscheduled exchange with John A. Scali, his newly appointed Ambassador to the United Nations, to touch base regarding his recent appointment. The conversation lasted only one minute and appears to have served as an informal check-in rather than a substantive policy discussion. No significant developments or specific action items were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Nixon coordinated the logistics for an upcoming meeting with John A. Scali, including the specific timing of the session and the necessary protocol for staff. The participants finalized plans for a press photograph to be taken during the encounter to document the meeting. Nixon provided clear instructions to his staff to be signaled when the guest was ready to be escorted into the Oval Office.
President Nixon, Secretary of State William P. Rogers, and Assistant Secretary Joseph J. Sisco discussed the development of a statement for U.S. Ambassador to the UN John A. Scali regarding Security Council operations. The participants coordinated how Scali should address the press following his meeting with the President. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the ongoing Paris peace negotiations, with Nixon suggesting that Henry Kissinger personally brief Rogers on the latest developments.