Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Press management
30 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Ziegler, Bull
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss strategies for managing the President's public image, presidential schedule, and press relations. Key topics include handling potential conflicts regarding Vice President Agnew's attendance at the Gridiron Club, coordinating future public events like an agricultural fair at the White House, and streamlining the President's public speaking engagements to improve impact. Nixon emphasizes the importance of repeating key rhetorical themes, such as his 'generation of peace' messaging, and expresses a preference for utilizing radio addresses to reach the public efficiently without the logistical burdens of televised appearances.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed media management strategies concerning upcoming interviews and relations with the White House press corps. Nixon expressed hostility toward female journalists, specifically the National Women's Press Corps, while emphasizing strict control over how his interviews—including a high-profile segment with Barbara Walters—were edited and broadcast. To prevent journalists from taking statements out of context, Nixon mandated that the Walters interview be aired in its entirety on NBC's 'Today' show rather than as fragmented promotional excerpts.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly to discuss follow-up actions related to a previous conversation with Henry Kissinger and the administration's strategic response to media coverage. The discussion also touched upon preparations for an upcoming meeting with news editors. The dialogue remained informal, focusing on administrative coordination and media management tactics.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed strategies for managing public perception regarding the Vietnam War, specifically the fallout from General Creighton Abrams' speculative comments about military operations in Laos. Nixon instructed Kissinger to ensure White House Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler and military leadership refrain from further commentary to prevent the press from manufacturing negative headlines. Additionally, the pair coordinated on high-stakes diplomatic negotiations with China, ultimately deciding to delay Kissinger’s meeting with Romanian ambassador Corneliu Bogdan to maintain flexibility for potential high-level communications.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield met to finalize the President's schedule for May 7, 1971, focusing on logistics for upcoming public appearances. The discussion centered on managing press access and determining the President’s level of involvement in remarks for the "Salute to Agriculture" and an appearance on the "Glen Campbell Show." They reached decisions to keep press presence minimal, specifically limiting photo coverage and briefings during the musical entertainment portion of the show to maintain control over the President's public image.
President Nixon, Ronald Ziegler, and H. R. Haldeman discussed how to manage media reporting regarding Vietnam casualty figures after a premature report by Howard K. Smith. Nixon emphasized the importance of formally announcing the figures to highlight that casualties had reached their lowest level since 1965, thereby validating the administration's policy following the Laos incursion. Additionally, Ziegler reported that he had publicly criticized Clark Clifford for making politically motivated, unsubstantiated claims regarding prisoners of war.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed a wide range of administrative and public relations strategies, including managing press coverage for upcoming presidential trips and dealing with the political fallout of the Pentagon Papers. The President emphasized his desire to treat the Pentagon Papers leak as a breach of national security and directed his staff to maintain a policy of refusing to comment on the previous administration's actions. Additionally, they reviewed personnel matters, such as the resignation of Robert C. Hill and a request from Donald L. Jackson, and finalized plans to improve media outreach regarding Vietnam troop withdrawals.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig to discuss ongoing foreign policy challenges, specifically concerns regarding a proposed State Department cable to Cairo and the broader diplomatic strategy in the Middle East. The pair also addressed the political impact of the Pentagon Papers, with Nixon emphasizing the need for firm management of the situation to prevent further division among critics. Additionally, they reviewed military developments in Vietnam and Laos, focusing on the handling of press relations and the status of diplomatic negotiations.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to coordinate upcoming administrative travel, public relations strategies, and media management for various high-level officials. Key discussions included planning a national speaking tour for John B. Connally, managing the President's low-key appearance at Bohemian Grove to minimize press coverage, and organizing logistical details for youth outreach programs like Boys and Girls Nation. They also addressed administrative matters, such as the handling of official correspondence regarding the People's Republic of China and the distribution of Eisenhower silver dollars.
