Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Protests
17 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Sanchez, Kissinger
Unidentified participants met in the Cabinet Room to discuss the logistics and seating arrangements for an upcoming event, likely related to a public demonstration or protest. The conversation touches upon past protest events, such as the Vietnam moratorium, while staff coordinate the physical preparation of the room. The discussion reflects concerns regarding the impact and logistics of large-scale gatherings held on the White House grounds.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, H.R. Haldeman, and John Dean discussed strategies for managing political fallout from the ongoing Vietnam War, particularly regarding public and congressional perception. The President expressed frustration with military leadership and the impact of war protests, deciding to prioritize a definitive end to U.S. ground combat and the draft to stabilize his political position. Additionally, the group reviewed internal polling data and economic messaging, agreeing to leverage improved consumer price index figures to bolster support among Republican legislators and conservative constituencies.
President Nixon and Veterans of Foreign Wars leader Herbert R. Rainwater discuss public perception of anti-war demonstrations, agreeing that the media is providing biased coverage and failing to grant equal time to veteran perspectives. The two men also address political tensions involving Senator Vance Hartke's stance on veterans' legislation, with Nixon encouraging Rainwater to continue applying public pressure on the Senator. Additionally, Rainwater proposes a strategic framework for prisoner-of-war exchanges and troop withdrawals intended to pressure the North Vietnamese government, which Nixon agrees to review.
President Nixon calls Senator James L. Buckley to commend him for his firm handling of disruptive protestors in the Senate gallery earlier that day. The two discuss the challenges of maintaining order in the Senate and the necessity of drawing a firm line against spectacle-making demonstrators. Nixon encourages Buckley to continue his stance, emphasizing that while confrontations should be avoided, the legislative business must remain uninterrupted.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Ronald Ziegler to discuss a wide range of administrative, public relations, and personnel matters, including media strategy for upcoming events. The group evaluated potential photographers for official portraits, planned the logistics for Tricia Nixon's televised tour, and discussed the President’s approach to an upcoming press conference. Additionally, Nixon addressed staffing changes, the handling of anti-war protests, and the political branding of government initiatives like the national cancer program.
President Nixon called William B. Macomber, Jr. to personally commend him for his actions the previous day in physically preventing protesters from removing an American flag. During the brief exchange, Nixon expressed his appreciation for Macomber's resolve against the demonstrators and characterized the protesters as cowardly. The President also requested that Macomber extend his gratitude to the other guards who assisted in the confrontation.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, prioritizing discussions on trade strategy with Peter Peterson and managing the political fallout from ongoing anti-war demonstrations. Nixon expressed frustration with the bureaucratic process regarding sugar quotas and requested tighter control over the administration's interactions with the Business Council. Furthermore, they discussed the government's firm response to recent mass arrests of protesters and the potential to leverage public support for the police and administration.
President Nixon called John F. Griner, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), to commend him for his leadership in ensuring federal employees reported to work during recent protests. The two discussed their mutual disdain for the protesters, with Nixon praising Griner’s refusal to be intimidated by what he termed a "rat pack" and Griner expressing his intention to discipline local union chapters that participated in the unrest. Both parties agreed that law enforcement handled the situation effectively and shared suspicions regarding the involvement of outside agitators in the demonstrations.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the political fallout from recent anti-war protests and the media's coverage of law and order issues. The conversation emphasizes the administration's commitment to combatting domestic drug abuse, specifically rejecting the legalization of marijuana and framing the issue as a national crisis rather than one isolated to Vietnam. The two conclude by coordinating plans for a follow-up meeting scheduled for June 3 to address these policy initiatives.
President Nixon called Selective Service Director Curtis W. Tarr to commend his composed handling of an incident where protesters confronted him. Nixon praised Tarr’s vigorous and dignified reaction to the agitators, dismissing the demonstrators as exhibitionists. The conversation served as a gesture of executive support to reassure Tarr following the public, albeit unpleasant, confrontation.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed logistics and security concerns regarding an upcoming presidential trip to Portland and San Francisco. Nixon expressed apprehension about potential protesters at central city locations and favored staying at an airport hotel to improve security and limit accessibility for demonstrators. The pair ultimately shifted their planning focus toward selecting lodging that would minimize the risk of organized disruption.
H. R. Haldeman and George P. Shultz coordinate the logistics for President Nixon’s upcoming appearance at an AFL-CIO event, following a positive conversation between Shultz and George Meany. They determine that the official announcement should be made during an 11:00 a.m. press briefing by Jerry Warren. Additionally, they discuss security concerns regarding potential protests by the SDS and other groups, noting Meany's suggestion to coordinate operational details through his staffer, Tom Moran.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed domestic political strategy, focusing on public reaction to Nixon’s recent Vietnam policy speech and the polling strength of Democratic presidential candidates. The two evaluated the impact of anti-war protests, specifically criticizing a recent demonstration by a member of the Ray Conniff Singers at a White House dinner as poorly timed and counterproductive. Additionally, they reviewed economic indicators and campaign logistics regarding potential primary challengers.
President Nixon met briefly with an unknown woman who delivered a briefcase to the Oval Office. During the brief exchange, the unidentified visitor recounted a past experience involving an anti-war heckler at a public event. The conversation concluded shortly thereafter without any formal policy decisions or further administrative action.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss the press strategy and distribution of materials regarding an upcoming televised speech on Vietnam. They decided against releasing the full text of the speech in advance to avoid critical early reporting, opting instead to provide journalists with a summary of key decisions to shape the media narrative. The discussion also touched on the role of Henry Kissinger, the influence of columnist James Reston, and the administration's policy toward dealing with anti-war demonstrators and campus unrest.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss a demonstration held by the Gay Liberation Front and the public reception of the President's recent television appearance. Following this, the President briefly spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The exchange centered on reflecting on the positive feedback from his media engagements.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the logistical risks surrounding a planned social event for Elmer Bobst at a New York law firm. Fearing disruptive protests due to the event’s location, Nixon decides not to attend, expressing concern that his presence would trigger a demonstration. They agree that Nixon will instead invite Bobst to meet with him privately during a separate visit to the firm, while suggesting that First Lady Pat Nixon attend the event in the President's place.