Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Supreme Court nomination
20 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Mitchell, Powell, Ziegler
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss strategy for upcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically focusing on the potential candidacy of Senator Robert C. Byrd and the reactions of various political figures. They coordinate the timeline for submitting names to the American Bar Association and the Senate while considering the use of a "smokescreen" to manage political optics. The two decide to inform Chief Justice Warren E. Burger in advance about the nomination of Mildred L. Lillie to maintain professional relations and ensure a smooth confirmation process.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss political considerations regarding potential Supreme Court nominations and judicial appointments. Nixon expresses frustration over Secretary of Transportation John Volpe's persistent pressure to appoint an Italian-American to the Supreme Court, while also tasking Mitchell with managing these lobbying efforts to shield the President's time. Additionally, the pair discusses the progress of Mildred L. Lillie's vetting process for a Supreme Court seat, with Nixon emphasizing the political optics of potentially appointing the first woman to the Court.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the pending Supreme Court nomination of Mildred L. Lillie, focusing on the optics of her marital status and religious background. The two men deliberate on the political advantages of emphasizing her marriage to an Italian-American, A.V. Falcone, and explore the potential electoral benefits of identifying her as Catholic. Nixon directs Mitchell to verify her religious and ethnic details to ensure the nomination is presented in the most favorable light.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the vetting process for the potential Supreme Court nomination of Mildred L. Lillie. They evaluate the political advantages of her Catholic faith and her marriage to an Italian husband, while also reviewing her judicial record and her husband’s professional background. Mitchell confirms that a nomination package is being prepared for the President's final approval to ensure the appointment remains on schedule.
President Nixon coordinates with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to manage the logistics and messaging for an upcoming press conference. Nixon directs Ziegler to ensure media outlets correct a recent Washington Post report by emphasizing that Senator Robert C. Byrd remains under active consideration for a Supreme Court vacancy. This strategy aims to force Democratic opponents, such as George McGovern, to take a public stance on the potential nomination.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place a call to Richmond-based attorney Lewis F. Powell, Jr. on behalf of Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The conversation serves to facilitate communication between the administration and the prospective Supreme Court nominee regarding his current travel schedule. This action reflects the coordination efforts undertaken by the White House to manage judicial appointment logistics.
Attorney General John N. Mitchell received a briefing from the White House operator regarding the travel schedule of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The discussion confirmed that Powell would be reachable at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York later that evening. Mitchell decided to postpone his scheduled outreach to Powell until he returned to his office on Wednesday.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The discussion centered on identifying Powell's current whereabouts and confirming his availability at the Waldorf in New York. This administrative outreach was a preparatory step for the President to initiate direct communication with the future Supreme Court nominee.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to locate Lewis F. Powell, Jr. following reports that he had checked out of his current location. Upon learning that Powell could not be reached, the President directed the operator to connect him with Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The brief exchange reflects ongoing efforts to manage the scheduling and communication surrounding the potential Supreme Court nominee.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the nomination of Lewis F. Powell Jr. to the Supreme Court. The conversation centers on the President's efforts to finalize and vet candidates for the judicial vacancy. No formal policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative check-in regarding the ongoing nomination process.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The purpose of this communication was to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and the future Supreme Court nominee. This interaction served as a logistical step in the administration's judicial appointment process.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a follow-up telephone call to Lewis F. Powell, Jr. at his residence in Richmond, Virginia. This outreach was part of the administration's efforts to coordinate with the future Supreme Court nominee. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon calls Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to personally urge him to accept a nomination to the Supreme Court. Nixon emphasizes that Powell’s professional stature and reputation for excellence would serve as a crucial defense against critics who have previously alleged that administration nominees were mediocre. Powell expresses reservations about his health and age but agrees to consult with his wife and law partners before providing a final decision to Attorney General John Mitchell by the following morning.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss efforts to secure Lewis F. Powell, Jr. as a Supreme Court nominee, with the President instructing Mitchell to press Powell aggressively to accept. They also coordinate their strategy regarding the American Bar Association and potential opposition to other candidates like Mildred L. Lillie. Additionally, Mitchell reports difficulty in contacting Howard H. Baker, Jr. and outlines efforts to manage the political fallout and appointment timeline.
President Nixon consulted Richard A. Moore to confirm the age of William H. Rehnquist during the lead-up to his Supreme Court nomination. Moore verified that Rehnquist was 47 years old, born in 1924, and discussed his military service background. The President concluded the brief call by inviting Moore to the Oval Office to review a pending document.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to discuss the professional background and legal qualifications of William Rehnquist. The conversation focused on evaluating Rehnquist's academic history, including his time at Stanford University, in relation to his nomination prospects. No formal decisions were reached, as the discussion functioned primarily as a review of biographical credentials.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the professional background and legal credentials of William Rehnquist. The brief interaction focuses on Rehnquist’s academic history, his previous clerkship for Justice Robert Jackson, and his subsequent legal career in Arizona prior to his federal service. The dialogue serves to review Rehnquist’s qualifications, likely in preparation for his upcoming nomination to the Supreme Court.
President Nixon rehearsed a televised address announcing his intention to nominate Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to the United States Supreme Court. The remarks focused on the judicial philosophy of the Court and the necessity of balancing social rights with law enforcement needs. Nixon praised Powell’s distinguished career and legal expertise to justify his selection as a candidate capable of upholding constitutional principles.
President Nixon met with his staff and nominee Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to discuss the status of pending legislation, congressional relations, and the upcoming Senate confirmation vote for Powell's Supreme Court appointment. The participants also reviewed a proposal for pension reform, specifically deliberating between two tax deduction options for individuals without employer-sponsored retirement plans. Nixon ultimately expressed support for the $1,500 deduction limit, emphasizing the administration's goal of encouraging private retirement savings for workers not covered by government or corporate pension programs.
President Nixon calls William H. Rehnquist to congratulate him following his Senate confirmation to the Supreme Court. The President compares Rehnquist’s confirmation vote tally to that of former Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes and jokingly references an endorsement by Joe Kraft that nearly jeopardized the nomination. Nixon concludes the call by advising Rehnquist to remain independent and steadfast in his judicial philosophy, urging him not to let political pressure or the Washington social climate influence his future rulings.