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Nixon White House Tapes › Topic

Nixon Tapes on John C. Stennis

46 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Stennis, Bull, Kissinger

March 5, 1971 · Nixon, Butterfield & Woods

President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and later spoke by phone with Senator John C. Stennis to discuss the public and political reception of the President's March 4, 1971, press conference. The participants focused on the effectiveness of the President's performance in defending the military operation in Laos and managing negative media coverage. They agreed on the importance of maintaining a firm stance regarding the Vietnam War despite unfavorable public opinion polls. Additionally, the President arranged for the dissemination of a private letter to British Prime Minister Edward Heath and discussed scheduling a family portrait session.

June 23, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Senator John C. Stennis. This administrative exchange served as the precursor to an official consultation between the President and the Senator. No further substantive dialogue was recorded during this brief connection.

June 23, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon attempted to reach Senator John C. Stennis via the White House operator to discuss an urgent matter. The operator informed the President that Stennis was currently on the Senate floor, leading Nixon to authorize speaking with the Senator’s secretary if the Senator could not be reached directly. This brief exchange served as an administrative effort to facilitate a high-level legislative communication.

June 23, 1971 · Nixon & Stennis

President Nixon calls Senator John C. Stennis to express his appreciation for the Senator's legislative support regarding Vietnam policy following a recent vote. Nixon reflects on the negative impact of the Pentagon Papers on administration efforts and discusses the potential formation of a Senate select committee to review the documents. The President explicitly endorses Stennis to chair such a committee, specifically contrasting Stennis's judicial temperament with that of Senator J. William Fulbright.

June 23, 1971 · Nixon & Stennis

President Nixon met with Senator John C. Stennis to express his strong appreciation for the Senator's ongoing political efforts and steadfast commitment to their shared legislative agenda. The two men briefly discussed the necessity of staying the course on sensitive matters despite potential controversy, with Nixon offering encouragement for Stennis's current leadership role. This short, cordial exchange served primarily to reinforce political solidarity between the President and the Senator during a period of legislative pressure.

June 29, 1971 · Nixon & MacGregor

President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discussed the status of a Congressional conference committee report regarding military pay and the controversial Mansfield Amendment. MacGregor reported a breakthrough on military pay but warned that Representative F. Edward Hébert’s firm opposition to the amendment risked a legislative stalemate through the July 4th holiday. To expedite a compromise that would protect the President's induction authority, MacGregor advised Nixon to call Hébert and advocate for language that avoids setting a terminal date for the draft.

August 4, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent communication with Senator John C. Stennis. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to place a telephone call to the Senator. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief administrative interaction.

August 4, 1971 · Nixon & Stennis

President Nixon called Senator John C. Stennis to offer birthday greetings and coordinate strategy regarding a pending conference report. The two discussed the political necessity of publicly endorsing the report to protect the administration's negotiating position. Nixon committed to bolstering Stennis's efforts in the Senate by issuing a formal letter and tasking Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler with publicizing the White House's approval.

November 11, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon directed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Senator John C. Stennis. This brief administrative interaction served as a precursor to a substantive discussion between the President and the Senator. The primary action item was the successful establishment of this communication link.

December 25, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place outgoing calls to Senator John C. Stennis and Virginia H. Knauer. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to facilitate these holiday communications. No substantive policy discussions took place during this brief administrative interaction.

March 23, 1972 · Nixon & Acker

President Nixon consulted with Marjorie P. Acker to review his daily activities and administrative schedule. The brief discussion primarily focused on coordinating formal dinner arrangements and managing an invitation for Senator John C. Stennis and his wife. The dialogue served as an executive briefing to ensure the President's upcoming social and professional commitments were properly organized.

March 30, 1972 · Nixon

President Nixon consulted with an unidentified woman regarding potential adjustments to his daily schedule. The discussion centered on a previously planned meeting with Senator John C. Stennis, which the woman indicated was no longer required. Consequently, the President addressed the logistical implications of canceling or modifying this appointment.

March 30, 1972 · Nixon & Kissinger

President Nixon directed the White House operator to connect him with Senator John C. Stennis. Henry Kissinger was present during this request, which was facilitated to initiate communication with the influential legislator. The call serves as a logistical precursor to further discussions regarding legislative or foreign policy matters involving the Senator.

March 30, 1972 · Nixon & Haldeman

President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to address administrative tasks. The discussion centered on the processing of departmental appropriations paperwork. The meeting concluded with the President signing relevant official documents, including papers pertaining to Senator John C. Stennis.

May 9, 1972 · Nixon & Moorer

President Nixon and Admiral Thomas Moorer discussed the implementation of the naval blockade and intensified bombing campaign against North Vietnam. Nixon emphasized the necessity of focusing on primary military targets like rail lines and power plants rather than secondary objectives. Moorer reported on a successful and supportive two-hour meeting with Senator John C. Stennis and the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding the operation.

