Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Press coverage
54 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Ziegler, Kissinger, Haldeman
When Press coverage comes up
Related topics: Public relationsWatergateMedia relationsVietnam WarJohn B. ConnallyForeign PolicyPresidential schedulingMedia strategy1972 electionSchedulingPublic opinionPat NixonNixon administrationH. R. Haldeman
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman reviewed the administration's public relations strategy, focusing on countering negative media coverage regarding the President's recent trip to Iowa and managing optics for upcoming travel. The discussion emphasized the need for more effective messaging, including the coordination of special letters to governors like Ronald Reagan and Nelson Rockefeller to support revenue sharing initiatives. Additionally, the pair evaluated the logistical success of recent social events, such as the astronaut dinner, comparing them to state functions to better plan future appearances.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger, to review administrative priorities following his March 4, 1971, press conference. The discussion focused on managing public and media reactions to the Vietnam War and Laos operations, as well as addressing ongoing Middle East diplomatic developments. Additionally, Kissinger updated the President on his efforts to challenge anti-administration sentiment among the academic and policy "establishment" during a recent appearance at the Brookings Institution.
President Nixon briefly spoke with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, in the Oval Office to confirm her evening plans. He informed her that he was hosting John B. Connally for dinner at 8:15 pm and encouraged Tricia to attend her planned dinner with Jack and Helene Drown and her mother, Pat Nixon, at the Montpelier Room. Nixon also mentioned his ongoing cough and his work schedule, while Tricia confirmed her attendance at the Drowns' dinner.
President Nixon met with his national security team and Secretary of the Treasury John Connally to discuss the ongoing Vietnamization strategy, the military situation in Laos, and the administration's efforts to manage Congressional and media opposition. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining his planned withdrawal schedule to ensure the stability of South Vietnam and warned that setting an arbitrary Congressional deadline would lead to a strategic failure. The group also addressed the inaccuracies in press coverage regarding South Vietnamese troop casualties and coordinated their messaging for upcoming legislative briefings.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 3:05 pm to 3:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-037 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:58 am and 9:40 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 250-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:20 am and 11:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed the overwhelmingly positive television network coverage of the administration's announcement regarding the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Ziegler detailed favorable commentary from ABC, NBC, and CBS, noting that anchors like Walter Cronkite characterized the negotiations as a potential breakthrough for global peace. To maintain this positive momentum, Nixon directed the team to expand their media outreach strategy by engaging with major news magazines through additional background briefings led by Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discuss media figures and political allies in the context of planning for her upcoming wedding. They review a list of prominent publishers and journalists, evaluating their political leanings and their history of support for the Nixon administration. The conversation serves as an informal assessment of key media influencers as the White House prepares to manage the public relations and guest list for the event.
President Nixon held an informal discussion with an unidentified reporter from the Washington Star regarding the coverage and internal dynamics of his administration's foreign affairs policy. The conversation touched upon the involvement of Attorney General John Mitchell and the influence of media reporting on political decision-making. The interaction reflects the President's ongoing efforts to manage press narratives and ensure his policy initiatives were accurately framed within the media landscape.
President Nixon coordinated with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to secure copies of AP and UPI news coverage for Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The discussion also touched upon a recently aired ABC-TV news special regarding Tricia Nixon Cox's wedding. Nixon expressed satisfaction with the television coverage, and Ziegler committed to facilitating the delivery of the requested press clippings.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media coverage of Tricia Nixon Cox's wedding, evaluating the performance of various television networks and newspapers. While expressing general satisfaction with television coverage, the President strongly criticizes a Washington Post article by Judith Martin for its negative tone. Consequently, Nixon orders a total ban on Washington Post reporters from attending future White House social and residential functions, instructing Ziegler to exclude them from coverage pools while maintaining a veneer of professional discretion.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed recent media coverage, specifically focusing on a magazine cover feature and public reception. The pair exchanged observations regarding the quality of photographs and the broader impact of televised media compared to print. The brief exchange served as an informal check-in on their respective public impressions and upcoming schedule commitments.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to discuss personnel changes, press relations, and upcoming strategic initiatives. The group reviewed the President's public image, specifically criticizing the media's use of negative adjectives and tone, while coordinating a strategy to promote a media study by Edith Efron. They also reviewed foreign policy issues, including arms control and upcoming diplomatic efforts with China, and addressed the need for strict internal secrecy regarding pending economic policy decisions.
President Nixon consulted with Charles Colson regarding political messaging strategy prior to departing for a Quadriad meeting at Camp David. The President directed Colson to ensure that a recent interview given by John Ehrlichman received wider circulation among influential columnists, noting his disappointment with the lack of television network coverage. Colson confirmed that transcripts had already been distributed to several columnists to help maintain the story's momentum in the press.
President Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower discuss scheduling details for upcoming social events, including an astronauts' dinner and a meeting with the Bowling Congress National Champions. The conversation covers feedback on First Lady Pat Nixon's recent television appearance and the accompanying press reviews from major newspapers. They also exchange personal updates regarding the health of Rose Mary Woods and the President’s dog, King Timahoe.
President Nixon met with John B. Connally, Henry Kissinger, and Robert S. McNamara to discuss various administrative and foreign policy issues, including logistics for upcoming presidential travel and the management of press coverage. The conversation covered concerns regarding the size of the presidential entourage, particularly the number of military personnel, and criticized the press for sensationalist reporting regarding administration officials. The group also addressed economic matters, specifically the complexities of global expropriation of U.S. business interests and strategies for dealing with international financial institutions.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review scheduling matters, including preparations for the President’s upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China and a meeting with John Connally. The discussion focused on the logistics of the China delegation, specifically regarding staff appointments, press representation, and the President's personal approval of all personnel traveling with the First Lady. Nixon emphasized his desire to keep the entourage minimal, avoid unnecessary backgrounders with the press, and maintain a disciplined schedule during the visit.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review administrative and scheduling matters. The discussion focused primarily on the scheduling of Donald H. Rumsfeld, with H. R. Haldeman referenced as a point of contact. Additionally, the pair addressed concerns regarding the press coverage surrounding the President's children.
President Nixon met with Manolo Sanchez, primarily to discuss the timing and strategy for announcing troop withdrawals from Vietnam. They considered various dates, aiming for optimal press coverage and avoiding conflicts like the Super Bowl. Nixon also touched upon the upcoming State of the Union address, noting that foreign policy would be addressed separately in a later speech, and mentioned the need to coordinate with Laird on related matters.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed a speculative news report by Daniel Schorr alleging internal White House conflict between Treasury Secretary John Connally and other top advisors. The President expressed skepticism regarding the article and reaffirmed his support for Connally, tasking Haldeman with assessing the situation during an upcoming meeting. They decided to arrange a dinner for Connally to discuss his recent travels and gauge his perspective on economic and international affairs.
President Nixon coordinated with the White House operator to arrange a connection with his close friend, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. The discussion focused on scheduling logistics for the President's upcoming travel to Florida and California, as well as managing press coverage regarding First Lady Pat Nixon's trip to Africa. These arrangements were intended to facilitate both official work and personal coordination during the President's transit.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed recent military actions in Vietnam, specifically strikes against an AAA site and a radar site. Nixon questioned why the press was giving significant attention to these strikes, particularly those conducted above the DMZ. Haig confirmed the strikes and noted secondary explosions, while Nixon advised Haig to rest and take care of his health.
Henry Kissinger contacted John Scali to gauge the public and media reception following President Nixon's speech regarding Vietnam. Scali offered a favorable assessment, predicting a 90% positive response despite potential minor criticism later from the press. Kissinger expressed appreciation for Scali’s assistance, emphasizing the need to maintain the positive momentum generated by the address.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Stephen Bull met to coordinate the administration's public relations strategy following Nixon’s January 25 Vietnam peace proposal speech. They discussed favorable French press coverage and planned media engagement, specifically regarding upcoming *Time* and *Life* magazine features and interviews with journalist Jerrold Schecter. Additionally, the group reviewed administrative scheduling, including the signing of executive orders and updates regarding the health of Secretary of the Treasury John Connally.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the shifting dynamics of the 1972 Democratic presidential primaries, specifically focusing on the performance of candidates and the influence of the press. They analyze the impact of voter turnout among liberals and conservatives, while speculating on the potential entry of Senator Ted Kennedy into the race. The conversation concludes with administrative coordination regarding upcoming staff communication while the President prepares for a brief period of absence.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed the appropriateness of holding a scheduled Blue Room reception following the attempted assassination of George Wallace. Concerned that appearing in a festive public setting while the nation was in crisis would be insensitive, the couple weighed options including cancellation or excluding the press. They ultimately reached a tentative plan for the First Lady to host the event alongside curator Clement Conger while excluding media coverage to maintain decorum.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed press coverage of Nixon's walk and his upcoming departure for the Soviet Union Summit. Ziegler confirmed that reporters who accompanied Nixon on his walk briefed the press, and that Nixon's statement about leaving on Saturday was the first official confirmation. Ziegler also provided a briefing on statements made by Nixon and John B. Connally, emphasizing key points from their discussions, and noted positive press reaction and good photographs, particularly in light of the George Wallace shooting.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the positive public reception following a recent, undisclosed event involving children. Nixon expresses satisfaction with the optics of the situation, particularly noting the encouraging atmosphere and public engagement. The brief exchange confirms that the administration’s strategy successfully garnered favorable coverage.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the Senate vote on the Robert C. Byrd amendment, expressing surprise and disappointment at the votes of Senators Taft, Schweiker, Percy, and Mathias. They also discussed the handling of John Connally's departure from the Treasury Department and the President's decision to walk through a crowd to the Treasury building, which generated positive press coverage. Additionally, they touched upon the assault on George Wallace, including the attacker's potential political affiliations and the planning of the assassination, as well as the President's Vietnam blockade strategy and its potential impact on the upcoming election, particularly concerning labor support.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Vice President Spiro Agnew, Henry Kissinger, and Admiral Thomas Moorer to coordinate administration responses to the Vietnam War and manage the public narrative surrounding the conflict. The discussion focused on the effectiveness of recent bombing campaigns and the blockade of North Vietnam, as well as the need to address internal military resistance regarding bombing targets. Nixon also received a briefing from Agnew on his recent diplomatic trip to Japan, Thailand, and South Vietnam, and coordinated plans for the Vice President to visit the recently wounded George Wallace.
