Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on John B. Connally
460 conversations · page 5 of 5 · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Haig, Haldeman
President Nixon dictated a memorandum summarizing key objectives for his 1972 reelection campaign and ongoing foreign policy efforts. He addressed strategies for mobilizing Democrats behind John B. Connally, securing support from George Meany, and refining campaign operations in California alongside H. R. Haldeman. The President also evaluated polling data to gauge the current effectiveness of his political and diplomatic initiatives.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, at Camp David to organize the transit of personal and administrative materials. The President instructed Sanchez to ensure that a specific box and folder were prepared for delivery to Rose Mary Woods. Additionally, Nixon directed that these items be transported back to the White House via the helicopter scheduled for John B. Connally's departure.
President Nixon coordinated his immediate schedule through the White House operator to facilitate communication with key advisors. The President requested that John D. Ehrlichman contact him upon his arrival at the White House. Additionally, Nixon directed the operator to place a follow-up call to former Treasury Secretary John B. Connally.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate upcoming schedule logistics, specifically focusing on an impending trip to New York. The discussion centered on arrangements for the President's barber, Milton Pitts, and the timing and location for a meeting with John B. Connally. They ultimately determined that the session with Connally should take place at the Executive Office Building.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political fallout from Robert S. Strauss’s election as Democratic National Committee chairman. They analyze the impact on John B. Connally’s future, specifically noting concerns that the event might provide Connally an excuse to retreat from his political transition toward the administration. Nixon directs Colson to encourage Connally to commit to a decisive shift, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong support from labor leaders like George Meany and Frank Fitzsimmons.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield coordinated final preparations and logistics for a White House dinner scheduled for December 16, 1972. Following the resignation of John B. Connally, who was slated to be the respondent, Nixon decided that Secretary of State William P. Rogers should serve in that role. Additionally, the President confirmed that Vice President Spiro Agnew and Mrs. Agnew would join him and the First Lady in receiving guests.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander P. Butterfield to clarify why John B. Connally and Melvin R. Laird were absent from an upcoming White House dinner. Butterfield was unable to provide a specific reason for Connally’s absence or his current whereabouts. The brief exchange highlights the President's personal attention to guest list management and the logistical uncertainty surrounding the attendance of key political figures.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to facilitate an urgent call between Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman and former Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally. The discussion focuses on determining Connally's current location in Jamaica and evaluating the security of communication lines, specifically whether the call can be placed via a secure channel or must go through a commercial operator. The President prioritizes establishing contact with Connally as quickly as possible.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with William E. Timmons to facilitate a patched conference call involving John B. Connally and Henry A. Kissinger. The exchange focuses on the technical logistics of establishing this multi-party connection via the White House operator. Haldeman seeks to prioritize communication with Timmons before finalizing the call with Kissinger.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the rescheduling of a meeting with John B. Connally, who postponed his appointment due to urgent negotiations with Algerian representatives. Haldeman confirmed the meeting would occur the following morning, and Nixon requested a briefing on the subject matter prior to his own scheduled afternoon discussion with Connally. The call served to adjust the President's calendar and ensure adequate preparation regarding the Algerian diplomatic situation.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed strategies for managing public and press perception following the recent Vietnam peace settlement. They reviewed the administration's efforts to counter negative media coverage, mobilize sympathetic columnists, and highlight the support of allies such as John Connally and Barry Goldwater. The conversation also touched upon the desire to maintain political pressure on critical news organizations and "elitist" opponents who, in their view, were frustrated by the successful conclusion of the war.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review a tape recording of a previous conversation regarding a visit from Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato. Following the playback, the pair engaged in a brief administrative review of the President's upcoming schedule, which included meetings with John B. Connally, John D. Ehrlichman, and Senator Ted Stevens. The discussion also addressed logistics for the recording of a radio message and meetings involving Charles W. Colson.