President Nixon met with Secret Service agents to discuss the challenges of managing his public image and media relations ahead of the upcoming campaign season. The conversation focused on the influence of the press in shaping public perception and the difficulty of countering unfavorable media coverage. Nixon reflected on his previous electoral experiences to illustrate how media narratives can negatively impact a candidate's polling lead regardless of their actual performance.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed media strategy regarding the upcoming Detroit Economic Club Q&A session. Ziegler advocated for allowing electronic media coverage, arguing that the cumulative impact of news segments—especially when preempting negative focus on picket lines—would be more effective than a live broadcast. Nixon considered the logistics of press positioning, ultimately agreeing that if television cameras were permitted, they must be kept in the back to minimize intrusion and maintain the focus on his interaction with the audience.
President Nixon coordinates with the White House operator to manage the timing and rollout of an upcoming public announcement. Seeking to avoid a disorganized or premature reaction from press or political associates, he directs that the official release be rescheduled for 4:30 p.m. He further instructs the operator to ensure key figures, specifically Jerry Ford, are aligned with the administration's messaging before the information is made public.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly discussed administrative logistics regarding a school group from Ascension Academy and the handling of presidential gifts. The conversation touched upon managing press interest in these events and navigating political perceptions of the administration. They concluded by briefly addressing the necessity of managing political adversaries to maintain the administration's momentum.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss political strategy and administrative messaging, specifically regarding Haldeman's recent appearance on the Today show and public reaction to administration stances on Vietnam. The pair reviewed potential inquiries from the press and strategies for responding to critics, while also addressing logistical concerns related to the President's upcoming schedule, including a memorial service for Llewellyn E. Thompson. The conversation concluded with administrative updates involving Rose Mary Woods and the management of office materials.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to discuss strategy for the upcoming trip to the People’s Republic of China, emphasizing the need to manage the press corps' expectations and prepare briefings for First Lady Pat Nixon. The participants also reviewed the sensitive status of Vietnam peace negotiations, noting that recent military actions and the President's diplomatic outreach had pressured Hanoi into requesting a private meeting. Finally, they discussed the upcoming resignation of Attorney General John Mitchell and plans for trade-related announcements regarding Moscow.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman debrief the successful conclusion of the President's trip to China, focusing on the positive public reception at Andrews Air Force Base and the favorable stock market performance. The conversation shifts to managing press relations, specifically addressing a critical Washington Post headline regarding Taiwan policy that drew concern from press secretary Ron Ziegler. Despite these media challenges, the participants reaffirm the overall success of the diplomatic mission and discuss the ongoing efforts of Henry Kissinger to brief domestic political leaders.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Ronald Ziegler to review recent public relations strategies, including the effectiveness of his recent New York City trip and the upcoming schedule. The group discussed managing the press, navigating the political challenges of the 1972 campaign, and coordinating administrative responses to sensitive topics such as the ITT scandal and international drug trafficking. Nixon emphasized a hardline stance on drug penalties, suggesting that the administration should advocate for the death penalty for major distributors to project strength on law and order.
President Nixon met with publishing executives, including Oscar Dystel and Samuel Schulman, to discuss the production and marketing of books documenting his historic trips to China and the Soviet Union. The President emphasized the geopolitical importance of these summits, comparing their potential impact to World War II, and explored strategies for distributing the China book through the Committee to Re-elect the President. Additionally, the group discussed logistical management of the press corps for future trips, while Nixon briefly addressed personal scheduling conflicts regarding his absence from the Gridiron Dinner.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate upcoming administrative events, including cabinet meetings, press conferences, and the President's travel schedule. They extensively reviewed public relations strategies, specifically focusing on managing press coverage of the Vietnam War, Senate ratification of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT), and the administration's image regarding domestic and foreign policy. Additionally, the participants discussed logistical planning for the Nixon family's upcoming travels, including potential trips to the People's Republic of China and Latin America.