President Nixon met with Patrick Buchanan to discuss strategy for the upcoming 1972 election, focusing on media coverage and potential attacks against Democratic candidates like George McGovern. Nixon expressed concern over perceived media bias and the need to counter negative press, particularly regarding McGovern's policy positions. The conversation also touched upon the role of Charles Colson in gathering information on the McGovern campaign and the distribution of internal memoranda.
President Nixon called his daughter Julie Nixon Eisenhower to inform her that John Connally would be on "Meet the Press" and suggested she watch it. He also recommended the John Wayne movie "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" for her and David to see. The conversation touched upon McGovern's stance on aid to Greece and its potential impact on NATO, and Nixon expressed disappointment that wedding photos were not prominently featured in the press, instructing Julie to have his office check for coverage.
President Nixon met with newspaper publisher James S. Copley and his wife, Helen, along with Victor Krulak and Gerald Warren to discuss media relations and the President's perspective on the press. During the conversation, Nixon critiqued the editorial leanings of major national newspapers like the Washington Post and the New York Times, contrasting them with the more balanced coverage he perceived in the Washington Star. The meeting concluded with a presentation of gifts, including presidential mementos and a discussion of various diplomatic artifacts displayed in the Oval Office.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed political strategy regarding the 1972 presidential campaign, specifically focusing on how to neutralize negative press coverage surrounding the Watergate scandal. Nixon expressed satisfaction that the ongoing Congressional session kept him in Washington, allowing him to position himself as a fiscal guardian through veto battles. They finalized plans for a non-political revenue-sharing signing ceremony in Philadelphia to demonstrate presidential leadership and maintain public support. Both men agreed that the administration's policy accomplishments were overshadowing opposition attacks and that voters remained largely unmoved by Watergate-related allegations.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media coverage of the administration's stance on Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically emphasizing the President's commitment to avoiding being stampeded into a premature agreement. They note that the news networks have downplayed Hanoi’s recent statements regarding deadlines, while also expressing disappointment that Nelson Rockefeller’s recent efforts have not received significant television coverage. The discussion centers on shaping the administration's public narrative and monitoring the effectiveness of their messaging across major broadcast networks.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, spoke briefly to exchange birthday greetings and coordinate plans for an upcoming evening party. During the call, they discussed recent positive press coverage of the President by Helen Thomas and Frances Lewine, as well as the family dogs. Additionally, they reached a consensus regarding the departure of Constance Stuart from the White House staff, with Julie confirming that her mother agreed it was time for Stuart to move on to a new position.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the President's upcoming schedule, including the visit of British Prime Minister Edward Heath and preparations for the National Prayer Breakfast. They reviewed the President's remarks for the breakfast, noting Senator Hatfield's lack of applause and comparing the event's promotion to other major national events. The conversation also touched on press coverage of the Vietnam settlement, particularly the "peace with honor" aspect, and Henry Kissinger's upcoming television interview.
President Nixon met with his speechwriting and communications staff to discuss strategies for ensuring their work received greater public and media attention. He emphasized the importance of tailoring messages for specific news cycles to avoid being overshadowed by major events, noting the effectiveness of using radio and selecting strategic release times. Nixon urged the team to adopt more aggressive, clear, and controversial rhetoric, citing the communication techniques used by the Kennedy administration as a model for framing policy achievements effectively. The discussion concluded with instructions for the staff to focus on creating compelling narratives that demand public interest rather than pursuing consensus.
