Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on White House staff
829 conversations · page 7 of 9 · frequently with Nixon, Sanchez, Bull, Ehrlichman
President Nixon met with a delegation of Republican governors and RNC Chairman George H.W. Bush to coordinate political strategy and intergovernmental communication ahead of the 1974 election cycle. The discussion focused on candidate recruitment, the necessity of professionalizing campaign research, and the need for a more centralized liaison process between state executives and the White House. To improve responsiveness, Nixon established a new procedure for governors to channel their requests directly through Kenneth Cole, Jr., bypassing the Vice President's office to ensure more efficient policy coordination.
Frank A. Sisco and Ruth L. Krell coordinated logistics regarding the upcoming return of President Nixon to Camp David. They discussed the uncertainty of the President's arrival time and the necessity of maintaining their presence at the location. Sisco advised Krell to contact her supervisor, Alexander P. Butterfield, to determine if their continued attendance was required, and they agreed to touch base the following morning to confirm plans.
On February 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:59 am and 11:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 840-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate compassionate assistance for a White House staffer named Fate Suber. Nixon expressed concern over Suber’s ongoing health struggles and mental state following a heart attack. The President directed Bull to finalize arrangements for Suber and his wife to spend time at Camp David, specifically tasking him with coordinating military support and lodge accommodations.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical arrangements for his daily schedule and upcoming meetings. The discussion centered on adjusting the President’s itinerary following the heart attack suffered by Rex W. Scouten. They finalized the timing and location for briefings involving Henry Kissinger and potentially Charles Colson.
President Nixon met with Patrick and Mrs. O'Donnell, accompanied by photographer W. Richard Howard, for a brief social meeting and photo opportunity in the Oval Office. The discussion centered on Patrick O'Donnell's recent legal work with Charles Colson's staff and his positive experience serving in the administration. Nixon expressed appreciation for O'Donnell's service and exchanged pleasantries regarding the couple's personal life and future plans.
President Nixon consulted with his aide Stephen B. Bull regarding the logistics and guest list for an upcoming breakfast meeting in the State Dining Room. Concerned that the room's large size would make the gathering look sparse, Nixon directed Bull to increase the number of attending staff members. The President explicitly confirmed that key senior aides, including Kenneth Cole, John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman, Peter Flanigan, Ronald Ziegler, and William Timmons, would be present and seated at the table.
President Nixon directed Stephen Bull to expand the guest list for an upcoming breakfast meeting to include Charles Colson, Leonard Garment, Richard Moore, William Safire, and Raymond Price. The President emphasized that the primary goal was to increase attendance to fill the large room and facilitate better interaction between White House staff and Cabinet members. Specific seating arrangements were ordered, placing William Rogers and Peter Brennan beside the President to ensure they could address specific business.
On February 7, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone at 8:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-051 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to discuss media strategy, focusing on controlling the narrative regarding White House staffing changes and press relations. They specifically addressed public rumors concerning the departure of Secret Service official Robert Taylor, with Ziegler defending the administration's version of events against press inquiries from journalists like Helen Thomas and Dan Rather. Additionally, the pair discussed the repatriation of prisoners of war (POWs) and the importance of highlighting the POWs' reported support for the President to bolster public perception.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated the administration's messaging regarding potential hijacking negotiations with Cuba, emphasizing that Secretary of State William P. Rogers would address the topic at an upcoming press conference. The two also discussed the protocol for lowering the American flag to half-mast in light of recent inquiries, noting that senior staff members including Alexander Haig and H.R. Haldeman supported the move. Nixon instructed Ziegler to bring relevant documentation to his office at 2:45 p.m. for final review and approval.
On February 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:36 pm and 12:37 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 855-020 of the White House Tapes.
On February 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:06 am and 11:14 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 861-006 of the White House Tapes.
On February 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:12 pm and 1:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 411-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John D. Ehrlichman to discuss legislative strategy, political damage control, and personnel issues, including the administration's stance on executive privilege regarding congressional inquiries. The two reviewed tactics for managing the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the involvement of White House staff and the potential impact of public testimony by administration officials. Additionally, they addressed upcoming tax reform proposals, the cultivation of key support groups like farmers and veterans, and the potential intervention required to prevent Jimmy Hoffa from assuming a leadership role in a Detroit labor union.
