Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Lewis F. Powell Jr.
40 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Mitchell, Haldeman, Bull
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.
Attorney General John N. Mitchell received a briefing from the White House operator regarding the travel schedule of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The discussion confirmed that Powell would be reachable at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York later that evening. Mitchell decided to postpone his scheduled outreach to Powell until he returned to his office on Wednesday.
President Nixon, John Mitchell, and H.R. Haldeman met in the Oval Office to strategize on impending Supreme Court nominations and the administration's relationship with the American Bar Association (ABA). The discussion centered on vetting candidates—specifically Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Howard H. Baker, Jr., and various women—while navigating potential political fallout and media criticism regarding judicial qualifications. The President decided to prioritize Powell and expressed a willingness to move forward with nominees like Baker even if they did not receive full ABA approval, aiming to limit the influence of the organized bar and avoid public controversies similar to past nomination failures.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the political viability of potential Supreme Court nominees amidst opposition from the Los Angeles Bar Association. They specifically weigh the negative feedback regarding Mildred L. Lillie against the ongoing search for other candidates. The conversation concludes with a status update on the exploratory discussions being held with Lewis F. Powell, Jr.
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 consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The discussion centered on identifying Powell's current whereabouts and confirming his availability at the Waldorf in New York. This administrative outreach was a preparatory step for the President to initiate direct communication with the future Supreme Court nominee.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to locate Lewis F. Powell, Jr. following reports that he had checked out of his current location. Upon learning that Powell could not be reached, the President directed the operator to connect him with Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The brief exchange reflects ongoing efforts to manage the scheduling and communication surrounding the potential Supreme Court nominee.
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 instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The purpose of this communication was to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and the future Supreme Court nominee. This interaction served as a logistical step in the administration's judicial appointment process.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss strategy for filling Supreme Court vacancies, specifically focusing on persuading Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to accept an appointment. The two also evaluate the candidacy of Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. and debate the merits of considering William H. Mulligan, noting that an appointment from a school like Fordham would challenge elitist preferences for top-tier institutions. Mitchell is instructed to consult with John Ehrlichman and Richard Moore regarding Mulligan's suitability while leveraging the endorsement of Warren E. Burger.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a follow-up telephone call to Lewis F. Powell, Jr. at his residence in Richmond, Virginia. This outreach was part of the administration's efforts to coordinate with the future Supreme Court nominee. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a call to Lewis F. Powell, Jr. during a brief administrative interaction. Following the request, Nixon engaged in a spontaneous critique of political opposition, specifically disparaging the Kennedy family's influence on the Vietnam War and their perceived efforts to rehabilitate the legacy of John F. Kennedy in the media. No further official actions were taken during this exchange.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discussed the selection process for upcoming Supreme Court appointments, specifically noting difficulties in reaching preferred candidate Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Mitchell proposed William H. Rehnquist as a potential alternative, highlighting his legal background, conservative credentials, and performance as an Assistant Attorney General. The pair further evaluated the political optics and professional standing of various candidates, including William French Smith and William H. Mulligan, while affirming the need to finalize a decision with Howard Baker.
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 and John Mitchell discuss potential Supreme Court nominees, confirming Lewis F. Powell, Jr.'s acceptance and weighing the qualifications and political implications of appointing William H. Rehnquist and Howard H. Baker, Jr. The two men deliberate on the strategic timing of public announcements and the management of the American Bar Association committee's review process. Throughout the discussion, they evaluate the professional reputation and perceived political benefits of their candidates, while briefly joking about Rehnquist’s religious background.
President Nixon and Attorney General John N. Mitchell discuss the selection process for upcoming Supreme Court appointments. The conversation centers on evaluating potential candidates, including Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, and Howard H. Baker, Jr., while addressing concerns regarding American Bar Association (ABA) feedback. They also coordinate the timing and strategy for public announcements and potential press statements regarding these judicial nominations.
President Nixon and John Mitchell coordinate the final strategy for upcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically discussing candidates Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Howard H. Baker, Jr., and William H. Rehnquist. Mitchell briefs the President on the American Bar Association’s negative evaluations of other potential nominees, prompting Nixon to decide to publicly challenge the ABA's influence. Nixon directs Mitchell to finalize the selection of either Baker or Rehnquist to pair with Powell, and concludes that he will make a primetime televised announcement the following evening to control the narrative.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss strategy for upcoming Supreme Court nominations, focusing on managing political fallout and public perception. They evaluate potential candidates like Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and address the ABA's negative reception toward Herschel Friday due to civil rights concerns. To ensure a controlled rollout, Nixon plans to utilize William Safire to draft his announcement remarks only hours before the official disclosure to prevent premature leaks.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the strategy for upcoming Supreme Court appointments, specifically weighing the candidacy of Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. against William H. Rehnquist. Nixon expresses significant concern regarding Baker’s academic credentials and insists on verifying his law school record before making a final commitment. Ultimately, they decide to decline Baker for the current vacancy based on political considerations and the strength of Rehnquist’s superior academic record, while leaving the door open for Baker’s future appointment.
