Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Mike Mansfield
44 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Kissinger, Mansfield
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield. The brief exchange served as a logistical step to facilitate direct communication between the President and the legislative leader. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this operator interaction.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with Stephen B. Bull to arrange a discreet, off-the-record meeting between President Nixon and Senator Mike Mansfield. The two plan the logistics of Mansfield's arrival at the Executive Office Building to ensure he avoids the press and maintains total confidentiality. Bull agrees to personally escort the Senator through the driveway to avoid public visibility.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and subsequently Senator Mike Mansfield to refine the messaging and strategy for an upcoming major address regarding the Vietnam War. The discussion centered on balancing the public announcement of troop withdrawal plans with the need to maintain negotiating leverage against North Vietnam and manage domestic Congressional pressure. Nixon also reviewed geopolitical concerns, including the political situation in Chile under Salvador Allende and broader strategies for international arms control and the Middle East, while seeking to reassure Mansfield regarding the administration’s commitment to ending the conflict.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss preparations for an upcoming editors' meeting, specifically focusing on technical logistics like the use of a rostrum and the presidential seal. The President emphasizes the need for a more relaxed attitude toward press relations, arguing that his ability to answer questions directly provides a significant political advantage. Additionally, the pair briefly touches upon the President's diplomatic policy regarding the USSR and the domestic political landscape involving "hawks" and Senator Mike Mansfield.
President Nixon met with Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger to discuss U.S. foreign policy toward the People's Republic of China (PRC). The President sought to use Mansfield as a private channel to gauge interest in a potential high-level visit to China, aiming to initiate a dialogue while maintaining a step-by-step approach regarding trade and travel restrictions. The participants emphasized the importance of conducting these overtures privately to avoid public rejection and to manage the delicate balance of power between the U.S., China, and the Soviet Union.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the administration's strategy for countering the Mansfield Amendment ahead of an upcoming Senate vote. Rogers advises the President to avoid personal attacks on Senator Mike Mansfield, noting that Dean Acheson’s disparaging public comments about the Senator have generated sympathy for him among other lawmakers. Rogers also provides an update on his recent testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee regarding war powers and foreign policy, emphasizing the ongoing legislative tension over the Senate's role in executive decision-making.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield. This request was part of the President's efforts to facilitate communication with key legislative leadership. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative action to initiate high-level coordination with the Senate.
President Nixon consulted with Mary Jane Delbalzo, secretary to Senator Mike Mansfield, to coordinate a potential presidential visit to Montana. Nixon requested that the Senator’s staff communicate with H.R. Haldeman to finalize the logistics, timing, and nature of the event, which was likely a dedication ceremony. This coordination was intended to align the Montana trip with the President’s broader upcoming travel schedule throughout the Western United States, which included dedications for various infrastructure projects.
John Ehrlichman and Clark MacGregor coordinate the logistics of delivering sensitive documents from the President to Congressional leadership. The conversation addresses confusion regarding communication with Speaker Carl Albert and Vice President Spiro Agnew, as the administration prepares to bypass traditional procedures. Ehrlichman instructs MacGregor to exclude the Vice President from the distribution process, emphasizing that the delivery to Mike Mansfield and joint leadership is an extraordinary procedure.
President Nixon instructs the White House operator to connect him with Senator Mike Mansfield's secretary. This brief administrative interaction serves as a precursor to an intended high-level communication with the Senate Majority Leader. No substantive policy discussions occur during this call, as its sole purpose is to facilitate outreach to congressional leadership.
President Nixon, Secretary of State William P. Rogers, and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger coordinated strategy regarding ongoing efforts to achieve an honorable end to the Vietnam War. The discussion centered on aligning U.S. negotiating objectives—specifically a ceasefire, POW release, and regional peace—with potential legislative maneuvers in Congress. The participants evaluated how to manage Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield’s involvement to prevent unfavorable legislative interference with the administration's diplomatic goals.
President Nixon placed a congratulatory call to Representative Richard G. Shoup to wish him a happy birthday. Shoup took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the President’s recent visit to Montana and noted the positive reception Nixon received in his district. The two discussed the favorable press coverage of the trip, which highlighted the collaborative efforts between the administration and local leadership, including Senator Mike Mansfield.
President Richard Nixon initiated a brief holiday telephone call to Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield to exchange Christmas greetings and well wishes for the New Year. The two men engaged in light conversation regarding the weather conditions on the West Coast before concluding with a mutual commitment to reconvene for a scheduled meeting on January 18, 1972. The interaction served primarily as a diplomatic gesture of goodwill rather than a discussion of substantive policy matters.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss a phone call from Senate leaders Hugh Scott and Mike Mansfield. The brief exchange served as a situational update regarding the legislative leadership's communication with the White House. No specific policy decisions were finalized during this short interaction.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Secretary of State William Rogers discuss positive domestic and international reactions to the President's recent speech on Vietnam, specifically noting favorable feedback from Mike Mansfield and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. They shift to contingency planning regarding Vietnam, debating whether to initiate preemptive military strikes against North Vietnamese forces or wait for an attack. The participants agree to convene a high-level meeting involving military and intelligence leaders after Ambassador William Porter presents proposals in Paris to ensure the administration is prepared and protected from potential military blame.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield. The President specifically requested that the operator reach both the Senator and his wife, Sandra Mansfield. This brief administrative exchange served as the preparatory step for a personal or professional communication between the President and the Senate leadership.