President Nixon met with staff and General Brent Scowcroft to finalize arrangements for a medal presentation ceremony honoring the late John Paul Vann. The discussion centered on managing potential press coverage and coordinating the participation of the Vann family members. Nixon explicitly directed staff to prevent a anticipated political gesture involving the presentation of a draft card by Vann’s son to ensure the event remained dignified and free of media-staged incidents.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated logistical arrangements for their departure from Camp David, focusing on managing press exposure by staggering helicopter flights for staff and family. They also discussed the impending resignation of HUD Secretary George Romney, with Nixon criticizing Romney’s handling of the situation and instructing Haldeman to have John Ehrlichman contact him for further guidance on the matter. The conversation reflects the President's desire to minimize negative media coverage while managing personnel issues similar to the prior departure of Wally Hickel.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the logistical arrangements for transporting staff and family members, specifically his children David and Julie, via helicopter from Camp David. The conversation addresses the protocol for managing the press presence during these departures to ensure order. Additionally, the pair briefly touches upon the need to caution an associate, referred to as John, regarding the behavior of an undisciplined individual named George.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to strategize on public relations regarding the Vietnam War, specifically addressing potential criticism from George McGovern that the ongoing peace negotiations were a hoax. They evaluated the pros and cons of holding a background press briefing to counter these claims and reinforce the narrative that "peace is at hand." Ultimately, the President directed staff to coordinate the logistics for such a session while remaining cautious about the tone and timing of the messaging to ensure it served the administration's goals.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media coverage and the framing of recent political developments shortly before the 1972 election. The conversation focuses on managing public perception regarding diplomatic negotiations and potential unrest, with Nixon emphasizing the need for precise messaging. They also touch upon the professional status and challenges of specific unidentified individuals within the administration.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed a variety of personnel, political, and foreign policy matters, including the pending Vietnam peace settlement and staff management. They reviewed potential appointments for the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and the political implications of these choices. Additionally, the President and Haldeman mapped out a strategy to handle the public announcement of the Vietnam negotiations while managing Henry Kissinger’s schedule and press relations during the upcoming inauguration. They also addressed legislative strategies regarding David Eisenhower’s potential congressional run and other personnel logistics for the second term.
President Nixon consulted with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding the day's challenging political environment and media optics. The two discussed a potential strategy for Ziegler to frame upcoming narratives, with the President soliciting Ziegler's advice on how to manage the current situation. The brief exchange focused on coordinating their public messaging approach in response to mounting pressures.
President Nixon consulted with an aide to coordinate his participation in a Rose Garden tour hosted by First Lady Pat Nixon for student contest winners. They discussed the logistics of the event, specifically mapping out the President’s route, his interaction with the press, and the placement of attendees. The discussion concluded with a plan for the President to exit his office and proceed through the hall to join the tour participants.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a strategic meeting to manage the fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on press narratives, the handling of sensitive CIA memoranda, and the upcoming testimony of administration officials. They discussed coordinating with figures like L. Patrick Gray and CIA officials to emphasize that the President had directed forceful investigations into potential intelligence leaks, rather than attempting a cover-up. The conversation centered on maintaining a firm stance on national security grounds regarding the custody of sensitive documents while countering unfavorable media interpretations of the President's past directives.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed upcoming public relations strategies, including managing the press during the President's scheduled meeting with Congressional leaders at Blair House. They reviewed recent political successes, specifically the sustainment of a presidential veto and the confirmation progress of Elliot Richardson. Additionally, Ziegler briefed the President on Gerald Alch’s testimony before the Ervin Committee, which challenged the credibility of James McCord’s Watergate-related accounts. Nixon concluded the call by announcing his intention to travel to Camp David with Brent Scowcroft to prepare for a press briefing and secure some rest.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media management and the administration's public messaging strategy. The President emphasizes the importance of credibility and selectively managing public statements, specifically referencing his direct intervention to suppress certain information. They briefly touch upon the current media climate and speculate on the motives behind the exclusion of figures like John Mitchell from press coverage.