Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Unemployment
46 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Shultz, Colson, Haldeman
President Nixon met with his economic advisors and a group of Fortune magazine editors to discuss the state of the U.S. economy, specifically focusing on inflation, unemployment, and potential policy responses. The discussion covered the administration's skepticism toward broad, mandatory wage and price controls during peacetime while exploring alternative methods like regional bargaining and government-led productivity initiatives. Nixon emphasized the importance of executive branch coordination in economic policy, noting the need to balance fiscal responsibility with strategic support for struggling industries like aerospace and construction.
President Nixon met with members of his economic team—the "Quadriad" of George Shultz, Paul McCracken, Arthur Burns, and John Connally—to refine the administration's strategy for managing the national economy. The discussion focused on persistent inflation, unemployment in the aerospace and technical sectors, and the potential use of federal authority to curb wage and price increases, particularly within the construction industry via the Davis-Bacon Act. The President emphasized the need for a unified approach to instill public confidence and ensure long-term economic stability, cautioning his team that the political viability of a conservative economic agenda depended on their collective success.
President Nixon met with Dr. Edward E. David, Jr., Peter M. Flanigan, H. R. Haldeman, and John D. Ehrlichman to coordinate the upcoming Science Advisory Committee meeting and address the political challenge of unemployed scientists and engineers. Nixon emphasized the need to show administration concern for these displaced professionals without necessarily relying on federal bailouts for universities or costly retraining programs. The group further discussed shifting to international cooperation in space and science—including potential collaboration with the Soviet Union—and evaluated strategic applications for technology in areas like energy and agriculture.
President Nixon met with the President's Science Advisory Committee to discuss a range of national priorities, most notably the administration's proposed initiative to combat cancer. The committee advised against creating a separate, standalone agency for cancer research, instead recommending a centralized leadership structure within the National Institutes of Health to maintain scientific integration. The discussion also covered the ethical and public policy challenges of future technologies like hurricane cloud seeding, as well as strategies to address economic challenges, including the unemployment of scientists and engineers and the need for improved national productivity.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and John Dean met to discuss political strategy regarding regional economic challenges, specifically the drought situation and unemployment in key states like California. They evaluated the effectiveness of recent administration outreach and media tactics, including utilizing the President’s press conferences to bypass critical coverage and shape public opinion. The participants also discussed coordinating with congressional leadership to build support among Southern Democrats for the administration’s legislative agenda.
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 potential economic impact of a Lockheed collapse, noting that approximately 31,000 jobs were tied to a specific contract. Additionally, Haldeman briefed the President on the status of an administration study aimed at developing objective criteria for new gun control legislation. This initiative sought to address existing loopholes in the 1968 Gun Control Act by regulating the domestic manufacture of firearms based on performance and quality standards.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review the President's upcoming schedule, including various appointments and the preparation for a press conference. The discussion focused heavily on the political risks posed by unfavorable economic indicators, specifically rising unemployment figures and the wholesale price index. They strategized on how to manage media narratives surrounding these economic reports and potential legislative vetoes to minimize negative press coverage.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss economic strategy and legislative planning following Ehrlichman's meeting with John Connally and Peter Peterson. A key proposal involves extracting public service job provisions from H.R. 1 to create a separate, expedited bill that demonstrates proactive governance in response to potential vetoes. They also evaluate public relations strategies regarding unemployment statistics and express caution about a planned Congressional presentation by Peterson regarding import quotas, fearing it may commit the administration to unintended economic policies.
President Nixon initiated this call to Governor Ronald Reagan to coordinate federal support for California, specifically announcing a new shipbuilding contract for San Diego intended to boost employment. Nixon also expressed appreciation for Reagan's recent letter to the Young Americans for Freedom before transitioning the call to Henry Kissinger. Kissinger and Reagan discussed upcoming travel plans involving Vice President Spiro Agnew and reviewed positive foreign policy developments, including declining Vietnam War casualty rates and the recent diplomatic activity of Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu.
President Nixon met with his key economic advisors—John Connally, George Shultz, Paul McCracken, and Arthur Burns—to assess the sluggish state of the economy and deliberate on potential government interventions. The discussion centered on rising inflation, the psychological impact of economic news, high interest rates, and the growing public frustration regarding wage costs. The group debated the timing and feasibility of implementing wage and price controls, ultimately reaching a consensus to maintain a defensive posture while preparing to apply pressure on the steel industry and other key sectors to curb inflationary expectations.
