Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Spiro Agnew
162 conversations · page 1 of 2 · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Bull, Kissinger
These are conversations about Spiro Agnew. For the 105 conversations Agnew took part in, see Spiro Agnew’s page →
When Spiro Agnew comes up
Related topics: Vietnam WarPublic relationsPresidential scheduling1972 electionWatergateForeign PolicyJohn B. ConnallyHenry KissingerPress relationsPolitical strategyEconomic policyCongressional relationsGeorge McGovernMedia relations
President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield and Rose Mary Woods to finalize logistical arrangements for the upcoming visit of Irish Prime Minister Jack Lynch and his wife. The participants coordinated the protocol for arrival ceremonies, receiving lines, and social events in the Yellow Oval Room. Additionally, Nixon discussed the agenda for an upcoming Cabinet meeting focused on foreign trip reports and revenue sharing, and reviewed scheduling details for a dinner hosted by Vice President Agnew.
President Nixon met with Senator Peter H. Dominick and Clark MacGregor to discuss ongoing legislative challenges, including the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding and environmental policy tensions. Dominick emphasized the need for more direct communication channels between Republican leadership and the White House to better coordinate political strategy, while expressing concern over the Vice President’s public relations impact on younger voters. The participants also reviewed administration efforts in farm reorganization and economic management, with the President prioritizing steady growth to avoid a potential downturn heading into the 1972 election cycle.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on his California trip and the importance of avoiding premature political maneuvers while Congress is in a volatile cycle. They discussed the administration's messaging on the Vietnam War and the Laos operation, noting the necessity of portraying the withdrawal as a strategic decision rather than a retreat. Additionally, the President and Haldeman assessed the performance of Vice President Spiro Agnew, debated the value of public appearances and campus dialogues, and touched upon personnel matters, including upcoming meetings with the Congressional Black Caucus and adjustments to presidential communication strategies.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the President's upcoming speech on Vietnam, the loyalty and effectiveness of White House staff and cabinet members, and potential successors for Vice President Spiro Agnew, including John Connally. They explored the constitutional process for filling a Vice Presidential vacancy and debated Agnew's political viability due to his controversial public image and potential health concerns. The conversation also touched upon the national economy and the President's schedule following his speech.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the positive feedback received from various associates following the President's recent television address regarding Southeast Asia. Woods relays laudatory comments from figures including Spiro Agnew, Nelson Rockefeller, and Freeman Gosden, noting their appreciation for the President's sincere and effective delivery. Nixon coordinates follow-up calls to several of these individuals and instructs Woods to schedule a meeting with James E. Bassett for the following day.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:17 am and 9:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 478-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the positive reception to the President’s recent interview with a group of newspaper editors and influential figures. They reviewed how Nixon maintained firm, non-committal positions on sensitive foreign policy issues, specifically Vietnam and China, while successfully defending the administration's stance on figures like J. Edgar Hoover and Spiro Agnew. The pair also addressed a minor technical discrepancy regarding the President’s announced Vietnam withdrawal date and exchanged pleasantries regarding guests at a dinner event.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the necessity of adopting a more aggressive, partisan political strategy to defend against opposition, while critiquing staff members who favor compromise over confrontation. Nixon expresses a desire to remove disloyal administration officials and suggests using Vice President Agnew to publicly attack Senate critics. The meeting also covers logistical planning for upcoming events, including an appearance before the Daughters of the American Revolution and a meeting with AFL-CIO leadership.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, Stephen Bull, and Ronald Ziegler to manage various administrative priorities, focusing heavily on controlling the narrative surrounding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent unauthorized remarks regarding the administration's China policy. The group also discussed the logistics of upcoming public appearances, including a strategic approach to a recent Supreme Court ruling on school busing and the management of high-level personnel changes. Furthermore, they coordinated foreign policy messaging, specifically addressing Secretary of State William Rogers’s upcoming Middle East trip and the need to establish a discreet, direct communications channel with the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon met with Richard A. Moore, Antonina Uccello, and Mary Lou Grier for a ceremonial visit involving gift exchanges and discussion of the President's public image. Following this, Nixon consulted with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding the administration’s strategy for handling press inquiries about the recent "ping-pong diplomacy" outreach to the People's Republic of China. The conversation concluded with Nixon and Moore reviewing the efficacy of recent speeches and the importance of maintaining an appropriate tone and frequency in television appearances to avoid perceived overexposure.