President Nixon met with Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield to express gratitude for Mansfield’s recent public support regarding the administration's ongoing diplomatic efforts. The discussion centered on maintaining domestic and legislative momentum for a forthcoming peace proposal intended for international negotiations. Nixon emphasized the importance of keeping these proposals at the forefront of public discourse to maximize their impact and prospects for acceptance.
President Nixon and Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott discussed the upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China by Scott and Senator Mike Mansfield. Nixon instructed Scott to mitigate friction with the House of Representatives by emphasizing that future trips would likely include House members. Additionally, the President advised Scott to maintain a measured diplomatic stance regarding Taiwan to avoid provoking a negative reaction from Chinese officials.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discuss the positive public reception to the President's recent speech on school busing. Nixon notes that while some Southern politicians push for more aggressive legislative action, the administration remains focused on securing a moratorium on busing. The President expresses satisfaction that even Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield, despite expressing reservations, intends to support the proposed legislation.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate their upcoming personal schedule, including a dinner engagement and movie plans for the family. Amidst these personal logistics, the President briefly touches upon his heavy workload and political maneuvering regarding legislative efforts for a school busing moratorium. He notes that while some southern factions sought to reopen related cases, he and Senator Mike Mansfield reached an understanding to proceed with the current legislative strategy.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the public messaging surrounding a bipartisan trip to the People's Republic of China by Senators Mike Mansfield and Hugh Scott. Nixon emphasized framing the visit as an approved, bipartisan mission and confirmed he would provide a personal letter to be delivered to Chinese leadership. Additionally, the two addressed administrative concerns regarding First Lady Pat Nixon's upcoming travels, focusing on the management of her speeches and the use of White House staff.
President Nixon utilized the White House operator to place a personal congratulatory call to Ann Mansfield, the daughter of Senator Mike Mansfield, on the morning of her wedding. The President expressed his well wishes for the occasion and offered his congratulations for the couple's future. This brief exchange served as a courteous gesture toward the Senate Majority Leader’s family.
President Nixon called Anne Mansfield on her wedding day to offer his personal congratulations and well wishes. During the brief exchange, the two discussed her father Senator Mike Mansfield’s upcoming trip to the People’s Republic of China, which had been the subject of a substantive conversation between the President and the Senator the previous evening. Nixon lightheartedly concluded by suggesting that the Senator bring back souvenirs for her as a wedding gift.
President Nixon consulted with Patrick J. Buchanan to request research regarding a recent congressional speech by Senator Mike Mansfield concerning Greece. The primary objective was to obtain historical context or records related to the Senator's remarks for use in administration policy or messaging. No further substantive developments were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and William E. Timmons discussed logistical arrangements for the upcoming congressional adjournment, specifically regarding how legislative leadership would formally notify the President. They reviewed historical precedents for this notification process, weighing options such as a personal visit to the White House or a telephone call from key leaders like Mike Mansfield. The conversation also briefly touched upon the status of Hale Boggs following his recent airplane disappearance, with Nixon suggesting this should be treated as a matter of public concern.
President Nixon consulted with Senate leaders Margaret Chase Smith and Mike Mansfield regarding the formal adjournment of the Senate. During the call, the President granted permission for the adjournment and briefly discussed Mansfield's upcoming diplomatic trip to the People's Republic of China. Nixon also expressed his personal support for Senator Smith's reelection campaign in Maine.
President Nixon initiates a call to Senator Mike Mansfield through the White House operator. This brief administrative exchange serves to facilitate communication between the President and the Senate Majority Leader. No further substantive policy discussions are captured in this recording segment.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to facilitate communication with Senator Mike Mansfield, who had traveled to Boca Grande, Florida. The President requested that the operator inform Mansfield that he had returned his call and secure a contact number for a follow-up conversation later that evening. This coordination was necessary due to conflicting schedules that prevented the two from connecting during the afternoon.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated the messaging strategy for an upcoming, highly sensitive announcement regarding Vietnam peace negotiations. The President directed that the announcement be delivered in a strictly scripted, low-key manner by press secretary Ronald Ziegler to prevent unauthorized interpretations or deviations from official policy. Additionally, they strategized on managing Congressional leaders, specifically deciding to brief only Senator Mike Mansfield while withholding information from others to protect the delicate status of the ongoing talks.
President Nixon and William Timmons discussed strategies for managing congressional opposition, particularly regarding the Vietnam War and efforts by antiwar Democrats to challenge administration policy. They focused on navigating the upcoming Democratic caucus, coordinating future meetings with Speaker Carl Albert and Senator Mike Mansfield, and maintaining a unified front against anti-administration resolutions. Additionally, they reviewed logistical arrangements for a reception for new Republican members of Congress, deciding to include Democratic leadership to foster better relations.