On February 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:49 pm and 8:50 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 413-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull briefly discussed adjustments to the President's upcoming schedule to accommodate administrative tasks. They deliberated on potential public relations strategies, including the appointment of an environmental advisor to facilitate favorable media opportunities. The President ultimately directed Bull to coordinate these logistical changes and promotional efforts.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:32 pm and 12:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 415-019 of the White House Tapes.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:40 pm and 2:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 415-025 of the White House Tapes.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:12 pm and 2:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 415-028 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:15 am and 8:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-005 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:02 am and 9:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-013 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:42 am and 9:18 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-002 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:51 am and 10:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's daily schedule and meal arrangements. The exchange focused on Nixon’s request for refreshments, specifically buttercup cheese, confirming the domestic support roles Sanchez performed for the President. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this brief, informal interaction.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files to summarize recent foreign policy discussions and administrative matters. He reviewed interactions with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and potential advisor input from figures like Melvin R. Laird. The reflection also touched upon international relations, specifically regarding military bases in Turkey, and noted various staff and historical references involving Henry Kissinger, John Ehrlichman, and H.R. Haldeman.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:50 pm and 5:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-016 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:50 pm and 5:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-017 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:57 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Stephen Bull, and Rose Mary Woods briefly discussed an individual named Mark Goode, who was apparently undertaking a special assignment and had some "Russian warrants" related to his station. The conversation also touched upon the spelling of Goode's name and a message from the President. Rose Mary Woods' entry into the meeting was noted, along with a mention of diplomatic credentials presentation and a separate meeting with Goode.
President Nixon met briefly with Mark I. Goode, his wife, and two daughters, along with Stephen Bull, for a photo opportunity. The meeting was primarily for taking pictures, including one of the President with Mark Goode and his family, and arrangements were made for copies of these photographs. Nixon expressed appreciation for Goode's work with the White House.
President Nixon met with Laurence H. Silberman and his wife to formally bid farewell to Silberman as he departed the administration. During the meeting, which included commemorative photography, Nixon expressed appreciation for Silberman’s service alongside George P. Shultz and James D. Hodgson. The President further offered career advice regarding Silberman’s transition into a private law firm partnership, emphasizing the value of his government experience.
On March 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:10 am and 9:17 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 868-001 of the White House Tapes.
On March 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 1:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 868-014 of the White House Tapes.
On March 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:07 pm and 2:45 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 868-016 of the White House Tapes.
On March 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:07 pm and 2:45 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 868-023 of the White House Tapes.
On March 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 3:27 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 868-019 of the White House Tapes.
On March 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:07 pm and 4:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-020 of the White House Tapes.
On March 5, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:16 pm and 2:55 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-031 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:06 am and 8:20 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 869-002 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:20 am and 11:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 869-012 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:00 pm and 6:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 870-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the logistical arrangement of dictation equipment within the President's bedroom. Nixon provided specific instructions on how to reorganize the machines on his bedside stands to improve accessibility. The discussion also briefly touched upon necessary repairs for lighting fixtures in the room, requiring coordination with a communications officer.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull discussed logistical arrangements for the President's personal property, specifically the relocation of his golf clubs between various sites, including Burning Tree Golf Club and his Florida and California residences. They also reviewed aspects of the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on family plans at Camp David and administrative details regarding press photos and staff meetings. The conversation highlights the intersection of official schedule management and the coordination of the President's private affairs.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office to discuss revisions to a draft speech intended for television taping. Nixon reviewed and approved a document presented by Bull, which was part of the speech preparation process. The conversation focused on the specific pages and format required for the TV taping.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files, addressing administrative matters and potential personnel appointments. The discussion included references to a recent meeting with John J. McCloy, from whom the President solicited advice and recommendations regarding the selection of a new chairman, specifically considering David Packard for the role. The President also touched upon staffing concerns and broader political outlooks related to future elections.
