Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Presidential speech
54 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Kissinger, Woods
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate revisions for the President's upcoming address scheduled for that evening. The discussion focused on finalizing specific language and potential last-minute edits to the text of the speech. They agreed to mark up the draft to ensure the messaging was optimized before the President prepared his final delivery.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize the content and strategy for the President's upcoming April 7, 1971, address regarding the Vietnam War. They discussed key messaging points, including troop withdrawal figures, combat casualty statistics, and the rejection of artificial deadlines for U.S. withdrawal, while evaluating the potential domestic political impact on his opponents and public opinion. The conversation also touched upon broader foreign policy objectives, specifically regarding the Soviet Union, arms control negotiations (SALT), and the management of U.S. Cabinet and political allies.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the political reception of the President's recent televised speech regarding the war in Southeast Asia. While they shared a supportive cable from Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker, Nixon expressed frustration over the perceived silence or hesitation from various administration officials and political allies. They reviewed feedback from key figures including Ronald Reagan, who praised the address, and Nelson Rockefeller, whom they analyzed as a self-interested political actor.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the internal political reaction to the President's recent televised speech regarding troop withdrawals in Southeast Asia. The conversation centers on measuring the loyalty of key administration figures like Clark MacGregor, Donald Rumsfeld, and Robert Finch based on their feedback regarding the policy's boldness. Nixon expresses frustration with staff members who prioritize political optics over supporting the administration's strategic position, leading the pair to evaluate the loyalty of their inner circle while awaiting input from John Connally.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield coordinate the delivery and review of drafts for an upcoming presidential speech scheduled for May 29, 1971. Butterfield confirms the status of the speech materials, including recently arrived substitute pages for the document. Nixon concludes the call by instructing Butterfield to hold the drafts at his office so the President can review the full text in person.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the administrative handling of a forthcoming presidential speech and the vetting of potential political appointees. They reviewed the distribution of speech drafts to key staff members, including Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig, while incorporating revisions based on Kissinger's recommendations. Additionally, Nixon expressed strong reservations about appointing individuals like Charles Schultze or John Gardner due to their perceived ties to Democratic candidates, ultimately deciding against their inclusion.
President Nixon met with Marjorie P. Acker to finalize preparations for his upcoming televised address. The discussion focused on revisions to the speech text and the logistical involvement of Rose Mary Woods regarding the use of a tape recorder for drafting or recording purposes. The meeting concluded with the confirmation of necessary changes to ensure the President's public remarks were prepared for broadcast.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, and personal aide Manolo Sanchez to focus on the final preparation of an upcoming presidential address. The discussion centered on reviewing and finalizing revisions for the speech text. Woods was tasked with managing the necessary typing and administrative updates to ensure the document was ready for delivery.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the initial positive reception to Nixon’s televised address announcing a wage-price freeze. Haig reports favorable feedback from a broad range of political and economic figures, noting that the speech successfully projected a crisp and confident tone. The conversation concludes with a brief update on Henry Kissinger’s ongoing, private negotiations regarding Vietnam, which the President hopes will be effectively camouflaged by the economic policy announcement.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to discuss personal administrative matters, including the handling of a note for Chicago White Sox announcer Bob Elston and his family. The discussion also touched upon preparations for a forthcoming presidential speech. Additionally, the participants briefly addressed strategic considerations regarding the potential withdrawal schedule for ongoing negotiations.
Raymond K. Price, Jr. coordinates with his office staff regarding the final preparations for an upcoming presidential address to Congress. The participants confirm the draft’s current word count of 3,197 words and address a specific inquiry raised by Alexander P. Butterfield. Price concludes the brief exchange by instructing his staff to facilitate communication between himself and Butterfield to resolve the remaining questions regarding the document.
