Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Presidential veto
32 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Ehrlichman, MacGregor, Shultz
President Nixon and George P. Shultz met to discuss preparations for a forthcoming meeting, focusing on the current international monetary situation and the potential for a perceived economic crisis. The participants also addressed pending HEW legislation, specifically evaluating the political feasibility of sustaining a potential presidential veto in Congress. Additionally, the President requested a review of retail sales figures to better gauge the national economic outlook before their next high-level consultation.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the President’s firm intention to veto an education bill due to philosophical objections regarding the role of government in child-rearing. Nixon addresses his tactical frustrations with Secretary Elliot L. Richardson, who disagrees with the administration's stance and has been hesitant to align with the President's position. Ehrlichman agrees to coordinate with Richardson while acknowledging the political pressure on the Secretary and the President's resolve to ultimately reject the legislation.
President Nixon consults with Alexander P. Butterfield regarding a pending piece of legislation involving child welfare and family policy. Nixon expresses a firm philosophical objection to government-run child-rearing and explicitly states his refusal to sign the bill. He further discusses Secretary Elliot Richardson’s position on the matter, ultimately resolving to find a pretext to veto the legislation while maintaining his public stance.
President Nixon met with John N. Mitchell and Donald H. Rumsfeld to deliberate on pending legislation, specifically focusing on the potential veto of a tax check-off provision for political campaigns. The participants discussed legislative strategies involving Clark MacGregor and Senator Charles McC. Mathias, Jr., as well as coordination efforts with John B. Connally. Additionally, the group briefly reviewed polling data from Illinois and discussed updates to the President's upcoming schedule.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor coordinated final lobbying efforts regarding an upcoming legislative vote on campaign financing. They discussed the tactical use of a potential presidential veto threat and the distribution of John Connally's recent press conference transcripts to sway Southern Democratic senators. The conversation concluded with a review of vote-pairing strategies, specifically targeting Senator John Stennis to ensure his opposition or a neutral pair, while emphasizing the need to retain Senator Jack Miller’s support.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discussed ongoing efforts to defeat the campaign reform bill and the controversial campaign check-off provision currently moving through the Senate. MacGregor provided updates on vote counting, specifically regarding potential swing votes like Senator William B. Spong, Jr., and the intense pressure being exerted by Democratic leadership. The two men reaffirmed their shared opposition to the legislation on principle, with Nixon confirming his intent to veto the bill if it reached his desk despite the political fallout.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discuss the administration's 52-47 defeat on a critical Senate vote regarding Title 10 of the Pastore amendment to a tax bill. Faced with this legislative setback, Nixon confirms his intention to veto the measure and coordinates a strategy session for the following morning. MacGregor advises on press messaging regarding the tax check-off provision and receives approval to bring Bill Timmons to the upcoming breakfast meeting to discuss further efforts to influence the House of Representatives.
President Nixon called Senator William Brock to offer birthday wishes and express appreciation for his legislative support. The two discussed the potential presidential veto of a pending tax bill, specifically focusing on the constitutional and political concerns surrounding the inclusion of federal campaign financing. Nixon argued that such financing would subvert party structures and harm the political process, while Brock agreed that a veto might force Congress to pass a more focused tax bill containing only essential economic provisions.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors to coordinate on several pressing domestic and foreign policy issues. The discussion covered defense budget allocations and force levels, strategic handling of the ongoing India-Pakistan crisis, and potential legislative vetoes regarding the tax bill and campaign financing provisions. The President directed his staff to maintain a firm stance against certain spending measures, tasking Ehrlichman and Shultz with managing congressional outreach and coordinating with lobbyists to solidify opposition to unfavorable tax legislation.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discussed the congressional reaction to MacGregor’s recent statement regarding the administration’s tax bill and the potential for a presidential veto. The conversation touched upon concerns regarding the Pastore amendment and the need to coordinate with key legislative figures like John W. Byrnes. Additionally, they assessed the political implications of securing television time to advocate for the administration’s tax reform goals.
