Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Staffing
49 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Bull, Woods
An unidentified individual discussed the timeline of their departure, explicitly stating they would remain in their current position until September. The brief exchange appears to concern staffing or transition planning within the administration. No further context or policy decisions were documented during this segment of the recording.
President Nixon consulted with various staff members regarding administrative matters and staffing inquiries. The primary focus of the discussion involved evaluating the professional background and political reliability of Joseph E. Parker, a Washington insider with extensive experience in Congress and agricultural policy. Nixon sought to assess Parker's suitability for a potential role, specifically noting his Democratic affiliation and his reputation for being savvy on Capitol Hill.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss administrative personnel matters, specifically addressing compensation issues related to White House photographer Oliver F. Atkins. The discussion centers on the necessity of formalizing these arrangements through official correspondence to resolve outstanding concerns. Haldeman is tasked with overseeing the resolution of these procedural and staffing-related issues.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly discussed staffing and scheduling matters regarding the administration's outreach efforts. The conversation focused on the involvement of Tom C. Korologos and William E. Timmons in an upcoming American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) meeting. Bull confirmed the logistics for these representatives to attend the event.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and Martin Anderson to discuss staffing needs and the strategic direction of domestic policy, specifically emphasizing the need for conservative viewpoints to balance his administration's economic and social programs. The discussion focused on reforming or dismantling Great Society-era initiatives, such as the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and various model city programs, while addressing challenges in housing integration and international trade. Nixon encouraged Anderson to rejoin the White House staff to provide essential input on the 1973 federal budget and to ensure that his administration's policy development reflects a more distinct ideological alternative to existing bureaucratic approaches.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire briefly touched upon Safire’s need for additional assistance in his role. The President encouraged Safire to reflect on the matter, suggesting they reconvene later to discuss potential support arrangements. They also briefly coordinated the initiation of a phone call to a third party.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss public relations strategies and the administration's political positioning regarding upcoming economic challenges and polling data. They review the potential negative impact of certain staffing losses while emphasizing the need to maintain a positive public narrative through effective media management. The conversation concludes with directives to bolster the visibility of Donald Rumsfeld and prepare for shifting political tides within the Democratic Party.
President Nixon consults his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, regarding the scheduling of professional photography sessions in the Old Executive Office Building and the Lincoln Sitting Room to support upcoming press publicity. The two coordinate travel plans to Camp David and discuss staff assignments, including the appointment of John K. Andrews, Jr. to handle editorial work for the First Family. Nixon also confirms that H.R. Haldeman is coordinating with David N. Parker to ensure staff harmony regarding upcoming trip logistics.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate logistical details regarding a forthcoming photo session featuring the President. Julie discusses staffing assignments for an upcoming project involving the First Lady, specifically mentioning the appointment of a young editor named Andrews. The brief exchange also addresses family scheduling, including the President's work obligations and their shared plans for an upcoming trip to Camp David.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods to discuss various administrative, scheduling, and personnel matters. The conversation included coordinating details for upcoming White House events and travel, as well as evaluating the efficiency and size of his White House staff. The President expressed concerns regarding office space, staffing levels during trips, and general administrative organization.
President Nixon, Rose Mary Woods, and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the President's upcoming travel schedule and discuss various administrative logistics. The conversation included planning for a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, reviewing Rose Mary Woods' personal schedule, and evaluating potential staff roles for Robert L. King. Additionally, the President briefly addressed a tax-related inquiry from Clark MacGregor during the session.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to discuss the staffing transition of Christine Wilde, the secretary to Jon M. Huntsman. The conversation focused on her departure and the assessment of her professional qualifications for future placement. The President evaluated the timing for a potential meeting with Wilde as part of these personnel considerations.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss administrative matters and potential staffing issues. The discussion touched upon the scheduling and involvement of speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. No major policy decisions were finalized during this brief administrative briefing.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting with an unidentified woman to discuss the whereabouts of an unnamed individual. The participants confirmed that this person had not yet arrived at his office and verified his safety. No formal policy decisions were made, as the discussion focused solely on logistical coordination and staff status.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler briefly reviewed the status of a recent press briefing and staffing challenges. The discussion focused on personnel recruitment difficulties, with Ziegler confirming that no suitable candidates meeting the administration's criteria were currently available for specific positions. Nixon expressed frustration regarding the quality of external associations while acknowledging the perceived fairness of the administration's public messaging strategy.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and other staff members to discuss political strategy, staffing concerns, and crisis management related to the ITT anti-trust controversy. The group focused on controlling the public relations fallout from the ITT affair, determining the President's upcoming travel and meeting schedule, and assessing the political impact of the China trip and current primary elections. Nixon expressed a desire to distance the White House from the ITT scandal, emphasizing that any necessary clarifications should come from the Justice Department rather than the President or his staff.