President Nixon met with Charles W. Colson to review Colson’s recent media appearances regarding the Watergate scandal and his defense of administration policy, particularly concerning the Vietnam War and draft amnesty. The two men also discussed administrative staffing challenges for the second term, specifically focusing on appointments within the Treasury and Labor Departments and the importance of maintaining loyalty and control over agency leadership. Additionally, the President touched upon the ongoing Senate Watergate investigation and considered political strategies regarding potential high-profile party shifts involving figures like John Connally.
President Nixon and Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo discuss logistics and weather prospects for the President’s upcoming trip to Florida. Rebozo provides updated meteorological reports from both the National Weather Service and the Air Force to help inform the President’s travel decision. Additionally, the two touch upon a potential future visit by the President to Jamaica, with Nixon indicating plans to consult John B. Connally regarding the arrangements.
President Nixon and Harry S. Dent reviewed the political success of the President's recent visit to South Carolina, focusing on favorable media coverage and the positive reception he received despite a Democrat-controlled state government. The conversation shifted to long-term political strategy, including the potential for a party switch by John B. Connally and the search for viable Republican candidates in the South for the 1974 elections. Nixon also discussed his ongoing efforts to curb government spending, expressing frustration with congressional resistance and special interest groups while reaffirming his commitment to his second-term domestic and foreign policy agendas.
President Nixon met briefly with Stephen B. Bull to address scheduling and administrative matters. The discussion centered on coordinating a meeting with James Keogh and managing phone calls from John B. Connally. H.R. Haldeman was also identified as a subject of interest during this short administrative briefing.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the logistics surrounding John B. Connally’s visit to the White House. The brief discussion focused on the timing of Connally's arrival and departure to ensure he exited the premises before the arrival of other scheduled parties. No policy decisions were made during this logistical briefing.
President Nixon and John B. Connally discuss potential career paths for former Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst, emphasizing the benefits of joining a stable, prestigious law firm over solo practice. The conversation transitions to domestic politics, with Nixon expressing support for his ongoing budget cuts and fiscal policies despite pressure from special interest groups and the media. Finally, the two address international affairs, including the potential for deeper U.S. association with Caribbean nations like Jamaica, the release of American prisoners in the People's Republic of China, and planning for Connally's upcoming international travel.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to briefly coordinate the scheduling of upcoming appointments with John B. Connally and John D. Ehrlichman. The discussion focused on adjusting the timing of these meetings to align with the President's availability for the remainder of the afternoon. The participants ultimately decided to reschedule the consultations for 5:00 p.m.
President Nixon met with political advisor Thomas G. Corcoran to discuss the current political landscape, the legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson, and the potential future role of John B. Connally. Corcoran offered his counsel on navigating the Democratic Party, the importance of bipartisan unity in foreign policy, and the strategic positioning of Connally as a potential future presidential candidate. The discussion also touched on international strategic interests, specifically in Micronesia and the Sudan, as well as the need for robust leadership to navigate domestic and global challenges.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate various administrative tasks, including scheduling commitments involving Hugh Scott’s anniversary and upcoming meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti and Paul W. Keyes. During the session, the President prioritized obtaining feedback from John B. Connally regarding the administration's energy message. Nixon instructed Bull to expedite the delivery of a preliminary draft to Connally to ensure his prompt review and commentary.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler consulted on managing the media narrative regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically addressing the potential implications for H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. They discussed John Connally’s perspective on the situation and emphasized a strategy of denying presidential involvement in any cover-up. The pair coordinated talking points for an upcoming press briefing to clarify the President’s role in initiating an internal investigation and to distance his administration from the unfolding legal issues.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discuss the President's personal health before shifting focus to the political crisis surrounding the Watergate scandal. The two assess the counsel of William P. Rogers and John B. Connally, with Nixon noting Rogers’s inability to make decisive recommendations. Consequently, Nixon instructs Haldeman to consult with Connally regarding the political strategy of a proposed leave of absence, seeking his candid input on the decision.
