Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Supersonic Transport
47 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Ford, Ehrlichman
When Supersonic Transport comes up
Related topics: Economic policyLegislative strategyVietnam WarPublic relationsCongressional relationsPresidential schedulingPolitical strategyPublic opinionGovernment reorganizationWhite House protocolWhite House press relationsWelfare ReformSpiro AgnewSALT
President Nixon met with Republican congressional leaders and cabinet members to discuss rural development initiatives and solicit support for the administration's policy agenda. Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and staff provided an extensive briefing on the status of rural America, highlighting demographic shifts and explaining the mechanics of proposed federal revenue-sharing programs designed to foster economic growth. Participants also reviewed legislative priorities, including the upcoming vote on the supersonic transport (SST) appropriation and other pending congressional business.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to review his upcoming official schedule, including logistics for the National Alliance of Businessmen reception, a stag dinner for Maurice Stans, and an event for Reverend Akaka of Hawaii. They discussed whether to utilize receiving lines based on the President's familiarity with the guests and finalized dress codes for upcoming diplomatic dinners. Additionally, the President consulted briefly with John Ehrlichman regarding potential political strategies for the Supersonic Transport (SST) and considered potential short-term travel plans for First Lady Pat Nixon ahead of their daughter Tricia's wedding.
President Nixon and William E. Timmons discussed the administration's legislative strategy for the Supersonic Transport (SST) project following a setback in the House. Nixon encouraged Timmons to remain optimistic and directed him to push for a vigorous defense of the program in the Senate. They specifically assessed the likelihood of securing support from Senators Warren G. Magnuson and Henry M. Jackson to revive the initiative.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Representative Gerald Ford discussed the potential appointment of journalist John Scali to a senior White House role intended to improve the administration's public relations and media strategy. Nixon emphasized the need for a seasoned professional to help streamline communication and counter negative media coverage, specifically regarding Vietnam and the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding vote. They also coordinated logistics for the upcoming funeral of Thomas E. Dewey, including seating arrangements and travel, while reflecting on the political challenges of the administration's legislative agenda.
President Nixon met with Vice President Agnew and Republican Congressional leaders to secure support for two of his primary initiatives: the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and a major government reorganization plan. Secretary of Transportation John Volpe advocated for the SST by addressing environmental, economic, and technological concerns, arguing that the project was essential for U.S. aviation preeminence and long-term economic growth. Subsequently, John Connally detailed the work of the Ash Council, urging the legislators to embrace a fundamental restructuring of the executive branch to improve government efficiency, accountability, and public trust. Nixon emphasized that these measures were critical for ensuring that his administration could effectively manage federal programs and maintain the nation's competitive edge.
President Nixon met with Congressional leaders Hugh Scott and Gerald Ford, along with staff members, to strategize on critical legislative and foreign policy challenges. The participants focused on securing support for the Supersonic Transport (SST) program to prevent Soviet market dominance and discussed messaging strategies regarding the ongoing military operations in Laos and Vietnamization. Nixon emphasized the importance of executive leadership and bipartisan cooperation while addressing concerns over Congressional polling pressures and upcoming milk price support decisions.
President Nixon met with House Minority Whip Leslie C. Arends to discuss legislative strategy, defense spending, and the upcoming congressional briefing regarding the Laos operation. The two men addressed concerns over Federal Communications Commission activities and the potential impact of network regulation, while also touching upon the status of various presidential nominees. The President emphasized the importance of ensuring bipartisan participation—specifically including Democrats—in the scheduled briefing to maintain support for his foreign policy initiatives.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, and Henry Kissinger to coordinate administration strategy on key legislative and economic priorities. The discussion covered a wide range of policy initiatives, including election and welfare reform, government reorganization efforts, and the political sensitivity surrounding abortion policies in military hospitals. Most notably, the group strategized on economic stabilization measures, debating the viability of a construction industry wage-price board and the administration's stance on the Supersonic Transport (SST) project to protect domestic employment.
President Nixon met with Senator James L. Buckley and White House staffer William E. Timmons to secure support for the upcoming Senate vote on the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. The President emphasized that the SST was critical for national prestige, technological leadership, and economic stability, while assuring the Senator that strict environmental safeguards and review procedures would be implemented. Following the discussion of strategy and whip counts, Nixon also briefly reminisced about attending the funeral of Thomas E. Dewey with Buckley.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate White House strategy on several pressing political issues, including securing campaign contributions from the dairy industry and lobbying senators for the upcoming vote on the Supersonic Transport (SST). They also discussed arrangements for an upcoming meeting with black leadership regarding social policy and reviewed the fallout from the President's recent interview with Howard K. Smith. Throughout the discussion, the pair balanced legislative priorities with public relations concerns while maintaining their daily executive schedule.
