Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Supersonic Transport
28 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Ford, Haldeman, Arends
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, and John Whitaker to coordinate a strategic public relations campaign surrounding the administration's agricultural policies and rural development initiatives. The discussion focused on scheduling upcoming presidential travel to Iowa and other locations to bolster support among farmers and improve the administration’s image regarding farm policy. Additionally, the group addressed broader economic concerns, including manpower training for Vietnam veterans, welfare reform, and the economic justification for the Supersonic Transport (SST) program.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 and Treasury Secretary John Connally discussed the administration’s economic strategy, specifically addressing international reactions to U.S. dollar policy and domestic inflation concerns. The conversation covered Connally's recent consultations with foreign ambassadors and domestic business leaders, as well as legislative preparations for revenue sharing and the status of the Supersonic Transport (SST) project. The two coordinated their upcoming schedules to ensure alignment on fiscal policy and further communication with key congressional figures like Wilbur D. Mills.
President Nixon and Attorney General John N. Mitchell discuss the coordination of political outreach involving Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley and philanthropist W. Clement Stone. The conversation focuses on the Supersonic Transport (SST) program as a primary subject for these interactions. The pair coordinates these efforts to manage Daley’s upcoming visit with the President.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed administrative logistics, focusing on the status of the Supersonic Transport (SST) project and discussions with Boeing leadership. They also reviewed the scheduling and attendance for an upcoming Cabinet meeting, specifically coordinating the roles of Vice President Agnew and Secretary Rogers C.B. Morton. The conversation served to align internal priorities regarding infrastructure projects and executive branch meeting agendas.
President Richard Nixon and Representative Gerald R. Ford discussed legislative strategy regarding the upcoming Congressional vote on the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. The two leaders reviewed lobbying efforts and potential political influence, including Ford’s outreach to figures like John N. Mitchell, Richard J. Daley, and W. Clement Stone. Additionally, they coordinated plans for a breakfast meeting involving key Congressional leadership to advance the administration's revenue sharing proposals.
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 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 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 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 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.