President Nixon consulted with John N. Mitchell regarding the selection and public announcement of new Supreme Court nominees. The discussion focused on coordinating the nomination of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. while managing potential political fallout and vetting concerns from the American Bar Association. Mitchell was tasked with leveraging key congressional contacts to facilitate the process and handle media inquiries surrounding the candidates.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the finalization and strategic rollout of two forthcoming Supreme Court appointments. Nixon emphasizes maintaining strict confidentiality—excluding even top staff—until a coordinated notification process begins to inform key Congressional leaders. They finalize communication plans, including how to address potential opposition from the American Bar Association and how to manage the media narrative surrounding the nominees, William Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Richard A. Moore met to prepare for a public address regarding the President’s nominations of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to the Supreme Court. The discussion focused on refining the speech text, emphasizing the nominees' judicial philosophies, and gathering background data on their professional qualifications and legal backgrounds. The participants also considered how to frame these appointments to the press and the public to ensure a favorable reception of the nominees' credentials and legal experience.
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 met with Rose Mary Woods and H. R. Haldeman to evaluate his pending Supreme Court nominations, specifically focusing on the qualifications and backgrounds of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The discussion included a review of the candidates' legal school rankings and ages, as well as coordination regarding the President's upcoming speech on the appointments. Additionally, the participants addressed the President's schedule and the status of various administrative tasks handled by his speechwriting team.
President Nixon rehearsed a televised address announcing his intention to nominate Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to the United States Supreme Court. The remarks focused on the judicial philosophy of the Court and the necessity of balancing social rights with law enforcement needs. Nixon praised Powell’s distinguished career and legal expertise to justify his selection as a candidate capable of upholding constitutional principles.
President Nixon and his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods discussed the positive reception of the President's televised speech regarding his nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist to the Supreme Court. Woods relayed congratulatory feedback from key administration figures and allies, including John Connally, George Romney, and John Mitchell, who particularly praised the President's historical context regarding the Court. Although Woods relayed a request from Secretary James D. Hodgson for the President to call labor leader George Meany regarding Wage and Price Board issues, Nixon firmly declined to initiate the call.
President Nixon and Chief Justice Warren E. Burger discuss the recent nominations of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to the Supreme Court. Nixon expresses strong confidence in both men, characterizing Rehnquist as a tough, constitutionalist jurist and Powell as an eminent legal mind. Nixon specifically instructs Burger to reassure Powell that his vision issues should not preclude his service, urging him to focus on his deliberative role on the Court rather than administrative minutiae.
President Nixon consulted with Secretary of State William Rogers and AFL-CIO leader George Meany to gauge their reactions to his recent Supreme Court nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. The conversations emphasized the nominees' commitment to law and order and their lack of anti-labor bias, which helped secure Meany’s preliminary support. Nixon also reflected on the authorship of his October 21 speech and discussed the ongoing challenges of finding qualified female candidates for judicial appointments.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the overwhelmingly positive public and editorial reaction to the President's recent Supreme Court nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. The pair noted that the surprise announcement effectively silenced critics and left political opponents, such as Senators Bayh and Kennedy, caught off guard. While Powell enjoyed broad recognition, the two agreed on the necessity of conducting an outreach campaign to build support for Rehnquist, whose credentials were less well-known to the broader public and legal establishment.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for securing the confirmation of Supreme Court nominees William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. following the President's recent announcement. They weigh the political challenges posed by opposition from groups like the American Bar Association and individual Democrats, specifically Edward M. Kennedy. Nixon emphasizes the nominees' superior academic and professional credentials as a defense against criticism and stresses the importance of maintaining momentum for their confirmation.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler discussed the positive public and political reception of Supreme Court nominees Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist, focusing on the importance of their conservative credentials and intellectual capability. Nixon analyzed the ideological balance of the Court and strategized on managing media narratives regarding the nominees' ages and backgrounds. Additionally, the participants reviewed the administration's public relations approach to the Pay Board and the potential labor boycott, deciding to downplay the absence of labor members during upcoming announcements.
President Nixon called Virginia Governor Linwood Holton to discuss the impending announcement of his Supreme Court nominations of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Nixon urged Holton to publicly endorse the selections during his press conference, emphasizing the high quality of the candidates and the bipartisan nature of the appointments. The conversation also touched on international affairs, including tensions in Pakistan and the Middle East, before concluding with plans for Holton to meet with White House staff regarding Virginia's school policies.
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 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 met with his staff and nominee Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to discuss the status of pending legislation, congressional relations, and the upcoming Senate confirmation vote for Powell's Supreme Court appointment. The participants also reviewed a proposal for pension reform, specifically deliberating between two tax deduction options for individuals without employer-sponsored retirement plans. Nixon ultimately expressed support for the $1,500 deduction limit, emphasizing the administration's goal of encouraging private retirement savings for workers not covered by government or corporate pension programs.
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 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 consulted with John Mitchell and Patrick Buchanan regarding domestic political reactions to the recent naval blockade of North Vietnam. The discussion focused on securing public support from influential figures, including Supreme Court Justice Lewis F. Powell Jr., Secretary of State William P. Rogers, and Kenneth Rush. Nixon also coordinated logistics for an upcoming Duke Law School reunion dinner, emphasizing a controlled press photo opportunity to maintain an appropriate public image during the military escalation.