On April 27, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House from 7:52 am to 7:53 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 488-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to H. R. Haldeman regarding the administration's public image and the necessity of projecting stronger, more decisive leadership. Nixon expresses frustration with how the press portrays his administration, specifically regarding demonstrations and his handling of domestic policy, and instructs Haldeman to coordinate with staff like John Scali to counter narratives of indecisiveness. The President emphasizes the need for public figures like Spiro Agnew and John Mitchell to take a more aggressive stance to solidify support for the administration's position against disruptive demonstrators.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed various administrative matters, including the President's upcoming schedule, Mrs. Nixon's travel engagements, and the potential security risks associated with a presidential visit to Bohemian Grove. They discussed political strategy, specifically regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) project, the influence of communist organizers in anti-NATO protests, and the political efficacy of public demonstrations. The conversation concluded with an evaluation of Vice President Spiro Agnew’s role in public outreach and a critique of contemporary media depictions of the American working class, such as the television show 'All in the Family.'
On May 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Nellie L. Yates met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:11 am and 9:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 499-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his close confidant Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo engaged in a wide-ranging, informal discussion in the Oval Office covering both personal matters and political strategy. The conversation touched upon the stresses of the presidency, potential political challengers like Ted Kennedy, and the political future of Vice President Spiro Agnew, whom Nixon expressed a desire not to force out of office despite press scrutiny. Additionally, the pair discussed administrative appointments, the merits of various cabinet members such as John Connally, and miscellaneous personal topics including property, finance, and office decor.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the logistics and political implications of Vice President Spiro Agnew's upcoming foreign trip, focusing on concerns that Agnew's planned stop in Greece would become an emotional focal point for his critics. The conversation also covered broader foreign policy objectives, including sensitive negotiations regarding China, Vietnam, and the Soviet Union, while managing the President's personal schedule and image. Nixon ultimately directed Kissinger to coordinate a breakfast meeting to finalize Agnew's itinerary, emphasizing the need to steer the Vice President away from controversial stops while maintaining discretion regarding ongoing geopolitical initiatives.
President Nixon directs H. R. Haldeman to coordinate the appointment of Bryce N. Harlow to a delegation accompanying Vice President Spiro Agnew. The President intends for Harlow to act as a confidant and informal advisor to Agnew during the trip. Haldeman agrees to the plan and commits to contacting Harlow, along with Senators Hugh Scott and Gale W. McGee, to organize the details.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, coordinate the revision of a speech drafted for a dedication ceremony scheduled the following day. Finding the original text provided by staff to be excessively long and dull, Nixon instructs Woods to truncate the draft while retaining its opening and closing sections. Woods agrees to finalize the condensed version within thirty minutes so that Press Secretary Ron Ziegler can review it before the President’s 8:30 a.m. breakfast meeting with Vice President Spiro Agnew.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed political strategies for managing the fallout from the Pentagon Papers leak and ongoing opposition to the Vietnam War. They analyzed the political vulnerabilities of Democratic figures like Ted Kennedy and agreed that the administration should adopt a combative public stance to discredit critics. Nixon suggested that Vice President Spiro Agnew deliver a forceful speech to rally support and coordinate this effort through Patrick Buchanan.
John Ehrlichman and Clark MacGregor coordinate the logistics of delivering sensitive documents from the President to Congressional leadership. The conversation addresses confusion regarding communication with Speaker Carl Albert and Vice President Spiro Agnew, as the administration prepares to bypass traditional procedures. Ehrlichman instructs MacGregor to exclude the Vice President from the distribution process, emphasizing that the delivery to Mike Mansfield and joint leadership is an extraordinary procedure.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler met to coordinate public messaging regarding the administration's recent initiative to open diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Nixon directed Ziegler to remain non-committal on speculative questions concerning Vietnam, Taiwan, and the potential impact on other nations, while emphasizing that the President would continue to work with relevant leaders. They also discussed handling inquiries about Vice President Spiro Agnew's controversial remarks on African leadership and affirmed the President's stance on meeting with Soviet officials only when concrete results are achievable.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss legislative strategy regarding Congressional appropriations and the distribution of discretionary funds, with a particular focus on prioritizing key states for political advantage. The group also evaluated the shifting foreign policy landscape, specifically addressing the public reaction to the upcoming China summit and the risks posed by potential congressional delegations visiting the PRC. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the political liability of Vice President Spiro Agnew, with the President and his staff contemplating the feasibility and timing of his potential resignation and replacement by John Connally to strengthen the 1972 ticket.
