Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Speechwriting
397 conversations · page 4 of 4 · frequently with Nixon, Price, Bull, Woods
President Nixon and John K. Andrews, Jr. discussed final revisions for an upcoming farm speech scheduled for October 27, 1972. Nixon questioned the omission of the "revitalization of rural America" theme, but ultimately deferred to the judgment of John C. Whitaker and Secretary Earl L. Butz’s staff, who argued that such language might alienate farmers concerned about rural development. Having confirmed the reasoning behind the draft, Nixon approved the speech for release as written.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the messaging strategy for upcoming major speeches. Nixon directed Haldeman to focus his immediate national defense address on the themes of nuclear retaliation previously outlined in his San Francisco and American Legion speeches, noting his frustration that past political content had overshadowed those points. Additionally, Nixon instructed that preparations begin for a separate foreign policy speech to be delivered the following week.
President Nixon directs John K. Andrews, Jr. on the content and themes for an upcoming defense radio speech. He instructs Andrews to emphasize the necessity of maintaining military superiority, specifically naval strength, to protect smaller nations like Israel, while arguing that a nuclear deterrent is insufficient for localized conflicts. Nixon also requests that the draft incorporate a quotation from André Malraux regarding the unique, unintended nature of American global power and the nation's lack of intent for territorial conquest. Andrews commits to providing a draft by the end of the day for the broadcast scheduled for Saturday.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, and unidentified staff to finalize revisions for a radio address scheduled for October 29, 1972. The discussion focused on crafting a critique of his opponent's national defense proposals by contrasting the status of U.S. nuclear forces in 1962 against the state of affairs in 1969. Nixon emphasized the necessity of highlighting the Soviet Union's nuclear buildup during a period of American inaction, directing staff to incorporate these points into the final speech draft.
H. R. Haldeman and Ronald Ziegler coordinated a last-minute schedule change regarding President Nixon’s upcoming addresses, swapping the planned “Defense” speech with the “One America” speech. Haldeman directed Ziegler to announce that the Defense speech was being postponed by one day to allow for further editing and to maximize its strategic impact. Ziegler agreed to relay these instructions to Gerald Warren to ensure the public announcement reflected the revised schedule.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and spoke briefly with Tricia Nixon Cox to coordinate logistical details regarding his impending departure for Camp David and his upcoming schedule. The discussion primarily focused on administrative matters, including the handling of dictabelts for the President's private files and requests for revisions to a speech draft on urban policy prepared by Raymond K. Price, Jr. Woods was tasked with managing campaign surrogate schedules and ensuring the prompt delivery of speech materials for the President's review.
President Nixon and his wife, Pat Nixon, discussed remarks for an upcoming dinner, with the President expressing a preference for extemporaneous comments over reading a prepared text. He suggested referencing the couple's connections to Massachusetts through their children's schooling and acknowledging the contributions of cabinet members from the region, while also planning to thank performers and campaign workers.
President Nixon consults with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. regarding the status of missing material from Henry Kissinger intended for an upcoming televised address on Vietnam. Disturbed by the delay, the President directs Price to contact Kissinger immediately to expedite the delivery of the requested text. Nixon also notes his upcoming schedule, including a meeting with Cardinal John Krol, emphasizing the need to integrate Kissinger's contribution into his speech preparations by that afternoon.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. confer briefly to coordinate the drafting of a short speech segment or document. The President instructs Price to finalize the text after reviewing a colleague’s submission to ensure the material aligns with broader objectives. The discussion centers on immediate administrative drafting tasks and the necessity for efficient communication regarding the document's structure.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. discuss necessary revisions to an upcoming television address regarding Vietnam, specifically criticizing current drafts as inadequate. Nixon directs Price to consult with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to better align the speech with his recent strategic briefings. Price is instructed to refine the material and meet with the President later that day for further review.
On November 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:03 am and 9:09 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 032-109 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon coordinated with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to prepare for an upcoming televised address. Nixon directed Price to consult with Ronald Ziegler regarding specific thematic points, dismissing a draft prepared by Henry Kissinger as inadequate for his intended message. The two agreed to meet at 10:00 am to further refine the speech's structure and core arguments.
On November 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 9:17 am and 9:26 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 379-009 of the White House Tapes.
