Nixon Tapes on Watergate

July 13, 1973 · Nixon & Haig

President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed managing the optics of the President’s recent hospitalization and the scheduling of his upcoming public appearances, including the announcement of Phase IV economic policies. They also touched upon the political challenges posed by the Ervin Committee's Watergate investigations and requests for access to White House files. The two agreed on a strategy to maintain a dignified public image while controlling the narrative surrounding the President's health and staff activities.

July 13, 1973 · Nixon, Kissinger & Haig

President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, Alexander Haig, and Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the public response to his health issues and the subsequent adjustments to his official schedule, including the potential cancellation of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s state visit. The participants discussed how to manage the optics of these changes to avoid political embarrassment while navigating the ongoing pressures of the Watergate investigation. Nixon and his advisors also weighed the implications of the Ervin Committee's proceedings and potential witness testimony on the administration's stability.