President Nixon met with Senator Clifford P. Hansen and Clark MacGregor to lobby for the Senator's support of the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. Nixon emphasized the project's importance to national pride and technological standing while attempting to address Hansen's concerns regarding regional airline service in Wyoming. Despite Nixon's assurances regarding ecological oversight and service improvements, Hansen remained firm in his opposition, citing previous public commitments to his constituents.
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 met with Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. and William E. Timmons to discuss pending legislation regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and the political climate surrounding the Vietnam War. Nixon urged Byrd to support the SST project, arguing that American leadership in scientific and industrial innovation was vital for national defense and international prestige. While Byrd remained firm in his long-standing opposition to the SST due to fiscal and environmental concerns, he expressed strong support for the President’s Vietnam policy, specifically praising the administration's progress on troop withdrawals.
President Nixon, Jack Miller, and Clark MacGregor met to discuss the upcoming legislative vote on the Supersonic Transport (SST) project, emphasizing the importance of U.S. leadership in global competition and technological innovation. The group analyzed the vote tally, including the potential influence of uncommitted senators such as David H. Gambrell and Margaret Chase Smith. The President directed Miller and MacGregor to secure votes through parliamentary pairing, specifically mentioning Senators Karl Mundt and Clifford Hansen as potential partners for absent members.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, specifically addressing the political fallout from the recent Senate vote against the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. They discussed the necessity of staging events, such as an aerospace meeting in California, to project executive leadership and address economic concerns in the technology sector despite a lack of substantive policy solutions. Additionally, they reviewed strategies for managing the public and congressional response to pending U.S. troop withdrawals in Vietnam and deliberated on the logistics of a potential trip to the Western White House.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Stephen Bull to discuss strategies for improving the administration's public relations and enhancing support among Congressional allies. The discussion focused on mobilizing staff, specifically figures like Clark MacGregor and Donald Rumsfeld, to champion administration policies such as the Supersonic Transport (SST) and Vietnam troop withdrawals. Nixon emphasized the need for a more proactive, enthusiastic approach from his team to counteract negative narratives, and Haldeman presented findings from recent polling and questionnaires that highlighted the President’s perceived strengths in hard work and family values.
President Nixon and John B. Connally met to coordinate messaging for an upcoming press briefing, focusing on complex domestic and foreign policy issues. They discussed strategies for managing political optics regarding farm prices, welfare reform, and public skepticism toward military and space-related expenditures. The two also evaluated the geopolitical implications of U.S.-China relations and the necessity of maintaining a firm public stance despite potential domestic resistance.
President Nixon met with his staff, including Robert Finch and Clark MacGregor, to coordinate logistics for an upcoming meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus and to arrange a phone call to William M. Allen of Boeing. Nixon emphasized managing the media optics of the caucus meeting by avoiding excessive press coverage and limiting the event's stature to prevent it from being framed as a major political victory for the group. Following these preparations, the President successfully connected with Allen to express his personal disappointment over Congress's decision to defund the Supersonic Transport (SST) project, while reaffirming his commitment to maintaining Boeing's role as a leader in American aviation and technological progress.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman debrief on a dinner for donor W. Clement Stone, where the President addressed attendees, including Senator Charles Percy. Nixon describes challenging Percy's political stance on the Supersonic Transport (SST) and national defense while gauging the enthusiastic reaction of his supporters. The two men also discuss the positive public reception of Nixon's April 7th speech, noting favorable reactions from business leaders and media coverage featuring Mamie Eisenhower.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the reception of the President's recent dinner for donor W. Clement Stone and the positive reaction to his public remarks. Nixon specifically reviews his implicit criticism of Senator Charles H. Percy regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) controversy, which Colson praises for its effective delivery. The conversation also highlights the strong approval from core supporters regarding the President's recent April 7th speech and his emphasis on American global leadership.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the President's upcoming address to the U.S. Jaycees, emphasizing the need for an optimistic tone to inspire the audience rather than focusing on technical policy details like revenue sharing. They discussed using the event as a strategic opportunity to subtly promote the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. The President stressed that the speech should aim for a "ripple effect" through media coverage rather than a direct, intense confrontation, prioritizing an uplifting message about the country.
President Nixon met with key advisors and congressional leadership to strategize on economic stimulation and political coalition-building. The discussion prioritized directing federal funds and public works projects—particularly in California—to combat unemployment and secure electoral support. Concurrently, Nixon and his aides explored strategies to form a coalition of Republicans and conservative Southern Democrats in Congress to advance key administration goals, including the revival of the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and countering anti-war legislative efforts.
