Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Senate
31 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Kissinger, Colson
President Nixon directs Charles W. Colson to contact Senator Edward W. Brooke to secure public support for the administration's initiative toward the People's Republic of China. Nixon instructs Colson to encourage Brooke to deliver a speech on the Senate floor praising the policy as a long-term strategic vision for future generations. Colson confirms his intention to execute this request, leveraging background information from journalist Howard K. Smith to bolster the argument.
President Nixon calls Senator James L. Buckley to commend him for his firm handling of disruptive protestors in the Senate gallery earlier that day. The two discuss the challenges of maintaining order in the Senate and the necessity of drawing a firm line against spectacle-making demonstrators. Nixon encourages Buckley to continue his stance, emphasizing that while confrontations should be avoided, the legislative business must remain uninterrupted.
President Nixon met with Senator William B. Saxbe and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to discuss the political challenges of extending the military draft and maintaining U.S. foreign policy commitments in Vietnam and Asia. Saxbe expressed concerns regarding growing anti-military sentiment among the youth and in Congress, warning that a filibuster could derail draft legislation and force a precarious renewal in a presidential election year. The President emphasized the necessity of a stable military to support international standing and urged Saxbe to help solidify support among Republican legislators, while also briefly discussing the strategic importance of various domestic infrastructure projects in Ohio.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers discussed strategies to defeat the Mansfield Amendment, which proposed significant troop reductions in Europe. Nixon instructed Rogers to convey to Senator Mike Mansfield that the administration would aggressively oppose the measure because it would destabilize U.S. foreign policy and undermine ongoing negotiations with the Soviet Union and NATO allies. They also planned to coordinate with senior former officials and pressure skeptical Republican senators to ensure the administration's position prevailed.
President Nixon initiated this brief call to Senator J. Glenn Beall, Jr. to offer encouragement regarding the activities of a group of legislators referred to as the "fearsome sixsome." During the exchange, the President emphasized the importance of the Senator's return to Washington. Beall confirmed his scheduled return to the Senate for the following week before the conversation concluded.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met in the Oval Office to coordinate strategy regarding ongoing SALT negotiations and domestic opposition in the Senate. They discussed frustration over Soviet delays in finalizing terms and explored the potential for a major breakthrough in foreign policy, including upcoming summits and arms control agreements. Additionally, the President reviewed his interactions with Congressional leadership and expressed disdain for the lack of support from moderate Republicans and Senate colleagues regarding his Vietnam and foreign policy agenda.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield for a brief discussion regarding a Senate request. The two men addressed the procedural or administrative handling of this legislative inquiry. No further substantive details regarding the nature of the request or specific action items were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss diplomatic personnel, legislative strategy, and the administration's broader foreign policy messaging. Nixon praised the integrity of Ambassador David K. E. Bruce, specifically highlighting him as the ideal candidate for potential future negotiations regarding the People's Republic of China. Additionally, the two discussed the administration's recent victory in defeating the Harold E. Hughes pay amendment in the Senate and Nixon's desire to shift the public narrative away from Vietnam to focus on the future of U.S. relations with the USSR, China, and the domestic economy.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the status of arms and economic aid to Pakistan in the face of mounting pressure from Congress. The primary focus was on navigating the potential for adverse Senate action regarding an arms embargo against the Pakistani government. This discussion highlights the administration's efforts to manage foreign policy challenges amid legislative scrutiny during the ongoing crisis in the region.
President Nixon and an unknown associate discuss urgent legislative strategies regarding an extension bill for the military draft. The participants analyze the timing of a recent legislative vote and the necessity of coordinating with figures like George P. Shultz and F. Edward Hébert to influence the Senate. Nixon emphasizes the need for a swift, decisive approach to manage political deadlines and ensure the success of the administration's policy objectives.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed the political landscape in the Senate, specifically concerning upcoming votes on a federal pay raise and the administration's ability to block or compromise on legislation. The two analyzed the motivations of Democratic rivals, including Hubert Humphrey, Edmund Muskie, and Edward Kennedy, while evaluating the potential impact of their public comments and media perception on Nixon's administration. They also reviewed recent polling data from Louis Harris and George Gallup, and discussed the economic outlook, particularly the upcoming unemployment and wholesale price figures and their influence on labor relations.
