Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Staff management
107 conversations · page 2 of 2 · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Ziegler, Haig
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:50 am and 11:00 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize on managing the public perception of the ongoing Watergate scandal, emphasizing the need to focus on substantive executive actions rather than reacting to individual news leaks. The discussion covered the upcoming release of documentation regarding the President's San Clemente property, potential responses to the Ervin Committee, and the need to streamline White House staff and communications. Nixon also expressed a desire to maintain a rigorous daily schedule of formal meetings to project strength and stability amidst political pressure.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss internal administrative management and the broader political strategy regarding ongoing investigations. The President emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary confrontations and instructs Haig to ensure White House staff refrain from answering legal questions during press briefings. They also touch upon the political nature of the opposition's efforts to target the presidency and the complications surrounding executive privilege and document disclosure.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:12 am and 12:16 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-061 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to strictly enforce a new policy prohibiting family members from accompanying guests during presidential meetings. Despite Nixon’s previous directive, Bull confirmed that families were included in an upcoming scheduled visit. Nixon emphasized that this practice must be discontinued permanently, ordering Bull to ensure no further exceptions are made for family attendance.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate control and access regarding White House tape recordings, particularly addressing requests from H.R. Haldeman to listen to specific conversations from March and April 1973. The President emphasized strict oversight of the recordings and authorized access only under controlled circumstances while reviewing the logistical concerns regarding the quality and content of those tapes. Additionally, the group discussed scheduling details for a forthcoming reception for Senators, with Nixon insisting on a rotation and reduction of White House staff attendees to improve the event's atmosphere.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed administrative logistics regarding an upcoming retreat to Camp David, specifically weighing the social inclusion of staff counselors and their wives. Nixon expressed a preference for maintaining personal solitude during his downtime while ensuring he retains professional access to advisors like Mel Laird, Bryce Harlow, and Roy Ash if needed. Additionally, the President reviewed his legislative agenda, emphasizing the need to evaluate upcoming bills for potential vetoes to maintain a balanced budget heading into the election year.