Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Judicial appointments
59 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Mitchell, Bull
President Nixon initiated this call to personally express his gratitude to Judge Thomas F. Murphy for his distinguished public service and his pivotal role in the Alger Hiss case. The two reflected briefly on the difficulties of that historical prosecution and their shared connection to Whittaker Chambers. Concluding the pleasantry, the President promised to send Murphy a presidential golf ball to mark his retirement from the bench.
Judge Homer Ferguson initiated this call to commend President Nixon on his recent press conference and discuss the judicial appointment of Judge Cobbs in Virginia. Ferguson confirmed his willingness to continue serving as a senior judge until a successor is appointed and agreed to contact Attorney General John Mitchell to facilitate the personnel transition. The conversation concluded with Ferguson expressing his continued desire for active administration work and his personal apprehension toward full retirement.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the political implications of upcoming judicial and administrative appointments, specifically regarding the influence of specific voting blocs and the constitutional process. They address the strategic positioning of the administration ahead of court challenges and weigh the political optics of policy stances concerning 18-year-old voters. The conversation focuses on navigating these sensitive issues to maintain electoral viability and manage public perception.
President Nixon consulted with staff and Chief Justice Warren E. Burger regarding the public announcement of Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black's sudden resignation. The participants coordinated a messaging strategy for press secretary Ronald Ziegler to handle media inquiries, specifically emphasizing that the President would seek the "best qualified" successor rather than committing to geographic or ideological litmus tests. The discussion also addressed the timeline of when the White House received Black's formal letter and the necessary coordination with Attorney General John Mitchell.
President Nixon consulted with H. R. Haldeman, John Mitchell, and Ron Ziegler regarding the timing of the announcement of Justice John M. Harlan's resignation from the Supreme Court. The group discussed creating a 'double play' strategy by announcing two judicial appointments simultaneously to maximize political leverage. Additionally, Nixon reviewed his upcoming schedule—including potential trips to Florida and Disney World—and discussed public comments regarding the possible departure of the Washington Senators baseball team from the nation's capital.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the strategy for upcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically evaluating potential candidates such as Richard H. Poff and Lawrence E. Walsh. The conversation centers on navigating the approval process within the House and Senate, ensuring the candidates meet conservative criteria, and considering the political advantages of appointing a Catholic jurist. Nixon tasks Mitchell with vetting candidates for these qualifications and coordinating with House leadership, specifically Jerry Ford, to secure support for the nominations.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Stephen Bull to coordinate the administration's public response to the resignation of Supreme Court Justice John M. Harlan. The participants discussed talking points for Ziegler's upcoming press briefing, specifically regarding the criteria for new judicial nominees, the timing of vacancy announcements, and how to deflect questions about geographical or political pressures. Additionally, the President provided guidance on managing inquiries regarding domestic conditions in the People's Republic of China, instructing staff to emphasize the limitations of U.S. intelligence on the matter.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Stephen B. Bull to vent his frustration regarding his recent attendance at the funeral of Supreme Court Justice Hugo L. Black. Nixon characterized the decision to attend as a significant political error, arguing that it provided no genuine benefit to his administration's relationship with the public or the judiciary while fueling liberal expectations for future judicial appointments. He explicitly instructed his staff to stop pressuring him into similar ceremonial appearances, labeling the advice to attend as poorly conceived.
President Nixon speaks with Representative Richard H. Poff to discuss Poff’s decision to decline a nomination to the Supreme Court. Nixon expresses support for Poff’s withdrawal, acknowledging that a difficult confirmation process could have hindered his legislative initiatives, including foreign policy with China and his economic agenda. The President reaffirms his intent to appoint conservative justices in the mold of Warren Burger and Harry Blackmun to the Court.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the political landscape surrounding upcoming judicial nominations and the influence of Senate lobbying. They evaluate the ideological positioning of potential candidates, noting the importance of choosing individuals who align with the administration's conservative agenda. The two agree to maintain strategic ambiguity regarding the timing of the nominations to keep Senate pressure in their favor.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss political considerations regarding potential Supreme Court nominations and judicial appointments. Nixon expresses frustration over Secretary of Transportation John Volpe's persistent pressure to appoint an Italian-American to the Supreme Court, while also tasking Mitchell with managing these lobbying efforts to shield the President's time. Additionally, the pair discusses the progress of Mildred L. Lillie's vetting process for a Supreme Court seat, with Nixon emphasizing the political optics of potentially appointing the first woman to the Court.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the vetting process for the potential Supreme Court nomination of Mildred L. Lillie. They evaluate the political advantages of her Catholic faith and her marriage to an Italian husband, while also reviewing her judicial record and her husband’s professional background. Mitchell confirms that a nomination package is being prepared for the President's final approval to ensure the appointment remains on schedule.