President Nixon met with John Dean, Ronald Ziegler, Richard Moore, and Stephen Bull to strategize responses to ongoing Watergate investigations and Senate inquiries. Key discussions focused on managing public statements, the administration's use of executive privilege, and the potential testimony of key figures like Haldeman, Ehrlichman, and Colson. They debated how to handle press inquiries and congressional subpoenas, aiming to control the narrative and minimize damage to the administration, particularly concerning the testimony of L. Patrick Gray.
President Nixon called John Dean to inquire about the status of Ronald Ziegler's press briefing. Nixon suggested that Dean and Richard Moore meet with him after the briefing concluded to discuss another unspecified matter. Dean confirmed he was not planning to go to lunch and would check with Moore.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:30 pm and 4:09 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 419-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to strategize on managing the escalating Watergate scandal and the impending Ervin Committee hearings. They discussed how to respond to press inquiries regarding staff involvement, specifically focusing on the roles of John Dean, Dwight Chapin, and H.R. Haldeman. Nixon emphasized relying on the principle of separation of powers to justify limiting White House staff testimony, while Ziegler planned his public messaging to defend the administration's cooperation while maintaining confidence in staff members implicated in the investigation.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to finalize the scheduling and attendance details for his upcoming meetings. They confirmed that Congressman Donald E. Young and Lucy Ferguson would follow a meeting with Max M. Fisher, with Nixon approving the request for Leonard Garment to join the discussion with Fisher. Finally, the President directed that these meetings be held in his office rather than the Oval Office.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:58 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to discuss White House administrative matters, including protocols for presidential gifts to POWs and the management of White House social events. The conversation primarily focused on the ongoing Watergate crisis, with Nixon and Haldeman evaluating the political risks of a potential cover-up versus full disclosure. They also discussed strategies for managing press relations, congressional testimony, and the assertion of executive privilege regarding White House staff.
President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman discussed a recent Washington Post editorial comparing the current Watergate controversy, specifically regarding John W. Dean III, to the historical case of Sherman Adams. They deliberated on the potential necessity for staff members to resign if formal criminal charges were brought against them. The two men reached a consensus that any White House staffer accused of a crime would be required to leave their position.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for managing the political fallout of the Watergate scandal and countering congressional investigations. They analyze the impact of upcoming Senate hearings, expressing frustration with the lack of loyalty from Republican legislators like Howard Baker while praising the support of others like Barry Goldwater. Nixon instructs Colson to discreetly shore up support among key Senate allies and agrees to meet with Baker to reassure him of the White House's innocence, aiming to prevent the administration's political agenda from being derailed.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:54 am and 10:14 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 882-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. coordinated a brief meeting to take place later that morning at 11:00. The participants briefly touched upon the status of their current agenda and the involvement of staff members, including someone identified as Bobby. The primary objective of the interaction was to finalize scheduling for their subsequent substantive discussion.
President Nixon met with H.R. "Bob" Haldeman and John W. Dean III to discuss various political and public relations strategies. Key topics included managing public perception through speeches and events, the influence of media coverage, and the administration's approach to congressional relations. They also touched upon the upcoming book by Theodore White and the potential for public relations stunts to backfire, as well as the strategic handling of information for media consumption. A significant action item was the planning of a bipartisan meeting on trade with Wilbur Mills.
President Nixon coordinated with Jack Brennan to finalize travel logistics for a family trip to Camp David involving Julie and David Eisenhower. They discussed transportation arrangements, specifically utilizing a helicopter to commute between Hagerstown and the retreat to minimize travel time for David Eisenhower. The President also confirmed that Manolo Sanchez and the family dogs would accompany them, while opting against bringing a stenographer for the short duration of the visit.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:35 pm and 1:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 420-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to review the daily news summary and discuss ongoing media relations. The conversation centered on the President's approval of specific editorials and the general tone of White House staff coverage in the press. Additionally, the participants touched upon the activities of Wilbur Mills and briefly reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, focusing on the availability of staff for key meetings and the logistics of official engagements. They discussed the scheduling of Cabinet members and advisors, specifically noting Caspar Weinberger’s absence in San Francisco and the timing of a future meeting with George H.W. Bush regarding the Congressional Campaign Committee. These administrative discussions served to coordinate upcoming staff interactions and prioritize essential appointments for the following days.