President Nixon consulted with Office of Management and Budget Director George Shultz to review the current economic climate and address concerns regarding inflation and business confidence. The discussion focused on analyzing labor costs, productivity metrics, retail sales performance, and the complexities of monitoring unemployment trends, particularly regarding veterans. Nixon sought clarification on these economic indicators to better inform his upcoming meetings with the Quadriad and other advisors regarding potential wage and price control policies.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss a recent, gloomy economic briefing given by Arthur Burns and Paul McCracken. Shultz argues that the administration's economic outlook is being overly pessimistic and explains that while businessmen express anxiety, actual data on sales and profits suggest a more positive trajectory. They agree on the need to better analyze wage settlements and labor costs, with Shultz committing to a new project to track these figures to better counter calls for wage and price controls.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss positive economic indicators, specifically a significant drop in the unemployment rate and recent upward activity in the stock market. Nixon expresses a desire to downplay media reaction to the employment figures, while they analyze the technical factors behind the market shift, attributing it to end-of-quarter mutual fund adjustments. The conversation concludes with a brief, dismissive reference to Henry Kissinger’s moral perspective regarding ongoing administration challenges.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for effectively communicating positive economic data following the upcoming release of unemployment figures. They highlight the importance of providing Republican legislators, such as Robert Dole and Hugh Scott, with simplified talking points to emphasize the record-breaking drop in unemployment and growth in job numbers. Colson confirms that a one-page summary has already been distributed to GOP leadership to ensure a unified and impactful public narrative.
President Nixon and his administration met with Republican Congressional leaders to discuss the 1971-1972 economic outlook, focusing on key indicators such as GNP, unemployment rates, and inflation. The discussion centered on evaluating recent economic growth, managing ongoing labor disputes in the steel and transportation sectors, and addressing political concerns regarding the administration's fiscal and wage-price policies. The President and his economic advisors emphasized their commitment to achieving peacetime economic stability and requested support from leadership to convey a positive but measured economic narrative to the public.
President Richard M. Nixon spoke with Congressman George H. Mahon to discuss the legislative strategy for passing a public employment bill before the upcoming August congressional recess. Nixon emphasized the urgency of the funding to combat unemployment during the summer months, arguing that delaying the appropriation would diminish the program's economic impact. Mahon agreed to coordinate with key congressional leadership and staff to expedite the necessary hearings, with Nixon committing to provide the relevant administration experts to testify.
President Nixon met with Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Paul W. McCracken to discuss the administration's economic policy, including the challenges of high unemployment and inflation. The President expressed frustration with the sluggish economy and explored the potential for dramatic fiscal interventions, such as shifting tax structures or modifying the international value of the dollar to improve competitiveness. Following this, Nixon consulted with John B. Connally to coordinate a strategic response, emphasizing the need for decisive action and unity between the Council of Economic Advisers and the Treasury Department.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed strategies for improving public perception of the administration’s handling of the national economy and unemployment rates. They analyzed current polling data and examined how positive economic indicators might be better communicated to the public. Nixon directed Colson to coordinate with pollster Louis Harris to ensure that recent positive trends and public sentiments were more accurately reflected in upcoming survey results.
President Nixon met with his senior staff and economic advisors to review a comprehensive set of domestic policy issues and political strategies ahead of the 1972 election. The participants analyzed regional economic and unemployment data, explored ways to address high inflation and juvenile delinquency, and developed messaging strategies regarding veterans, environmental concerns, and the role of the "liberal establishment." The President emphasized the need for a focused, repetitive, and regionalized public relations approach to regain public confidence and successfully manage the transition from wartime to a peacetime economy.
President Nixon and Senator Barry Goldwater discuss the political stakes of an upcoming Lockheed loan guarantee amendment, with Nixon highlighting the potential economic fallout for Southern California's unemployment rate. Despite acknowledging Goldwater's principled opposition to the government intervention, Nixon emphasizes the necessity of the legislation to avoid further economic and political distress. The conversation concludes with a discussion regarding U.S. diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, with Goldwater expressing support for the administration's strategy to maintain Taiwan's status in the United Nations.
President Nixon lobbied Senator J. Caleb Boggs to support a government loan guarantee for the Lockheed Corporation, citing concerns raised by California Governor Ronald Reagan regarding the potential for increased unemployment in Southern California. Boggs explained that he faced significant political pressure in Delaware, noting that his colleague in the House and local news journals were staunchly opposed to the measure. While Boggs remained noncommittal due to his local political climate, he agreed to keep his vote open, prompting Nixon to suggest the administration would exert influence on Boggs's colleague.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss the administration's messaging strategy regarding the national economy, specifically focusing on how to address negative press coverage and public perception of indicators like unemployment, inflation, and housing. They analyze the political implications of recent economic data presented in weekly news magazines and assess how the President should frame these issues during his upcoming public appearances. The conversation emphasizes a need for the administration to maintain a unified and fixed narrative to counter critical media reports.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss strategies for countering negative economic perceptions and managing press coverage, particularly concerning unemployment figures. They planned a coordinated effort involving Cabinet members and economic advisors to meet with business leaders and media editorial boards to shift the narrative toward a positive economic outlook. Additionally, they discussed using the Pentagon Papers to highlight political vulnerabilities of the previous Democratic administration, opting to delay the release of certain sensitive material until after the upcoming Vietnam elections.