President Nixon calls Representative Ancher Nelsen to offer birthday well-wishes and acknowledge Nelsen's past political loyalty. The discussion shifts to Nelsen’s recommendation of attorney John E. Hogan for a Superior Court appointment, which Nixon directs him to coordinate through Clark MacGregor and John Mitchell. They also strategize on the pending cancer bill, with Nelsen proposing an oversight committee to ensure the White House maintains direct control over the program while maintaining legislative cooperation with Representative Paul Rogers.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place a call to Richmond-based attorney Lewis F. Powell, Jr. on behalf of Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The conversation serves to facilitate communication between the administration and the prospective Supreme Court nominee regarding his current travel schedule. This action reflects the coordination efforts undertaken by the White House to manage judicial appointment logistics.
President Nixon, John Mitchell, and John Ehrlichman met to strategize on upcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically evaluating candidates like Lewis Powell, William French Smith, and Herschel Friday. They discussed the complications of appointing a woman to the Court, focusing on the potential for the American Bar Association (ABA) to deem a female candidate unqualified, which the President sought to avoid to prevent political backlash. Ultimately, Nixon decided to prioritize the nomination of Lewis Powell, aiming to finalize the selection while managing the ABA's evaluation process through Mitchell's liaison, Lawrence Walsh.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategies regarding upcoming judicial appointments, emphasizing the need for a total media blackout among staff to avoid premature speculation. The conversation also touched upon logistical coordination for travel, specifically prioritizing Conway for backup plane access due to the duration of his upcoming mission. Additionally, the pair briefly coordinated on foreign policy concerns involving Moscow, noting an ego-related dispute that required resolution.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss potential candidates for a Supreme Court appointment, specifically focusing on the hesitancy of Lewis F. Powell, Jr., and the viability of Howard H. Baker, Jr., and William H. Mulligan. Mitchell outlines Powell's concerns regarding his health and eyesight, though Nixon insists that securing Powell is a priority due to his prestige and the Court's urgent needs. The two agree that Mitchell will personally press Powell to reconsider and that they will keep Baker and Mulligan as contingency options should Powell decline.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the potential judicial appointment of an individual referred to as 'Buster.' The dialogue centers on the strategic handling of Chief Justice Warren Burger regarding the candidate's professional qualifications and his standing with the American Bar Association. The participants evaluate whether Burger would approve the nomination if confronted directly about the candidate's credentials.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the nomination of Lewis F. Powell Jr. to the Supreme Court. The conversation centers on the President's efforts to finalize and vet candidates for the judicial vacancy. No formal policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative check-in regarding the ongoing nomination process.
President Nixon calls Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to personally urge him to accept a nomination to the Supreme Court. Nixon emphasizes that Powell’s professional stature and reputation for excellence would serve as a crucial defense against critics who have previously alleged that administration nominees were mediocre. Powell expresses reservations about his health and age but agrees to consult with his wife and law partners before providing a final decision to Attorney General John Mitchell by the following morning.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss efforts to secure Lewis F. Powell, Jr. as a Supreme Court nominee, with the President instructing Mitchell to press Powell aggressively to accept. They also coordinate their strategy regarding the American Bar Association and potential opposition to other candidates like Mildred L. Lillie. Additionally, Mitchell reports difficulty in contacting Howard H. Baker, Jr. and outlines efforts to manage the political fallout and appointment timeline.
President Nixon consulted with H. R. Haldeman, Frederic Malek, and Alexander Butterfield to discuss the selection process for upcoming Supreme Court nominations. The group deliberated on potential candidates, specifically focusing on the inclusion of qualified women for the vacancies. Nixon directed his staff to vet additional candidates from existing lists before coordinating further with Attorney General John Mitchell.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Frederic V. Malek to discuss the recruitment and appointment of women to high-level legal and judicial positions. Following this, Nixon consulted with Attorney General John N. Mitchell regarding specific candidate vetting, the political necessity of increasing female representation in the federal judiciary, and strategies for managing potential appointments. The participants aimed to identify qualified female prospects to address public pressure and project a commitment to gender diversity in government.
