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Nixon Tapes on Presidential address

49 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Cox, Ziegler, Sanchez

April 7, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to discuss preparations for his upcoming televised address regarding the situation in Southeast Asia. The conversation specifically addressed the involvement of the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) in the broadcast. Following the brief exchange, the unidentified party departed the Oval Office.

April 8, 1971 · Nixon, Rebozo & Sanchez

President Nixon consulted with his close associate Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo to gauge public reaction to his recent televised address regarding the war in Southeast Asia. The discussion highlighted the effectiveness of the President's personal anecdote about young Kevin Taylor and the utility of using visual charts to demonstrate his progress in ending the conflict. Rebozo advised Nixon to set a firm deadline for the Paris peace negotiations, an idea the President indicated he intended to pursue within the coming months.

July 2, 1971 · Nixon & Andrews

President Nixon and John K. Andrews, Jr. coordinated the finalization of a rough draft for a forthcoming presidential address. The conversation focused on incorporating an anecdote about John Brown, which Rose Mary Woods was currently delivering, and refining the text's length and organization. Andrews committed to completing these revisions and presenting the updated draft to the President by 8:30 p.m.

September 8, 1971 · Price

Raymond K. Price, Jr. contacted the White House operator to facilitate a call to his own office. The discussion primarily involved the logistical coordination of drafting the President’s forthcoming address to Congress. The parties specifically addressed the current status and word count requirements for the speech draft.

September 8, 1971 · Nixon & Sanchez

President Richard Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to review the final preparations for an upcoming address to Congress. The discussion focused on editing the draft of the President’s speech concerning national economic stabilization policies. This session served as a final administrative check before the President formally presented his economic agenda on September 9, 1971.

September 8, 1971 · Nixon & Ziegler

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler consulted on pending communication strategies, specifically regarding public messaging on Vietnam casualty rates and reports involving H.R. Haldeman. They also reviewed final revisions for the President's upcoming address to Congress concerning economic stabilization. The discussion focused on coordinating the administration’s narrative for these high-priority domestic and foreign policy issues.

September 8, 1971 · Nixon & Ehrlichman

President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to refine the text of the President's upcoming address to Congress regarding economic stabilization. The discussion focused on carefully crafting language regarding the ongoing war to ensure it balanced political sensitivity with the administration's goals for peace. Nixon directed Ehrlichman to test specific phrasing with Henry Kissinger to determine the most effective approach for addressing these high-stakes policy issues.

September 9, 1971 · Nixon & MacGregor

President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discuss the highly positive congressional and public reception following the President's recent address to Congress. MacGregor reports that key Republican leaders expressed strong support for the speech's bipartisan tone and legislative proposals, particularly regarding revenue sharing and welfare reform. The two also coordinate the logistics and attendee lists for upcoming White House sessions with labor, business, agricultural, and congressional leaders.

October 7, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon rehearsed his televised address to the nation regarding the next phase of his administration's economic policy. He outlined plans to transition from the initial 90-day wage and price freeze to a system of long-term economic stabilization, including the establishment of a Price Commission and a Pay Board. The speech emphasized the need for continued voluntary cooperation from the public while warning that the government would enforce compliance to ensure long-term stability and curb inflation.

October 7, 1971 · Nixon & Ziegler

President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and television production staff in the Oval Office to coordinate technical preparations and staging for a nationally televised address. Following these adjustments, Nixon delivered a speech focused on his administration's economic policies, specifically outlining the transition to the next phase of wage and price controls. The conversation concluded with post-broadcast feedback and logistics involving the technical crew.

October 21, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon utilized time in his Executive Office Building suite to refine and rehearse a forthcoming address. He recorded his practice remarks, reviewing the delivery and content to ensure the speech was prepared for final broadcast. This session focused on polishing the rhetoric intended for a national audience regarding significant policy decisions.

October 21, 1971 · Nixon

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.

October 23, 1971 · Nixon & Keyes

President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes discuss the positive reception of the President’s recent televised address regarding his Supreme Court nominations. Keyes commends Nixon’s strategic presentation of his nominees, which both men agree will lead to successful Senate confirmation. The call concludes with a brief, favorable discussion regarding Joseph H. Blatchford's character and professional capabilities.

January 25, 1972 · Nixon & Sanchez

President Nixon utilized this session in the Old Executive Office Building to rehearse his televised 'Address to the Nation Making Public a Plan for Peace in Vietnam.' Accompanied at various points by Manolo Sanchez and an unidentified woman, Nixon refined the delivery of his speech, which sought to disclose previously secret negotiations with North Vietnam. The rehearsal focused on presenting the administration's comprehensive peace plan, including the withdrawal of U.S. forces, the release of prisoners of war, and proposals for new presidential elections in South Vietnam.