A White House operator relayed a message from H.R. Haldeman to President Nixon regarding a failed attempt to contact John B. Connally. The brief exchange served to update the President on the status of his efforts to reach the former Treasury Secretary. No further action items or substantive policy discussions were recorded during this brief communication.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss potential high-level personnel changes to navigate the escalating political pressures of the Watergate scandal and the Daniel Ellsberg case. They explore the possibility of appointing William D. Ruckelshaus as permanent FBI Director and weigh the viability of John Connally as a replacement for Attorney General. Haldeman is tasked with gauging Connally's interest in the position and assessing the likelihood of his Senate confirmation.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to review a wide range of foreign policy initiatives and administrative personnel matters. Key topics included the status of upcoming diplomatic efforts with North Vietnam, preparations for Kissinger’s trip to Moscow, and the scheduling of the US-USSR summit. They also discussed logistical arrangements for John Connally’s world tour, concerns regarding federal bureaucracy following H.R. Haldeman’s departure, and the cancellation of Emperor Hirohito’s visit to the United States.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the timing of a public announcement regarding George H.W. Bush. The conversation centered on relaying information from John B. Connally concerning when this announcement would be released. Nixon sought confirmation of the scheduled timing, reflecting the administration's focus on managing the optics of personnel-related disclosures.
John B. Connally informs President Nixon of his intent to hold a press conference to formally announce his party affiliation change to the Republican Party. Nixon praises Connally's courage and aligns their shared political resolve against ongoing adversity. The two also briefly acknowledge positive public feedback regarding the President's recent televised address concerning the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and H.R. Haldeman to address the public relations fallout and procedural concerns regarding FBI guards placed in the offices of Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Ziegler briefed the President on his consultations with Leonard Garment, Elliot Richardson, and William Ruckelshaus, asserting that these actions would bolster the President's image by projecting strength and a commitment to a transparent investigation. The participants also touched upon press arrangements for an upcoming foreign policy briefing and discussed the political courage required for John B. Connally’s impending announcement regarding his party affiliation.
President Nixon calls Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to offer encouragement and provide strategic guidance regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. They discuss maintaining a "national security" defense in response to inquiries about Egil Krogh and the Daniel Ellsberg trial, while reaffirming that the White House only recently learned of these matters from John Dean. Additionally, the pair reviews the positive press coverage surrounding John Connally’s party switch and coordinates the President’s upcoming vacation plans.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss high-level personnel appointments and administrative staffing, specifically evaluating candidates like David Packard and Kenneth Rush for key roles. The discussion centered on Packard's potential hesitance regarding his stock holdings and his stance on U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe, as well as the political implications of considering John B. Connally. Ultimately, Nixon and Kissinger agreed that Kissinger would pressure Packard to accept a position before his departure, with the understanding that Rush would serve as the secondary choice for the assignment.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and an unknown guest to finalize logistical arrangements for his upcoming schedule and various high-profile public appearances. Key discussions included planning for a visit from Haile Selassie, a forthcoming Republican fundraising dinner featuring John B. Connally, and preparations for a cabinet meeting. The participants also addressed the unfortunate theft of a gold medal belonging to soccer star Pelé, which had been intended for presentation to the President.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the political fallout from a recent legislative setback in the House of Representatives, attributing the loss to poor coordination within the Departments of State and Defense and a lack of support from Republican members. To address these deficiencies, they plan to bolster William E. Timmons's congressional relations team and refine their legislative strategy. Additionally, they discuss managing Henry Kissinger’s concerns regarding John B. Connally’s role, while noting positive press reactions following recent Cabinet changes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed strategies to manage the fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the upcoming Congressional hearings and potential revelations regarding unauthorized wiretaps. They strategized on how to frame past FBI wiretapping activities as standard national security protocols inherited from previous administrations rather than partisan misconduct. Additionally, they evaluated the political implications of replacing Secretary of State William Rogers with Henry Kissinger or John Connally, ultimately weighing Kissinger's professional indispensability against the political utility of a cabinet change.