President Nixon met with various staff and advisors to coordinate administrative personnel decisions and discuss the ongoing legislative and political landscape. Key topics included personnel shifts within the Treasury Department, the search for a new Marine Corps Commandant, and the congressional outlook regarding a Lockheed bailout. The participants also evaluated Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent diplomatic travel and reviewed Republican legislative attitudes regarding the administration's new initiative toward the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the domestic and international implications of the administration's new initiative toward the People's Republic of China (PRC). The group evaluated the public’s fascination with the move, comparing its impact to the release of the Pentagon Papers, and strategized on how to leverage the policy to appeal to American youth ahead of the 1972 election. They also addressed political contingencies, including the potential for Vice President Spiro Agnew’s resignation, the political future of John Connally, and ongoing efforts to secure a resolution to the Vietnam War.
On July 27, 1971, unknown person(s) and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 547-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed a wide range of administrative, political, and personnel matters, including the handling of Vice President Spiro Agnew’s return from an African tour and the potential nomination of Robert S. McNamara to the World Bank. The conversation also covered strategic planning for upcoming presidential radio addresses, the management of economic policy advisors like Paul McCracken, and the implementation of tighter control over presidential media coverage, specifically regarding Nixon's planned trip to the Bohemian Grove. Finally, the President directed staff to gather sensitive historical documents from the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, emphasizing the need for organized access to records concerning the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and other Cold War-era crises.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting involving Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The primary discussion focused on the seating arrangement for National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger to ensure his presence during the sensitive policy consultation. No major policy decisions were made, as the exchange was strictly limited to administrative planning and protocol for the group session.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed media management, scheduling, and the political optics surrounding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent trip. They focused on refining the President's public image, specifically regarding press access at events and the potential political fallout from his relationship with Agnew. The pair also addressed the President's upcoming schedule, staff appointments for the First Lady, and the development of economic messaging to be managed by the administration’s key fiscal advisors.
On July 28, 1971, Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:58 pm and 3:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 549-020 of the White House Tapes.
On July 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:58 pm and 3:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 549-021 of the White House Tapes.
On July 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:58 pm and 3:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 549-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his advisors discussed the scheduling of various domestic and international political meetings, including an upcoming engagement with Ronald Reagan. Much of the conversation focused on managing the public relations challenges surrounding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent foreign travel, with the participants expressing frustration over his negative relationship with the press and his preference for recreational activities over substantive engagement. The group also touched upon economic strategy, the upcoming federal budget, and ongoing labor concerns in the steel and shipping industries.
On July 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:43 pm and 6:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 007-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Secretary of State William P. Rogers, and H.R. Haldeman discuss the poor press coverage and negative public perception of Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent 30-day foreign trip. The participants attribute the backlash to Agnew’s excessive time spent golfing, his refusal to engage with the press or follow scheduling advice, and his lack of substantive appearances. Ultimately, the group expresses frustration that Agnew ignored his staff's guidance and exacerbated his own difficulties, though they agree on the need to boost his morale upon his return.
President Nixon met with Murray Chotiner to discuss the growing instability and grievances of Vice President Spiro Agnew. Chotiner reported that Agnew felt marginalized by White House staff, particularly regarding his exclusion from domestic policy discussions and his desire to visit both Peking and Taiwan. Nixon and Chotiner acknowledged the need to manage Agnew’s volatile state of mind to prevent public embarrassment or a potential rift, with Nixon emphasizing the necessity of maintaining strict secrecy regarding his initiatives in China.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed political strategies regarding the administration's China initiative, the economic situation, and media relations. Colson reported positive reactions from senators and public figures concerning the China policy, while they analyzed negative press coverage of Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent trip. The President emphasized the importance of maintaining strong, positive communication regarding economic policies and instructed Colson to convey his appreciation to Treasury Secretary John B. Connally for his effective work with business leaders.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the cancellation of the President's planned visit to Bohemian Grove to avoid unwanted media scrutiny and potential tax implications for the club. They also address a communications breakdown regarding the unauthorized release of a presidential letter to a Soviet cosmonaut’s daughter, which had gained significant media attention. Finally, they touch upon Vice President Spiro Agnew’s scheduling habits and plan a follow-up presidential call to NASA officials following the lunar landing of Apollo XV.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss strategies for addressing negative press coverage regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew and to coordinate a forceful response to unfair media portrayals. The discussion included plans to isolate critical press outlets by cutting off White House cooperation until retractions are issued, specifically targeting Newsweek's inaccurate reporting on the Vice President. Additionally, the President reviewed a speech by Thomas R. Shepard that criticized the 'disaster lobby' and environmental activists, leading Nixon to decide that this narrative should be adopted to reframe public discourse on environmental and consumer issues.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan met to prepare for an upcoming press conference by strategizing responses to anticipated inquiries. They discussed a range of sensitive issues, including the national economy, steel industry policies, and complex foreign policy challenges regarding Pakistan and the People's Republic of China's potential UN seat. The pair also addressed internal political concerns, specifically correcting inaccuracies regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent trip to Africa and managing controversies surrounding Rev. John J. McLaughlin.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated upcoming travel arrangements to Maine and New Hampshire, specifically discussing protocols for interacting with Senator Margaret Chase Smith. The discussion also addressed strategies for managing negative press coverage, including plans to correct inaccuracies in a Newsweek article regarding Vice President Agnew’s trip to Africa. Additionally, the pair reviewed the President's logistical schedule and upcoming public appearances.
