Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Senate confirmation
22 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Mitchell, Bull
President Nixon and Peter Flanigan discussed strategies for handling recalcitrant textile trade negotiations with Japan and addressing perceived overreach by Congressman Wilbur Mills. The President rejected a soft approach, insisting on a forceful public stance and the preparation of tough, direct legislation to pressure both the Japanese and Congress. Additionally, Nixon directed staff to clarify his firm support for the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) system, specifically ordering a public refutation of reports suggesting he or nominee James C. Fletcher harbored doubts on the matter. Finally, they reviewed the progress of William J. Casey’s Senate confirmation process, noting successful efforts to neutralize opposition.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss strategy for upcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically focusing on the potential candidacy of Senator Robert C. Byrd and the reactions of various political figures. They coordinate the timeline for submitting names to the American Bar Association and the Senate while considering the use of a "smokescreen" to manage political optics. The two decide to inform Chief Justice Warren E. Burger in advance about the nomination of Mildred L. Lillie to maintain professional relations and ensure a smooth confirmation process.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and John Mitchell to discuss potential Supreme Court nominees, specifically focusing on Herschel H. Friday and Mildred L. Lillie. The participants evaluated the candidates' judicial philosophies and potential for Senate confirmation, with Nixon emphasizing his desire for conservative appointees who would align with his administration's views. The meeting concluded with plans to finalize the nomination strategy, including coordinating with key political figures and preparing for upcoming announcements.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to evaluate potential Supreme Court nominees, weighing the political implications and qualifications of figures such as Howard Baker, Caspar Weinberger, Hershel Friday, and Mildred Lillie. The discussion focused on selecting candidates who could secure Senate confirmation while adhering to the administration's philosophical goals and navigating regional and gender-based political concerns. Additionally, the President and his staff touched upon U.S. foreign economic policy, specifically assessing the performance of Peter G. Peterson regarding textile negotiations.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss strategies for recruiting a high-level candidate for a prestigious appointment, emphasizing the need to appeal to the individual's sense of duty to the country. They evaluate potential candidates, specifically dismissing Howard Baker due to concerns over his legal practice and political vulnerability in the Senate. Ultimately, Nixon instructs Mitchell to handle the outreach independently to maintain distance from the White House staff and ensure the recruitment process remains confidential.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the positive reception and strategic impact of Nixon's recent Supreme Court nominations, specifically highlighting William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The two emphasize the effectiveness of blindsiding the press with these appointments and discuss the necessity of maintaining a firm stance during the upcoming Senate confirmation process. They also address the political complications surrounding potential female nominees, noting the rejection of Mildred L. Lillie by the American Bar Association.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for securing the confirmation of Supreme Court nominees William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. following the President's recent announcement. They weigh the political challenges posed by opposition from groups like the American Bar Association and individual Democrats, specifically Edward M. Kennedy. Nixon emphasizes the nominees' superior academic and professional credentials as a defense against criticism and stresses the importance of maintaining momentum for their confirmation.
President Nixon and Patrick Buchanan discuss the positive reception among conservatives following the President's recent Supreme Court nominations. The two men mock the mainstream media's prediction of a constitutional crisis, noting how analysts like Eric Sevareid and Dan Rather were forced to walk back their commentary after the announcement. Nixon emphasizes the importance of maintaining conservative support and expresses confidence that the nominees, specifically William H. Rehnquist, will easily overcome political opposition in the Senate confirmation process.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate upcoming scheduling, personnel matters, and political strategy. Key topics included the potential appointment of Cornelius V. Whitney as Ambassador to Spain—specifically the decision to withdraw his nomination due to concerns over campaign financing—and the confirmation process for Earl L. Butz as Secretary of Agriculture. They also discussed legislative strategy regarding a potential congressional special session and the President’s plan to shift toward more informal Q&A style appearances to better communicate his policies to the public.
President Nixon telephoned Romana A. Banuelos to congratulate her on her unanimous Senate confirmation as Treasurer of the United States. During the brief call, Nixon expressed his confidence in her leadership and pride in her California background. Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally also participated in the exchange to personally convey his congratulations and welcome her to the department.
President Nixon calls Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to congratulate him on his recent Senate confirmation to the Supreme Court. The two discuss the political opposition faced by Powell and fellow nominee William H. Rehnquist, drawing historical parallels to the controversial nomination of Louis D. Brandeis. Powell outlines his transition plan, noting that he intends to wrap up his private law practice and begin full-time service on the Court by January 1972 after coordinating with Chief Justice Warren E. Burger.
President Nixon calls William H. Rehnquist to congratulate him following his Senate confirmation to the Supreme Court. The President compares Rehnquist’s confirmation vote tally to that of former Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes and jokingly references an endorsement by Joe Kraft that nearly jeopardized the nomination. Nixon concludes the call by advising Rehnquist to remain independent and steadfast in his judicial philosophy, urging him not to let political pressure or the Washington social climate influence his future rulings.
President Nixon held an Oval Office meeting with Peter G. Peterson, his family, and members of the Cabinet to commemorate Peterson's recent Senate confirmation. The event served primarily as a formal ceremony for the administration of the oath of office and a subsequent photograph session with White House photographer Ollie Atkins. The interaction concluded with informal social conversation regarding Camp David and scheduling logistics.
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 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 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 H. R. Haldeman discuss the urgent need to select a successor following the death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. They weigh the political implications and potential confirmation hurdles of appointing an acting director versus a permanent successor immediately. The conversation focuses on avoiding a contentious Senate confirmation process during an election year, ultimately weighing the benefits of appointing a capable interim leader to maintain stability at the Bureau.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the political complications surrounding the potential Senate confirmation of Peter M. Flanigan for a position within the administration. The conversation centered on concerns that a confirmation hearing would invite unwanted scrutiny into past controversies, specifically involving ITT and the influence of Charles Colson. They reviewed the structure of the Council on International Economic Policy (CIEP) and reached a consensus that Flanigan’s future tenure should be managed to avoid damaging the administration’s public standing.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly conferred regarding the status of Daniel P. Moynihan's confirmation, noting that a unanimous voice vote had been secured. The discussion also addressed the President’s upcoming schedule, specifically coordinating a meeting with Secretary of the Interior Rogers C. B. Morton. The exchange concluded with the participants acknowledging the necessity of finalizing the pending votes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the logistics and political risks surrounding the confirmation process for L. Patrick Gray III as FBI Director. They weigh the necessity of vetting potential conflicts, such as Gray's past performance and committee questioning, against the urgency of the appointment. The dialogue reflects a strategic effort to manage the confirmation timeline while considering alternative career placements for Gray, such as a judgeship, should the political situation prove untenable.
President Nixon calls Elliot L. Richardson to congratulate him on his Senate confirmation as Attorney General, commending his skill in navigating the difficult confirmation process. The conversation shifts to the Watergate investigation, specifically addressing the role of Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox and concerns regarding the continuity of ongoing work by U.S. Attorneys. Nixon emphasizes the importance of the administration’s recent public statement on the scandal and confirms logistics for Richardson’s upcoming swearing-in ceremony at the Department of Justice.
President Nixon met with Attorney General Elliot Richardson and FBI Director-designate Clarence M. Kelley to coordinate strategy ahead of Kelley’s Senate confirmation hearings. The discussion focused on highlighting Kelley’s leadership potential and his record on reducing local crime rates to ensure bipartisan support. Nixon provided guidance on the themes Kelley should emphasize, specifically FBI cooperation with other law enforcement agencies and the administration's progress in crime reduction.