Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Public perception
27 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Colson, Ziegler
When Public perception comes up
Related topics: WatergatePolitical strategyWatergate investigationPress relationsMedia relationsMedia coverageJohn W. Dean IIIWhite House administrationVietnam WarSoviet SummitSecret ServicePersonnel managementLegal strategyJulie Nixon Eisenhower
On October 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:15 pm and 5:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 585-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Mitchell engaged in a brief, informal discussion regarding the reception of a recent political appearance, possibly in Chicago. The conversation focused on evaluating the public perception and efficacy of an unnamed individual's performance and endorsements. The meeting concluded with instructions to relay a message to a third party, referred to as 'the doctor,' though the specific identity and strategic intent remain obscured by the vague transcript.
President Nixon, along with Haldeman, Bull, Ziegler, and MacGregor, discussed strategies for managing public perception and legislative efforts. Key topics included the effectiveness of media appearances, potential political risks and benefits of certain actions, and legislative priorities such as tax bills and childcare revisions. A significant development was the agreement to have Charlie Walker meet with Joe Wagner and Russell Long regarding Treasury's willingness to discuss matters of dispute, and the President's commitment to securing a suitable tax bill before Congress adjourns.
On January 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods talked on the telephone from 11:44 pm to 11:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-165 of the White House Tapes.
On January 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:46 pm and 2:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 642-028 of the White House Tapes.
Secret Service agents gathered in the Oval Office to discuss a recent performance or appearance by an unidentified individual, potentially a public official. The participants praised the subject's conduct while expressing strong disapproval of Senator Frank Church's demeanor. The conversation confirms satisfaction with the subject's composure despite facing a difficult and adversarial interaction.
Secret Service agents and an unidentified individual discuss media misrepresentation regarding a recent event involving Bob Hope. The speakers express frustration over a press report that falsely characterized a small number of hecklers as a negative reaction from a large audience of 15,000. This dialogue highlights the administration's concern over perceived journalistic bias and the distortion of public perception.
President Nixon met with John Cardinal Krol to discuss the political climate following the attempted assassination of George Wallace, as well as the President’s upcoming summit in the Soviet Union. Nixon explained his decision to maintain public appearances despite the violence, emphasizing his refusal to govern under a climate of fear. The two also addressed the strategic necessity of the U.S. naval blockade in Vietnam and the positive signals regarding the stability of the Soviet summit.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the strategic advantages of a televised "town hall" style meeting with members of Congress, as opposed to a press conference with journalists. They believed this format would allow Nixon to directly communicate his foreign policy achievements, particularly regarding the Soviet summit, to the American people and bypass critical media figures. The conversation focused on how this approach could counter negative press and appeal to a broader audience, including McGovern's constituency, by projecting an image of open government and presidential command of complex issues.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the political implications of various social issues and media coverage. Colson expressed concerns about the media's potential to believe and report on certain narratives, particularly regarding welfare payments and busing. The conversation touched upon the challenges faced by a particular individual, though the specifics remain unclear due to unintelligible portions of the transcript.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson met to discuss various political strategies, focusing heavily on managing press relations and public perception regarding the administration. The conversation addressed the potential resignation of John Mitchell due to his wife Martha's instability and the fallout from the Watergate break-in, with the participants strategizing how to frame Mitchell's departure as a personal decision to support his family. Additionally, Nixon directed his staff to research historical precedents for amnesty to counter political opponents, discussed the upcoming press conference schedule, and reviewed administrative control over public broadcasting appropriations.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the political fallout from the Eagleton affair, with Haldeman relaying observations that the situation was being perceived as the candidate being "taken in by the scum" and that the controversy would likely affect the "hard core" political audience more than the general public. They also touched on internal campaign strategy and the potential for "jackass ideas" from staff.
Charles Colson and President Nixon discussed the Democratic Party's handling of the Thomas Eagleton situation, criticizing McGovern's perceived cowardice and the "cruel" public statements made by party officials Jean Westwood and Larry O'Brien regarding Eagleton's withdrawal. They also touched upon the potential for Eagleton to resist stepping down and the media's role in shaping public perception, with Colson suggesting that the Democrats' current difficulties are beneficial to Nixon's campaign.