President Nixon met with Vice President Agnew and his Cabinet to discuss the administration's foreign policy objectives and the state of the national economy. Agnew briefed the attendees on his recent international tour, highlighting the global reception of the Nixon Doctrine and the challenges posed by the Arab-Israeli conflict, East Pakistan, and the increasing Soviet and Chinese presence in various regions. Nixon and his advisers subsequently addressed the economic outlook, emphasizing the need for an aggressive, unified defense of administration policies regarding inflation and unemployment, while dismissing the viability of permanent wage and price controls. Finally, the President mandated a strict reduction in government personnel and grade-level escalation to improve budget management across executive departments.
President Nixon met with Harold Passer and Charles Colson to discuss strategies for improving public perception of the national economy and managing media coverage. The participants evaluated recent positive developments, such as the resolution of labor strikes and the Lockheed bill, while criticizing the press for its persistent negativism regarding economic statistics. Nixon emphasized the need to contrast his administration's economic goals against the records of his predecessors, specifically arguing that the Kennedy and Johnson years were marked by high unemployment or inflation driven by wartime spending.
President Nixon, Manolo Sanchez, and Stephen B. Bull engaged in a brief discussion comparing the economic climate and unemployment patterns of the early 1960s with those of 1971. The participants analyzed the nature of unemployment, noting that the current situation involved more localized, structural issues compared to the broader economic distress of the prior decade. The conversation concluded with Nixon expressing resolve regarding his administration's ongoing economic policies and communication strategy.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed economic strategies, specifically focusing on the goal of restoring national prosperity compared to previous administrations. The conversation touched upon the correlation between unemployment rates and the reduction in the size of the Armed Forces. The participants also briefly addressed the international monetary situation and preparations for an upcoming phone call by the President.
President Richard M. Nixon rehearsed his national address announcing the 'New Economic Policy,' a comprehensive package of domestic and international reforms. During the session, he reviewed plans to address high unemployment and inflation, including a 90-day freeze on wages and prices and the implementation of a 10% import surcharge. These measures were designed to stabilize the U.S. dollar, curb international currency speculation, and boost American industrial production.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury John Connally discussed economic policy and messaging ahead of upcoming public appearances. Connally emphasized the administration's strong negotiating position regarding Japan, while Nixon focused on refining his rhetoric concerning unemployment and welfare. The pair concluded with an agreement on the necessity of fiscal restraint, specifically linking potential tax cuts to corresponding spending reductions in future speeches.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to manage the political impact of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) economic and unemployment data, which Nixon views as a significant vulnerability. Expressing frustration with the current department leadership, the President directs Colson to install tougher, more politically aligned personnel to counter perceived biases and better communicate the administration's economic successes. Nixon further instructs his staff to proactively emphasize positive economic trends while dismissing negative figures, framing the administration's progress as a significant improvement over previous Democratic administrations.
President Richard Nixon met with his staff to rehearse and refine a nationally broadcast speech regarding the second phase of his New Economic Policy. The discussion focused on strategies to combat inflation and unemployment, specifically outlining the transition from a 90-day wage and price freeze to a new, more flexible regulatory framework. Nixon emphasized the need for bipartisan support and public cooperation to ensure the success of these economic stabilization programs as the administration prepared to roll out its long-term strategy.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss preparations for a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the potential economic impact of upcoming unemployment statistics on the stock market. Nixon directs Colson to coordinate with Henry Kissinger to ensure high-level diplomatic outreach regarding the Gandhi visit. Additionally, the pair discusses maintaining pressure on the Pay Board to advance the administration’s economic objectives.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Charles Colson to coordinate his upcoming schedule and manage political optics ahead of his trip to the People's Republic of China. The participants emphasized the need to prioritize critical domestic appearances and foreign policy briefings while limiting time-consuming social obligations. They also discussed potential changes to the administration’s public relations strategy, specifically regarding unemployment messaging and the frequency of televised press conferences, to better counter Democratic opposition and improve the President’s standing.
President Nixon met with his Vice President and Cabinet to discuss the state of the U.S. economy, the administration's fiscal policy, and the upcoming 1973 budget. Key areas of focus included interpreting unemployment data—specifically the impact of new entrants to the workforce—and managing inflation through Phase II price and wage controls. Nixon urged his department heads to aggressively implement approved spending programs to stimulate the economy, while simultaneously directing them to more effectively communicate and promote the administration's economic achievements and social policy investments to the public.