Charles W. Colson coordinates with his staff and W. Richard Howard to retrieve a specific newspaper column written by Richard Wilson for the Washington Star. The discussion centers on locating this piece, which highlights the conclusion of the Vietnam War and features commentary from Leslie C. Arends. Colson directs Howard to deliver the column to the President’s office immediately for review.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the successful resolution of a standoff regarding the release of U.S. prisoners of war (POWs) in Vietnam. Kissinger reports that firm U.S. diplomatic pressure and military posturing—specifically the relocation of minesweeping assets—compelled North Vietnamese officials to agree to resume the prisoner releases. Nixon expresses relief and satisfaction in overcoming the stalling tactics, noting that this victory undermines media criticism that had suggested the peace process was collapsing. The two also briefly coordinate the President's upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for the record reflecting on various administrative and public relations concerns. The entry touches upon upcoming logistics at Camp David, Henry Kissinger’s recent interactions with journalists Hugh Sidey and Joseph Kraft regarding shifts in public perception of the President, and general media strategy involving H.R. Haldeman and Patricia Hitt. This documentation served to formalize internal observations about the administration's evolving press coverage and strategic messaging.
On March 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:57 pm and 3:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 888-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for the file to document his recent schedule and official activities. The recording notes his meeting with H. R. Haldeman, where they addressed Watergate-related issues and press coverage, as well as a telephone conversation regarding the declining health of journalist Walter Lippmann. This dictation served as an administrative record of the President's internal discussions and external communications.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategies for managing public perception, specifically addressing press coverage of the administration and the unfolding Watergate scandal. They reviewed potential public relations maneuvers, including a possible statement from Vice President Spiro Agnew to counter media narratives, while also weighing administrative appointments for the Federal Reserve and the Department of Labor. The conversation emphasized maintaining a unified front against hostile press inquiries and coordinating staff testimonies for upcoming grand jury appearances.
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.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower contacted Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to gauge media sentiment following a dinner honoring former prisoners of war, with President Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox present for the discussion. They reviewed the positive press coverage surrounding the President’s speech, specifically focusing on the favorable reaction to his remarks on December 1972 bombing operations and national security. Ziegler confirmed that the event received strong television coverage and effectively portrayed the President’s interactions with the attendees.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed the success of his recent diplomatic trip to Iceland and its role in advancing his "Year of Europe" policy, specifically noting productive meetings with French President Georges Pompidou. The conversation contrasted this international progress with the ongoing distractions of the Watergate scandal, which Nixon lamented dominated domestic press coverage. Tricia encouraged her father to maintain high-profile engagements, such as the upcoming visit by Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, to help shift public focus away from Watergate and alleviate political pressure.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the favorable reception of Nixon's recent trip to Iceland, viewing it as a strategic success that elevates his stature and serves as a vital distraction from the ongoing Watergate scandal. Kissinger reports that the international press coverage is improving and that he plans to conduct background briefings to solidify the trip's accomplishments, particularly regarding the 'Year of Europe.' Meanwhile, Nixon characterizes the Watergate hearings as a partisan political fight and expresses confidence that the administration has weathered the worst of the fallout following the departures of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Additionally, the pair coordinates a media strategy for the upcoming announcement of a Vietnam agreement, ensuring they maximize positive publicity through simultaneous briefings with Congressional leaders.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to combat negative press coverage and bolster public support amidst the unfolding Watergate scandal. Colson reports on the positive feedback from his recent television interview, suggesting that the administration should adopt a more aggressive, offensive posture to discredit John Dean and defend the President. Nixon agrees to coordinate with staff to disseminate these favorable public reactions to congressional allies, aiming to shift the narrative and stabilize the administration's position.
President Nixon met with David C. Hoopes to coordinate the public announcement of Bryce N. Harlow’s return to the administration. The President emphasized the need for high-quality photography and media coverage to effectively highlight Harlow’s appointment. Nixon directed that Ronald Ziegler and his staff, including photographer Ollie Atkins and a Navy film crew, facilitate the necessary arrangements for the press opportunity.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig, Henry Kissinger, and other staff members to review preparations for his upcoming speech in Pekin, Illinois, and the anticipated visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The participants discussed strategies for managing foreign relations, specifically addressing requests regarding potential diplomatic travel for Vice President Spiro Agnew and navigating the delicate balance of U.S. relations with China and the Soviet Union. Additionally, the President and his team assessed the administration's political standing amid Watergate-related pressures, the national economy, and media coverage, emphasizing the need to project presidential strength and focus on the administration's policy achievements.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the media strategy surrounding Leonid Brezhnev's ongoing visit to the United States. They focus on managing press expectations and coverage for the President’s upcoming toast, ensuring it remains substantively light to avoid overshadowing the official agreements. Furthermore, they note with satisfaction that Henry Kissinger successfully avoided Watergate-related questions during his recent media briefing.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the administration's public relations strategy regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the Senate Ervin Committee hearings and the testimony of John Mitchell and John Dean. They analyzed recent press coverage and commentary, particularly media skepticism toward Dean's credibility and the negative impact of his immunity deal. The President determined that he should address the public on Watergate in August to move past the scandal, intending to shift focus toward the fall legislative agenda and economic policy once the committee hearings concluded.