President Nixon met with John B. Connally and George P. Shultz to discuss the international monetary crisis and the political strategy for securing Congressional approval for the Supersonic Transport (SST) and Lockheed funding. Nixon emphasized his refusal to sacrifice the domestic economy to stabilize the dollar, asserting that the administration should maintain a firm stance while allowing European nations to manage their own monetary issues. Furthermore, the participants strategized on building a coalition of Republicans and Southern Democrats to advance the administration's legislative agenda, specifically focusing on the upcoming appropriations votes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the administration's response to the anti-war "May Day" protests in Washington, D.C., and to strategize on key legislative priorities. The participants discussed public relations efforts regarding the recent mass arrests, specifically aiming to project a unified, firm stance of support for local law enforcement. Additionally, Nixon directed efforts to secure sufficient support in Congress for the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding bill, linking its success to future technological defense initiatives like the B-1 bomber program.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on the "Salute to Agriculture" event and strategies for congressional outreach regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) and war-related resolutions. The two discussed domestic political tactics, including the potential for polling public sentiment on war protests and managing the optics of POW/MIA casualty reports. Nixon also directed staff to take a more aggressive, "workmanlike" approach to administrative initiatives, such as the cancer program and breeder reactor funding, to ensure the White House receives proper political credit.
President Nixon and Congressman Gerald Ford discussed legislative strategy regarding the funding of the Supersonic Transport (SST) and upcoming appropriations bills. They explored linking the SST vote to other legislative priorities, such as Lockheed funding, to pressure key members of Congress. Additionally, the President urged Ford to utilize new polling data to sway lawmakers against the pending end-the-war resolution by emphasizing public opposition to a hasty withdrawal.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Ronald Ziegler to discuss administrative strategies for managing public perception regarding Vietnam War protests, upcoming economic data, and the Peace Corps. A primary focus was developing a firm communications strategy to commend law enforcement and law-abiding citizens while condemning the tactics of anti-war demonstrators in Washington, D.C. The President also touched upon legislative lobbying for the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and coordinated with staff regarding the timing and delivery of critical documents related to international negotiations.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman review a wide-ranging agenda of administrative tasks, public relations strategies, and pending legislative goals. They discuss the potential for a presidential proclamation regarding a Prisoner of War event, the status of the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding, and managing the White House press and public opinion in the face of ongoing demonstrations. Additionally, Nixon expresses dissatisfaction with certain Cabinet members' performance and emphasizes the need for stronger, more loyal advocacy for his policies, specifically praising John Connally's aggressive support.
President Nixon met with AFL-CIO President George Meany and Assistant Secretary of Labor Willie J. Usery, Jr. to secure labor support for critical economic and legislative initiatives, specifically the continuation of the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and financial support for Lockheed. The President emphasized that these projects were vital for job creation and national industrial prestige, urging Meany to lobby key legislators for the necessary votes. They also discussed the status of the building trades unions, the administration's stance on apprenticeship programs, and the leadership transition within the Teamsters union, while touching upon the broader domestic economy and international trade challenges.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss domestic economic policy, the status of the Supersonic Transport (SST) program, and sensitive foreign policy issues. The President expressed frustration with Secretary of State William Rogers' handling of Middle East policy and explicitly directed that Henry Kissinger be sidelined from Israeli-related negotiations to prevent partisan complications. Nixon also finalized a decision to adopt a more confrontational approach toward the press, ending his participation in traditional social dinners with journalists.
President Nixon and House Minority Leader Gerald Ford discussed the precarious vote count regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding bill in the House of Representatives. Following a narrow victory in a preliminary teller vote, the two reviewed legislative strategy and the potential need for presidential intervention to secure additional support. Nixon urged Ford to maintain his coalition and prepare to deploy extra votes if necessary, requesting an immediate update once the final results were tallied.
President Nixon and Representative Gerald R. Ford discussed the successful 201-197 House vote to revive the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. The two leaders strategized on how to maintain momentum for the upcoming Senate vote, specifically identifying key Democratic swing votes and potential lobbyists like George Meany. Nixon committed to personally contacting Senator John Sherman Cooper while planning to recognize the House members who supported the administration's position.
President Nixon calls House Minority Whip Leslie C. Arends to congratulate him on securing a narrow legislative victory regarding the supersonic transport (SST) funding. Arends explains how strategic procedural maneuvers, including securing pairs from the Illinois delegation—specifically Representatives Philip M. Crane, Robert H. Michel, and Harold R. Collier—were instrumental in the vote. The two discuss the importance of selecting favorable House-Senate conference committee members to maintain their momentum against the Senate.
President Nixon and Congressman Frank T. Bow discussed legislative strategy regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding, focusing on securing a favorable outcome in the House-Senate conference committee. Nixon expressed concern about specific conferees and emphasized pressuring key senators, such as Tunney, Cranston, and Gambrell, by linking their support to the interests of Lockheed. Additionally, Bow invited the President to attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement of Vince Lombardi in Ohio during late July to boost his political standing in the state.