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 directed Office of Management and Budget Director Roy Ash to contact John B. Connally to solicit his advice and assistance on several administration priorities, including energy policy, export promotion, tax legislation, and wage and price controls. Nixon expressed concern over the political optics of Connally’s potential involvement in energy, given Connally’s known business interests in Soviet and Middle Eastern gas deals. Ash agreed to coordinate with Connally, acknowledging the need to balance utilizing Connally's expertise while insulating the administration from criticisms regarding his private sector ties.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office to coordinate the logistics and schedule for an upcoming bipartisan congressional leadership meeting. They reviewed the guest list, which included notable figures such as John B. Connally, Elliot L. Richardson, and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The discussion centered on finalizing the administration of the meeting, including confirming attendee lists and relevant legislative contacts.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s schedule, focusing specifically on logistics for an upcoming meeting with John B. Connally. Nixon directed Bull to coordinate a series of preliminary briefings for Connally with administration officials including George P. Shultz, Charles J. DiBona, Roy L. Ash, and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to discuss economic, energy, and White House policy issues. The President emphasized the need for these meetings to occur before his private consultation with Connally to ensure an productive exchange regarding potential assignments.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and an unidentified individual to finalize scheduling logistics regarding a meeting with John B. Connally, George P. Shultz, Charles DiBona, and Roy L. Ash. During the brief exchange, the unidentified visitor delivered documentation to the President. The participants confirmed that specific arrangements were secure and established a follow-up meeting for later that afternoon.
President Nixon directed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to reschedule a meeting with John B. Connally from late afternoon to the following morning at 10:00 am. Nixon cited a cold and the need to prepare for an upcoming state dinner honoring Haile Selassie as the reasons for the change. Bull confirmed that he would arrange the adjustment to the President's schedule.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified staff member regarding the scheduling of his upcoming meetings with John B. Connally and Roy L. Ash. The President specifically requested that he meet with Connally independently, deciding against a joint session with Ash. This brief interaction served to finalize the structure of his appointments for the day.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discuss the political fallout of the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on John Dean’s documents regarding 1970 domestic intelligence coordination and their classification status. They also address John B. Connally’s advocacy for a broad staff "housecleaning" that would remove figures like H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon rejects the necessity of such drastic personnel changes, particularly regarding the State Department, citing the complexity of upcoming Soviet summit negotiations.
President Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate their upcoming daily schedules. The discussion focused on logistical planning, specifically regarding a planned engagement with John B. Connally. No major policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss strategies for stabilizing the administration amidst the ongoing Watergate crisis and internal personnel challenges. They reviewed the results of Nixon's recent meeting with Congressional leaders and debated necessary shifts in White House staff organization, particularly concerning the influence of Roy Ash and the role of the Office of Management and Budget. A significant focus of the discussion was managing the departure of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and neutralizing the perceived lack of public confidence, with Nixon emphasizing a plan to increase his own public profile through frequent travel to engage directly with labor, farm, and industry stakeholders.