President Nixon met with Ambassador Henry J. Tasca and Alexander Haig to discuss the delicate political situation in Greece and the pressure from the U.S. Congress to restore democratic governance. Tasca provided an update on his recent testimony before congressional committees, emphasizing the importance of Greece's role in NATO and the need for the Greek government to demonstrate progress toward liberalization. Nixon urged the Greek leadership, specifically George Papadopoulos, to schedule elections and end martial law to appease congressional critics and bolster their international standing ahead of Vice President Spiro Agnew’s upcoming visit.
President Nixon and senior staff, including H.R. Haldeman and Ron Ziegler, held extensive discussions regarding the strategic planning of the President’s upcoming trips to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the USSR. The conversation covered the coordination of public announcements, the management of press coverage—specifically regarding New York Times interviews with Chou En-lai—and the integration of these diplomatic maneuvers into the 1972 re-election campaign. Furthermore, the participants reviewed domestic political concerns, including school busing, potential changes to the presidential ticket, and the implementation of a new national economic program involving wage and price controls.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss congressional legislative maneuvering regarding the draft extension bill, specifically focusing on the efforts of Senators Cranston and Allott and coordination with House leaders Hébert and Arends. The conversation also covered administrative details concerning the President's schedule, including logistics for an upcoming Apollo 15 dinner and public relations strategy for a trip to Detroit. Additionally, they reviewed political communications, briefly touching on the role of Vice President Agnew and reactions to recent statements by Edmund Muskie.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss legislative strategy regarding upcoming congressional votes, specifically focusing on the need to maintain party discipline on Vietnam policy. They analyze how to pressure members of Congress and Vice President Spiro Agnew to align with the administration’s position, framing dissent as a threat to global peace negotiations. The discussion concludes with a push to break a potential filibuster to ensure the administration’s stance prevails.
President Nixon called tennis star Stan Smith to congratulate him on a recent victory and commend his generous donation of prize money to the Davis Cup. The two discussed Smith's professional performance, including a tense match attended by Vice President Spiro Agnew, and the logistics of upcoming tournaments. Nixon also noted his own scheduling conflicts regarding an upcoming trip to Anchorage to meet Emperor Hirohito, which would prevent him from attending the Pacific Southwest Tournament.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to navigate a complex array of domestic and foreign policy priorities, including Supreme Court nominations, upcoming economic press conferences, and the management of Vice President Agnew's public relations. The discussion heavily emphasized foreign strategy, particularly regarding Vietnam negotiations, the logistics of Nixon’s forthcoming summit in the People’s Republic of China, and international economic tensions involving currency flotation and Japanese textile quotas. The participants sought to coordinate a unified administration position on economic policy and military air strikes while ensuring that bureaucratic infighting did not undermine their primary diplomatic objectives.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other staff to review administrative and political matters, including the handling of the Pentagon Papers and the reorganization of the Council on International Economic Policy (CIEP). The President emphasized the need to move beyond current staffing limitations by centering economic policy work around George Shultz and John Connally, rather than Peter Peterson. Additionally, the group discussed potential candidates for Secretary of Agriculture, the legislative strategy for a Supreme Court appointment, and the necessity of managing Vice President Agnew's role leading into the upcoming campaign.
President Nixon met with Stephen Bull and Alexander Butterfield to coordinate logistics for an upcoming meeting with Vice President Spiro Agnew, specifically focusing on scheduling and arrival details. Following this, Charles Colson joined the President to discuss press reaction to recent Supreme Court nominations, including critical commentary from CBS newsman Dan Rather. The conversation concluded with a discussion on managing media relations and the administration's ongoing efforts to pressure news organizations regarding their reporting.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander P. Butterfield to review and modify his upcoming schedule for October 26, 1971. The discussion centered on managing meetings with Vice President Spiro Agnew, Senator Wallace F. Bennett, Vietnam veterans, and a National Security Council budget session involving George P. Shultz and John B. Connally. Seeking to accommodate more time with Connally before his departure, the President evaluated potential adjustments to the timing of his morning and afternoon appointments.