President Nixon coordinates logistics for an overnight working session at Camp David, instructing the White House operator to facilitate the travel of a staff member, identified as Ellis. The President intends to complete a specific project or document at the retreat and requests that his materials be brought to him by 4:30. This brief exchange serves to finalize staffing and logistical arrangements for the President's upcoming time at the presidential retreat.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the staffing requirements for an upcoming presidential trip. The President expresses a preference for recruiting a specific individual, Nellie L. Yates, to join the travel party. He instructs Woods to approach her on the basis of operational necessity, while also authorizing her to seek an alternative candidate should Yates be unavailable.
An unknown individual consults with an associate named Barney regarding administrative staffing and personnel coordination at the Camp David office. The discussion focuses on the daily logistics and the current presence of Chief Adams and other staff members on-site. No major policy decisions are recorded, as the dialogue remains centered on routine office management and schedule oversight.
President Nixon advises George Shultz on the reorganization of his staff and the management of his new department, emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives and independent aides. Nixon encourages Shultz to recruit outside advisors, such as Milton Friedman, to foster new ideas and urges him to begin planning tax reform initiatives immediately rather than waiting for the next legislative session. The President grants Shultz broad autonomy to manage his team and administrative appointments as he sees fit.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss logistical preparations and travel concerns ahead of an upcoming trip to Moscow. The conversation shifts to the difficulties of funding support staff and personnel for official travel, specifically noting that government funds cannot cover these expenses for certain individuals. Nixon directs Woods to coordinate with other staff to finalize these arrangements, emphasizing the need for external financing.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the transition of duties to George Shultz in light of an upcoming ten-day window for Kissinger to finalize his outstanding responsibilities. They confirm that Shultz is prepared to assume his acting role, ensuring a seamless handover of tasks. The exchange serves to solidify the timeline for finalizing Kissinger's current portfolio before shifting focus to new priorities.
This recorded session in the Cabinet Room features unidentified participants discussing administrative and budgetary concerns related to the Social Security Advisory Council. The dialogue addresses management challenges, staffing allocations for a 15-person team, and the necessity of maintaining operational integrity. Despite the fragmented nature of the transcript, the participants focus on coordinating efforts and ensuring professional accountability within these internal policy discussions.
President Nixon met with Henry Cabot Lodge, Charles Colson, and Henry Kissinger to review recent presidential press coverage, including his return from the Soviet Union and comparisons between George McGovern and Dwight Eisenhower. The discussion focused heavily on Lodge’s diplomatic experiences and personal relationship with the Vatican, particularly concerning the influence and support of American Cardinals. Furthermore, the group evaluated potential future diplomatic appointments for the Lodge family and discussed various strategic administrative staffing assignments.
President Nixon met with staff aides Stephen B. Bull and Bruce A. Kehrli to manage administrative tasks, specifically focusing on the review and signing of pending legislation. During the brief session, Nixon verified the identity of the incoming Staff Secretary, identified as Wilson. The participants also coordinated logistical arrangements regarding the President’s upcoming schedule, including travel to California and associated press and well-wishing activities.
Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., Alexander M. Haig, Jr., and others met to discuss administrative staff duties, specifically concerning Lewis A. Engman. The participants also addressed logistics for an upcoming group photo session, expressing frustration regarding previous failed photography attempts. They ultimately decided to reschedule a photographer to ensure successful commemorative images.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to discuss various administrative and personal matters, including the hiring of an aide to assist First Lady Pat Nixon with travel and wardrobe. The President also provided instructions regarding a report by financial analyst Pierre Rinfret, specifically directing that John Ehrlichman address the perceived liberal bias of financial writers. Additionally, the pair discussed the President’s reading habits and health concerns regarding the family dog, King Timahoe.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to discuss potential staff assignments or meeting requests. The President specifically requested that Bull arrange for a meeting with either Richard K. Cook or William E. Timmons, indicating a preference to see at least one of them. This brief discussion focused on administrative scheduling and ensuring direct communication with key legislative liaison personnel.
H. R. Haldeman and Frederic V. Malek engaged in a brief telephone consultation regarding administrative personnel matters. The discussion focused on internal staffing and organizational oversight within the Nixon administration. The segment remains restricted due to the withdrawal of personal or sensitive content.
