Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Richard Kleindienst
19 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Sanchez, Ehrlichman
President Nixon directs John Dean to ensure that local police and authorities take no action against anti-war veterans demonstrating in Washington, D.C. Nixon emphasizes a strategy of inaction, instructing Dean to stall any decision-making through meetings while allowing the protesters to continue their activities undisturbed. This directive reflects the President's desire to avoid confrontation and potential negative optics pending a resolution from the Supreme Court.
President Nixon consulted with California Governor Ronald Reagan to coordinate political messaging regarding a new Vietnam peace proposal, emphasizing the need for a unified national voice to force North Vietnamese negotiations. Nixon also discussed personnel decisions within the Justice Department, explaining his preference for Richard Kleindienst to serve as Attorney General for the remainder of the term rather than installing a new appointee who would lack the necessary institutional knowledge. The two leaders additionally touched upon internal administrative personnel and ongoing political dynamics in California.
President Nixon, John Mitchell, and H.R. Haldeman met to coordinate the transition of the Attorney General’s office, specifically timing Mitchell’s resignation to coincide with the President's upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China. Mitchell advocated for the simultaneous Senate confirmation of Richard Kleindienst as his successor and L. Patrick Gray as Deputy Attorney General, expressing confidence in their approval despite potential political opposition. The participants also discussed administrative matters, including the presentation of the Encyclopedia Judaica to Martha Mitchell and the political outreach efforts involving Max Fisher.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Manolo Sanchez to coordinate his daily schedule and manage logistical arrangements, including the transport of personal items like books between the Oval Office and the Executive Office Building. The President focused on scheduling a meeting with Richard Kleindienst and sought to confirm the availability of an associate, identified in the transcript as Clayton, for a discussion regarding upcoming professional commitments. These routine administrative exchanges underscored the President's efforts to maintain control over his calendar and internal workflow.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the public messaging for his upcoming decision on busing, specifically aiming to avoid any perception of being influenced by the Florida primary. They discussed the timing of the announcement and the importance of presenting the policy as a national issue rather than a regional one. The conversation also touched on the ongoing Attorney General confirmation hearings for Richard Kleindienst and strategies for utilizing Henry Kissinger in television interviews to emphasize the President's personal role and achievements during the recent trip to China.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to counter ongoing Congressional hearings regarding the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) case and the confirmation of Richard Kleindienst. They focus on pressuring Republican senators Hugh Scott and Roman Hruska to launch an offensive, including a press conference that frames Senator Edward Kennedy’s questioning as a "sickbed inquisition." Additionally, Colson outlines plans to issue an affidavit from William R. Merriam to debunk allegations of a specific White House phone call to Dita D. Beard.
President Nixon met with his senior aides, including Charles Colson and H.R. Haldeman, to discuss the ongoing political damage and legislative obstacles created by the ITT confirmation hearings for Richard Kleindienst. The group debated strategies for responding to Democratic inquiries, particularly the aggressive questioning from Senator Edward Kennedy, and considered forcing a decisive floor vote or having Kleindienst threaten to resign if not confirmed by a specific date. Throughout the conversation, Nixon emphasized the need to distance the White House from ITT's business activities, such as their convention hotel arrangements, to maintain the administration's integrity.
President Nixon met with John Connally and H.R. Haldeman to discuss strategies for managing the national economy, specifically regarding inflation, trade deficits, and potential tax reform initiatives in response to Democratic criticism. The group also addressed the ongoing ITT controversy and the confirmation hearings for Richard Kleindienst, debating whether to force a Senate vote or have Kleindienst withdraw his nomination to preempt further political damage. The President and his advisors expressed deep concern over the lack of strong leadership within the Republican Party and discussed the necessity of adopting a more aggressive political posture to counter Democratic messaging ahead of the upcoming primaries.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman to coordinate strategy regarding the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) antitrust case and the contentious Senate confirmation of Richard Kleindienst as Attorney General. Nixon emphasized the need for a unified effort involving multiple political operatives, including Clark MacGregor and Charles Colson, while expressing frustration over the Justice Department's perceived lack of political acumen. The President instructed Haldeman to manage staff tensions, ensure a firm legislative strategy to end Senate hearings, and encourage key aides to take necessary breaks to maintain their effectiveness.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the ongoing political strategy regarding the confirmation of Richard Kleindienst as Attorney General and concerns over the potential release of sensitive internal documents. Nixon expressed frustration with the obsession of staffers, specifically Chuck Colson and Clark McGregor, with the Kleindienst nomination, arguing that it was distracting from more critical administration priorities like economic and labor policy. The President directed Haldeman to coordinate a unified, disciplined approach among his staff to avoid public leaks and ensure that any potential withdrawal of the nomination, if necessary, would be handled surgically to prevent political damage.