President Nixon called Representative H. R. Gross to express his appreciation for Gross's effective parliamentary maneuver in the House, which contributed to a significant legislative victory for the administration. Gross explained the tactical use of a quorum call and inquiry to catch the opposition by surprise despite intense labor union pressure. The two also discussed strategy for an upcoming Senate vote, with the President encouraging Hugh Scott to utilize filibuster tactics if necessary to block unfavorable outcomes.
President Nixon and Senator Hugh Scott discuss the political victory of defeating restrictive Senate amendments regarding Vietnam, which the President argued would have hindered ongoing negotiations and POW returns. They express frustration over the motives of congressional opponents, characterizing them as driven by a desire for political credit rather than strategy. Additionally, the pair discusses the recent UN vote on Taiwan, criticizing the perceived humiliation of the United States by smaller nations and noting the potential for further geopolitical instability regarding Israel, Portugal, and Greece.
President Nixon directed Henry Kissinger to coordinate with Senate Republican Leader Hugh Scott and legislative aide Clark MacGregor regarding the administration's response to an impending Senate vote on the foreign aid program. Kissinger was instructed to ensure both men were aligned with the White House's messaging strategy. He agreed to contact Scott and MacGregor immediately to finalize these efforts.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and Charles Colson to discuss the fallout from a surprise Senate defeat of the foreign aid bill, which the administration attributed to bipartisan disloyalty and the recent UN vote on Taiwan. The participants analyzed the political motivations of opponents, particularly Senator Edward Kennedy, whose recent criticism of the President’s China initiative and Taiwan policy was characterized by Nixon as opportunistic and inconsistent. The President directed his staff to counter these attacks by highlighting Kennedy's political maneuvers and leveraging press coverage to discredit his reliability, while simultaneously strategizing on how to resurrect foreign aid through parliamentary maneuvering.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler discussed the political fallout from a recent Senate vote on the foreign aid program, specifically noting the roles of Hubert H. Humphrey and Edward M. Kennedy. The conversation also touched upon a speech delivered by Kennedy regarding Taiwan and the Republic of China in the context of Henry Kissinger's upcoming trip to the People’s Republic of China. The meeting served to coordinate the administration’s response to these legislative and diplomatic challenges.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss political messaging strategies in response to a recent Senate vote on foreign aid. Nixon praises George H.W. Bush’s media performance, contrasting his loyalty with the perceived deficiencies of Charles Yost, while dismissing Henry Kissinger's recommendation for a presidential television address on the complex, technical topic. The two also coordinate upcoming cabinet scheduling and explore the possibility of inviting Ronald Reagan to an official dinner for Indira Gandhi.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers met to address the administration's strategy following a recent defeat of the foreign aid bill in the Senate, which threatened national security programs in Southeast Asia and beyond. They discussed the necessity of securing a continuing resolution to sustain foreign operations while avoiding a full-scale authorization battle with a recalcitrant Senate. Additionally, the President reviewed his plans for accelerated troop withdrawals from Vietnam and his upcoming diplomatic schedule, including potential summits with foreign leaders and his trip to the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discussed legislative strategies for managing a critical continuing resolution for government funding, which included appropriations for the Office of Economic Opportunity and the District of Columbia. They assessed the likelihood of overcoming restrictive amendments proposed by Senate Democrats in upcoming legislative battles, noting that House leadership remained confident in their ability to strip such provisions. The two also addressed diplomatic efforts with key Senators and decided that while Nixon would decline a request to view a film related to Senator Allen J. Ellender, they would assign Henry Kissinger and Robert Finch to review it instead.
H. R. Haldeman consulted Clark MacGregor to determine the expected schedule for the Senate's Thanksgiving recess. MacGregor projected that the Senate would likely adjourn between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, noting that legislators were eager to travel home for the holiday. No further legislative sessions were anticipated for that Wednesday evening.