May 9, 1972 · Nixon

President Nixon consulted with an aide regarding the implementation of the naval blockade of North Vietnam and the coordination of congressional support through Senator John C. Stennis. The participants assessed potential domestic unrest in response to the blockade, comparing the anticipated scale of demonstrations to the protests following the 1970 Cambodian incursion and Kent State shootings. They further discussed the President's upcoming schedule, specifically addressing the strategic handling of the Soviet Summit amidst the escalation of the Vietnam conflict.

May 19, 1972 · Nixon, Butterfield & Ziegler

President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield, Ronald Ziegler, and Rose Mary Woods to manage administrative tasks and scheduling priorities. The participants focused on reviewing items requiring the President's signature and coordinating necessary deliveries. Key actions included facilitating a call between Henry Kissinger and Senator John C. Stennis as well as coordinating with Dr. William M. Lukash.

June 13, 1972 · Nixon, Ziegler & Haldeman

President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, Senator John Stennis, and White House staff to coordinate legislative strategy regarding defense policy and the Vietnam War. The discussion focused on securing support for the military procurement bill and countering congressional efforts, such as the Mansfield amendment, that sought to limit the administration's leverage in Vietnam negotiations. Nixon and Kissinger also updated Stennis on recent diplomatic communications with the Soviet Union and China to ensure a unified front in upcoming SALT II and defense authorization hearings.

August 3, 1972 · Nixon

President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent communication with Senator John C. Stennis. This brief exchange served as an administrative request to place a telephone call to the Senator. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this short connection.

August 3, 1972 · Nixon & Stennis

President Nixon met with Senator John C. Stennis to offer birthday wishes and express appreciation for his legislative leadership regarding appropriations. The conversation addressed ongoing challenges with Republican support for the administration's fiscal agenda and the hope for favorable outcomes during upcoming budget conference committees. Nixon acknowledged the difficulties of the election year while reaffirming his private support for Stennis's efforts.

January 23, 1973 · Haldeman & Timmons

H. R. Haldeman and William E. Timmons coordinate instructions from President Nixon regarding the timing of a potential joint session of Congress. The primary action item involves Timmons consulting Senator John C. Stennis privately to solicit his personal advice on the matter. This outreach serves to gauge legislative sentiment and determine the President's optimal strategy for scheduling.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Kissinger

Henry Kissinger informs President Nixon that Senator John Stennis was shot twice during a robbery outside his home and is currently undergoing surgery at Walter Reed Army Hospital. The two discuss the potential political implications of the shooting, specifically noting that the incident elevates Senator Stuart Symington to acting chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Nixon decides to personally contact Mrs. Stennis to express his concern regarding the Senator’s condition.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon directs the White House operator to locate Senator John C. Stennis following reports that the Senator had been shot. The President requests immediate information regarding the Senator's current hospital location and asks to be connected to his wife, Coy H. Stennis. This urgent inquiry reflects the administration's immediate response to the violent incident involving the high-ranking legislator.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon consulted with Stephen B. Bull to gather additional details regarding the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. Bull provided updates on the Senator's injuries, his status in exploratory surgery, and the circumstances surrounding what appeared to be an attempted robbery. The call served to ensure the President was accurately informed before he placed a follow-up outreach call to Mrs. Stennis.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Stennis

President Nixon called Coy H. Stennis to express his concern and offer support following the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis during a robbery outside his home. Mrs. Stennis recounted the details of the attack, describing the young assailants and confirming that the Senator remained conscious after being struck. President Nixon emphasized the Senator's vital importance to the country and instructed his medical team to ensure the Senator received the highest level of care at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Stennis

President Nixon spoke with Coy Stennis to express his concern and offer support following the attempted assassination of Senator John C. Stennis. The discussion focused on the senator’s medical status, the circumstances of the shooting, and the importance of his recovery to the nation. Nixon affirmed the significance of the senator’s role in government and committed to visiting him once his condition allowed.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the ongoing investigation into the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. The President inquired about the status of the police report and specific rumors concerning two potential suspects mentioned by Mrs. Stennis. Bull confirmed that authorities had not yet apprehended any suspects in the case.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to urgently gather information regarding the shooting of U.S. Senator John C. Stennis, expressing extreme dissatisfaction with current bureaucratic delays. Nixon bypassed the Secret Service and the Situation Room, explicitly ordering Bull to mobilize the FBI and Washington Metropolitan Police immediately. He further demanded that John W. Dean III be activated to coordinate these efforts and insisted on receiving a comprehensive update within ten minutes.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Sanchez

President Nixon met briefly with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. While the exact substance of their dialogue is not fully captured, the meeting included a reference to the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. The brief encounter concluded immediately after this exchange.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon consulted with Stephen B. Bull regarding the status of the investigation into the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. Bull provided an update on the coordination between the FBI, under L. Patrick Gray, and the Metropolitan Police to track down the suspects. Nixon demanded an aggressive dragnet in the neighborhood and requested that John Dean or Pat Buchanan prepare a status report on gun control legislation by the following morning.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to contact Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. Nixon directed that an announcement be made emphasizing that the President had formally ordered an FBI investigation into the incident. This conversation served to establish the administration's public posture and demonstrate the President’s proactive involvement in the federal response.

