Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Richard G. Kleindienst
64 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Kleindienst, Ehrlichman
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Deputy Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This brief exchange served solely as an administrative coordination to facilitate direct communication between the President and the Department of Justice official. No policy matters or substantive discussions occurred during this connection.
President Nixon instructs the White House operator to place a telephone call to Deputy Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This brief exchange serves as a procedural step to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and a key Justice Department official. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occur during this short administrative interaction.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate administrative details regarding upcoming honors and official representation. They reviewed citations for the Presidential Medal of Freedom to be awarded to Raymond K. Price, Jr. and John K. Andrews, Jr. Additionally, they discussed the selection of Deputy Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to serve as the President’s representative at the funeral of former Senator Carl T. Hayden.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the scheduling of administrative meetings and logistics involving Richard G. Kleindienst. The conversation focused on arranging a specific time for Kleindienst to meet with the President at Camp David and coordinating a separate lunch engagement. No substantive policy matters were addressed, as the dialogue remained restricted to calendar management and internal protocol.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum reflecting on the positive international reception to his recent trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically noting praise from an Iranian official regarding his efforts toward global peace. He subsequently addresses domestic political strategy regarding mandatory busing, expressing his intent to implement a moratorium to align with public sentiment. Nixon also notes his coordination with aides H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and William Safire to ensure a unified administrative stance on the busing issue.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and John Ehrlichman to strategize on managing ongoing political crises, specifically the ITT investigation and the confirmation of Richard G. Kleindienst. They discussed tactics to distance the White House from allegations surrounding the Dita Beard memorandum and explored how to counter press hostility through a comparative historical analysis of congressional investigative tactics. Additionally, the group addressed the political implications of busing, including the potential for a moratorium and its impact on the 1972 campaign, while coordinating upcoming public communications and scheduling.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Deputy Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This administrative request served as a precursor to a direct consultation between the two men. No further substantive details regarding the purpose of the call were captured in this exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to determine the whereabouts of Richard G. Kleindienst. The President specifically inquired about Kleindienst's current location in Los Angeles to facilitate communication. This brief administrative exchange served to coordinate the President's schedule and reach a key member of his administration.
President Nixon met with Clark MacGregor and Alexander Butterfield to coordinate a messaging strategy for Republican members of Congress regarding the economy and the administration's price stabilization program ahead of their recess. The discussion also addressed the stalled confirmation of Richard G. Kleindienst and the ongoing ITT controversy, with Nixon pushing for a swift committee vote to resolve the matter. Finally, Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the geopolitical risks and potential benefits of including a stop in Poland during the President's upcoming trip to the Soviet Union.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the ongoing political damage caused by the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) scandal and the resulting controversy surrounding Richard G. Kleindienst's Senate confirmation. They express frustration with the media's handling of the case and the unauthorized television appearances of White House staff, specifically Peter M. Flanigan. To mitigate political fallout during an election year, the President and Colson determine that they must force a resolution to the ITT matter and minimize the duration of the Senate hearings to prevent further damage to the administration.
President Nixon met with Clark MacGregor, H. R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson to strategize on ending the ongoing Senate Judiciary Committee hearings regarding the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) case and the nomination of Richard G. Kleindienst. The group expressed concern that the hearings were damaging the administration and discussed orchestrating a committee vote to terminate the proceedings, despite potential political blowback. They also deliberated on the best way for Kleindienst to manage his public image and address the nomination impasse, while acknowledging frustrations regarding poor communication and handling of the controversy by White House staff.
President Nixon, Clark MacGregor, and H. R. Haldeman discussed legislative progress regarding anti-busing initiatives and the ongoing Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on the ITT case. MacGregor reported successful engagement with Southern House members to solidify support for the Administration's moratorium proposal, while expressing concern over the lack of unity among Republican senators regarding the ITT hearings. The President emphasized the need to secure a vote to terminate the ITT hearings, framing the struggle as a critical political confrontation between the Administration and Senator Edward Kennedy.