On November 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:40 pm and 2:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 391-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors to strategize for the final days of the 1972 presidential campaign, focusing on polling analysis, press engagement, and the handling of hecklers at campaign events. Much of the session was dedicated to reviewing and revising the text of the President's upcoming "Look to the Future" speech, specifically addressing the sensitive Vietnam War section and the ongoing peace negotiations. Nixon emphasized the importance of delivering the speech at a deliberate, measured pace to effectively convey his vision for the future, domestic achievements, and his foreign policy legacy.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and other staff members met to finalize the President's upcoming "Look to the Future" campaign speech and coordinate media strategy for the final days of the 1972 election. The discussion focused on television airtime purchases, speech pacing and editing, and managing campaign appearances in the context of ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. The President also addressed organizational plans for the Republican National Committee and broader GOP candidate support efforts.
On November 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:58 am and 8:40 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 376-010 of the White House Tapes.
On November 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:58 am and 8:40 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 376-011 of the White House Tapes.
On November 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:58 am and 8:40 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 376-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. discuss the editing and refinement of an upcoming foreign policy address. The President focuses on shortening the text to hit specific word count targets for a broadcast documentary while avoiding unnecessary duplication with a separate, forthcoming speech. They also touch upon foreign policy philosophy and specific concerns raised by Henry Kissinger regarding the Vietnam section of the draft.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. discussed the development and finalization of a foreign policy-themed radio address. Nixon provided specific editorial guidance regarding the tone and length of the speech, expressing a desire for a realistic narrative rather than overly aggressive rhetoric. The pair reached a consensus on the draft's direction, with Price tasked to refine the material before final submission.
President Nixon met with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to refine upcoming radio addresses and a campaign speech scheduled for the days leading up to the 1972 election. The discussion focused on adjusting the rhetoric surrounding Vietnam, tax policy, and welfare to ensure political impact and clarity. Nixon also emphasized the need for a non-partisan, unifying tone for his post-election remarks, specifically addressing the recent campaign tensions and the role of the "New American Majority."
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond Price consult on the strategy for upcoming public addresses to avoid appearing overly scripted or arrogant. Nixon decides against using a formal written text, favoring a more spontaneous delivery through talking points to project a less complacent tone. The pair determines that both potential broadcast opportunities should rely on this improvised format rather than a prepared speech.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate the final editing and typing of an important speech draft. The President emphasized the need for a clean, finalized version and instructed Woods to distribute the completed portions to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler’s office. This brief exchange focused on streamlining the document preparation process to ensure timely dissemination of the revised text.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. discuss the tone and political messaging of upcoming public remarks. Nixon expresses concern that a specific draft sounds overly smug and complacent, advising against the inclusion of certain policy details like those related to banking. The brief consultation serves to refine the President's rhetorical strategy to ensure his presentation does not alienate the audience.
On November 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Raymond K. Price, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:16 pm and 2:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 390-004 of the White House Tapes.
On November 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Raymond K. Price, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:16 pm and 2:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 390-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Marjorie P. Acker to review administrative tasks and personal correspondence during the final days of the 1972 campaign. The discussion centered on finalizing edits for the President's "Look to the Future" speech and handling gift-related communications, including a painting and a message from Amory Houghton, Jr. The participants also managed various campaign-related notes and scheduling logistics to ensure the President's materials were prepared for upcoming public events.
President Nixon consulted with John K. Andrews, Jr. to clarify the total number of speeches in a planned series, ensuring that a previous address on labor is included to bring the final count to 14. The discussion emphasized maintaining accuracy in the series structure and documentation for a future collection of these speeches. Nixon further affirmed his approval of the speech goals outlined in Andrews's recent memorandum, specifically citing the importance of the dignity of work.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson and H.R. Haldeman to coordinate final campaign strategies, discuss media relations, and finalize his upcoming 'Look to the Future' speech. The conversation also touched upon concerns regarding the Watergate controversy, the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, and the need to mobilize support among blue-collar voters. Additionally, Nixon placed brief follow-up calls to Jack Miller and William Scott to encourage their campaign efforts and emphasize the importance of high voter turnout in their respective regions.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the administrative reorganization for the second term, which included staff reductions and reassigning personnel to cabinet departments to improve efficiency. They discussed managing the East Wing and the role of Julie Nixon Eisenhower in assisting with transitions, as well as preparations for the 1973 Inauguration, including speechwriting and inaugural events. Additionally, the President reviewed his strategy for Vietnam negotiations, focusing on a proposal to link the cessation of bombing and troop withdrawal to the return of American prisoners of war.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. discuss the preparation and thematic direction for Nixon's 1973 inaugural address. Nixon emphasizes the need for a brief, uplifting speech—ideally 1,000 to 1,200 words—that avoids a "laundry list" of policy accomplishments in favor of broader themes like national renewal, individual responsibility, and faith in America. He encourages Price to refine the draft further and offers him the use of Camp David as a workspace to facilitate his writing process.