President Nixon met with Vice President Spiro Agnew, H. R. Haldeman, and various staff members to coordinate strategy for upcoming foreign and domestic challenges. Key discussions focused on preparations for the President’s trip to the People’s Republic of China, managing media coverage, and ongoing frustrations regarding the recent United Nations vote on Taiwan. The participants also reviewed the administration's judicial appointments, the economic outlook, and strategies for handling dissent within Congress and the press.
President Nixon directs Peter M. Flanigan to follow up on staffing changes following Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent trip to Southeast Asia. Agnew communicated requests from foreign leaders regarding the replacement of U.S. ambassadors in Singapore and Kuwait, the latter due to concerns over the incumbent's personal issues. Secretary of State William P. Rogers has already committed to these personnel changes, and Flanigan is tasked with overseeing the execution of these appointments.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the administration's public relations strategy, specifically praising George H.W. Bush's recent aggressive media appearances against Senator Edward Kennedy and his effective defense of White House policies. The two analyzed the political benefits of framing current foreign policy controversies, such as the U.N. vote on Taiwan and the Senate's rejection of the foreign aid program, as evidence of Democratic partisan obstructionism rather than presidential failure. Looking forward, they coordinated plans to have Vice President Spiro Agnew deliver a speech highlighting this partisan shift, while also planning to influence press coverage at the Washington Star by engaging with columnist Smith Hempstone.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the scale and cost of a significant upcoming public event, specifically comparing its financial requirements to past Democratic political functions. The pair also reviews Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent international travel schedule and the extent of his foreign recognition. These discussions emphasize the administration's focus on political optics and the strategic management of the Vice President's public profile.
This brief, largely unintelligible interaction involves United States Secret Service agents meeting in the Oval Office. The recording also includes appearances by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and First Lady Pat Nixon. Due to the lack of clear audio, no substantive policy discussions, decisions, or specific action items were captured in this segment.
On December 8, 1971, 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 12:34 pm and 2:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 307-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson review a series of recent political and economic successes, including the Senate confirmation of William H. Rehnquist, positive stock market performance, and strong retail sales data. The conversation highlights the administration's strategic legislative victories, specifically regarding tax bills and the veto of the Day Care Bill. Nixon directs Colson to coordinate with Vice President Agnew to secure support from conservatives for the administration's robust defense budget, emphasizing that these allies should focus their political pressure on the liberal Senate rather than the White House.
On January 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:51 pm and 2:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-037 of the White House Tapes.
On January 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss administrative matters, including the handling of a specific letter and a speech draft. Following Butterfield’s departure, Stephen B. Bull joined the President to review scheduling arrangements regarding meetings with Vice President Spiro Agnew, a Joint Chiefs of Staff representative, and George Romney. The brief session focused on managing the President's immediate office workflows and upcoming appointments.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to review the President's afternoon schedule, specifically focusing on an upcoming meeting of the Neil H. McElroy Commission. They discussed the expected duration of the session and the potential participation of Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. The brief consultation served to address and manage logistics regarding schedule delays for the remainder of the day.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate the drafting of the upcoming State of the Union address and to express frustration regarding a meeting with Vice President Spiro Agnew. Nixon evaluated feedback on drafts written by Raymond Price and Elliot Richardson, emphasizing the need for a narrative focused on restoring public confidence in government amidst political division. The President also decided to incorporate personal reflections on his early congressional career and a reference to Harry S. Truman to frame his vision for the speech.
President Nixon and Raymond K. Price, Jr. discussed the drafting and tone of the upcoming State of the Union message. The conversation focused on refining specific policy references, particularly balancing mentions of the Secretary of the Treasury and the Vice President regarding tax reform, and adopting a more assertive posture toward Congress by emphasizing the need for legislative action in 1972. Nixon requested that Price consult with John Ehrlichman and Clark MacGregor on these revisions and finalize a draft that strikes the appropriate balance in its concluding appeals to Congress and future generations.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for the 1972 election, focusing on leveraging the contrast between Nixon’s composed media appearances and Senator Edmund Muskie’s perceived evasiveness. They evaluate potential vulnerabilities in Muskie’s campaign, specifically regarding his campaign finances and his "trust" theme. Additionally, they discuss utilizing Vice President Spiro Agnew for media interviews and coordinating with labor leader Frank Fitzsimmons to bolster support in key industrial states.