January 31, 1973 · Nixon & Colson

President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the recent shooting of Senator John C. Stennis, expressing concern over the political impact and the potential for a violent backlash in the South. Nixon mandates that the FBI take immediate jurisdiction over the investigation and instructs his staff to publicize his personal involvement to ensure a robust law enforcement response. The conversation also briefly touches on the political implications of gun control legislation regarding 'Saturday night specials' and the impact of busing policies.

February 7, 1973 · Nixon & Tkach

President Nixon contacted his physician, Dr. Walter R. Tkach, to request an urgent update regarding the deteriorating medical condition of Senator John C. Stennis. Concerned by reports that the Senator’s health had declined, the President directed Tkach to immediately obtain and report back the latest status. This brief interaction served as a formal administrative request to verify the Senator's well-being following reports of his worsening situation.

February 7, 1973 · Nixon & Tkach

President Nixon consulted with his physician, Dr. Walter R. Tkach, regarding the critical post-surgical condition of Senator John C. Stennis. Despite slight improvements in the Senator's lucidity and vital signs, Dr. Tkach offered a grim prognosis, suggesting that the Senator was unlikely to survive for more than a few days. Consequently, the President made plans to visit Stennis the following morning, pending medical clearance.

February 21, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon directs the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Senator John C. Stennis. This administrative contact initiates a communication sequence between the President and the Senator regarding official business. The interaction serves as the preliminary step for the subsequent recorded discussion between the two men.

March 5, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon directs the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Senator John C. Stennis. The purpose of this communication is to reach the Senator while he is currently hospitalized. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occur during this brief administrative request.

March 5, 1973 · Nixon & Stennis

President Nixon calls Senator John C. Stennis to check on his recovery from recent medical treatment and to discuss the ongoing progress of the Vietnam settlement. Nixon highlights the success of his firm negotiation strategy, noting that threatening to halt troop withdrawals and minesweeping operations successfully forced the release of a second group of POWs. The two also reflect on the return of American prisoners, specifically commending the statements made by Captain Jeremiah A. Denton.

March 11, 1973 · Nixon & Eisenhower

President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, held a personal conversation covering various family matters, scheduling, and current events. Nixon discussed his recent radio address regarding capital punishment, specifically referencing the need to hold perpetrators accountable for the killing of a U.S. ambassador in Sudan. They also reviewed Senator John C. Stennis’s recovery progress, planned upcoming family activities for the First Lady's birthday, and anticipated the completion of the White House bowling alley renovations.

March 19, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon initiated a call to the White House operator to be connected with Senator John C. Stennis. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to establish communication with the Senator. No further discussion occurred during this recording segment.

March 19, 1973 · Nixon & Stennis

President Nixon called Senator John C. Stennis to check on his recovery following recent medical treatment. Stennis reported steady but slow progress, estimating that he might return to the office in four to five weeks while noting that a full return to his legislative duties would take longer. The conversation concluded with an exchange of mutual support, as Nixon encouraged the Senator to focus on his health while Stennis affirmed his backing of the administration.

March 22, 1973 · Nixon, Edwards & Delchamps

President Nixon met with Representative Jack Edwards and an Alabama delegation to discuss regional development projects and demonstrate support for his administration’s policies. The participants highlighted the Tennessee Tombigbee River project and exchanged praise regarding the repatriation of prisoners of war, specifically citing the strength and patriotism of Captain Jeremiah Denton. Nixon also used the session to cultivate political ties in the South, discussing the recoveries of Senator John C. Stennis and Governor George Wallace while coordinating legislative outreach through Secretary George Shultz.

April 19, 1973 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to finalize logistical details regarding Senator John C. Stennis. The President confirmed plans for Stennis and his wife to accompany the Nixons aboard Air Force One and instructed Bull to keep his upcoming schedule clear of all obligations except for a Cabinet meeting. This brief interaction served to manage the President's immediate calendar and facilitate direct engagement with the Senator.

April 26, 1973 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistics for an upcoming trip to Mississippi involving Senator John C. Stennis and the dedication of a center in his honor. They also discussed scheduling conflicts regarding a potential meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, with the President ultimately deciding to delay any decision until after a significant congressional vote on the economy. The conversation balanced necessary protocol for the presidential visit with the strategic timing of domestic policy outreach.

May 12, 1973 · Nixon & Haig

President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed administrative strategies for responding to the escalating Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on efforts to manage public perception and counter negative media coverage. The two reviewed press briefings given by Ronald Ziegler and strategized on how to engage political allies like John Stennis to influence legislative and public opinion. Additionally, the conversation addressed the importance of preventing the release of names linked to previous administration wiretaps, with the President asserting that such disclosures would be disastrous for innocent parties.

May 25, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to contact Senator John C. Stennis. The brief exchange serves as a logistical step to facilitate direct communication with the Senator. No further substantive policy matters or decisions are discussed during this specific call.

May 25, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon consulted with a White House operator regarding the availability of Senator John C. Stennis, who was currently traveling to Mississippi. Upon learning of the Senator's location, the President decided to postpone his outreach. Nixon concluded the brief exchange by stating he would attempt to contact Senator Stennis the following day.