President Nixon and Charles Colson coordinate with William E. Timmons regarding the strategy for an upcoming congressional meeting and reception. They instruct Timmons to personally attend the evening gathering of freshman congressmen and bipartisan leadership to manage the optics of the event. Additionally, they discuss the status of a meeting with Mike Mansfield, ultimately deciding to prioritize the evening reception over other scheduling concerns.
President Nixon directs Henry Kissinger to adopt a cold, confrontational demeanor during an upcoming meeting with Senator Mike Mansfield to pressure him regarding Congressional opposition to the Vietnam War. Nixon insists that Kissinger blame Mansfield and other Democrats for jeopardizing peace negotiations by threatening to cut off war funding, warning that the President will publicly address the nation to assign blame if the Senate persists. The President emphasizes that Kissinger must abandon conciliatory tactics and clearly communicate that Senate actions have undermined the administration's leverage in ongoing talks.
President Nixon directs Henry Kissinger to take an icy, confrontational stance with Senator Mike Mansfield regarding congressional interference in Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon tasks Kissinger with informing Mansfield that his legislative actions have jeopardized the potential for an honorable peace and forced the President to consider a national televised address to hold Congress accountable. This strategy aims to shift public blame toward Senate Democrats for any future failure in the ongoing peace talks.
H. R. Haldeman consulted William E. Timmons to assess the sentiment of Mike Mansfield regarding a proposed joint session of Congress. Timmons reported that Mansfield expressed logistical concerns about the late notice, though he remained skeptical of Mansfield's underlying motives. Ultimately, they concluded that while Mansfield would cooperate if necessary, he would prefer that the President not pursue the appearance.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull met to coordinate the President’s logistical schedule, including arrangements for a helicopter trip to Camp David with First Lady Pat Nixon. Bull also relayed a request from First Lady Nixon for advance notice regarding their departure time to ensure she would be ready. Additionally, Bull informed the President that Senator Mike Mansfield had requested a phone call to discuss a personal matter following Nixon's meeting with Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon consulted with staff regarding legislative strategy and foreign policy coordination, specifically concerning Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield's interest in visiting the People's Republic of China. Nixon directed Bill Timmons to contact Mansfield to discuss the potential trip and to address the appointment of nominees to an unspecified foreign policy board. Additionally, the President reviewed a list of potential board candidates provided by George H.W. Bush, emphasizing the need for loyal supporters, and prepared for an upcoming meeting with Charles Colson.
President Nixon consulted with General Brent Scowcroft regarding the status of ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Laos and Cambodia to prepare for upcoming meetings with Senate leaders, including Mike Mansfield. Scowcroft reported that the Laos negotiations were in the final stages despite lingering disagreements over minor points. The President requested brief summaries on the status of these negotiations, as well as on potential economic aid to North Vietnam, to ensure he could adequately brief Congress and secure legislative support.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull coordinate the President's schedule, specifically addressing the cancellation of a breakfast meeting with Mike Mansfield and the subsequent rescheduling of appointments. The discussion focuses on finalizing a 9:00 a.m. meeting with L. Patrick Gray, accompanied by John Ehrlichman, followed by a meeting with Sir Christopher Soames. Nixon emphasizes keeping the Gray meeting off the record while utilizing the Soames appointment as a formal reason to depart from a scheduled Cabinet meeting.
President Nixon directed William E. Timmons to reschedule a meeting with Mike Mansfield to Thursday morning, citing a need for Henry Kissinger to recover from travel and to better prepare for the discussion. Nixon also noted that Secretary of State William P. Rogers was scheduled to testify the following day. Timmons confirmed the change to the new 11:00 am slot, and the President instructed him to coordinate the update with the necessary parties.
President Nixon and William E. Timmons discuss strategies for maintaining legislative communication with Senate leadership, specifically focusing on Senator Mike Mansfield. They address the necessity of providing briefings to senators regarding upcoming administrative initiatives and policy developments. The pair concludes that Timmons should coordinate with Senator Mansfield to facilitate these briefings and ensure the administration maintains a structured flow of information.
President Nixon directs Stephen Bull to schedule a private breakfast meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield for the morning of April 8, 1973. The President intends to brief Mansfield personally on his upcoming travel to California and his plans for future bipartisan meetings. Nixon explicitly mandates that the meeting be restricted to just the two of them, with no other staff members or aides present.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files while coordinating internal administrative actions. The President notably requested the presence of General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and documented a conversation with Senator Mike Mansfield regarding potential foreign aid to Vietnam. Additionally, the President recorded an interaction involving Reverend Billy Graham.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to prepare for an upcoming session with key bipartisan Congressional leaders. The discussion focused on coordinating the attendance of Senators Mike Mansfield, Robert C. Byrd, and J. William Fulbright for the scheduled meeting. This brief encounter served as a final logistical confirmation for the President’s impending engagement with these prominent legislators.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss political maneuvering regarding Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and potential press exploitation of ongoing controversies. Nixon expresses concern that opponents intend to build up negative coverage over the summer to damage the administration. He directs Haig to thoroughly vet these developments and considers retaliatory measures, such as imposing tariffs, to counter the perceived political threat.