January 25, 1972 · Nixon

President Richard M. Nixon used this meeting to rehearse his televised 'Address to the Nation,' in which he aimed to break the deadlock in Vietnam War negotiations. He reviewed the history of secret diplomatic channels and clarified his administration's extensive, previously private peace proposals, including a plan for total American force withdrawal. By going public with these terms, Nixon sought to counter domestic criticism regarding the pace of negotiations and pressure North Vietnam to engage in meaningful diplomatic dialogue.

April 5, 1972 · Nixon & Andrews

President Nixon met with speechwriter John K. Andrews, Jr. to review and finalize a speech prepared for the President's upcoming address at a Catholic education convention. The two discussed specific revisions, with Nixon ensuring the draft incorporated his preferred messaging and feedback. The meeting concluded after the President reviewed the document and confirmed his intention to deliver the address.

April 25, 1972 · Nixon, Ziegler & Kissinger

President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, Ronald Ziegler, and other staff to finalize a major televised speech regarding troop levels and the ongoing conflict in Vietnam. The discussion focused on refining the speech's tone to appeal to hawkish supporters while managing political fallout from critics and maintaining strict secrecy surrounding Kissinger’s recent diplomatic mission to Moscow. Nixon also provided instructions on how to handle Secretary of State William Rogers and SALT negotiations, emphasizing the need to consolidate executive control over diplomatic messaging and strategy.

April 27, 1972 · Nixon

President Nixon rehearsed a televised address to the nation regarding the status of the Vietnam War and the ongoing North Vietnamese Easter Offensive. During this session, he outlined three major policy decisions: continuing the withdrawal of American troops with an additional 20,000 men coming home, resuming negotiations in Paris, and maintaining air and naval strikes against North Vietnam until the invasion of the South ceased. The rehearsal served to refine his message of 'peace with honor' while emphasizing the strategic necessity of supporting the South Vietnamese government.

336-008Tape 3361 hr 14 min

May 8, 1972 · Nixon, Haldeman & Kissinger

President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to finalize the decision to mine and blockade Haiphong harbor in response to the North Vietnamese offensive. The group debated the risks of the escalation to the upcoming Soviet summit and the potential for a South Vietnamese military collapse, ultimately concluding that the blockade was necessary to maintain American credibility and bargaining leverage. Nixon also reviewed the draft of his televised address announcing the policy and discussed the strategy for briefing Congressional leaders to ensure support for his actions.

May 8, 1972 · Nixon

President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to discuss preparations for his upcoming televised address announcing the mining and blockade of North Vietnamese ports. The conversation touched upon the historical weight of the impending announcement and briefly addressed concerns regarding the President’s appropriate attire for the broadcast. This meeting served as a final consultation shortly before the administration executed this significant escalation of the Vietnam War.

May 8, 1972 · Nixon & Kissinger

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize revisions for an upcoming televised address regarding the strategic blockade of North Vietnam. The discussion focused on refining the tone and strength of the President's rhetoric concerning the escalation of the conflict. Additionally, the two reviewed potential deletions and adjustments to the speech's language while briefly touching upon the status of German treaties.

May 8, 1972 · Nixon

President Richard Nixon rehearsed his upcoming television address regarding the situation in Southeast Asia to refine the delivery of his policy message. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining American commitments in Vietnam, focusing on the potential consequences of withdrawal, including the risks to remaining American service members and prisoners of war. The discussion functioned as a final preparation session to ensure the gravity and clarity of his public explanation for the administration's strategic decisions.

May 8, 1972 · Nixon & Kissinger

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to refine the text of Nixon’s televised address announcing the mining of North Vietnamese ports and the naval blockade. The discussion focused on balancing firm rhetoric against the North Vietnamese with specific peace offers, including a proposed cease-fire and the eventual withdrawal of American troops. The primary objective was to frame the escalation as a necessary measure to secure an honorable peace rather than a pursuit of military expansion.

May 8, 1972 · Nixon

President Nixon utilized this session to rehearse his upcoming televised address regarding the escalating situation in Southeast Asia. The conversation focused on refining the rhetoric and delivery of his message to the American public. This rehearsal served as a final preparation for the President to articulate his administration's policy decisions and justify his strategic actions in the region.