President Nixon met with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to refine themes and rhetoric for his upcoming second inaugural address. The discussion focused on projecting a tone of patriotic renewal, emphasizing individual responsibility, and framing America’s ongoing leadership role in a changing world. Additionally, the participants reviewed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations and the potential for a settlement, weighing how to best communicate these developments to the public and Congress.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. met to review and refine the content, tone, and specific phrasing of Nixon's upcoming second inaugural address. The discussion focused on balancing policy objectives with themes of personal responsibility, governmental paternalism, and international relations. Henry Kissinger’s input on the foreign policy segments was also integrated into the final drafting process before Price departed for a follow-up meeting with Kissinger.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files regarding the development and drafting of his upcoming inaugural speech. He reviewed existing audio records and integrated suggestions provided by speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. This session served as a continuation of previous editorial efforts to finalize the address.
President Nixon met with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to discuss the tone and direction of upcoming communications, emphasizing a desire to avoid overly grandiose or major declarations. The President expressed a preference for maintaining a restrained perspective, acknowledging the underlying political reality of the situation. The conversation concluded with Nixon affirming his readiness to move forward with these strategic adjustments.
President Richard M. Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. met to conduct a final review and refine the text of Nixon's upcoming second inaugural address. The discussion focused on editing specific passages, adjusting the speech's length, and ensuring the tone effectively conveyed a sense of national responsibility and personal appeal to the American people. The President directed Price to incorporate these revisions into a final draft for delivery, instructing him to coordinate the logistics with press secretary Ronald Ziegler.
On January 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:12 pm and 7:29 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 036-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. met to finalize the language and rhetoric of Nixon's 1973 inaugural address. They focused on refining passages concerning the changing nature of America’s global role, emphasizing the administration's foreign policy achievements regarding Vietnam, the Soviet Union, and the People's Republic of China. Nixon directed Price to incorporate these revisions, specifically highlighting the impact of his administration's 'boldness and steadfastness,' and instructed that the final text be delivered to Rose Mary Woods for processing.
President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to verify the text of his upcoming 1973 inaugural speech after noticing a potentially missing sentence regarding treaty commitments. The President expressed concern that the line, "We shall defend our interests," had been inadvertently or deliberately omitted from his current draft. To resolve the discrepancy, Nixon directed Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to provide Woods with the official press copy for confirmation.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. to provide detailed guidance for a televised speech announcing the imminent Vietnam settlement. Nixon emphasized the importance of framing the agreement as a achievement of "peace with honor" while explaining why his administration had refrained from publicizing the complexities and frustrations of the secret negotiations. He instructed Price to draft a concise, non-defensive address that would resonate with the American public without alienating international partners or undermining the fragile diplomatic process.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's upcoming public schedule, focusing specifically on the timing and content of his address regarding the Vietnam peace settlement. They discussed concerns regarding potential television over-exposure and the logistical challenge of balancing a domestic policy speech with the Vietnam message. The discussion emphasized managing the workload and the President's personal involvement in drafting his remarks to ensure optimal delivery.
On January 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Raymond K. Price, Jr. talked on the telephone from 4:05 pm to 4:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 036-042 of the White House Tapes.