H. R. Haldeman coordinated a discreet meeting between President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to review the current political landscape. Following a brief exchange regarding a recent concert Kleindienst attended, the two men arranged for the Attorney General to enter the White House via the South Grounds and Diplomatic Entrance to avoid press attention. Haldeman emphasized the need for total discretion regarding the meeting, a protocol Kleindienst agreed to follow to avoid public speculation.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss the precarious Senate confirmation of Richard G. Kleindienst as Attorney General, which was being jeopardized by ongoing hearings regarding the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) case. They analyzed the political strategies of key figures, including Senator James Eastland and John Mitchell, and evaluated the potential risks of forcing a floor vote versus withdrawing the nomination. The President ultimately decided to meet with Kleindienst to coordinate a strategy for handling the confirmation proceedings and managing political optics.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed strategies to secure the confirmation of Richard G. Kleindienst as Attorney General amidst ongoing legislative obstacles. They specifically reviewed a plan for Senator Paul J. Fannin to initiate negotiations with Senator Sam Ervin regarding the testimony of Peter M. Flanigan in an effort to resolve concerns over executive privilege and prevent a filibuster. Nixon emphasized the need for urgency, instructing Haldeman to have Mitchell facilitate an immediate approach to Ervin while ensuring the administration receives public credit for the proposed compromise.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the precarious status of Richard G. Kleindienst’s nomination for Attorney General amidst ongoing ITT-related hearings. They deliberate on whether to force an early withdrawal of the nomination to avoid potentially damaging testimony from Jack Gleason and to mitigate further political fallout. The President directs Haldeman to coordinate with John Mitchell regarding the urgency of these maneuvers and the feasibility of securing confirmation through political negotiations with Senator Samuel Ervin.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the status of Richard G. Kleindienst's Attorney General nomination and the political risks associated with potential testimony from Jack Gleason. The conversation focuses on concerns regarding campaign contributions, specifically the ITT controversy, and the administration's strategy for managing the confirmation process. Nixon directs Haldeman to ensure that contingency speeches and planning are prepared in case the situation necessitates a sudden change in strategy.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield coordinate the logistics for a private meeting with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst. They agree to relocate the session from the White House to the Executive Office Building to improve the President’s time management. Butterfield confirms that the encounter will remain unpublicized and excludes a photograph opportunity.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistical arrangements for his upcoming appointment with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The discussion focused on scheduling a subsequent photo opportunity and press availability following their meeting. Nixon instructed Butterfield to summon John Andrews to the Executive Office Building to facilitate these administrative tasks.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and John Ehrlichman to coordinate the public announcement of L. Patrick Gray III’s appointment as FBI Director. The discussion focused on managing the political optics and potential criticisms regarding the vacancy of the position and Gray’s interim status. Additionally, the President reviewed media coverage and the reception of his recent public remarks, including his commentary on the legacy of the late J. Edgar Hoover.
John D. Ehrlichman coordinates with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding the upcoming press conference to announce the appointment of L. Patrick Gray III as acting FBI Director. Ehrlichman outlines the procedural flow of the announcement, instructs Ziegler on how to field press inquiries, and clarifies the technical employment status of Gray for salary purposes. The two agree to meet in person to finalize the specific language Ziegler should use when announcing that a permanent nomination for the position will be deferred until after the election.
H. R. Haldeman and President Nixon separately contacted Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to coordinate the federal response to the attempted assassination of George C. Wallace. Expressing deep concern over potential intelligence gaps and negative media influence, the President urged Kleindienst to ensure the FBI secured immediate access to the suspect for interrogation. Kleindienst confirmed the suspects were in local custody and provided updated information regarding the identity of the assailants, ultimately agreeing to the President's directive to establish federal jurisdiction and expedite the transfer of custody to federal authorities.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson met to discuss strategic administrative and legislative priorities, including the confirmation schedules for Richard Kleindienst and George P. Shultz. The conversation covered personnel matters involving key cabinet officials and the political implications of the President’s recent appearance at a joint session of Congress. They also touched upon national defense policy and administrative planning for upcoming presidential travel.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The brief exchange served solely as a logistical request to initiate this official communication. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon consulted the Camp David operator to track the travel schedule and current location of Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. After confirming that Kleindienst would return to Washington by mid-afternoon, the President coordinated a plan to place a follow-up call to him at that time. This brief exchange served to facilitate direct communication between the President and the Attorney General.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discussed political strategy for the 1972 election, focusing on the ongoing Democratic primary contests and the rise of George McGovern. They evaluated the political viability of various Democratic candidates and analyzed internal party fractures, particularly noting the resistance from party elites against McGovern's campaign. Nixon and Mitchell decided to maintain an aggressive stance by framing McGovern as an unpredictable extremist, aiming to exploit his perceived lack of credibility and foster further defections within the Democratic ranks.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to request an additional attempt to reach Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst by telephone. The brief exchange served as a logistical effort to facilitate a high-level communication between the President and the Department of Justice. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this connection.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield met to coordinate the logistics and protocol for upcoming cabinet swearing-in ceremonies, specifically focusing on the transitions involving the Treasury and the Justice Department. The discussion covered the scheduling of events, the sequence of oaths for officials such as Richard G. Kleindienst, and the administrative details regarding ceremonial gifts like pens. The President also reviewed the professional history of past Attorneys General and Treasury Secretaries to ensure proper commemorative arrangements.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the potential reorganization of the executive branch and the status of leadership within the Justice Department. The conversation focused on the tenure of FBI Director L. Patrick Gray and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst, specifically addressing their performance and the political ramifications of their potential retention or resignation. Ehrlichman provided updates on congressional and press reactions, while the two weighed the impact of a departmental overhaul on these personnel decisions.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting at the Camp David Aspen Lodge involving White House staffer John V. Brennan and personal aide Manolo Sanchez. The discussion included the arrival of Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst and the routine maintenance of the lodge's fireplace. No major policy decisions were recorded during these casual interactions.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an urgent call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The conversation served primarily as an administrative request to facilitate this communication. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and John B. Connally discuss potential career paths for former Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst, emphasizing the benefits of joining a stable, prestigious law firm over solo practice. The conversation transitions to domestic politics, with Nixon expressing support for his ongoing budget cuts and fiscal policies despite pressure from special interest groups and the media. Finally, the two address international affairs, including the potential for deeper U.S. association with Caribbean nations like Jamaica, the release of American prisoners in the People's Republic of China, and planning for Connally's upcoming international travel.