October 29, 1972 · Nixon

President Richard Nixon met to rehearse a formal address centered on the necessity of maintaining American military strength and global leadership. The speech outlines his administration's foreign policy philosophy, arguing against the erosion of U.S. defense capabilities and emphasizing that national power is essential for global peace and the protection of allies like Israel. Nixon frames the preservation of military superiority as a moral and strategic imperative to ensure the 1970s serve as an era of peace rather than a decline in American influence.

January 22, 1973 · Nixon & Ziegler

President Nixon directs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to secure airtime for an upcoming presidential address regarding a special announcement. The discussion centers on the protocol for scheduling the broadcast, which concerns the impending cease-fire announcement. Nixon emphasizes the importance of following his instructions to request the necessary time slots for the following day.

January 23, 1973 · Nixon & Haldeman

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the logistics and venue for a televised address regarding the impending Vietnam peace settlement. The discussion focused on the political implications of delivering the speech before Congress, specifically weighing the advice and perspectives of Speaker Carl Albert and Representative Gerald Ford. The participants evaluated the potential for a Congressional boycott and the broader necessity of securing legislative prestige for the administration's foreign policy announcement.

January 24, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon met to rehearse his upcoming televised address regarding the conclusion of peace agreements in Vietnam. This session served as a final preparation for the President to communicate the end of American military involvement to the public. The primary objective was to ensure the delivery effectively framed the administration's role in achieving a peace agreement.

March 30, 1973 · Nixon

President Richard Nixon rehearsed a televised address to the nation concerning the conclusion of the Vietnam War and various domestic policy objectives. He utilized the rehearsal to refine rhetorical themes emphasizing American resilience, prosperity, and the moral strength displayed by returning prisoners of war. The session focused on framing the post-war era as a period for national renewal and addressing the challenges of peace.

April 30, 1973 · Nixon & Price

President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond Price discuss the drafting of a presidential address intended to respond to the Watergate scandal. Nixon emphasizes his desire for a conversational, sincere tone that accepts executive responsibility for his subordinates' actions while simultaneously asserting his determination to root out the truth. The two men also evaluate the appointment of Elliot Richardson as a critical move to restore public trust, agreeing that his reputation for integrity will effectively oversee the necessary investigations.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon rehearsed his televised address to the nation regarding the Watergate scandal, in which he publicly accepted responsibility for the actions of his administration while announcing the resignations of several close associates. During the speech, he emphasized the need to restore public trust, detailed his directive for full cooperation with investigations, and announced the appointment of Elliot Richardson as the new Attorney General with the authority to potentially name a special prosecutor. The practice session allowed the President to refine his message of accountability and his pledge to ensure that justice would be pursued impartially.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon met with an unidentified individual shortly following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on evaluating the delivery, pacing, and overall public appearance of the speech. No further policy decisions were recorded during this brief exchange.

907-001Tape 9071 hr 4 min

May 1, 1973 · Nixon

President Richard Nixon met with television production staff in the Oval Office to prepare for his nationally televised address regarding the Watergate investigations. Prior to the broadcast, the President engaged in casual conversation about sports and his personal bowling average before finalizing technical arrangements for the speech. During the address, Nixon formally announced the resignations of senior aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, the departure of Attorney General Richard Kleindienst, and the appointment of Elliot Richardson as the new Attorney General with authority to appoint a special prosecutor.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon, Woods & Keyes

Rose Mary Woods facilitates a telephone conversation between Ambassador John A. Volpe and the White House during a period of significant political instability. Volpe expresses his admiration and support for President Nixon following a televised address, praising the President’s courage and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the office. Volpe also offers to provide specific suggestions regarding White House staff reorganization, which he agrees to transmit via a formal cable marked for the President’s personal attention.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon & Haldeman

President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the public reception of the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal, which resulted in the departures of Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon expresses frustration over the perceived lack of loyalty from his Cabinet, noting that only Caspar Weinberger reached out to offer support, while simultaneously reaffirming his deep personal affection for Haldeman. The two men agree to cease further public discussion of the scandal, and Nixon instructs the switchboard to begin accepting incoming calls from staff and officials.