On January 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 036-047 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with key advisors and staff, including Raymond Price, H.R. Haldeman, and Alexander Haig, to finalize the messaging and strategy for his upcoming televised address regarding the Vietnam settlement. The discussion focused heavily on managing congressional relations, securing bipartisan support, and refining the speech’s tone to project strength while addressing potential sensitivities. Throughout the afternoon, the group also monitored news of former President Lyndon B. Johnson's declining health, which prompted deliberations on the impact of his condition on the President's schedule and the potential need for a public statement.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and Raymond Price to review and refine a draft statement or speech regarding the ongoing negotiations in Vietnam. The discussion focused on editing specific paragraphs and determining the appropriate tone for addressing the progress of the peace efforts and the role of the South Vietnamese government. Nixon provided direction on which sections to retain or omit to ensure the document effectively communicated the administration's position.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to finalize administrative logistics following the announcement of a Vietnam peace settlement. The discussion focused on coordinating the distribution of letters to members of Congress and reviewing revisions to the President's public address regarding the settlement. Woods assisted in managing these critical communications and procedural tasks before concluding the brief meeting.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman to refine the rhetoric for an upcoming public address regarding the Vietnam peace agreement. The discussion focused on framing the Paris agreement as "peace with honor" to secure support from Congress and the public while countering criticism. By reviewing dictated drafts and recordings, Nixon finalized his messaging strategy to distinguish his administration's diplomatic success from a policy of surrender.
On January 23, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:40 pm and 10:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 036-090 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. discuss the positive reception of the Vietnam peace settlement announcement and the notably negative reaction from the press corps. Nixon recounts how Julie Nixon Eisenhower observed CBS reporters appearing distraught by the news, which the President interpreted as a sign of intellectual frustration among journalists who had anticipated a failure. Nixon also reflects on his successful briefing of Congressional leaders and draws stylistic parallels between the clarity of the announcement and his recent inaugural address.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the guest list for an upcoming state dinner honoring former Japanese Prime Minister Eisuku Sato. Nixon exercised strict control over the invitations, explicitly excluding various cabinet members, senators, and White House staff to focus on specific Japanese-American relations. Additionally, the pair briefly discussed logistics for a dinner honoring Georgia O'Keeffe and reviewed speech drafts for upcoming policy announcements.
President Nixon met with his speechwriting and communications staff to discuss strategies for ensuring their work received greater public and media attention. He emphasized the importance of tailoring messages for specific news cycles to avoid being overshadowed by major events, noting the effectiveness of using radio and selecting strategic release times. Nixon urged the team to adopt more aggressive, clear, and controversial rhetoric, citing the communication techniques used by the Kennedy administration as a model for framing policy achievements effectively. The discussion concluded with instructions for the staff to focus on creating compelling narratives that demand public interest rather than pursuing consensus.
On February 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:12 am and 10:04 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 855-005 of the White House Tapes.
On February 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:12 am and 10:04 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 855-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, Ronald Ziegler, and Stephen Bull to strategize on public relations, press management, and the administration’s social calendar. The President emphasized the need for more impactful, quotable language in his speeches and instructed his team to refine his media appearances and social events to better court political allies and financial contributors. Key decisions included structuring upcoming “Evenings at the White House” to feature small, rotating dinner groups to maximize personal engagement with guests while streamlining the presidential schedule for upcoming weeks.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to discuss the preparation and scheduling of a forthcoming broadcast speech regarding community development and government programs. The two coordinated the timeline for finalizing revisions to the draft, aiming to have the material ready prior to the President's scheduled Quadriad meeting. Nixon emphasized his desire to refine the messaging, which he characterized as a significant effort to shift public understanding of administration policies.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and an unidentified woman to handle administrative tasks in the Oval Office. The discussion centered on the review and signing of official documents, including a draft of a speech involving Rose Mary Woods. The meeting concluded after the completion of these routine clerical duties.
On March 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:54 am and 9:57 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 874-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual and later Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative tasks and logistical planning. Discussions centered on the President's upcoming schedule, including appointments and a potential meeting with Secretary of State William P. Rogers, as well as the finalization of a speech regarding crime and drug abuse. Specific action items included clearing the President's Monday schedule and reviewing the final draft of the law enforcement address.
On March 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:35 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 874-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown female staff member to review and edit drafts of an upcoming speech and press conference materials. The discussion focused on the administrative handling of these documents, including necessary revisions and their subsequent distribution. The conversation concluded with the President finalizing the logistics for the preparation of these official texts.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to finalize a television address concerning federal law enforcement initiatives. The discussion centered on reviewing and incorporating the President's specific handwritten edits into the draft speech. Bull was tasked with ensuring these revisions were properly integrated into the final typed manuscript for the upcoming broadcast.
