Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Republican National Convention
30 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Bull, Ehrlichman
President Nixon and Senator Robert Dole spoke to discuss the internal climate of the Republican National Committee following a recent meeting. They reviewed party sentiment regarding the President’s surprise initiative to engage the People’s Republic of China, alongside concerns over the national economy and regional political dynamics. The discussion also touched upon preparations for the upcoming Republican National Convention, including deliberations over potential host cities like Chicago, Miami, and San Diego.
President Nixon held an informal telephone conversation with C. Arnholt Smith and his wife, Helen, to exchange New Year's greetings. The discussion touched upon upcoming political logistics, including the scheduling of Republican conventions and the promotion of San Diego as a venue. The parties also engaged in casual pleasantries regarding personal matters and political activities.
President Nixon called Jody Smith to congratulate him on his inauguration as the youngest mayor in the nation. The two discussed their shared backgrounds in working at service stations and their perspectives on community leadership. Nixon encouraged Smith's political career and expressed his hope to see the young mayor as a delegate at the upcoming Republican National Convention in San Diego.
President Nixon met with H. Allen Smith, Clark MacGregor, and William E. Timmons to strategize on legislative priorities and congressional scheduling ahead of the upcoming national conventions. The participants discussed the feasibility of a constitutional amendment regarding school busing and coordinated efforts to finalize key appropriations bills before the Republican National Convention. Nixon emphasized the need for a small group of senior leaders to reach a consensus on legislative tactics to maximize efficiency during the tight three-to-four-month window before the party conventions.
President Nixon met with key advisors, including H. R. Haldeman, Alexander Haig, and John Ehrlichman, to discuss a range of administrative, political, and public relations concerns. The conversation focused on managing the political implications of foreign trade and business relations, specifically regarding the roles of Peter Flanigan and Henry Kissinger, as well as addressing ongoing press inquiries about campaign financial contributions. Additionally, the President reviewed his upcoming schedule, including planning for staff meetings at Camp David and strategies for the Republican National Convention.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and Alexander Butterfield to manage the administration's public relations, messaging, and political strategy. Key discussions included the ITT case and the selection of the Republican National Convention site, criticism of speechwriting staff, and the administration's aggressive approach to domestic issues such as busing, crime, and morality. Nixon emphasized the need to prioritize major issues and ordered a shake-up of his speechwriting team to ensure messaging aligned with his conservative agenda.
President Nixon met with Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg, John N. Mitchell, and John D. Ehrlichman to discuss diplomatic relations, the 1972 Republican National Convention, and political strategy for the upcoming election. The participants focused on local campaign support in Pennsylvania—specifically regarding Frank Rizzo—and potential political endorsements from influential figures like Norton Simon. Nixon and Annenberg reaffirmed their strong personal and political alliance, with Nixon explicitly requesting Annenberg's continued service as Ambassador to the Court of St. James's following the 1972 election.
President Nixon directed John Ehrlichman to prepare for a pivot toward a constitutional amendment regarding busing legislation, expressing frustration over the lack of progress in Congress. Nixon argued that the administration's current, more moderate proposal was ineffective and that an amendment would provide a clear ideological battleground against the eventual Democratic presidential nominee. Ehrlichman was instructed to task staff with drafting the amendment for a potential rollout by September or shortly before the Republican National Convention.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met at Camp David to strategize for an upcoming televised press conference, focusing on techniques to maintain control through shorter answers and a more controlled format. They also discussed logistics for the 1972 Republican National Convention, specifically regarding family schedules and hotel accommodations for the First Family, while evaluating the political implications of George McGovern's campaign. Additionally, the President issued instructions to Herbert Stein regarding Argentine beef imports and expressed relief regarding the status of the Watergate investigation.
President Nixon met with members of the White House correspondence staff and volunteers to acknowledge their work in processing the high volume of daily mail. The discussion focused on the operational challenges of managing correspondence, the strategic importance of using personal stories and vignettes from the mail for campaign speeches, and the need to monitor public sentiment during the upcoming Republican National Convention. Nixon concluded the session by presenting the staff with commemorative gifts and thanking them for their service.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discussed various administrative and political matters, including the handling of a note for Hubert Humphrey and the vetting of potential guests for the Republican National Convention. Woods expressed concerns regarding the attendance of individuals linked to the unfolding Watergate scandal, specifically recommending the exclusion of Robert C. Odle, Jr. from the President’s box. The pair also addressed the logistics of a sensitive CIA report, domestic remodeling projects, and the handling of personal gifts.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to John D. Ehrlichman regarding the strategic management of the upcoming Republican National Convention. Nixon expresses concern over potential disruption by liberal Senate figures like Edward Brooke and Charles Percy and instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate with convention planners to ensure conservative interests are balanced. Specifically, the President calls for high-profile television segments featuring Barry Goldwater to solidify conservative support and counterbalance liberal factions on the convention floor.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and streamline his commitments. The discussion focused on prioritizing meetings with key political figures, including Henry Kissinger, Daniel P. Moynihan, and the duo of Clark MacGregor and John N. Mitchell, while clearing unnecessary appointments from the calendar. Nixon emphasized his desire for an open schedule, ultimately deciding to cancel several briefings and committee meetings to accommodate travel and convention-related priorities.