President Nixon met with John Mitchell and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the deepening political crisis surrounding the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) case and the confirmation hearings for Richard Kleindienst. The group evaluated the strategic necessity of withdrawing Kleindienst’s nomination as Attorney General to mitigate further damage to the administration, while simultaneously vetting Caspar Weinberger as a potential replacement. They also reviewed broader political strategies, including how to handle Democratic criticism regarding the Vietnam War and how to manage the transition if Kleindienst were to resign.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategies to manage ongoing political pressures, specifically regarding the ITT hearings and the potential nomination withdrawal of Richard Kleindienst. They agreed to offer Peter Flanigan’s testimony under specific conditions to derail the scheduled testimony of Jack Gleason, which they feared could lead to damaging disclosures. Additionally, they reviewed recent effective air strikes in Vietnam and planned to task Charles Colson and Clark MacGregor with mobilizing public support and attacking critics of the administration’s war policy.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinate the logistics and messaging strategy for an upcoming announcement regarding the appointment of an acting Attorney General. They determine that the announcement should be handled personally rather than through Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler due to political sensitivities regarding Richard Kleindienst. The President confirms that the designated spokesperson has been fully briefed on the necessary talking points to manage the public narrative.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson consulted with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst to receive updates on the investigation into the attempted assassination of George Wallace. The participants reviewed the status of the assailant, Arthur Bremer, and discussed FBI assignments regarding his custody, interrogation, and isolation. Officials expressed significant concern over potential public perception, specifically aiming to avoid any resemblance to the controversy surrounding the John F. and Robert F. Kennedy investigations.
President Nixon and an unknown aide coordinate logistics for upcoming meetings and site availability at Camp David. The discussion focuses on the scheduled arrival of John Ehrlichman, the status of the Birch Lodge, and Nixon’s plan to speak with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst. The President concludes by organizing the timing of his administrative tasks and subsequent communications.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the potential political fallout surrounding the legal case of Jake Jacobsen and his partner, specifically focusing on protecting John Connally. Ehrlichman reports that Attorney General Richard Kleindienst is willing to delay an indictment, though he fears the risk of public disclosure. Nixon instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate closely with Connally and prioritize his guidance on how to manage the situation to avoid negative implications for him.
H. R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman coordinated the President’s administrative schedule at Camp David following a meeting with Robert Dole. The participants discussed the transition to a meeting with Gerald Ford, where Ehrlichman was requested to be present, and arranged for a subsequent meeting between the President and Richard Kleindienst. They also touched upon the potential appointment of Joseph T. Sneed, ultimately deciding to bypass him due to the speculative nature of his candidacy.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinate preparations for an upcoming Cost of Living Council meeting, emphasizing the need for realistic goals, deadlines, and direct reporting through the OMB. They discuss personnel issues regarding Attorney General Richard Kleindienst’s attendance, ultimately agreeing to have Donald Santarelli represent the Justice Department. The conversation also briefly touches on the progress of a draft for an upcoming veterans speech and a speculative proposal for a wrap-up address to a joint session of Congress.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with the White House operator to place a telephone call to Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The brief exchange includes background presence from President Nixon and John Ehrlichman, suggesting high-level coordination regarding pending administrative business. The call likely relates to ongoing matters involving Attorney General Richard Kleindienst, Senator Lowell Weicker, and issues surrounding testimony, though the specific substance remains minimal in this recording.