President Nixon contacted Nellie L. Yates to check on the progress of a draft for his upcoming speech to Congress. Yates explained that she was re-typing the document to correct spacing issues, prompting Nixon to reassure her and advise against rushing the task. They concluded the call by arranging for Yates to deliver the completed draft to the Lincoln Sitting Room later that evening for the President's review.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the rollout of upcoming announcements, specifically focusing on the timing of a presidential speech and the handling of the West Coast dock strike via a Taft-Hartley injunction. They discuss the strategic sequencing of media briefings regarding legislative leader meetings, a cabinet meeting, and a press conference for Treasury Secretary John B. Connally. Nixon instructs Ziegler to keep the duration of his upcoming address vague to maintain the perception of a major, high-stakes statement.
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 and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the logistics and timing of a forthcoming presidential speech. The discussion focused on establishing the necessary lead time for the address, with specific reference to notifying Senator Jacob K. Javits. The brief exchange served to finalize the scheduling parameters for the President's public communications strategy.
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 directs his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to bring a copy of his upcoming speech to the White House. This brief administrative exchange serves to coordinate the distribution of presidential materials in preparation for a scheduled appearance. No further policy matters or decisions were addressed during the interaction.
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 Henry Kissinger reflect on the second anniversary of Nixon’s November 3, 1969, speech regarding the Vietnam War, assessing its long-term political significance and role in stabilizing a deteriorating situation. The discussion touches upon the endurance required during their tenure and briefly incorporates a favorable perspective from Clare Boothe Luce concerning the administration's current trajectory. No formal policy decisions were made during this brief retrospective exchange.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to finalize details and talking points for an upcoming televised address regarding the Vietnam War. The discussion also addressed administrative logistics, including a memorandum intended for Secretary of State William P. Rogers involving John B. Connally and a review of menu arrangements. This brief exchange served to synchronize final preparations for the President's public policy messaging and internal executive correspondence.
President Nixon practices a speech with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, regarding his administration's peace proposals for the Vietnam War. The discussion focuses on articulating the President's commitment to protecting U.S. forces while justifying his pursuit of a negotiated end to the conflict. Nixon emphasizes the need for national unity in support of his peace plan, explicitly addressing skepticism toward the government's credibility.
President Nixon met with Mark I. Goode and other unidentified individuals to coordinate logistical arrangements for an upcoming presidential speech. The discussion focused on technical details regarding the stage environment, specifically addressing the placement of an object and ceiling configurations. The participants also briefly touched upon weather-related concerns, including wind conditions and appropriate attire.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the public and political reception of the President's recent radio address regarding the Vietnam War. Kissinger offered analysis on the motivations of administration critics, focusing on the intersection of patriotism and policy dissent. The participants framed the President’s withdrawal efforts as a significant achievement in reducing casualties and ending the conflict responsibly.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the reception and delivery of the President’s recent televised speech concerning school busing. They assessed congressional and public sentiment, noting support for legislative action and constitutional amendments from various lawmakers. The discussion also addressed media coverage, specifically critiques from CBS reporter Daniel Schorr regarding the constitutionality of the proposed anti-busing measures.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, review and refine the draft of an upcoming presidential speech. They discuss specific editorial revisions, including the removal of certain sections concerning South Vietnam to improve the clarity and length of the address. The conversation concludes with a plan for Woods to finalize the edits and submit the draft to the President for a final review.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his personal files regarding a speech he had recently delivered. During this brief session, he also noted the receipt of a book authored by Allen S. Drury. This recording served primarily as a formal record-keeping activity for the President's administrative records.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate administrative messaging and press strategy regarding upcoming national security matters. They discussed Ziegler's inclusion in a National Security Council meeting and the timing for an imminent presidential speech. The brief exchange served to align the White House communications team on the disclosure of sensitive policy details.