President Nixon directs Stephen Bull to schedule an unannounced meeting for the following morning with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. Nixon specifies that he wishes to meet with Kleindienst alone to discuss the administration's crime policy. Although Bull suggests a public announcement for the meeting, the President emphasizes the need for a private, thirty-minute consultation.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent communication. The primary purpose of the brief interaction was to request that the operator place a follow-up telephone call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this exchange, as it served strictly as an administrative request to initiate a subsequent conversation.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed strategies for managing the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the administration’s position regarding executive privilege and the release of FBI information to Congress. Dean reviewed historical precedents, such as the Truman administration's refusal to release investigative files, to support a policy of providing relevant information while resisting congressional demands for White House staff testimony. The two also addressed the perceived political vulnerability of former Attorney General John Mitchell and the necessity of managing Attorney General Richard Kleindienst’s loyalties during the ongoing inquiry.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This brief administrative interaction serves as the precursor to a direct consultation between the President and the head of the Department of Justice. No further substantive discussion occurs during this segment of the recording.
H. R. Haldeman and John Mitchell coordinated a meeting in Washington to discuss legal strategies regarding the Watergate investigation, specifically proposing a "blue-ribbon" commission as an alternative to existing proceedings. The two men expressed frustration with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst’s lack of initiative in establishing a necessary liaison with the Ervin Committee and gathering information from the grand jury. Additionally, Mitchell sought Haldeman’s intervention to resolve employment obstacles for Herbert "Bart" Porter at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
H. R. Haldeman and Charles Colson discuss a strategic proposal to deflect public perception of a Watergate cover-up by having Attorney General Richard Kleindienst consult Judge John Sirica. Haldeman suggests offering a special prosecutor, a new grand jury, and voluntary staff testimony to avoid a hostile appearance before the Ervin Committee. Colson expresses strong skepticism, arguing that such an initiative would appear as an act of panic and warning that the appointment of a special prosecutor would be a catastrophic mistake.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the potential resolution of the Wounded Knee occupation, which appears to be collapsing due to reports that leadership absconded with donated funds. Ehrlichman updates the President on the scheduling of Attorney General Richard Kleindienst, noting that logistical conflicts require postponing their meeting until Kleindienst's upcoming trip to Los Angeles. Furthermore, the two coordinate a follow-up with L. Patrick Gray to address his recent silence and discuss reports provided by Senator Howard Baker.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to postpone their upcoming California departure time from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM to accommodate a meeting with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst. Nixon prioritized securing additional time for this discussion, even if it required coordinating around Kleindienst's subsequent travel obligations to New York. He ultimately delegated the scheduling finalization to Bull, authorizing the 1:00 PM departure only if the 3:00 PM adjustment proved unfeasible.
John D. Ehrlichman contacted the White House operator to request an urgent telephone connection to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst at his private residence. This brief administrative interaction served as the initiation of a high-level communication between Ehrlichman and the Justice Department during the height of the Watergate investigations. No substantive discussion occurred during this exchange beyond the facilitation of the call.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst coordinated to place an urgent telephone call to Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. The primary purpose of this interaction was to facilitate direct communication between the Attorney General and Petersen regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. Nixon provided Petersen's contact information to the White House operator to ensure the call could be completed immediately.