On March 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:14 am and 11:00 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 878-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly discussed upcoming speeches, specifically a radio speech and a veterans speech scheduled for Saturday. Nixon clarified the timing and content of these speeches, noting that the "role of government" speech was for the following day. The conversation appears to be a quick check on Nixon's speaking schedule and related materials.
President Nixon directs Stephen Bull to follow up with Brent Scowcroft regarding a requested compilation of patriotic statements made by returning prisoners of war. These quotes are intended for inclusion in the President's upcoming March 29 speech. Bull is instructed to secure the materials directly from Scowcroft rather than Henry Kissinger and to deliver them to the President as soon as they are available.
On March 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 11:20 am to 11:21 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 424-027 of the White House Tapes.
On March 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:31 pm and 12:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 424-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and Rose Mary Woods to refine the final text of an upcoming address regarding his administration's foreign policy and national defense strategies. Nixon and Kissinger reviewed phrasing related to the Vietnam War, relations with China and the USSR, and the importance of maintaining military strength to ensure successful arms reduction negotiations. The President expressed a desire to justify the current defense budget while addressing mounting political pressure from critics concerning both Vietnam and the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to review materials for a forthcoming presidential address. The discussion centered on the preparation and content of the speech, which Nixon was finalizing during this period. No specific policy decisions were finalized, as the interaction focused primarily on administrative logistics and document coordination.
On March 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:32 pm and 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon rehearsed a televised address to the nation concerning the conclusion of the Vietnam War and various domestic policy objectives. He utilized the rehearsal to refine rhetorical themes emphasizing American resilience, prosperity, and the moral strength displayed by returning prisoners of war. The session focused on framing the post-war era as a period for national renewal and addressing the challenges of peace.
President Nixon consults with Patrick J. Buchanan regarding a recent speech he personally drafted to address public divisions, military policy, and the administration's legislative agenda. Nixon expresses frustration with political opponents and emphasizes the necessity of taking a firm, combative stance against critics of his defense budget and military actions in Southeast Asia. The discussion also touches on the President's internal debate over how to publicly address the Watergate controversy and whether he should rely on staff affidavits to defend his administration's integrity.
On April 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:01 pm and 12:07 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 425-031 of the White House Tapes.
On April 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods talked on the telephone at Camp David from 10:20 am to 10:21 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-042 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond Price discuss the drafting of a presidential address intended to respond to the Watergate scandal. Nixon emphasizes his desire for a conversational, sincere tone that accepts executive responsibility for his subordinates' actions while simultaneously asserting his determination to root out the truth. The two men also evaluate the appointment of Elliot Richardson as a critical move to restore public trust, agreeing that his reputation for integrity will effectively oversee the necessary investigations.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on remarks for the 'New Majority' dinner and potential travel plans to Florida. They discussed the themes for the dinner speech, with Nixon emphasizing a focus on peace and long-term administrative goals while explicitly excluding mentions of the Watergate scandal. Additionally, the pair reviewed logistical details regarding future church attendance and the possibility of televising a peace service.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified staff member regarding the preparation of a forthcoming Sunday night television address. The discussion focused on the necessary length of the speech, with the President specifying a fifteen-minute duration to ensure effective delivery. Nixon emphasized the importance of coordinating the message with advisors Leonard Garment and William P. Rogers while considering the political implications for Congress.
President Nixon met with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to provide final revisions for an upcoming address regarding presidential and congressional term limits. Nixon directed Price to advocate for a single six-year presidential term while deliberately omitting specific proposals for the Senate to avoid political controversy. The President emphasized adjusting the draft's language to ensure the messaging remained focused on the executive office and the House of Representatives.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:45 pm and 6:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-070 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to refine a draft for an upcoming radio address concerning campaign reform. The President instructed Price to adjust the language regarding constitutional amendments, specifically requesting a more neutral framing for the proposal of a single six-year presidential term while maintaining a firm stance on extending terms for the House of Representatives. These revisions were intended to ensure the speech prioritized clear policy positions while downplaying less feasible constitutional changes.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander Haig regarding his afternoon schedule, specifically his plan to visit Julie Nixon Eisenhower. Haig provided an update on Henry Kissinger’s optimistic report regarding ongoing diplomatic efforts. The two agreed to meet immediately afterward to discuss guidance for the President’s upcoming speech.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig briefly confer to coordinate a forthcoming speech and review a report. The discussion focuses on the administration's messaging strategy, with Nixon seeking Haig's input on the substance of his planned public remarks. The exchange serves as a preliminary touchpoint to prepare for the President's immediate agenda.