President Nixon held a brief, preliminary meeting in the Oval Office to coordinate the arrival of key economic advisors, including George P. Shultz, Roy L. Ash, John B. Connally, and Arthur F. Burns. The interaction focused on confirming the attendance of these officials for a subsequent gathering. The meeting concluded quickly as the President waited for the remainder of the group to assemble.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize the administration's public response to ongoing Watergate controversies, focusing on Senator Hugh Scott’s planned statement regarding wiretap statistics. The discussion also addressed staff management issues, specifically John Connally’s future role and concerns regarding internal communication failures surrounding John Dean’s recent statements. Nixon emphasized the need for better legal coordination and expressed frustration with press coverage and the perceived incompetence of his press team in managing damaging narratives.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and J. Fred Buzhardt to strategize on managing ongoing Watergate disclosures and to discuss potential personnel changes within the White House staff. The conversation focused heavily on the administration's public relations response to subpoenas and media coverage, specifically regarding wiretap information and the handling of presidential papers. Additionally, the participants deliberated on potential economic policies, including a possible price freeze, and considered how to integrate John Connally into a special advisory role to strengthen leadership visibility.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and administrative logistics. The discussion centered on arrangements for a meeting with John B. Connally, including a potential telephone call and a preparatory briefing involving Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Additionally, the pair addressed plans regarding the presidential yacht, the Sequoia.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to facilitate a telephone call with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. immediately following Haig’s meeting with John B. Connally. The President clarified that he only required a phone conversation rather than an in-person meeting. Bull confirmed he would notify the staff to ensure the President was contacted as soon as the session with Connally concluded.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative adjustments following the cancellation of a scheduled reception for Congressmen. The discussion focused on rescheduling the event and managing logistics for key advisors, including John B. Connally, Bryce N. Harlow, and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Nixon explicitly directed Bull to summon Harlow immediately to address these logistical concerns and voting implications in the House of Representatives.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate logistics for a dinner meeting on the Sequoia with Bryce Harlow and John B. Connally, while discussing administrative efficiencies regarding the Cost of Living Council. Nixon directs Haig to consult with John T. Dunlop on strengthening the economic speech, specifically by incorporating trade tariff removals and aggressive measures to address rising food prices. Key policy considerations include the potential implementation of a price freeze on basic agricultural commodities like soybeans to signal resolve to the public.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discuss Charles Colson's recent television interview with Howard K. Smith regarding the Watergate scandal. Tricia praises Colson’s performance and dignity, specifically highlighting his challenge to accusers to take lie detector tests. The call concludes with the President asking Tricia to inform First Lady Pat Nixon of his plans to have dinner on the Sequoia with John Connally and Alexander Haig.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss an impending economic freeze supported by John Connally and review the progress of Henry Kissinger’s negotiations regarding South Vietnam. They determine that if the South Vietnamese government continues to obstruct the peace process, the U.S. should issue an ultimatum regarding future foreign aid. Additionally, Nixon agrees to meet with John Volpe during a helicopter ride to discuss remarks made by Pope Paul VI.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to former Treasury Secretary John B. Connally. This interaction served solely as a logistical request to connect with Connally for a private discussion. No further policy or administrative actions were conducted during this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to arrange a gift of golf clubs for John B. Connally, including instructions for adding a presidential seal and drafting an accompanying note. The two also discussed logistical coordination regarding the President's upcoming schedule, specifically coordinating a potential visit by the Connallys to San Clemente during the Fourth of July holiday. Additionally, Bull provided a brief update on a scheduled meeting between Donald Nixon and his lawyer.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig reviewed ongoing staffing efforts, specifically focusing on William Scranton's upcoming appointment to handle energy policy and John Connally's continued, flexible role with the administration. The conversation also touched on administrative coordination, including scheduling for Bryce Harlow and logistics regarding guest lists for a dinner with Leonid Brezhnev. Regarding the Watergate investigation, Nixon instructed that the White House must aggressively challenge emerging allegations and emphasized using the threat of perjury to deter John Dean, noting that the administration possesses records of all meetings Dean attended.
President Nixon held a brief discussion with an unidentified individual regarding the acquisition of public support from influential figures. The conversation focused on the potential value of securing strong statements of endorsement from John B. Connally, Albert E. Sindlinger, and Pierre Rinfret. No specific action items were finalized, but the dialogue suggests a strategic effort to bolster the administration's political standing through external allies.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig reviewed the results of a recent press conference held by John Connally, focusing on his remarks regarding the national economy and his future role on the White House staff. While Nixon expressed slight disappointment that Connally's comments on his staff involvement were not more assertive, they agreed his performance on economic messaging was effective. Additionally, Haig provided updates on his ongoing communications with George Shultz and Melvin Laird and briefed the President on upcoming administrative actions.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate his upcoming schedule. The primary focus of the brief discussion was the logistics and location for a pending meeting with John B. Connally. Following the arrangement of these details, the visitor departed shortly before 3:00 pm.