President Nixon initiated this brief call to commend Secretary of State William P. Rogers for his recent performance and to vent frustrations regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s negativity during administration meetings. Nixon compared Agnew’s critical behavior unfavorably to his own loyal conduct while serving under President Eisenhower, noting that Agnew’s demeanor seemed to undermine the administration’s public messaging. The two also briefly touched upon Senator Barry Goldwater’s recent comments regarding North Vietnam.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to sustain public support and national unity following the President’s recent televised speech on the Vietnam peace plan. Nixon directs Colson to coordinate with Alexander Haig to have Patrick Buchanan or William Safire draft a Q&A document highlighting the plan’s benefits regarding POWs to shape public messaging. They also discuss leveraging Vice President Agnew and other administration officials for further public outreach and mobilizing media support to neutralize critics.
H. R. Haldeman and Bryce Harlow discussed their concerns regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s tendency to question administration policy during sensitive meetings with Congressional leadership. Both agreed that Agnew's behavior, particularly his questioning of a Vietnam-related speech, appeared unthinking and harmful to the administration's message of unity. Haldeman tasked Harlow with finding a discreet opportunity, potentially during a planned tennis match, to counsel Agnew on how his conduct affects his role and political efficacy.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discuss personal and political matters, including a biased New York Times article regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew and the media coverage of the President's recent public engagements. The conversation also covers scheduling logistics for upcoming trips to Florida and Camp David, alongside reflections on the President's upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China. Additionally, they exchange positive feedback regarding a memorandum from Charles Colson concerning the public perception of First Lady Pat Nixon.
President Nixon and Harry S. Dent discuss the positive reception among Republican governors following a recent briefing and their impressions of key party figures, including Nelson Rockefeller and Ronald Reagan. The two review political outreach strategies, specifically focusing on the administration’s efforts to engage black voters and the potential for Vice President Spiro Agnew to attend a California Republican Assembly meeting. They also exchange observations regarding the 1972 campaign landscape, including potential primary challengers such as George Wallace and Hubert Humphrey.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum regarding his recent discussions with H. R. Haldeman concerning the political landscape following the Florida primary. The conversation evaluates the performance of Democratic candidates George Wallace, Hubert Humphrey, and Edmund Muskie, while weighing the future of Vice President Spiro Agnew. Additionally, Nixon explores the prospect of John B. Connally switching parties or assuming a more prominent role within the administration.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss foreign policy strategy, specifically focusing on managing the optics and political fallout of the Vietnam War ahead of the 1972 election and the upcoming Soviet summit. They deliberated on the timing of troop withdrawal announcements to neutralize Democratic criticism, the necessity of maintaining a residual force for POW protection, and the potential for a visit to South Vietnam. Additionally, the pair reviewed the success of the recent China trip and explored potential cabinet realignments, including the possible future roles of Nelson Rockefeller and Spiro Agnew.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the administration's public relations strategy, focusing on delegating a speech assignment to John Connally to avoid presidential overexposure. They discuss the scheduling of a press conference and determine that Vice President Spiro Agnew should handle certain public appearances instead of the President. The conversation also addresses the management of upcoming meetings with key staffers and cabinet members, including Henry Kissinger and John Ehrlichman.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Patrick Buchanan coordinated on the development of a speech for Vice President Spiro Agnew regarding the Vietnam War. The discussion focused on drafting rhetoric to sharply criticize Ivy League university presidents who opposed the administration's bombing campaigns against North Vietnamese military targets. Nixon directed his staff to emphasize themes of North Vietnamese aggression and to explicitly attack the perceived lack of patriotism and moral courage among academic leaders.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed strategies to manage the ongoing ITT confirmation hearings, focusing on limiting hostile questioning of witness Jack Gleason and stalling Democratic probes. Nixon directed Colson to leverage information regarding past Democratic contributions from ITT to deflect political pressure and, if necessary, expose financial ties between the company and members of the Senate. The conversation also touched on the administration's aggressive communication strategy, specifically praising John Connally’s public defense of Vietnam policy and planning for Vice President Spiro Agnew to confront dissenting Ivy League university presidents.
President Nixon consults with an unidentified woman regarding the scheduling of a brief meeting with Vice President Spiro Agnew. The primary objective is to intercept the Vice President before he attends a 9:00 a.m. National Security Council meeting. They determine to monitor Agnew's location and wait for his arrival to ensure the unscheduled interaction occurs.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Vice President Spiro Agnew, Henry Kissinger, and Admiral Thomas Moorer to coordinate administration responses to the Vietnam War and manage the public narrative surrounding the conflict. The discussion focused on the effectiveness of recent bombing campaigns and the blockade of North Vietnam, as well as the need to address internal military resistance regarding bombing targets. Nixon also received a briefing from Agnew on his recent diplomatic trip to Japan, Thailand, and South Vietnam, and coordinated plans for the Vice President to visit the recently wounded George Wallace.
President Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew met to coordinate logistics for an upcoming public event, specifically focusing on an escort to the press room. Stephen B. Bull and Ronald Ziegler participated in the discussion, which involved arrangements concerning Tricia Nixon Cox. The meeting served as a continuation of prior deliberations regarding administrative preparations for these individuals.
On June 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:04 am and 11:07 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 026-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew discuss the President's recent press conference, specifically focusing on his handling of questions regarding recent Supreme Court decisions on capital punishment. Agnew praises the President's performance, while they both express frustration over the media's lack of depth and understanding regarding the legal nuances of the Court's rulings. Additionally, the conversation touches upon administrative scheduling and the political implications of a lawsuit filed by the Press Club against the Administration.
President Nixon met with George Shultz and H.R. Haldeman to discuss strategies for leveraging favorable economic news while managing the administration's public image amidst ongoing tensions with Congress. They reviewed the political impact of recent labor developments, specifically addressing the fallout from the withdrawn transportation strikes legislation and planning a coordinated announcement regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew. Throughout the discussion, the President emphasized the importance of media relations and directed staff to prioritize public relations strategies in upcoming legislative conflicts.
President Nixon initiated a brief call to John Ehrlichman to coordinate their schedules for the remainder of the day. Due to a sudden conflict involving a 2:00 p.m. meeting with Vice President Spiro Agnew, Nixon postponed his discussion with Ehrlichman. The two agreed to reconnect later that afternoon once the President's schedule cleared.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Vice President Spiro Agnew, and John Mitchell to coordinate political strategy for the 1972 reelection campaign. The group discussed campaign logistics, including the use of chartered aircraft, and framed messaging on key issues such as foreign policy, draft-dodgers, and amnesty. Additionally, they reviewed plans for Agnew’s formal renomination announcement, strategies for managing legislative hurdles in Congress, and the importance of engaging with lawmakers to maintain party unity.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the positive media reception to Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent 50-state campaign announcement and his aggressive stance against Democratic nominee George McGovern. They also coordinate a strategic response to McGovern's call for televised debates, deciding that Clark MacGregor should issue a rebuttal highlighting McGovern's past voting inconsistencies and asserting that an incumbent president should not debate an opponent. Nixon emphasizes that a debate would inappropriately elevate McGovern's stature and that current international negotiations make such a forum contrary to the national interest.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed whether to grant a meeting request from representatives of the Baltic republics, a move both men feared would provoke a hostile reaction from the Soviet Union. Nixon expressed his strong preference against a presidential audience, citing recent geopolitical tensions involving Lithuania. The two agreed that the meeting should be deferred to Vice President Spiro Agnew to maintain diplomatic discretion while still acknowledging the petitioners.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discussed various administrative and personal matters while the President was at Camp David. They touched upon political topics, including John Connally's media appearances, George McGovern's position on Greek aid and its impact on NATO, and the public reception of Vice President Spiro Agnew. Additionally, the President requested that his staff track down press coverage of a recent wedding for a family friend, and the two briefly discussed family activities and film recommendations.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated their monitoring of televised Sunday talk shows, specifically focusing on John Connally’s upcoming appearance and George McGovern’s potential policy vulnerabilities regarding foreign aid and international relations. The pair discussed the political strategy of addressing McGovern’s debate requests, with both agreeing that the early proposal had been effectively neutralized by campaign staff. Additionally, they reviewed the positive media coverage surrounding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent press conference and discussed the timing of press reports regarding the firing of G. Gordon Liddy in relation to the FBI investigation.
President Nixon telephoned Raymond A. Gallagher to express gratitude for his public support of the administration's Vietnam War policies and its strategy regarding POWs. The two men criticized George McGovern's approach to the conflict, affirming the necessity of maintaining military pressure on the North Vietnamese. Nixon also solicited Gallagher's help in framing his reelection campaign as a non-partisan effort, while discussing the potential appearances of Vice President Spiro Agnew at upcoming veterans' conventions.
On July 25, 1972, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, White House operator, and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:40 pm and 5:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-058 of the White House Tapes.
On July 25, 1972, the White House operator and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:41 pm and 5:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-061 of the White House Tapes.
H. R. Haldeman coordinated with Vice President Spiro Agnew to establish a unified White House stance regarding the news of Senator Thomas Eagleton’s health issues. The President issued explicit instructions for all campaign associates, including Robert Dole and Clark MacGregor, to refrain from making any public comments on the matter. Haldeman confirmed that the administration would avoid involvement, allowing the Democratic campaign to manage the emerging crisis independently.