President Nixon met with key staff members, including H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Henry Kissinger, to coordinate administration messaging and political strategy ahead of the Republican National Convention. The discussion focused on managing media relations, attacking political opponent George McGovern—specifically regarding his potential appointment of Ramsey Clark as FBI director—and handling the resignation of Sargent Shriver. The President also reviewed progress on revenue sharing legislation, the administration's stance on busing, and ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning Vietnam and U.S.-Soviet relations.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to address administrative logistics regarding upcoming speech preparations for the Republican National Convention. The discussion focused on the provision of yellow legal pads and the potential involvement of an unnamed woman in the drafting process. This brief exchange served to finalize clerical arrangements necessary for the President's convention appearances.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors to coordinate campaign strategy for his re-election, specifically addressing the tone of his upcoming acceptance speech and public appearances. The group discussed countering Senator George McGovern's policies, particularly regarding Vietnam and welfare, while also devising a public relations strategy to address the ongoing Watergate investigation. Nixon emphasized the need for a strong, combative campaign posture that avoids defensive positioning and effectively utilizes his cabinet members to attack political opponents.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson, Stephen Bull, and Samuel and Mrs. Winer to conduct a brief photo session intended to rectify a previous camera malfunction. Beyond the photography, the participants discussed the involvement of the U.S. Jaycees in the 1972 Republican National Convention and the implementation of a voter participation program. The meeting concluded with the presentation of presidential gifts to the Winers before they departed.
President Nixon met with Louella Dirksen, Rose Mary Woods, and Stephen Bull to discuss the promotion of Dirksen’s new book about her late husband, Everett Dirksen. The conversation focused on the President's potential involvement in the dedication of the Everett M. Dirksen Congressional Leadership Research Center in Pekin, Illinois, and potential fundraising efforts. Additionally, the President presented Mrs. Dirksen with a Chinese scroll and reviewed her upcoming media appearances and planned attendance at the Republican National Convention.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman consulted briefly to coordinate the agenda for their upcoming meeting. The primary focus of the discussion centered on preparations for the President’s acceptance speech at the upcoming Republican National Convention. This exchange served as a logistical bridge to ensure both parties were aligned on the strategic priorities ahead of the event.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to coordinate political strategy, focusing on discrediting Sargent Shriver's claims regarding Vietnam peace negotiations by questioning his honesty and knowledge of the process. They also discussed administrative business, including the signing of a federal firefighters' bill and the planning of the President’s upcoming acceptance speech. Finally, the group reviewed the timing of impending Watergate-related indictments in relation to the Republican National Convention to minimize political fallout.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman consulted at Camp David regarding political messaging, scheduling adjustments, and the administration's response to Senator George McGovern's recent foreign policy controversies. They analyzed the political fallout of reports regarding Pierre Salinger's unauthorized meeting with North Vietnamese negotiators and discussed the strategic timing for criticizing McGovern’s approach to the Vietnam War. Ultimately, Nixon decided to delay a formal administration attack on McGovern to keep the focus on positive campaign themes during their upcoming convention, while directing his staff to gather further strategic input from key allies.
President Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox discussed Tricia's recent campaign appearance at the Illinois State Fair and the political reception she received. They contrasted the local public support for the President against the lackluster crowds reported at Senator George McGovern's recent events in Wisconsin. Additionally, the pair analyzed the core themes of the upcoming Republican National Convention, specifically focusing on how the President should contrast his record on foreign policy and economics against McGovern's platform.
President Nixon consulted with his staff and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, to refine the themes for his upcoming Republican National Convention acceptance speech. The discussion focused on establishing a tone similar to a State of the Union address, emphasizing national unity over political division. Central to the draft were arguments against the use of quotas and the promotion of a 'new majority' that transcends traditional partisan affiliations.
President Nixon consulted with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, regarding his upcoming Republican Party acceptance speech. Tricia conveyed advice from her husband, Edward R. F. Cox, specifically suggesting a linguistic shift to emphasize "we" versus "they" rhetoric. This brief exchange focused on refining the tone and framing of the President's address.
President Richard M. Nixon utilized the recording session at Camp David to rehearse and refine his upcoming acceptance speech for the Republican National Convention. By reviewing portions of the address, Nixon focused on messaging related to social unity, the rejection of discriminatory philosophies, and the goal of building a broad, bipartisan political majority. The exercise allowed the President to polish his oratorical delivery and solidify the ideological framework of his campaign platform.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and H. R. Haldeman at Camp David to prepare for his upcoming presidential acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. The President critiqued the pacing and political orientation of his speechwriting staff, specifically discussing the working relationship between Ray Price and John K. Andrews, Jr. Additionally, Nixon reviewed administrative matters, including staff performance, political appointments, and recent correspondence regarding his administration.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed security concerns regarding the upcoming Republican National Convention and the safety of the President's family. The President addressed potential logistical challenges and security threats, specifically pledging to secure protection for George C. Wallace. Additionally, they touched upon travel arrangements involving Robert H. Abplanalp’s plane and the use of military base facilities.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met at Camp David to strategize on political messaging and prepare for the upcoming Republican National Convention. The primary focus was refining the President's acceptance speech to ensure a strong, nonpartisan tone that highlighted administration accomplishments while contrasting them with the opposition. They also finalized the logistics of Kissinger’s attendance at the convention, aiming to utilize his high profile while managing potential media inquiries regarding sensitive foreign policy and Vietnam negotiations.
President Nixon met at Camp David to rehearse his upcoming acceptance speech for the Republican National Convention. He focused on refining thematic elements of the address, specifically emphasizing his vision for a new structure of global peace and the historical opportunity for American leadership. The session served as a final rhetorical preparation for his renomination campaign efforts.
President Richard Nixon utilized his time at Camp David to rehearse his acceptance speech for the upcoming Republican National Convention. He focused on refining thematic elements of the address, specifically emphasizing his vision for a new global structure of peace and the importance of American leadership. The session served as a final preparation to ensure the delivery aligned with his strategic messaging for the 1972 campaign.