Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Public Opinion Polling
110 conversations · page 2 of 2 · frequently with Nixon, Colson, Haldeman, Ziegler
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss campaign strategy and public perception regarding the Vietnam peace negotiations, recent polling data, and political corruption allegations. The President expressed frustration with the opposition's focus on controversial social issues and emphasized a commitment to achieving a "peace without surrender" rather than rushing an agreement before the election. They also coordinated details for the President’s upcoming travel schedule and refined their media messaging approach, specifically advising staff to avoid being overly defensive or "objectively" honest when countering political attacks.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss campaign strategy and public relations efforts leading up to the 1972 election, specifically focusing on the influence of Vietnam peace negotiations on voter sentiment. The two evaluated recent polling data, including insights from Albert Sindlinger and George Gallup, while coordinating messaging for the President's upcoming national address. Additionally, they reviewed antagonistic media coverage from the Washington Post and strategized how to handle persistent political attacks regarding the Watergate scandal and campaign corruption.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors to strategize for the final days of the 1972 presidential campaign, focusing on polling analysis, press engagement, and the handling of hecklers at campaign events. Much of the session was dedicated to reviewing and revising the text of the President's upcoming "Look to the Future" speech, specifically addressing the sensitive Vietnam War section and the ongoing peace negotiations. Nixon emphasized the importance of delivering the speech at a deliberate, measured pace to effectively convey his vision for the future, domestic achievements, and his foreign policy legacy.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the final stages of the 1972 presidential campaign, focusing on the President's positive momentum, strong polling data, and the apparent disintegration of George McGovern's campaign. The two men review the political landscape in key states like Michigan and Massachusetts, evaluate recent campaign rhetoric regarding Vietnam, and finalize a decision to cancel Vice President Agnew's appearance on CBS to avoid crossing a picket line. They also note the significance of rising stock market figures as a reflection of public confidence in the President's reelection.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to John D. Ehrlichman regarding the political and public perception of the Family Assistance Program. The discussion focused on evaluating welfare reform strategies, specifically the balance between guaranteed minimum income for welfare recipients and the earnings of the working poor. Nixon directed an analysis of polling data from George Gallup, Louis Harris, and Albert Sindlinger to refine the administration's messaging on the federal government’s role in social welfare.
President Nixon dictates a series of directives to H.R. Haldeman concerning the development of historical guest literature for Camp David and the presidential yacht, Sequoia. He emphasizes creating well-researched, professional accounts for these venues that highlight significant historical policy decisions and guest records. Additionally, Nixon instructs Haldeman to commission post-inaugural polling to gauge public opinion on tax increases versus government spending, stressing the need for precise and effective survey questions to clarify the President’s stance on fiscal responsibility.
President Nixon met with his aides and outside consultants to discuss the administration's telecommunications policy and a new strategic approach to public opinion. The discussions focused on centralizing control over broadcasting regulation, managing public perception regarding the press, and the need for internal unity among White House staff. Nixon and his advisors also reviewed polling data with Albert Sindlinger to better understand shifting voter sentiments, particularly among Democrats, regarding Vietnam, inflation, and law-and-order issues. The President emphasized that his administration must act decisively in these areas and maintain a unified public front to avoid being undermined by bureaucratic infighting or negative media coverage.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson to discuss Colson's upcoming trip to the USSR, focusing on the potential for strategic speech material, public relations, and trade negotiations. The conversation shifted to an extensive review of polling data provided by Albert E. Sindlinger, which Nixon and Colson used to analyze public sentiment on the Vietnam War settlement, economic issues, and shifting social values. Finally, the two discussed public relations strategies for managing the media, emphasizing the need for the administration and its supporters to more aggressively combat negative press coverage regarding Watergate and domestic policy.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to overhaul the administration’s schedule, focusing on establishing a regular rhythm of meetings with Cabinet members, Congressional leaders, and White House staff to improve coordination and morale. They discussed administrative shifts, including the reorganization of the CIA and the abolition of the Land panel, while also analyzing the President’s historical poll performance compared to previous administrations. Nixon emphasized the necessity of 'thinking time' and decided to implement a more structured, frequent engagement strategy with key political stakeholders to bolster support for his agenda.
Charles W. Colson updates President Nixon on positive feedback from pollsters Albert E. Sindlinger and Louis P. Harris regarding the President’s recent speech on the economy. Nixon instructs Colson to gather additional details and report back after he finishes dinner. The brief exchange establishes a plan for Colson to provide a comprehensive briefing on these polling reports shortly thereafter.