President Nixon utilized this session to dictate a memorandum for his personal file, touching upon a wide range of administrative, political, and personal matters. The discussion covered the ongoing Watergate investigation—specifically concerns regarding money laundering and the involvement of senior staff—alongside legislative priorities like vocational rehabilitation and economic policy transitions. Additionally, the President reviewed his schedule, including planned discussions with family members and staff regarding domestic policy and upcoming public appearances.
On March 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:06 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 886-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The conversation was informal and focused primarily on mundane personal matters, specifically concerning the weather and refreshments. No significant policy decisions or political developments were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President's upcoming daily schedule, focusing primarily on a briefing for subcabinet officers. The discussion covered logistics for the briefing, including the room configuration, and addressed administrative tasks such as a scheduled call to Lindy Boggs and various meetings with staff and Cabinet members. Bull confirmed his attendance at the subcabinet briefing to assist with proceedings as the session commenced.
On March 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Zosimo Monson met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 9:09 am and 9:11 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 422-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon hosted Herbert G. Klein, his wife, and the Hall family in the Oval Office for a brief social visit. The primary purpose of the meeting was to facilitate photographs taken by White House photographer Ollie Atkins and to arrange for copies to be sent to the guests. The conversation remained informal, touching upon family relations, the Hall family’s residence in San Diego, and lighthearted exchanges regarding the Spanish language.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the President's upcoming schedule and the political fallout from the Watergate scandal. They evaluate the necessity of a dramatic, high-level commission to investigate the scandal as a means to regain control over the narrative and counter the growing credibility crisis facing the White House, FBI, and Department of Justice. Amidst reports that key figures like Jeb Magruder and E. Howard Hunt may soon implicate senior staff, Nixon instructs Haldeman to gather facts and consult with others to manage the potential damage to his administration.
On March 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:10 pm and 8:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 424-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the file to document his internal deliberations regarding the escalating Watergate scandal. The recording reflects his concerns over the potential appointment of a special prosecutor, the creation of an independent commission, and the ongoing investigation into White House staff involvement, including Charles Colson. The President further considers the political fallout of potential testimony and the strategic response to the Ervin Committee's inquiries into campaign activities.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the delivery of specific materials or documents for review. The President requested that Bull check on the status of these items and ensure they were forwarded to him promptly. Bull agreed to follow up on the request and manage the administrative transfer of the requested information.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the status of a pending presidential statement currently being drafted by staff. Nixon emphasizes his desire for brevity, explicitly instructing that the document should be concise despite his expectation that the final output will likely exceed his preferred length. Ehrlichman agrees to follow up with the staff to secure the draft and deliver it to the President for review.
On March 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:32 pm and 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office to discuss matters related to the President's daily schedule. The brief interaction focused on logistics regarding Nixon’s upcoming appointments and personal requirements. No significant policy decisions or major developments were recorded during this exchange.
On April 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:13 pm and 1:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 425-035 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-112 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman briefly discuss strategy regarding legal or political exposure, emphasizing the need to maintain a disciplined defense to avoid self-destruction. The conversation centers on organizational control and the necessity of keeping their legal or public relations teams unified to withstand pressure. Nixon stresses the importance of holding their position firmly in the face of ongoing external scrutiny.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:44 pm and 12:48 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 892-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistical arrangements for an upcoming state dinner honoring Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The discussion focused on establishing precise protocol for the arrival of the color guard and the timing of musical fanfares during the event. Additionally, they reviewed details regarding the guest list, specifically confirming the status of Paul W. Keyes as a new staff member expected to participate in the receiving line.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at 1:20 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-017 of the White House Tapes.
On April 11, 1973, Manolo Sanchez and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:20 pm and 2:59 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-023 of the White House Tapes.
