Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Spiro T. Agnew
54 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, Butterfield
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss political strategy ahead of a forthcoming Vietnam policy speech, focusing on managing congressional support and public perception. A significant portion of the conversation involves the potential resignation of Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, with Nixon and John Dean exploring the constitutional mechanisms for filling a vice presidential vacancy and the political impact of such a move on his 1972 re-election campaign. Nixon expresses deep frustration with the perceived weakness of his congressional allies and evaluates the political viability of potential replacements, including John B. Connally.
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 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.
Stephen B. Bull met with an unidentified woman in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. The primary objective of the meeting was to confirm the specific arrival time for the Vice President at Andrews Air Force Base. Following this brief administrative check, the participants departed the office immediately.
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 met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office to discuss lunch arrangements. The President requested rye crisps and milk to be served during his upcoming meeting with Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. The brief exchange focused solely on these personal dietary preferences and logistical preparations for the afternoon schedule.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the logistics for the arrival of Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. Bull confirmed he would personally notify the President the moment the Vice President’s vehicle entered the White House grounds. The discussion ensured that the President would be present to greet Agnew upon his arrival.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the logistical arrangements for Vice President Spiro T. Agnew’s upcoming arrival at the White House. The discussion focused on establishing the specific protocols and entry procedures required to ensure the smooth reception of the Vice President. The meeting concluded with the two men departing to facilitate the implementation of these arrival plans.
President Nixon consulted with Secretary of State William P. Rogers to discuss critical public relations challenges regarding Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. The dialogue focused on the negative press coverage of Agnew’s recent travels, specifically scrutinizing the frequency of his golf outings and scheduling compared to past vice presidential visits, including those of Nixon himself. The two also addressed the administrative support provided to Agnew's staff and briefly touched upon broader foreign policy implications, including upcoming diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone request to the White House operator to be connected with Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. The interaction serves as a logistical bridge to facilitate direct communication between the two leaders. No substantive policy matters or decisions were discussed during this short exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate communication with Vice President Spiro T. Agnew while he was in transit. The President requested that Agnew return his call upon arrival in New York, explicitly noting that there was no urgency regarding the timing of the outreach. This brief administrative exchange served solely to establish a point of contact for the Vice President.
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 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 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.
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 initiated a call to the White House operator to facilitate a communication with Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. This brief administrative interaction served as the necessary logistical step to connect the President with the Vice President for further deliberation. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief exchange.
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.
H. R. Haldeman initiated a request through the White House operator to contact Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, who was currently traveling in Washington State. Following a brief discussion with President Nixon, Haldeman coordinated the logistics of the call. The primary objective of the communication was to verify the Vice President's schedule.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with the White House operator to establish communication with Vice President Spiro T. Agnew regarding his current availability. Haldeman requests that the operator facilitate a call as soon as the Vice President returns to his office. The interaction serves as a logistical bridge to ensure a direct conversation between the two officials.
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.
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.
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 initiates a brief telephone call to Vice President Spiro T. Agnew through the White House operator. The primary objective of the communication is to establish a direct line of contact with the Vice President. No substantive policy matters or further developments were recorded in this short exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson coordinated the administration's media strategy for the final week of the 1972 election, focusing on Vice President Spiro Agnew’s upcoming appearances and rebuttals to George McGovern. They discussed criticizing McGovern’s position on renegotiating the Vietnam peace settlement and emphasized framing any potential North Vietnamese obstruction as an unacceptable attempt to interfere in American domestic politics. Additionally, they reviewed media coverage and planned further messaging through administration officials like William Rogers and Melvin Laird to maintain a firm, pro-negotiation stance.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss campaign strategy in the final days before the 1972 election, focusing on the political benefits of recent confrontations between campaign hecklers and supporters. They agree that these incidents, along with their narrative surrounding Vietnam peace negotiations, are damaging Senator George McGovern's momentum and public image. Additionally, they discuss utilizing favorable economic data regarding wholesale prices and framing the election as a vital vote of confidence for the President's diplomatic efforts with the Soviet Union and China.
President Nixon telephoned Virginia congressional candidate William L. Scott to offer final words of encouragement and electoral support just days before the 1972 election. Nixon expressed regret that he could not personally campaign in Virginia but highlighted Vice President Spiro Agnew’s scheduled appearance in Richmond as a strategic effort to bolster Scott’s Senate bid. The two discussed their shared commitment to national defense and foreign policy, with Nixon reaffirming his endorsement to help secure Scott's victory.
President Nixon met with John V. Brennan at the Aspen Lodge to coordinate logistics for upcoming meetings. The discussion centered on scheduling arrangements for Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and managing a request for a private meeting with H.R. Haldeman. Brennan sought clarification on whether these appointments should take place within the lodge or at another designated site.
Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull coordinated logistics for the President's upcoming schedule, including meetings for Robert H. Finch and a reception for 1972 election supporters. The discussion focused on the necessity of a public address system for the reception and clarifying the guest list for a planned Cabinet dinner. They specifically noted the status of RSVPs from Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and William P. Rogers regarding the dinner.
Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office to coordinate details regarding an upcoming Cabinet dinner. The discussion specifically addressed arrangements involving Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, with a primary focus on managing protocol for a handshake. The meeting served as a brief administrative planning session for formal executive events.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss the status of Vietnam peace negotiations and to review the messaging for an upcoming briefing on the stalemate. The President expressed frustration with the stalled talks, emphasizing the need for a swift conclusion to secure the release of POWs and prevent a North Vietnamese military buildup. They agreed that the administration must maintain a balanced approach that holds both North and South Vietnam accountable while remaining firm against potential Congressional efforts to cut off war funding.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage administrative details. They discussed upcoming meetings with Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and reviewed the scheduling for Henry Kissinger. During the discussion, Nixon focused on revising specific language within a memorandum directed at Kissinger.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to ensure press secretary Gerald Warren did not confirm his attendance at the upcoming Harry S. Truman memorial service, as the President preferred to keep his schedule flexible. Nixon expressed doubt about the necessity of his personal attendance, noting that he had already paid his respects in Independence and preferred to have Vice President Spiro Agnew represent the administration. Additionally, the President confirmed that Agnew should attend the bipartisan leadership breakfast and directed that his meeting with Michael Mansfield be relocated to the Oval Office.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule and address administrative matters. The discussion centered on managing access to the President, specifically regarding a request from Vice President Spiro Agnew to meet with Nixon following a prior communication with H.R. Haldeman. Nixon also reviewed logistical plans involving key staff members, including Haldeman and William E. Timmons.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed logistical details regarding an upcoming Republican National Committee (RNC) reception. They discussed the President's speaking engagement, including the schedule for photographs and the involvement of key figures such as Spiro T. Agnew, Robert J. Dole, and Anne Armstrong. The discussion focused on finalizing the timing and coordination of these ceremonial duties.
President Nixon consulted with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a telephone call between the President and Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. Bull facilitated the outreach by directing H.R. Haldeman and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to assist in connecting the call. The brief exchange served to finalize the logistical arrangements for this executive communication.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection between Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and Secretary of State William P. Rogers. This administrative interaction served to bridge communication between the two high-ranking officials. No further policy discussions were recorded during this brief exchange.
Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Vice President Spiro T. Agnew spoke to coordinate scheduling adjustments regarding a planned meeting or social engagement. Rogers notified the Vice President that he had to cancel their previous plans due to a last-minute request from President Nixon to join him for a discussion aboard the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. The two agreed to postpone their interaction and discussed the inclusion of Adele Rogers in the rescheduled arrangements.
President Nixon initiates a phone call to Vice President Spiro T. Agnew through the White House operator. The conversation is strictly procedural, serving as an administrative request to connect the President with his Vice President for a private discussion. No policy matters or substantive political topics are addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to review and organize the President’s daily calendar. The discussion focused primarily on coordinating an upcoming meeting between Nixon and Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. This consultation served as a logistical planning session for the President's late afternoon engagements.
President Nixon met with Vice President Spiro Agnew to discuss insulating the Vice President from the growing Watergate scandal and to strategically realign his role within the administration. Nixon explicitly instructed Agnew to remain silent regarding the investigation to avoid being ensnared by the press or the special prosecutor. To enhance Agnew's standing and involvement, Nixon decided to appoint him as Vice Chairman of the Domestic Council and include him in 'Quadriad' economic meetings, while tasking Kenneth Cole with facilitating these new intergovernmental responsibilities.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to discuss administrative scheduling, including upcoming meetings with Roy Ash and David K. E. Bruce, and plans for the President’s family trip to Key Biscayne. The conversation shifted toward the Watergate scandal, with Nixon expressing frustration over Vice President Spiro Agnew’s lack of vocal support and the perceived disloyalty and press-leaking within the White House staff and NSC. Nixon also addressed the impending departures of top aides H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, emphasizing a need for tighter control and better staff discipline during this period of political turbulence.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig to discuss the nature and implications of Patrick Buchanan’s recent interactions with Vice President Spiro Agnew. The brief consultation focused on assessing the political fallout and potential risks associated with these communications. No major policy decisions were recorded during this short exchange regarding the internal dynamics of the administration.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the positive public response to the President's recent economic speech and strategize on handling Vice President Spiro Agnew’s upcoming meeting. They address the ongoing Watergate investigations, with Nixon expressing his intent to eventually attack the Ervin Committee once he has sufficient political leverage. Additionally, Nixon instructs Haig to ensure Henry Kissinger remains focused on foreign policy briefings—specifically regarding Vietnam, the "Year of Europe," and Leonid Brezhnev’s visit—while explicitly avoiding any comments on Watergate or wiretapping.