Richard G. Kleindienst and Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen coordinated a brief, urgent meeting to be held at Kleindienst's office. The conversation focused on logistics for Petersen’s arrival, including instructions for him to use a private elevator and a secure entrance. No substantive policy matters were discussed, as the call was exclusively intended to facilitate a private, immediate administrative consultation.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing telephone call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The brief interaction served as a logistical step to initiate a direct conversation between the President and the Attorney General regarding administrative or legal matters. No further policy discussions or substantive decisions were captured during this initial exchange.
President Nixon arranges a meeting with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to discuss specific instructions for Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. Kleindienst requests permission to bring Petersen along to the White House for this briefing. The conversation serves as a brief logistical coordination to facilitate direct communication between the President and the lead investigator regarding the Watergate matter.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly coordinated the President's schedule regarding an upcoming meeting with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. Nixon instructed Bull to arrange a telephone call with Kleindienst to confirm that the meeting would proceed as planned. This interaction served to facilitate the administrative logistics required for the President's engagement with the Verification Panel.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This brief exchange served as a procedural request to facilitate communication between the President and his chief law enforcement officer. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this specific interaction.
Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst urgently requested an immediate meeting with President Nixon to discuss the legal implications of John W. Dean III’s recent statements to prosecutor Earl J. Silbert regarding the Daniel Ellsberg case. Kleindienst emphasized that the gravity of the situation required prompt action and legal consultation. The President instructed Kleindienst to report to the White House alone to address the matter.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst exchanged brief pleasantries while coordinating an immediate in-person meeting. The conversation served primarily as a logistics check to confirm that Kleindienst was en route to the President's office. No substantive policy matters or legal issues were addressed during this short exchange.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate the logistics of Richard G. Kleindienst’s arrival. The discussion centered on the necessary arrangements to ensure the President could meet with the Attorney General. Bull was tasked with managing the specific requirements for Kleindienst's entrance to the office.
President Nixon initiates a request for the White House operator to connect him with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The brief exchange serves as a logistical bridge to facilitate direct communication between the President and the Attorney General. No substantive policy matters are discussed during this specific connection process.
President Nixon met with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to briefly discuss urgent matters, though the brevity and lack of a full transcript obscure the specific nature of their exchange. This encounter occurred during the height of the Watergate investigation, suggesting the discussion centered on legal strategies or the mounting political pressure facing the administration. No concrete decisions were recorded, leaving the ultimate purpose of this brief consultation a matter of historical speculation.
President Nixon utilized the White House operator to initiate an outgoing telephone call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The brief exchange served as a logistical step to connect the President with his chief law enforcement officer. This communication reflects the active coordination occurring between the White House and the Department of Justice during the escalating Watergate investigations.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place a telephone call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This brief administrative interaction serves as the initiation of a communication between the President and his top law enforcement official. The conversation is limited to this specific request for connectivity.
President Nixon attempted to reach Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst regarding an urgent but unspecified matter. The White House operator informed the President that Kleindienst was currently unavailable and was being contacted to initiate a return call. The brief exchange served solely to facilitate a future communication between the two officials.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place an urgent telephone call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The brief exchange serves as a logistical bridge to connect the President with his top law enforcement official. This call highlights the active coordination and communication efforts occurring within the administration during the height of the Watergate crisis.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The conversation served strictly as a procedural administrative request to facilitate communication with the Attorney General. No further substantive discussion occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to initiate this specific high-level communication. No substantive policy matters or further developments were addressed during this brief call-routing process.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to initiate a direct line of communication with the Attorney General. No further substantive policy matters or decisions were recorded during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This brief communication served solely as a logistical request to initiate contact with the Attorney General. No further substantive discussion occurred during this specific interaction.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to facilitate communication between the President and the Attorney General. No further substantive policy matters or decisions were recorded during this brief connection.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. He specifically requested that the operator avoid disturbing Kleindienst if he was currently at dinner. This brief exchange served as a logistical coordination to facilitate an urgent communication between the President and the Attorney General.
President Nixon attempted to reach Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst via telephone, but the White House operator was unable to connect the call to the Attorney General's residence. After being informed of the unsuccessful attempt, Nixon decided to postpone the outreach until the following day. No further action was taken during this brief exchange.
President Nixon spent this session reviewing specific segments of previously recorded White House conversations, including discussions involving John W. Dean, III and Henry A. Kissinger. During the same period, Nixon engaged in an brief telephone conversation with Richard G. Kleindienst concerning a meeting and potential testimony. The President utilized this time to selectively audit past internal records and coordinate administrative matters during the ongoing investigation.