President Nixon met with Marjorie P. Acker to confirm the status of the draft for his upcoming televised address regarding the blockade of North Vietnam. The discussion focused on the preparation of the speech, with Acker confirming that Rose Mary Woods was currently working on the document. The President emphasized his urgency in finalizing the copy for his broadcast.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to prepare for his upcoming televised address regarding the blockade of Vietnam. The discussion focused on wardrobe selection, specifically the choice of a blue suit and coordinating tie. This brief interaction highlights the President's focus on his personal presentation ahead of a high-stakes national policy announcement.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified staff member to finalize preparations for his upcoming televised address announcing the mining of North Vietnamese ports. The discussion focused on the distribution of copies of the speech to relevant parties. This meeting served as a final logistical check prior to the public rollout of his administration's escalatory Vietnam policy.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to discuss her administrative work concerning an upcoming presidential address regarding the Vietnam War. The conversation focused on the preparation and logistical support required for the speech as the administration navigated the ongoing conflict. No further specific action items were recorded beyond this coordination of efforts.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding his upcoming televised address concerning the Vietnam War. The discussion focused on coordinating the logistics for a subsequent Cabinet meeting and confirming the appearance of Admiral Thomas H. Moorer. The participants finalized arrangements for these events before the President’s scheduled departure.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss revisions to the President's upcoming speech regarding the Vietnam War. The discussion focused on specific strategic content within the address, ultimately leading to the decision to delete certain passages. This meeting served as a final review session to refine the administration's public messaging during a critical juncture of the conflict.
President Nixon reviews the technical lighting requirements for his upcoming televised address on Vietnam with Mark I. Goode. The discussion centers on the strategic messaging for the speech, specifically emphasizing the protection of American lives and the necessity of mutual non-interference between the United States and the Soviet Union regarding their respective allies. The conversation ensures that the production quality supports the President's diplomatic tone as he addresses the global implications of the conflict.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the messaging and strategic rationale for the upcoming presidential speech announcing a naval blockade of North Vietnam. They reviewed the presentation of various U.S. courses of action, focusing on how to address potential North Vietnamese rejection of withdrawal offers and POW negotiations. The discussion emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm tone regarding the blockade while managing press perceptions and briefing administration officials like Melvin Laird and William Rogers.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding his imminent public address concerning the blockade of North Vietnamese ports. The discussion focused on coordinating legislative support and managing communications with Congressional leaders ahead of the announcement. This planning session highlights the administration's efforts to secure bipartisan backing for a significant escalation in the Vietnam War.
President Nixon and his senior staff, including H.R. Haldeman, met to evaluate the public and political reaction to the President's recent televised speech regarding the mining of North Vietnamese harbors. The discussion focused on maintaining a firm, "hawkish" stance to emphasize the administration's resolve and ensuring that supporters mobilize to counteract potential criticism from Congress and the media. Nixon directed his team to maximize public displays of support and address logistical issues, such as jammed Western Union lines, to ensure his message of "iron determination" remained the dominant narrative.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding the logistics of his upcoming speech. The discussion focused on the delivery of the President's reading copy and its current location. Nixon directed the party to coordinate with Alexander P. Butterfield to ensure the document was returned promptly.
President Nixon met with television and radio technicians in the Oval Office to coordinate the technical logistics and countdown for a televised address regarding his 1972 election victory. Following final preparations and seating adjustments, Nixon delivered a live speech expressing appreciation for his electoral support and emphasizing national unity, peace, and his goals for a second term. The brief session concluded immediately after the broadcast, with the President departing for a celebration at the Shoreham Hotel.
President Nixon rehearsed his televised address to the nation regarding the successful conclusion of peace negotiations to end the Vietnam War. He refined the language and delivery of the speech intended to inform the public of the agreement reached to restore peace. This preparation ensured the President was ready to formally announce the cessation of American involvement in the conflict.
President Nixon consulted with his aide Stephen B. Bull regarding the content and preparation of an upcoming presidential speech. The discussion focused specifically on the inclusion of additional remarks concerning law enforcement officers. This exchange highlights the administration's strategic emphasis on messaging related to domestic policy and public order.