President Nixon initiated this call to personally thank Representative Edward P. Boland for his pivotal leadership in securing House support for the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. The two discussed the importance of the project to national prestige and the necessity of maintaining American technological superiority. Boland pledged to continue his efforts in the upcoming Senate vote and during the subsequent House-Senate conference to ensure the project's survival.
President Nixon and John B. Connally discuss strategy for securing a Senate victory for the Supersonic Transport (SST) project following a successful vote in the House. They identify key senators to target for persuasion, including those influenced by public works funding and the aerospace industry. Nixon and Connally commit to personally lobbying specific legislators to secure the three additional votes needed to pass the measure.
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.'
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, John Connally, and others to discuss strategies for securing Senate support for the supersonic transport (SST) project and to coordinate political appointments. The group analyzed the legislative landscape, focusing on shifting the framing of the SST from a purely environmental issue to a matter of jobs and economic impact. Furthermore, Nixon emphasized the need for a loyal, aggressive leader within the IRS to ensure the administration could effectively utilize the agency to monitor political enemies and friends alike.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate upcoming travel, press strategies, and the scheduling of First Lady Pat Nixon. The discussion centered on managing the President's public image and political capital regarding issues like the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and NATO, while ensuring administration goals remained insulated from unfavorable press coverage. They also reviewed various appointments and personnel matters, including strategies for Texas political races and the handling of sensitive meetings involving external groups.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman to finalize his upcoming public schedule, focusing on managing media engagements and minimizing redundant appearances with business leaders. The conversation addressed the logistical handling of upcoming events, including a trip to the Lyndon B. Johnson Library opening and the scheduling of Saudi King Faisal, while also coordinating the administration's stance on the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding and a ongoing railroad strike. Additionally, they reviewed internal personnel issues, specifically regarding the promotion of a member of the First Family's extended relatives and the necessity of maintaining presidential control over executive scheduling.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and George Shultz to discuss the political collapse of the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and strategy regarding a pending railroad strike. The participants reviewed the administration's economic agenda, including the need for a long-term fiscal strategy and a potential tax revision to address property taxes and broaden the political constituency. Additionally, they coordinated preparations for an off-the-record briefing with business magazine editors and discussed international economic concerns and civil unrest.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson met to discuss political strategy for the 1972 election, focusing on how to undermine potential Democratic rivals like Edward Kennedy and Edmund Muskie. They also assessed the legislative status of the Supersonic Transport (SST) and expressed frustration regarding the current leadership in the U.S. Senate. Henry Kissinger joined the latter portion of the meeting to finalize the timing and announcement strategy for the upcoming Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) negotiations with the USSR.
President Nixon initiated this call to Senator Marlow W. Cook to offer birthday wishes and discuss Cook's recent attendance at a space launch. The conversation quickly shifted to legislative concerns, specifically the precarious status of the Lockheed loan guarantee bill in the Senate. Nixon emphasized the importance of the legislation, and they strategized on avoiding the prolonged, unsuccessful floor tactics that previously doomed the Supersonic Transport (SST) project. Nixon directed the Senator to coordinate further efforts with Clark MacGregor.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and William Magruder to discuss the deteriorating competitiveness of the U.S. aviation and high-technology industries. The participants examined why the U.S. lost its lead in the Supersonic Transport (SST) market and how international competitors, particularly in Europe and Japan, use state-backed subsidies and strategic planning to capture global market share. Nixon expressed deep frustration over the decline of American manufacturing and the potential for a long-term “brain drain,” eventually tasking Magruder and his staff to develop a comprehensive national strategy for technology, tax incentives, and export subsidies to reverse these trends.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political fallout and economic implications of supporting the Supersonic Transport (SST) program, particularly regarding its impact on the aerospace industry and regional voter sentiment. The two men weigh the strategic value of the project against public perception and the likelihood of its failure. Additionally, the conversation touches upon managing external political actors and the potential for leveraging industry-related issues to secure political advantages.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistics for a White House dinner honoring DeWitt and Lila Acheson Wallace, focusing on protocol, lighting, and the President's toast. The discussion also addressed the administration's stance on magazine postal subsidies, specifically ensuring industry support for the legislative package. Furthermore, Nixon and his staff decided to postpone efforts to revive the Supersonic Transport (SST) project until after the upcoming election, prioritizing it instead as a key initiative for his potential second term.
President Nixon and Senator Henry M. Jackson met to discuss legislative strategy regarding U.S.-Soviet relations and the pursuit of a supersonic transport (SST) program. The two leaders strategized on how to manage the House Foreign Affairs Committee to ensure support for SALT Phase II and potential Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR). Additionally, Nixon solicited Jackson's long-term cooperation in finding a way to revive the American SST project following the 1972 election, arguing that current staff attitudes and the abandonment of the project were strategically shortsighted.