President Nixon and Representative Clarence J. Brown discussed the status of election reform legislation and associated campaign finance provisions, specifically focusing on the upcoming conference committee. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified House position regarding Section 315 to prevent unfavorable Senate-driven changes. The President also expressed concerns regarding the 'campaign check-off' provision in the Tax Bill, highlighting potential risks related to political partisanship, the proliferation of minor parties, and the broader implications of using public funds for campaign financing.
President Nixon consulted with his close friend Bebe Rebozo regarding potential travel plans to Florida and his upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir to discuss the provision of Phantom jets. The two men also discussed congressional developments surrounding a tax bill and the potential for a presidential veto regarding a campaign check-off provision. Additionally, they reviewed recent media coverage concerning a shopping event attended by Pat Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower.
President Nixon and Charles Colson reviewed current economic conditions, focusing on the volatile stock market and the administration's efforts to influence public and business sentiment regarding the New Economic Policy. They discussed legislative strategy for an upcoming tax bill, including potential veto options and the need to secure support from key congressional leaders and business figures. Additionally, they touched upon labor relations, specifically managing invitations to a State Dinner to maintain political leverage with labor unions.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor met to discuss the legislative strategy for the tax bill currently stalled in conference, specifically focusing on the controversial political campaign "check-off" provision. Nixon maintained a firm stance against the check-off on principle, ultimately deciding that he would oppose any version of it, request its repeal in the next legislative session, and veto any associated appropriation bills. Additionally, the pair briefly discussed administrative actions to support corn prices and noted the declining health of George Meany.
President Nixon met with retail executives Gordon Metcalf and William Batten, along with George Shultz and other staff, to review economic performance, retail sales trends, and the potential impact of wage-price controls. The discussion shifted toward the American political system, specifically addressing the President’s staunch opposition to tax-funded political campaign check-offs. Nixon expressed his intent to leverage his veto power if necessary to prevent the inclusion of these campaign financing provisions in pending tax legislation.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John B. Connally spoke to coordinate their schedules for upcoming meetings, including a session with the French and a pre-meeting consultation between Connally and Henry Kissinger. Nixon informed Connally of his decision to veto the Office of Economic Opportunity legislation, citing ideological opposition to the bill's expansive child care provisions. The two also discussed the recent state visit of Brazilian President Emilio Garrastazu Medici, praising his leadership style and the economic stability of his administration compared to other Latin American nations.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to finalize the veto message regarding the Economic Opportunity Amendments of 1971. The brief discussion focused on reviewing the contents of the drafted message to ensure it met the President's requirements. Following this review, the participants reached a consensus to proceed with the planned veto.
President Nixon and Senator Robert Griffin discuss the successful Senate confirmation of William Rehnquist to the Supreme Court by a vote of 68 to 26. They compare the margin of Rehnquist's confirmation to the historical records of Justices Brandeis and Hughes to frame the administration's victory. Additionally, Griffin expresses optimism regarding the potential to sustain the President's veto of the Economic Opportunity Amendments of 1971 and credits John Connally for his role in recent tax legislation.
President Nixon met with Clark MacGregor to discuss the political implications of a potential veto of the Social Security bill, specifically addressing the fiscal impact of the Frank Church amendment and concerns regarding debt ceiling extensions. They strategized on managing Congressional support and navigating the Ways and Means Committee, while also weighing the administration's stance as a campaign issue against Democratic opposition. The meeting concluded with a brief interruption to host Ernesto V. Lagdameo, his wife, and Anna C. Chennault for scheduled greetings and photographs.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman consulted on the viability of sustaining a presidential veto regarding Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) legislation. They assessed the reluctance of congressional leaders like Gerald Ford and Hugh Scott to support the veto, noting Ford's specific preoccupation with a Civil Air Patrol program in his district. Nixon directed Ehrlichman to consult with William Timmons for a more definitive assessment of the legislative prospects before moving forward.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the precarious vote count required to sustain a potential presidential veto of the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) legislation currently before Congress. Ehrlichman relayed input from William Timmons, who expressed uncertainty regarding the vote count for the conference report compared to previous versions of the bill. The two decided to investigate whether the administration could delay the veto decision until the following day to better assess their legislative standing.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors and Republican Senate leadership to coordinate a strategy for securing congressional support for a federal spending ceiling. The discussion focused on the necessity of controlling runaway federal expenditures and the potential use of the presidential veto to enforce a $250 billion spending limit. Nixon and his team evaluated the legislative outlook for the debt limit bill, including strategies for handling amendments and managing potential political fallout regarding domestic programs.