President Nixon met briefly with Frances Bennett to inquire about the health of her husband, Senator Wallace F. Bennett, who was hospitalized due to an ulcer. Expressing a personal and political need for the Senator's return to work, Nixon offered words of encouragement regarding his recovery. The discussion served as a gesture of support during the Senator's medical absence.
President Nixon and Charles Colson confer regarding pressure from Attorney General John Mitchell to expedite a decision on a sensitive political appointment or matter involving a potential senator. Nixon expresses hesitation about the proposed course of action, indicating he intends to consult with Mitchell personally to resolve the impasse. The discussion underscores internal administration friction and the uncertainty surrounding personnel strategy and its broader political implications.
President Nixon calls Representative John W. Byrnes to express his gratitude for the successful House passage of tax legislation, specifically noting the victory in keeping opposition votes below 100. Byrnes expresses confidence that the Senate will follow suit and pass the conference report, citing the pressure on senators to adjourn for the session. Both men agree that the momentum makes it highly unlikely the Senate will seek to restart the legislative process.
President Nixon and Senator Robert Griffin discuss the successful Senate confirmation of William Rehnquist to the Supreme Court by a vote of 68 to 26. They compare the margin of Rehnquist's confirmation to the historical records of Justices Brandeis and Hughes to frame the administration's victory. Additionally, Griffin expresses optimism regarding the potential to sustain the President's veto of the Economic Opportunity Amendments of 1971 and credits John Connally for his role in recent tax legislation.
President Nixon consulted with Senate leaders Hugh Scott and Mike Mansfield regarding the formal opening of the Senate and his upcoming address to a joint session of Congress. Nixon confirmed his intention to speak on January 20th, joking about the length of his remarks while coordinating logistics for his appearance. The participants also exchanged pleasantries about their recent recesses and briefly discussed the senators' lack of involvement in current presidential campaigns.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to discuss strategies for countering domestic political opposition in the Senate following recent votes against administration policy regarding the Vietnam War. The participants focused on coordinating an aggressive public relations campaign and mobilizing supporters to attack the voting records of Democratic senators, while dismissing potential legislative threats as electorally motivated. Additionally, they reviewed ongoing military operations in Hanoi and Haiphong, including B-52 strikes and the mining of harbors, while assessing the diplomatic fallout regarding potential Soviet and Chinese reactions to these escalations.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent telephone connection with Senator Hugh Scott. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to initiate a high-level communication between the President and the Senate Minority Leader. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this specific interaction.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the strategic management of John Connally's resignation, focusing on controlling press narratives through coordinated Cabinet statements and a highly publicized walk to the Treasury Department. The conversation also addressed mounting political challenges in the Senate regarding Vietnam policy, specifically analyzing Republican defections on the Byrd and Case-Church amendments. Nixon and Haldeman assessed the potential electoral impact of these votes and deliberated on internal messaging tactics ahead of the President’s upcoming summit in the Soviet Union.
Unnamed participants discuss legislative strategy regarding a potential veto, focusing on the political and budgetary implications of a Senate proposal involving Medicare funding. The conversation centers on navigating Senate proceedings to secure favorable outcomes for social programs, specifically addressing a $3 million funding adjustment. Participants evaluate the feasibility of these measures and consider public messaging strategies to garner support for their position.
President Nixon held a brief phone conversation with Senator John G. Tower to address a reception held in the Senator's honor. After coordinating technical logistics with John V. Brennan and the Camp David operator, Nixon personally called Tower to offer a strong endorsement of his legislative record. The President emphasized Tower's importance to both Texas and the nation, expressing his anticipation of working together during a second term.
President Nixon called Senator John C. Stennis to check on his recovery following recent medical treatment. Stennis reported steady but slow progress, estimating that he might return to the office in four to five weeks while noting that a full return to his legislative duties would take longer. The conversation concluded with an exchange of mutual support, as Nixon encouraged the Senator to focus on his health while Stennis affirmed his backing of the administration.