President Nixon met briefly with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to verify the attendance of staff members present at the Executive Office Building that day. The discussion functioned as an administrative check to ensure the President had an accurate accounting of the individuals involved in the day's proceedings. No further policy or substantive strategic decisions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss personnel management and the perception of the administration's internal culture. Nixon directs Haldeman to address sensitive staffing matters with Larry and expresses concern over reports from family members, including Julie and Tricia, that his administration is perceived as being overly cold and hard-hearted. The President seeks to evaluate the administration's public standing and communications strategies in response to these criticisms.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss staffing decisions and potential cabinet appointments for the second term. They evaluated various candidates for high-level positions, emphasizing the need for political loyalty and effective public relations, including the potential appointment of a woman to a major cabinet role like Commerce or Interior. The President instructed Haldeman to coordinate with George Shultz to ensure specific political appointments were offered and finalized.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman engage in a brief, informal exchange that touches on personal updates and administrative coordination. The President requests that Haldeman facilitate a connection with John Popover prior to a scheduled meeting, noting a need to consult with a freshman representative. The dialogue reflects routine staffing management and scheduling adjustments within the White House inner circle.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met at Camp David to discuss staffing and administrative strategy following the 1972 election. They reviewed personnel decisions regarding various appointments, including the retention of Erwin Griswold and the strategic selection of individuals based on demographics such as religion, geography, and gender. Nixon directed Colson to coordinate with colleagues on building political capital in the House and establishing the framework for the administration's future organizational and foundation goals.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Stephen Bull discussed the President’s upcoming meeting with the Productivity Commission, specifically delegating a brief, non-deliberative appearance to thank labor leaders. Haldeman and the President also reviewed restructuring the White House staff management process, deciding to shift away from daily large staff meetings in favor of a core group of senior advisors coordinating the agenda. Finally, they addressed personnel issues involving Rose Mary Woods and managed the optics regarding Charles “Bebe” Rebozo’s recent real estate investment.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed political strategy and personnel matters, focusing on public relations management regarding the Harry S. Truman memorial service and the President's Vietnam War policy. They weighed the political risks and benefits of the President's attendance at various public events, ultimately coordinating a low-key approach to avoid political exploitation. Additionally, they reviewed organizational staffing for the second term, including the reassignment of White House personnel and the importance of maintaining an enthusiastic and disciplined political apparatus to counter Democratic opposition.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and other senior advisors to discuss staffing appointments, media relations, and legal developments concerning the Watergate scandal. The participants focused on identifying candidates for key government positions, including the IRS commissioner, and debated the management of the administration’s public image amid mounting investigative pressures. Additionally, they reviewed potential risks associated with the ongoing Watergate legal proceedings and the potential for congressional inquiries resulting from upcoming trials.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate administrative logistics and staffing, specifically regarding Kissinger's upcoming schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating meetings with White House aides Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. These personnel arrangements were prioritized to manage the workflow within the Executive Office Building during this period.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate logistics for upcoming White House events, including state dinners for foreign leaders and the management of Congressional guest lists. They discussed the protocol for hosting high-profile figures such as King Hussein of Jordan and Edward Heath, while addressing the need to balance traditional rank with a desire to broaden the invitation list to include new members. Additionally, they reviewed administrative staffing issues at the Department of Labor and strategies for ensuring positive press coverage regarding the Vietnam settlement.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to discuss the selection and management of personnel for upcoming administrative roles. The two conferred on the necessity of choosing individuals who could effectively handle significant responsibilities and carry a substantial workload. They concluded by considering the internal dynamics of these prospective appointees, weighing whether professional friction might actually serve as a constructive mechanism for mutual oversight.
Two unidentified individuals met in the Oval Office to discuss operational staffing, logistics, and the movement of personnel within a unit. The participants conferred on the status of absent team members and the necessity of fortifying their current position. The discussion concluded with a directive to relocate a corporal to address these staffing gaps.
President Nixon directs his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to ensure that Stanley S. Scott, a Black staff member, is included in an upcoming breakfast meeting. This brief administrative exchange serves to confirm the guest list for the scheduled event. No further policy issues or substantive matters were addressed during this short call.
President Nixon held a brief administrative interaction with a White House operator. The conversation focused on the operator's work schedule, with the President specifically instructing the individual to remain home. No further policy or administrative actions were recorded during this exchange.
President Nixon met with an unidentified male visitor in the Oval Office to discuss a personnel-related decision regarding a female individual. During the exchange, the President indicated his intent to allow the individual to leave her position. No further details regarding the identity of the parties or the specific professional context were preserved in the available record.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual, addressed as Monty, to discuss the utilization of an unnamed female associate. The brief interaction serves as a directive regarding personnel or resource management. No further substantive details regarding the context of this assignment were recorded.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss staffing, the administration's economic and domestic policy messaging, and strategies for navigating political crises. They coordinated the appointment of new Labor Department officials and planned a briefing strategy to address public concerns regarding food prices and economic instability. Additionally, the pair strategized on managing public relations regarding the Watergate scandal, the FBI, and upcoming summer youth programs, with Nixon emphasizing a 'counter-reformation' narrative to define his domestic agenda.
President Nixon held a brief, unscheduled meeting with an unidentified individual in the Executive Office Building. The primary purpose of the encounter was for the President to request that his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, join him. The meeting concluded shortly thereafter, with the participant departing the office within minutes.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to discuss the scheduling of William E. Timmons. The brief exchange focused on assessing the availability and potential recruitment of an unnamed third party for a specific role. The conversation concluded with the President seeking logistical adjustments regarding this individual’s status.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the recruitment of William W. Scranton to lead administration energy initiatives. They evaluate Scranton's administrative credentials, his strong ties to the oil and coal industries, and the positive press reception his appointment would generate despite his past political differences with the White House. Haig is instructed to contact Scranton to solicit his services, with the goal of finalizing the offer during a meeting in order to facilitate a formal announcement by Thursday.