President Nixon spoke with Detroit News editor Martin S. Hayden to express appreciation for the newspaper's editorial support during his 1972 reelection campaign. The two discussed the perceived detachment of the national press from public sentiment and analyzed favorable polling data for Nixon in Minnesota and Michigan. Nixon also noted that he would increase his public campaign activities following his upcoming veto of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments, which he intended to use to highlight his efforts to prevent excessive government spending.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss the administration's schedule and specific legislative priorities. The primary focus of the brief conversation centered on the potential veto of an upcoming water bill. No further actions or broader policy developments were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon calls Senator Hugh Scott to express appreciation for Scott’s public support of his veto of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments. The two men discuss the political optics of the veto, with Nixon reassuring Scott that his stance will be viewed favorably in historical context despite the lack of legislative support. Additionally, they briefly review Scott’s upcoming personal travel to Indonesia with John D. Rockefeller, III, and exchange pleasantries regarding Scott’s post-election schedule.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst coordinate a strategy to persuade NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to lift the television blackout on upcoming playoff games. The administration proposes a compromise where regular-season games retain broadcast protection while postseason games are made available to the public, similar to the World Series model. Nixon directs Kleindienst to publicly announce his involvement in these negotiations and personally promises to veto any congressional legislation that would mandate the end of all professional football blackouts.
President Nixon and William Timmons coordinate the guest list and scheduling for an upcoming congressional reception designed to shore up political support ahead of a pending presidential veto on REAP legislation. Nixon directs Timmons to adopt a more generous criteria for Republican attendees, suggesting they overlook past defections for members who might still be persuaded to support the administration. Conversely, they agree to exclude outspoken critics who have consistently opposed the White House, while strategizing on how to manage relationships with members who have recently signaled a desire to return to good standing.
President Nixon met with Congressman William J. B. Dorn and White House staffers Kenneth R. Cole, Jr. and Max L. Friedersdorf to discuss the administration's legislative priorities concerning veterans' affairs and the defense budget. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining military strength to ensure successful international negotiations and urged against unilateral defense spending cuts that could jeopardize peace efforts. Regarding veterans' legislation, the group addressed the need to support disabled and Vietnam-era veterans while avoiding "budget-busting" provisions in congressional bills, with Nixon expressing a desire to work closely with Dorn to reach acceptable compromises and avoid a presidential veto.
President Nixon engages in a discussion regarding federal fiscal policy, specifically addressing the conflict between administration spending goals and Congressional budget proposals. The participants debate the economic implications of increased federal spending, the necessity of maintaining national strength to ensure peace, and the political friction surrounding presidential vetoes. Nixon emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and executive accountability while reflecting on the necessity of strength in international negotiations.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming legislative agenda and scheduling. The discussion focused on the President's intent to veto the vocational rehabilitation and water and sewer bills. Additionally, the two reviewed arrangements for an upcoming White House reception.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler briefly coordinate on an upcoming meeting with Congress regarding a veto and the involvement of Elliot Richardson. They discuss the strategic necessity of managing ongoing political developments amid significant confusion within the administration. The conversation concludes with administrative arrangements regarding Ziegler’s schedule and future marketing work.
President Nixon consulted with Gerald Ford and Hugh Scott regarding legislative strategy, specifically potential vetoes for the Minimum Wage Bill and the necessity of including a youth differential. The group coordinated scheduling changes for upcoming Cabinet and bipartisan Congressional meetings to better align with the President's upcoming Vietnam and Brezhnev summit briefings. Additionally, Nixon discussed economic policy concerns, expressing skepticism toward a prolonged wage and price freeze, and dismissed concerns regarding a speech by Representative Pete McCloskey about impeachment.