President Nixon met with John Connally and key economic advisors Arthur Burns, George Shultz, and Herbert Stein to conduct an extensive review of the U.S. economy, including unemployment data, retail sales, and the federal budget. The participants discussed strategies to accelerate federal spending to stimulate growth, concerns regarding the lack of confidence among international financial institutions, and the delicate nature of ongoing trade negotiations with Europe, Japan, and Canada. Nixon directed his team to prioritize the rapid deployment of authorized funds and ordered a follow-up analysis on identifying the specific demographics of the unemployed.
President Nixon calls George Shultz to commend his performance on 'Face the Nation,' particularly his confrontation with journalist Daniel Schorr. The two discuss positive economic trends, specifically a drop in insured unemployment, while expressing skepticism regarding the reliability of volatile monthly economic statistics. Nixon also mentions his plan to send a firm note to Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns concerning the money supply and praises the recent appointment of Marina von N. Whitman to the Council of Economic Advisers.
President Nixon met with Representative Earl B. Ruth for a brief courtesy call to offer birthday wishes and acknowledge their ongoing political alliance. The discussion touched upon the administration's economic policy, specifically addressing concerns regarding federal budget deficits and the broader objective of reducing unemployment. Nixon reassured Ruth of his commitment to pursuing a balanced budget while managing state-specific economic performance.
Secret Service agents and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office to discuss the current state of the American labor market and employment statistics. The participants addressed public misconceptions regarding unemployment and emphasized the record-breaking number of new jobs created. The discussion focused on contextualizing economic growth and social change, specifically highlighting that over 81 million people were employed at the time.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors, including George P. Shultz, Arthur F. Burns, Caspar Weinberger, and Herbert Stein, to review the status of the U.S. economy, specifically focusing on inflation, unemployment rates, and price stability. The discussion covered the political implications of economic indicators ahead of the 1972 election, particularly regarding potential campaign issues against George McGovern, and touched upon international currency problems and foreign policy matters involving Latin America. The group debated the efficacy of various economic interventions, including wage and price controls and potential actions to address rising meat prices, while weighing the impact of these policies on business and public perception.
President Nixon met with his Cabinet and senior staff to discuss strategies for achieving a balanced federal budget by 1975, emphasizing the necessity of immediate spending cuts and potential vetoes of congressional legislation to curb inflation. Budget Director George Shultz outlined the administration’s plan to issue "ceiling letters" to agency heads to enforce strict fiscal guidelines and reduce government deficits. The participants also reviewed recent positive economic indicators, including growth in the Gross National Product and declining unemployment, while noting that the public generally views government spending as a primary driver of inflation.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss administrative personnel assignments for a forthcoming Sequoia cruise and to analyze current economic conditions. They evaluated the political impact of rising food prices on housewives and considered various policy options regarding price controls and staples. Additionally, the President reviewed economic data, specifically examining recent revisions to business indicators and unemployment figures to better gauge the health of the economy.
President Nixon, Charles Colson, and Stephen Bull discussed the administration's record on unemployment, comparing figures from 1969 to 1972 and considering its relationship to the Vietnam War. They also touched upon public relations strategies, mentioning Clark MacGregor and George McGovern, and reviewed upcoming scheduling matters, including a meeting with Pat Nixon. The conversation also briefly referenced poll data from Gallup and Harris.
President Nixon met with a large group of Republican Congressional leaders to coordinate legislative strategy and discuss the administration's economic record ahead of the upcoming election. The conversation focused on countering Senator George McGovern's economic proposals, with the President and his advisors emphasizing that the administration's policies had fostered recovery, reduced inflation, and increased civilian employment. Key action items included distributing briefing materials to counter Democratic attacks, pushing for a government spending ceiling to avoid future tax increases, and planning strategy for upcoming votes on controversial appropriation bills and foreign aid legislation.
President Nixon met with Vice President Agnew and a broad bipartisan group of Congressional leaders to outline the administration's 1974 federal budget and economic strategy. Economic advisors Herbert Stein and George Shultz presented data highlighting a strong 1972 economy and stressed the necessity of fiscal discipline to curb inflation and maintain growth. The President urged Congress to support his proposed spending ceilings, emphasizing the need to avoid the inflationary deficits experienced during the late 1960s, while briefly acknowledging progress toward a Vietnam peace settlement.
President Nixon met with Cleveland Mayor Ralph J. Perk and other officials to discuss federal assistance for Cleveland's unemployment issues and political strategy for Perk’s upcoming re-election campaign. Nixon pledged administrative support regarding revenue sharing and funding, while Perk sought assistance in navigating local political hurdles and managing relations with the Cleveland press. Despite the distraction of the Watergate scandal, the participants emphasized the administration's continued focus on domestic programs and economic stability as key pillars for maintaining the support of the 1972 'New Majority.'