May 1, 1973 · Cox & Kleindienst

President Nixon and newly appointed Attorney General Elliot Richardson spoke to discuss the fallout of the Watergate scandal and Richardson's upcoming confirmation. Richardson expressed strong support for the President’s recent televised address, while Nixon reaffirmed his confidence in Richardson's ability to handle the investigation. The two touched upon the sensitive issue of appointing a special prosecutor, with Nixon granting Richardson full autonomy to decide how to proceed while promising his complete backing in the pursuit of the truth.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon, Cox & Lewis

President Nixon received a call from Hobart D. Lewis shortly after delivering a televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The two men discussed the resignation of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, with Lewis offering strong praise for the President's tone and sincerity in handling the difficult situation. Nixon characterized the original Watergate break-in as an ineffective and amateurish operation, and the pair concluded by affirming the need to move forward beyond the scandal.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon, Eisenhower & Haig

Following his nationally televised address regarding the Watergate scandal, President Nixon received a supportive call from Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Haig expressed personal pride in the President’s handling of the crisis and his efforts to clear the air despite the difficult circumstances. The two also briefly discussed Henry Kissinger, with Haig noting Kissinger's guarded reaction to the speech and reaffirming their mutual reliance on his capabilities.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon & Lynn

Secretary James T. Lynn called President Nixon to offer personal support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. Lynn emphasized his loyalty and commended Nixon for accepting personal responsibility for the situation. Nixon dismissed concerns about his morale, assuring Lynn that he remained resilient and focused despite the gravity of the political crisis.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon, Cox & Armstrong

President Nixon spoke with Counselor to the President Anne Armstrong shortly after his televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. Armstrong expressed strong support for the President's speech and pledged her continued loyalty and assistance in maintaining administration morale. Nixon confirmed plans to hold a Cabinet meeting on the following Wednesday to rally his staff and requested that Armstrong serve as a cheerleader for the troops.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon, Cox & Bush

George H. W. Bush called President Nixon to express support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically acknowledging the difficulty of the President's decision to part with aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Bush conveyed optimism about the speech's reception among the public despite criticism from media commentators, citing his recent travels as evidence of grassroots political backing. Nixon reaffirmed his perseverance and pledged a close working relationship with Bush as his administration navigated the ongoing crisis.

May 1, 1973 · Cox & Brinegar

Secretary of Transportation Claude S. Brinegar called President Nixon to offer personal support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. Brinegar praised Nixon's courage and performance, reinforcing his commitment to the administration's agenda. The two men agreed to refocus on substantive governing matters during an upcoming Cabinet meeting, dismissing the ongoing political controversy.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon, Cox & Hughes

President Nixon received a supportive telephone call from Major General James D. Hughes following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. Joined briefly by Tricia Nixon Cox during the call, Nixon expressed personal gratitude for Hughes's loyalty and his positive feedback on the speech. The exchange served primarily as a morale-boosting communication between the President and a military aide during a period of significant political instability.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon, Cox & Abplanalp

President Nixon received congratulatory telephone calls from close associates Robert Abplanalp and Bebe Rebozo following his televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The participants discussed the positive public reaction to the speech, noting that supporters found the President’s performance “magnificent” and moving. Rebozo also mentioned his upcoming travel plans to Florida and affirmed his continued personal loyalty to Nixon during the crisis.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon & Ziegler

President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the White House's public communications strategy following the President's April 30 speech addressing the Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on maintaining a firm, confident public stance while directing Ziegler to avoid substantive commentary on the ongoing investigation, as advised by Elliot Richardson and Leonard Garment. Nixon emphasized the need to project presidential strength and instructed Ziegler to highlight that the administration is continuing its regular business, including an upcoming Cabinet meeting.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon & Haig

President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the public reception and internal morale following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal on the previous evening. Haig expresses strong approval of the President's actions, characterizing the speech as a necessary move to clear the air and refocus the administration on its official duties. The conversation concludes with a mutual agreement to maintain high morale and return to standard government business.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon & Haig

President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a brief check-in to gauge the public and internal reaction to Nixon’s televised address regarding the Watergate scandal delivered the previous night. Haig confirmed that the reaction was positive, reassuring the President that the decision to give the speech remained sound despite the political pressure. The exchange concluded with Nixon emphasizing the need for his staff to maintain morale and focus on official business.

May 1, 1973 · Nixon & Lewis

President Nixon and Hobart D. Lewis discuss the public reaction to Nixon’s recent televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. Lewis offers encouragement, suggesting that the President’s speech successfully cleared the air and provided a path to move forward. Nixon acknowledges the positive feedback and affirms his commitment to shifting the administration’s focus toward constructive policy initiatives.

May 2, 1973 · Nixon & Ziegler

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the administration's strategy for addressing mounting pressure regarding a potential Watergate special prosecutor. Nixon emphasized that the President should not appoint the prosecutor directly, insisting that the authority rests solely with the Attorney General to ensure the ongoing investigation is not disrupted. Ziegler provided feedback on the positive public and select press reactions to the President's recent televised address, and Nixon instructed him to maintain a firm, confident posture during future press briefings.