On May 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 437-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the draft of a speech for an upcoming Armed Forces Day ceremony, focusing on revisions to a poker analogy and the inclusion of specific language regarding Article 20 of the Vietnam Peace Agreement. The discussion also covered logistical arrangements for the President’s travel, including potential helicopter transport from Andrews Air Force Base and weather considerations for the outing. They concluded by confirming the schedule for the President’s upcoming trip to Camp David and his travel plans with Bebe Rebozo.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and David C. Hoopes to coordinate his upcoming schedule, including a trip to Florida for a commencement address and various cabinet and congressional meetings. The participants discussed speech preparation and the logistical management of his time. Additionally, Nixon addressed the security and custody of White House tapes, confirming that recordings were being placed under lock and key to restrict access.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding the scheduling and readiness of an upcoming presidential address. The participants evaluated the risks of proceeding prematurely versus delaying the speech to ensure it was properly prepared. They ultimately determined that a short delay was preferable to appearing ill-prepared, leading to the postponement of the program.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. to plan an upcoming televised address to the nation regarding new economic measures to combat inflation. Nixon outlined his strategy to implement a temporary price freeze while maintaining a positive tone about the broader economy and emphasizing the necessity of congressional cooperation. The discussion also touched upon the political challenges surrounding the ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically regarding the potential impact of testimony from former aides on the administration.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to refine a forthcoming televised speech addressing the American economy and ongoing national policy challenges. The discussion focused on establishing an upbeat, confident tone regarding U.S. economic strength, specifically outlining the implementation of a 60-day price freeze and new controls to curb inflation. Nixon also deliberated on the political messaging surrounding the Vietnam peace process, energy shortages, and upcoming legislative strategies, emphasizing a need for decisive executive leadership in the face of domestic criticism.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated the messaging strategy for an upcoming televised speech on the economy. The discussion focused on maintaining public momentum following recent diplomatic successes while carefully managing media expectations. Nixon explicitly instructed Ziegler to withhold the full text of the speech from Cabinet members and Congressional leaders prior to the 7:00 pm briefing to avoid last-minute critiques and prevent market volatility.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:50 pm and 1:55 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 445-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Raymond Price met to coordinate the final revisions and logistics for an upcoming address regarding the national economy. Nixon expressed dissatisfaction with the status quo advocated by his economic advisors, George P. Shultz and Herbert Stein, and emphasized the need for decisive action to address rising costs of living. Additionally, the pair discussed the impending announcement regarding William W. Scranton and Bryce N. Harlow, evaluating their roles and public perception as outsiders in the administration.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Raymond K. Price, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:05 pm to 4:06 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 445-023 of the White House Tapes.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:10 pm to 4:11 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 445-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Nellie L. Yates in the Executive Office Building to coordinate the preparation and printing of an upcoming speech honoring Everett M. Dirksen. Beyond technical logistics regarding the speech’s formatting and delivery, the pair engaged in casual conversation about office decor, horticulture, and Yates’s dedicated work ethic. The meeting concluded with the President acknowledging Yates’s contributions to his administration.
President Nixon met with Nellie L. Yates to review and refine the text of his upcoming speech scheduled to be delivered in Pekin, Illinois. Beyond the legislative or policy-focused drafting of the address, the two engaged in casual conversation regarding Yates’s personal schedule. Their discussion touched upon recreational activities, specifically tennis and gardening advice involving Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo.
President Nixon met with Nellie L. Yates to review and organize documents, including material regarding board policy, in preparation for an upcoming speech in Pekin, Illinois. The discussion focused on the clerical management of the president’s speaking notes and the physical organization of the draft text. No major policy decisions were made, as the interaction centered on administrative logistics and typing requirements.
President Nixon, assisted by Rose Mary Woods and Alexander M. Haig, Jr., worked to finalize the text of his upcoming toast for the visit of Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev. The participants focused on editing the speech for appropriate length and tone, specifically requesting the removal of extraneous references, such as a passage regarding John Adams. Nixon reviewed the revised wording to ensure the toast effectively conveyed a message of peace and mutual responsibility between the two global powers.