President Nixon and Richard A. Moore discuss the political fallout from the American Bar Association (ABA) rating Mildred L. Lillie as unqualified for the Supreme Court, with plans to leak the ABA's contradictory acknowledgment that she was nonetheless the best-qualified woman available. The President also seeks confirmation of John Ehrlichman’s support for William H. Rehnquist as a potential fallback candidate should Howard H. Baker, Jr. decline the nomination. Nixon expresses a clear intention to bypass the ABA's approval process for the Rehnquist appointment.
President Nixon and Richard A. Moore discuss the status of potential judicial nominees for the Supreme Court, specifically weighing the qualifications of candidates like Mildred Lillie. Nixon expresses frustration over opposition to certain nominees and identifies Senator Howard Baker as a top contingency choice if his primary preferences do not move forward. The brief meeting concludes with Nixon instructing Moore to conduct further vetting on the suitability of specific candidates.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the ongoing process of selecting Supreme Court nominees, focusing specifically on the potential candidacy of Howard H. Baker, Jr. The two men deliberate over Baker's willingness to accept an appointment and the necessity of resolving his outstanding financial disclosures. They conclude by noting that if Baker declines the offer, they will pivot to William H. Rehnquist as a primary alternative.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate specific research data for an upcoming presidential address. The discussion centered on compiling statistics regarding the years of active law practice for various Supreme Court Justices. Haldeman received instructions to formalize this data to support the content of the President’s speech.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to dictate notes regarding potential Supreme Court nominees. The discussion also involved coordination with Rose Mary Woods concerning these materials. The primary purpose of the meeting was to manage administrative tasks related to the judicial selection process.
President Nixon consulted with Richard A. Moore regarding the drafting of a presidential address intended to announce his selections for the Supreme Court. The discussion focused on establishing a firm deadline for the completion of the speech. No significant policy decisions were reached, as the conversation served primarily to coordinate administrative preparations for the forthcoming announcement.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the internal management and public messaging regarding upcoming judicial and administrative appointments. The discussion centered on finalizing the selection processes involving key figures such as John Mitchell, Lawrence Walsh, and Warren Burger, while also addressing concerns regarding sensitive leaks. They further reviewed statistical data intended to support the President’s scheduled speech concerning his recent appointments.
President Nixon consulted Richard A. Moore to confirm the age of William H. Rehnquist during the lead-up to his Supreme Court nomination. Moore verified that Rehnquist was 47 years old, born in 1924, and discussed his military service background. The President concluded the brief call by inviting Moore to the Oval Office to review a pending document.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize on the messaging for forthcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically focusing on the selection of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and the role of John N. Mitchell in the vetting process. They discussed the importance of managing public perception regarding the American Bar Association’s influence and the administration’s internal decision-making criteria. Additionally, the President provided specific instructions to Ziegler on how to frame the vetting process and the consideration of diverse candidates during upcoming media briefings.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss the timing of impending Supreme Court vacancies. The primary focus of the brief consultation was to manage the political strategy surrounding potential judicial appointments. No final decisions were recorded, but the discussion highlights the administration's active planning regarding the composition of the high court.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman spoke briefly to clarify the specific resignation dates of Supreme Court Justices Hugo L. Black and John M. Harlan. The President sought confirmation of the exact dates, establishing that Black resigned on September 17 and Harlan on September 23. This exchange served to finalize the timeline of the vacancies for administrative or political record-keeping.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss the pending Supreme Court nominations of Lewis Powell and William Rehnquist. The President expressed his confidence in the nominees and emphasized the importance of their judicial appointments to the broader government agenda. The conversation also touched upon broader concerns regarding public trust in government and the challenges of managing political discourse.
President Nixon utilized this time to rehearse a public speech outlining his philosophy for selecting judicial nominees. During the session, he discussed his criteria for appointments, specifically emphasizing the need for candidates who balance social order with individual rights. He also highlighted the credentials of Lewis F. Powell as an exemplary candidate for a position in the federal judiciary.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the professional background and legal credentials of William Rehnquist. The brief interaction focuses on Rehnquist’s academic history, his previous clerkship for Justice Robert Jackson, and his subsequent legal career in Arizona prior to his federal service. The dialogue serves to review Rehnquist’s qualifications, likely in preparation for his upcoming nomination to the Supreme Court.