In this meeting, President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinate the administration's response to the escalating Watergate crisis, focusing on the potential appointment of a special prosecutor and the necessity of obtaining sworn statements from White House staff to counter the Ervin Committee's investigation. They discuss the strategic timing of releasing these statements to preempt forthcoming testimony and manage political fallout from key Republicans like Barry Goldwater. Additionally, the participants deliberate over the potential political ramifications of base closures in various states and the necessity of securing H.R. Haldeman's cooperation during the unfolding congressional hearings.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:21 pm and 2:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate his personal schedule. The discussion focused primarily on logistical arrangements for the President’s afternoon, specifically confirming plans for his lunch and a nap. No significant political or policy decisions were reached during this brief administrative interaction.
On April 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:54 pm and 4:58 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss a strategy to manage the deepening Watergate scandal, focusing on the potential indictment of John Mitchell and the handling of White House staff implicated in the investigation. The President expresses a desire to move toward a more public, forthcoming stance, including potentially waiving executive privilege to allow staff to testify, in order to combat leaks and manage the narrative. They also plan to coordinate with Press Secretary Ron Ziegler and address the upcoming testimony of Jeb Magruder to protect the administration's interests while maintaining the appearance of a thorough internal inquiry.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed how to manage the escalating Watergate scandal and the mounting pressure from press coverage, specifically reports involving the Washington Post and the Ervin Committee. They debated whether to pursue a strategy of "minimum action"—relying on the Department of Justice and limiting personnel changes—or a "bold play" involving the public removal of key staff like H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean. Ultimately, Nixon emphasized that he required full, candid information from his aides and considered relying on Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to handle the unfolding investigations while avoiding a premature or ineffective special prosecutor.
On April 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 3:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 427-003 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 4:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 427-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Dean met to discuss the drafting of a public statement intended to address the mounting Watergate-related legal pressures facing the White House. The conversation centered on the potential risks of appearing to prejudge staff members, the complexities of managing public perception regarding internal investigations, and the need to insulate the President from specific illicit schemes. They specifically addressed the optics of staff members testifying before the grand jury and considered various ways to present these actions to the public without creating a liability or a perception of scapegoating.
On April 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:19 pm and 12:35 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 898-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss the Watergate investigation, specifically the potential for John Dean to receive immunity and the implications for the presidency. They debated strategies for dealing with Dean, including the possibility of his suspension or dismissal, and the political ramifications of granting immunity to White House staff. The conversation also touched upon the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti and the political advantages of including John Volpe in the discussions.
On April 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:20 pm and 2:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 898-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to discuss the accelerating Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the status of John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Jeb Magruder. They deliberated on the potential for upcoming indictments, the legal complexities of naming unindicted co-conspirators, and the strategic risks associated with granting immunity to key figures. Nixon emphasized his desire to distance himself from the legal process while maintaining control over the political fallout, ultimately finalizing a policy that any staff member formally indicted or credibly implicated in public proceedings would be required to resign or take an indefinite leave of absence.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the escalating Watergate scandal and the problematic roles of key staff members, specifically John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman. They evaluated the political risks of potential legal developments, such as the naming of staff as unindicted co-conspirators, while rejecting the idea of a massive, premature purge of White House personnel. The conversation concluded with the President instructing Ziegler to contact Dean to manage the administration's public narrative and address concerns regarding leaks.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the escalating legal risks surrounding the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the potential testimony of John Dean and the vulnerability of White House staff. They strategize on how to manage the fallout regarding payments made to defendants, the necessity of mapping out personal and professional liabilities, and the potential pressure on John Mitchell to accept responsibility. The conversation emphasizes a need for the President and his team to prepare for future revelations while attempting to protect the institution of the presidency from further damage.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:17 pm and 1:18 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 900-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the mounting political pressure from the Watergate scandal and the potential necessity of forcing the resignations of top aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Kissinger advised that the President must proactively and "brutally" distance himself from his staff to preserve the integrity of the presidency and ensure the continued conduct of foreign policy. The two explored potential personnel replacements, such as Kenneth Rush or James T. Lynn, and considered a strategy of suspending lower-level staff to create a framework for the eventual departure of senior officials.