In this discussion, an unidentified Secret Service agent and another individual engage in a broad political conversation regarding campaign strategies, candidate evaluations, and current events. They compare the leadership styles and temperaments of figures like John Mitchell and Vice President Spiro Agnew, while also discussing the controversy surrounding Senator Thomas Eagleton's medical and mental health history. Additionally, the participants coordinate outreach efforts to George Wallace, specifically concerning national security briefings and potential alignment on policy platforms like busing.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson, Kenneth Clawson, and John Scali to assess media coverage of his administration's foreign policy and the ongoing presidential campaign. The discussion focused on how international developments, such as the situation in Thailand and broader Cold War dynamics, impacted public and press perception of the President versus his opponent, George McGovern. Additionally, Nixon directed his staff to monitor media relations more closely and advised that Vice President Spiro Agnew should exercise more rhetorical discipline to maintain his political effectiveness.
President Nixon called Senator John C. Stennis to extend birthday greetings and express gratitude for his efforts in navigating difficult appropriation votes in Congress. The two discussed the lack of support from Republican senators and the frustration voiced by Vice President Spiro Agnew regarding the legislative situation. Nixon emphasized the importance of securing a strong position in the House of Representatives to resolve ongoing legislative conflicts, while Stennis reaffirmed his support for the administration's Vietnam policy.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and later Ronald Ziegler to discuss campaign strategy, press relations, and the political fallout of the Watergate scandal. The group evaluated the President’s recent public appearances in Pennsylvania, analyzed negative media coverage, and strategized on how to influence networks—specifically targeting CBS—to provide more favorable coverage. Additionally, they reviewed potential indictments related to Watergate and discussed the necessity of coordinating financial disclosure statements for the President and Vice President Agnew to contrast with their political opponents.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed logistical arrangements for an upcoming reception for the Committee to Re-elect the President (CRP). They reviewed specific seating plans for the East and Blue Rooms and coordinated the schedule for Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. It was determined that the Vice President would remain in the State Senate rather than joining the President on the main platform.
In this meeting, President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman, later joined by Peter Dailey and Ronald Ziegler, discussed campaign strategy for the 1972 election, focusing heavily on media advertising and the effectiveness of surrogates like John Connally and Spiro Agnew. The participants assessed the political impact of the Watergate scandal, with Nixon instructing staff to maintain a public stance of non-involvement while letting the Justice Department handle inquiries. Additionally, they reviewed scheduling for upcoming campaign appearances and evaluated the President's responses to domestic controversies, including the U.S. Olympic team's performance and various public relations opportunities.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed whether Vice President Spiro Agnew should cancel a campaign appearance in Texas to return to Washington for a potential tie-breaking vote on the Brooke Amendment to the foreign aid bill. Although staff opinions were divided on the probability of a tie, Nixon expressed concern that Agnew would suffer significant political criticism if he were absent during a pivotal Senate vote. Ultimately, the President decided that Agnew should play it safe and return to the capital, while instructing staff to arrange a suitable substitute speaker for the Texas event.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the scheduling logistics for Vice President Spiro Agnew’s attendance at an upcoming Senate vote on the Edward W. Brooke amendment. They analyzed whether Agnew could balance a planned breakfast appearance in Texas with the necessary arrival time for the 2:00 p.m. vote in Washington. Haldeman committed to exploring whether the Vice President could reschedule his morning commitment to ensure his timely return for the legislative session.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed congressional strategy regarding a potential tie vote on an 'end the war' bill, speculating on the role of Vice President Agnew in breaking a deadlock. The discussion transitioned to the President's upcoming speech at the International Monetary Fund meeting, where they criticized the influence of Henry Kissinger and the establishment media, particularly journalist Marvin Kalb. Following Stephen Bull's entry, the group finalized scheduling details for meetings with labor leaders and a photo session with the British Ambassador.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the evening television news coverage, assessing that CBS and ABC provided favorable coverage of Spiro Agnew following George McGovern's appearance, while NBC aired McGovern without Agnew. They also noted that all three networks covered Nixon's meeting with Andrei Gromyko at Camp David. Colson also briefly mentioned Jay Lovestone's positive reports on AFL-CIO polls, particularly from Connecticut.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss the President’s schedule, re-evaluating how to balance his time between the White House, Camp David, and Key Biscayne to maintain a consistent public presence. They analyzed polling data from Massachusetts regarding George McGovern’s policy proposals, deciding to intensify targeted television advertisements highlighting issues like welfare and marijuana legalization rather than having the President visit the state personally. The conversation also touched on press coverage of the administration, specifically regarding allegations of corruption, and the political implications of Vice President Agnew’s conservative public image.