President Nixon practiced a public address in the Old Executive Office Building, focusing on the upcoming nominations of Lewis Powell and William Rehnquist to the Supreme Court. The President emphasized the need to build public trust in these appointees and their ability to uphold institutional integrity. The session served as a rehearsal for a broadcast intended to garner political support for his judicial selections.
President Nixon consulted with Hobart D. Lewis to celebrate the successful announcement of his Supreme Court nominees, Lewis F. Powell Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. Nixon expressed satisfaction with his strategy of misleading the press and the American Bar Association to secure appointments that prioritized conservative ideology over typical vetting pressures. The two discussed the long-term impact of these appointments on the Court's ideological balance, agreeing that the move successfully trapped critics who previously demanded judicial excellence.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and George Shultz to discuss a wide range of personnel, legislative, and economic policy matters. The conversation covered judicial and administrative appointments—specifically regarding Robert Kunzig and potential Supreme Court candidates—the status of welfare reform legislation, and political strategy for the 1972 election. They also reviewed economic initiatives, including a possible value-added tax, the Pay Board's handling of labor contracts, and the status of international trade negotiations, with Nixon emphasizing the need to maintain strong control over federal spending and policy direction.
President Nixon met with Patrick J. Buchanan, Kenneth M. Smith, and Lyndon K. Allin for a brief Oval Office session that included a photo opportunity and gift presentation. The discussion focused on the ongoing Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Nixon and his advisors particularly addressed liberal opposition to these appointments, specifically criticizing the double standards of critics like Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. regarding past judicial selections.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to place a call to Lewis F. Powell, Jr. following the Senate's confirmation of Powell as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. The President intended to personally congratulate the new justice on his appointment. This conversation serves as a brief logistical step in the administration's outreach to key judicial appointees.
President Nixon calls Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to congratulate him on his recent Senate confirmation to the Supreme Court. The two discuss the political opposition faced by Powell and fellow nominee William H. Rehnquist, drawing historical parallels to the controversial nomination of Louis D. Brandeis. Powell outlines his transition plan, noting that he intends to wrap up his private law practice and begin full-time service on the Court by January 1972 after coordinating with Chief Justice Warren E. Burger.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Manolo Sanchez to coordinate the timing and protocol for an upcoming federal judgeship announcement. The President confirmed his intention to proceed with the announcement and attended to administrative tasks, including the signing of a letter or bill. The brief session concluded with the departure of Butterfield and Sanchez after these procedural matters were addressed.
President Nixon called Chief Justice Warren E. Burger to exchange Christmas greetings and discuss the recent additions to the Supreme Court, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. The President expressed his confidence in Rehnquist’s work ethic and emphasized that he viewed the judiciary as the "Burger Court" rather than the "Nixon Court." The conversation concluded with a brief exchange regarding the President's upcoming travel to Florida to meet with Prime Minister Eisaku Sato.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield consult on administrative scheduling and personnel matters, specifically addressing potential judicial appointments and the political optics of the Supreme Court. Nixon expresses deep concern regarding the predictability of his own appointees and contemplates the necessity of a constitutional amendment to override potential judicial opposition. The discussion underscores the President's anxieties about maintaining control over the judiciary's direction and his desire to avoid the political liability of a partisan-branded court.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to leverage recent Supreme Court decisions as part of the administration's broader political messaging. They agree to instruct PR staff and administration speakers to emphasize how Nixon’s judicial appointments have fundamentally reshaped the Court. This effort is intended to promote the President's vision of achieving peace both domestically and internationally.
President Nixon met with Chief Justice Warren E. Burger in the Oval Office to discuss the administrative and operational concerns of the Supreme Court, including court caseloads and legislative needs. The two explored potential future judicial appointments, strategies for addressing media criticism of the Court, and ideological shifts within the judiciary. Additionally, they reviewed international affairs, including Nixon's diplomatic opening to China, and analyzed the broader national political landscape heading into the 1972 election.