President Nixon dictated a formal speech to be broadcast to the nation regarding the conclusion of the Vietnam War and domestic economic policy. The address emphasized the achievement of 'peace with honor,' honored the sacrifices of veterans, and defended controversial military actions taken in Cambodia and Vietnam. Additionally, the President articulated his administration's efforts to combat inflation, characterizing the stabilization of the economy as a key post-war priority.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to review materials for a forthcoming presidential address. The discussion centered on the preparation and content of the speech, which Nixon was finalizing during this period. No specific policy decisions were finalized, as the interaction focused primarily on administrative logistics and document coordination.
President Nixon and his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods met briefly to discuss technical specifications for a typescript of an upcoming presidential speech, specifically regarding document spacing. The conversation also included informal remarks about the weather and climate experienced by Woods during her recent trip to California. No major policy decisions were made during this brief administrative check-in.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan discuss the positive public reception and strategic messaging of the President’s March 29 televised speech regarding Vietnam and the return of POWs. The two emphasize the importance of framing the conflict as a success brought about by presidential resolve, while criticizing political opponents for their stance on the war and proposed defense budget cuts. Nixon also addresses the Watergate scandal, noting his deliberate decision to omit the topic from the speech to avoid becoming bogged down in controversy.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the escalating Watergate crisis and the necessity of managing the potential departures of key staff members, specifically John Dean, H. R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman. Nixon pushed for the resignation or leave of absence of his aides to stabilize his administration and neutralize political threats, while emphasizing the need to maintain control over the narrative regarding their past conversations. They also evaluated internal staff loyalty and debated the content of a potential presidential speech to address the ongoing scandal.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the escalating Watergate crisis, specifically focusing on the timing of their impending resignation leaves and the President’s forthcoming national address. Nixon seeks to maintain distance from legal negotiations involving John Dean and considers proposing that Attorney General William P. Rogers take charge of a special investigation to restore public confidence. They also review the handling of sensitive White House documents and the importance of appearing resilient and in control amid mounting political pressure.
President Richard M. Nixon utilized this time to rehearse his forthcoming nationally televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The session served as a final preparation for his public attempt to address the ongoing political crisis and assert his administration's position. No dialogue with other participants was recorded, as the session focused exclusively on the delivery and refinement of his prepared remarks.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed the public reception of the President's televised Watergate address, specifically focusing on the sincerity of his performance and positive feedback from supporters. Colson reported on favorable reactions from the public and the media, while the two men affirmed their commitment to defending the actions of the White House 'Plumbers' unit. They framed the unit's activities as justified national security operations and agreed on the necessity of maintaining that stance during ongoing investigations.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to continue patching through incoming telephone calls for the next half hour following his televised speech regarding the Watergate scandal. The President specifically requested that calls from Paul W. Keyes, Rose Mary Woods, and Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo be prioritized. This exchange reflects the President's desire to gauge public and personal reaction immediately following his major address.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed public and media reactions to the Watergate scandal following the President's recent address. Nixon expressed confidence in his core base of support, citing positive wire service reports and favorable sentiment among middle-class voters. The two emphasized the need to maintain a composed, forward-looking strategy rather than fixating on the ongoing political crisis.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met briefly to coordinate their response to intensifying scrutiny regarding the Watergate break-in. They discussed allegations that Nixon withheld information during a recent speech, with the President explicitly denying prior knowledge of the criminal activity. The pair prepared for upcoming inquiries and set a schedule for further discussion later that afternoon.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate logistics for a forthcoming presidential address. The discussion centered on the timing and editing of the speech, as well as final arrangements for the President’s departure. This administrative meeting served to finalize the procedural details necessary to ensure the broadcast and travel schedule remained on track.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the upcoming announcement of William W. Scranton’s appointment to an energy position and the timing of a related presidential economic speech. They discuss the strategic staging of news to ensure maximum media impact, specifically aiming to hold the Scranton announcement for the Sunday papers while keeping the energy message for Saturday. Additionally, the pair reviews the logistics for that day's scheduled Cabinet and Bipartisan Congressional Leadership meetings.