President Nixon and Charles Colson briefly discuss the political implications of public outbursts, specifically referencing an individual named Lutz. Nixon posits that such negative displays can ironically serve the administration's interests by highlighting the dissatisfaction of opponents in contrast to the public's general perception that the country is doing well. The conversation remains speculative and concludes without any formal policy directives or significant operational decisions.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed polling data and public perception of candidates, specifically comparing voter reactions to Barry Goldwater and George McGovern, and also touched upon media coverage of the Eagleton affair and potential negative perceptions of McGovern's wife.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss personnel management and the perception of the administration's internal culture. Nixon directs Haldeman to address sensitive staffing matters with Larry and expresses concern over reports from family members, including Julie and Tricia, that his administration is perceived as being overly cold and hard-hearted. The President seeks to evaluate the administration's public standing and communications strategies in response to these criticisms.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed media strategy regarding the administration's upcoming second-term reorganization and the President's personal involvement in critical policy negotiations. Nixon clarified that his brief return to Washington was for personal matters and to work on sensitive documents in the Lincoln Sitting Room, rather than to hold formal meetings. They coordinated on messaging to portray the reorganization as an orderly, thoughtful process meant to reenergize the government, while actively countering negative press perceptions of the administration as "heartless." Furthermore, Nixon provided instructions on how to frame his upcoming work on Vietnam and SALT II negotiations to emphasize his personal oversight of technical details.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, held an informal meeting at Camp David to discuss personal and lighthearted topics. The conversation focused on a recent favorable article published in the London Economist, which the President sought to understand in terms of its influence and prestige. The brief exchange highlights the President's interest in international media reception and served as a moment of informal family rapport.
President Nixon met with Lyndon K. Allin to offer birthday congratulations on Allin's 64th birthday. The brief discussion touched upon the administration's relationship with the media and the necessity of maintaining a strategic perspective on public perception. Nixon concluded the meeting by encouraging Allin to take the rest of the day off to celebrate.
President Nixon met with his top advisors, including Roy Ash, George Shultz, John Ehrlichman, and H.R. Haldeman, to discuss the administration's budget, revenue sharing proposals, and congressional relations. Key topics included the perceived partisanship surrounding revenue sharing, potential program cuts, the impact of budget decisions on human resources versus defense spending, and strategies for communicating the administration's fiscal policies to Congress and the public. A significant development was the discussion around managing public perception of the administration's spending priorities and the need to counter negative press narratives, particularly concerning social programs and the effectiveness of federal expenditures.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss North Vietnamese cease-fire violations and the potential effectiveness of resuming U.S. bombing operations in response. The conversation highlights the administration's strategic use of the President's perceived irrationality as a deterrent, as well as the support Nixon is receiving from Chinese leadership in contrast to domestic opposition from Senate Democrats. Nixon expresses frustration with the ineffectiveness of previous air campaigns and emphasizes the need for a surprise-based military plan, while also directing Kissinger to mobilize sympathetic columnists to counter the partisan pressure on his foreign policy.
President Nixon met with John Dean, John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman, and John Mitchell to discuss strategies for handling the Senate Watergate committee's investigation. The primary focus was on how to respond to subpoenas and questions, with Nixon explicitly instructing them to "stonewall it" and "plead the Fifth Amendment, cover up." Key discussions revolved around executive privilege, the potential for witnesses to testify, and managing public perception of the White House's cooperation.
President Nixon and John Dean met briefly to discuss the legal strategy and potential fallout from the Watergate investigation, specifically concerning the upcoming court proceedings and statements from individuals like McCord. Nixon sought Dean's assessment of the best approach to manage the situation and its public perception, while Dean indicated that certain key developments, like McCord's statement, were still pending. They agreed to meet again later that day to further discuss the matter.
President Nixon and Leonard Garment met to strategize on managing the escalating Watergate scandal and its impact on the administration's credibility. Garment advised the President to act preemptively by issuing a brief, clear public statement that would distance him from the unfolding crisis and the individuals involved, including H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean. They also discussed the necessity of potentially suspending key staffers involved in the investigation to mitigate political damage and restore public confidence.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the ongoing Watergate investigation, including the legal strategies for John Dean, the potential for impeachment, and the handling of press inquiries. They also touched upon the Ellsberg case and the possibility of a photograph being in evidence. Nixon expressed concern about the public perception of the White House and the need to present a unified front.
President Nixon and Ron Ziegler discussed press relations and the ongoing Watergate investigation. They focused on how Ziegler handled press briefings, the tone of White House communications, and potential strategies to manage public perception. Key topics included the President's August 1972 statement, John Dean's role, and the possibility of a press conference. They also touched upon the Ellsberg break-in and the handling of sensitive files, with a decision to potentially adjust the frequency of Ziegler's briefings.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, met briefly to discuss the political climate and personal pressures surrounding his administration. Their exchange touched upon the impact of public challenges and the potential release or management of sensitive documents. The conversation reflects the President's reliance on family support during the escalating scrutiny of his presidency.