President Nixon uses this dictation session to outline key campaign themes for the 1972 election, emphasizing the administration's record on judicial appointments and law enforcement. He discusses political strategy, including the potential future of the Democratic Party and the electoral prospects of figures like Ted Kennedy. Additionally, Nixon reflects on international affairs and logistical details regarding his schedule, specifically mentioning observations relayed by John Connally.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and members of Colson's staff to discuss administrative communications strategy, the role of cabinet members in defending policy, and political outreach. The discussion focused on using cabinet officials as effective surrogates to promote conservative judicial appointments and defend administration policies to specific audiences, such as law enforcement groups. Additionally, the President touched upon concerns regarding rising food prices and the necessity of cultivating aggressive, action-oriented leadership within the State and Defense departments.
President Nixon met with Representative David N. Henderson and John E. Nidecker to discuss political support, North Carolina’s electoral climate, and judicial philosophy. The conversation covered a range of domestic issues, including law enforcement policies, the judicial system's role in public safety, and recent legislative efforts regarding military labor. The meeting concluded with an informal exchange and the presentation of presidential cufflinks to the Congressman.
President Nixon met with several Republican senators to strategize on gaining legislative action against school busing during the remaining session of the 92nd Congress. Nixon encouraged the senators to support the current busing legislation as the most viable vehicle for immediate progress, emphasizing that the Senate should at least proceed to a vote on the merits rather than allowing the bill to stall. The President also discussed the broader political landscape, including his judicial philosophy regarding Supreme Court appointments and his intent to emphasize these themes in upcoming campaign appearances.
President Nixon met with Pennsylvania political figure M. Harvey Taylor and District Attorney Leroy S. Zimmerman, accompanied by Alexander P. Butterfield, for a courtesy visit to the Oval Office. The discussion focused on Pennsylvania politics, reflections on the 1972 election results, and the exchange of gifts and presidential mementos. During the meeting, Nixon encouraged Taylor to return for future visits and touched upon Zimmerman’s potential future career path in the judiciary.
George P. Shultz and John D. Ehrlichman discussed personnel matters regarding the second-term administration reorganization, specifically noting that Arnold R. Weber declined potential appointment offers. The pair reviewed a request from Samuel R. Pierce, Jr. to serve as a circuit court judge after completing his current Treasury duties, rather than accepting an ambassadorship. Additionally, they addressed a request for a presidential pardon for William R. Ming, Jr., a Chicago lawyer facing tax fraud charges, which Ehrlichman agreed to refer to John W. Dean, III.
John D. Ehrlichman and George P. Shultz discuss potential presidential pardons for the upcoming Christmas season, specifically addressing the case of a Chicago attorney convicted of tax fraud. Shultz also briefs Ehrlichman on Samuel Pierce’s career objectives, noting that Pierce prefers a judicial appointment over an ambassadorship and intends to remain at the Treasury Department for several more months. The pair coordinate the documentation and handling of these personnel and legal matters for further review by the President.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met with Jewell R. LaFontant to discuss her recruitment for a high-level role in the Justice Department as part of the administration's second-term reorganization. Nixon offered LaFontant the position of Deputy Solicitor General to build her federal legal experience, explicitly framing this appointment as a stepping stone toward a future nomination to the federal judiciary. The meeting also addressed the administration's desire to appoint more minority and female judges, the strategic challenges of navigating the American Bar Association, and coordination with legal staff to facilitate her transition to Washington, D.C.
President Nixon met with press members Helen Thomas and Frances Lewine, along with press secretary Ronald Ziegler and others, for an informal discussion that touched upon the President's personal reflections and observations on public service. The conversation covered a wide array of topics, including age requirements for political office and the judiciary, the physical and emotional burdens of the presidency, and the importance of maintaining interaction with younger generations. The participants also shared personal anecdotes and birthday greetings, concluding with a brief interaction regarding family photographs in the office.
President Nixon, John Dean, and Stephen Bull discussed potential judicial appointments, focusing on diversity and qualifications for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals positions. They also touched upon the issue of "leaks" within the administration and the handling of investigations, particularly concerning W. Mark Felt. A significant portion of the conversation involved strategies for managing public perception and congressional inquiries related to ongoing investigations, including the potential impact of certain individuals testifying.
President Nixon met with Georgia-Pacific executive Robert B. Pamplin to discuss the administration's business philosophy and regulatory challenges facing major corporations. The conversation touched on the Federal Trade Commission's antitrust actions, the importance of appointing non-advocacy judges to regulatory commissions, and the complexities of US-Japan trade relations, specifically regarding timber exports. Nixon emphasized his commitment to fostering a favorable environment for American business, mirroring an Eisenhower-era philosophy, while also addressing concerns regarding labor disputes and inflation.