Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on William H. Rehnquist
33 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Mitchell, Haldeman, Woods
Senator Barry Goldwater called President Nixon to express support for the President’s recent political rhetoric, specifically targeting Senator Edward Kennedy’s comments on Communism. The two discussed the potential 1972 presidential ambitions of Hubert Humphrey and the political damage done to Kennedy. Nixon also affirmed his commitment to appointing two conservative justices to the Supreme Court, highlighting William Rehnquist as a potential candidate despite potential pushback from the American Bar Association.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discussed the selection process for upcoming Supreme Court appointments, specifically noting difficulties in reaching preferred candidate Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Mitchell proposed William H. Rehnquist as a potential alternative, highlighting his legal background, conservative credentials, and performance as an Assistant Attorney General. The pair further evaluated the political optics and professional standing of various candidates, including William French Smith and William H. Mulligan, while affirming the need to finalize a decision with Howard Baker.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss potential Supreme Court nominees, confirming Lewis F. Powell, Jr.'s acceptance and weighing the qualifications and political implications of appointing William H. Rehnquist and Howard H. Baker, Jr. The two men deliberate on the strategic timing of public announcements and the management of the American Bar Association committee's review process. Throughout the discussion, they evaluate the professional reputation and perceived political benefits of their candidates, while briefly joking about Rehnquist’s religious background.
President Nixon and Attorney General John N. Mitchell discuss the selection process for upcoming Supreme Court appointments. The conversation centers on evaluating potential candidates, including Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, and Howard H. Baker, Jr., while addressing concerns regarding American Bar Association (ABA) feedback. They also coordinate the timing and strategy for public announcements and potential press statements regarding these judicial nominations.
President Nixon and John Mitchell coordinate the final strategy for upcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically discussing candidates Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Howard H. Baker, Jr., and William H. Rehnquist. Mitchell briefs the President on the American Bar Association’s negative evaluations of other potential nominees, prompting Nixon to decide to publicly challenge the ABA's influence. Nixon directs Mitchell to finalize the selection of either Baker or Rehnquist to pair with Powell, and concludes that he will make a primetime televised announcement the following evening to control the narrative.
President Nixon and Richard A. Moore discuss the political fallout from the American Bar Association (ABA) rating Mildred L. Lillie as unqualified for the Supreme Court, with plans to leak the ABA's contradictory acknowledgment that she was nonetheless the best-qualified woman available. The President also seeks confirmation of John Ehrlichman’s support for William H. Rehnquist as a potential fallback candidate should Howard H. Baker, Jr. decline the nomination. Nixon expresses a clear intention to bypass the ABA's approval process for the Rehnquist appointment.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the ongoing process of selecting Supreme Court nominees, focusing specifically on the potential candidacy of Howard H. Baker, Jr. The two men deliberate over Baker's willingness to accept an appointment and the necessity of resolving his outstanding financial disclosures. They conclude by noting that if Baker declines the offer, they will pivot to William H. Rehnquist as a primary alternative.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the strategy for upcoming Supreme Court appointments, specifically weighing the candidacy of Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. against William H. Rehnquist. Nixon expresses significant concern regarding Baker’s academic credentials and insists on verifying his law school record before making a final commitment. Ultimately, they decide to decline Baker for the current vacancy based on political considerations and the strength of Rehnquist’s superior academic record, while leaving the door open for Baker’s future appointment.
President Nixon consulted with John N. Mitchell regarding the selection and public announcement of new Supreme Court nominees. The discussion focused on coordinating the nomination of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. while managing potential political fallout and vetting concerns from the American Bar Association. Mitchell was tasked with leveraging key congressional contacts to facilitate the process and handle media inquiries surrounding the candidates.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the finalization and strategic rollout of two forthcoming Supreme Court appointments. Nixon emphasizes maintaining strict confidentiality—excluding even top staff—until a coordinated notification process begins to inform key Congressional leaders. They finalize communication plans, including how to address potential opposition from the American Bar Association and how to manage the media narrative surrounding the nominees, William Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Richard A. Moore met to prepare for a public address regarding the President’s nominations of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to the Supreme Court. The discussion focused on refining the speech text, emphasizing the nominees' judicial philosophies, and gathering background data on their professional qualifications and legal backgrounds. The participants also considered how to frame these appointments to the press and the public to ensure a favorable reception of the nominees' credentials and legal experience.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and H. R. Haldeman to discuss ongoing judicial vacancies and the broader implications of his Supreme Court selections. The group reviewed candidate credentials—specifically those of Herschel H. Friday and William H. Rehnquist—while evaluating the judicial philosophies of current and prospective Justices. Additionally, Nixon provided Woods with instructions regarding specific revisions for upcoming speech materials.
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 contacted the White House operator to be connected with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. Following the connection, Nixon discussed a typographical error in an upcoming speech. The conversation also touched upon the career of William H. Rehnquist, then serving as Assistant Attorney General, and included a brief mention of Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, coordinate the correction of a typographical error in the draft of an upcoming presidential speech regarding the career of William H. Rehnquist. The discussion focuses on whether the document, which incorrectly lists Rehnquist’s title as 'Assistant Attorney' rather than 'Assistant Attorney General,' requires a full retyping before it is released to Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler. They ultimately decide to have the page corrected to ensure accuracy for the post-speech press distribution.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and H. R. Haldeman to evaluate his pending Supreme Court nominations, specifically focusing on the qualifications and backgrounds of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The discussion included a review of the candidates' legal school rankings and ages, as well as coordination regarding the President's upcoming speech on the appointments. Additionally, the participants addressed the President's schedule and the status of various administrative tasks handled by his speechwriting team.
President Nixon met with various aides and technicians to prepare for and broadcast a televised national address, followed by a meeting with a group of Senators and staff to discuss his recent Supreme Court nominations. During the session, the President focused on the qualifications of his nominees, Lewis F. Powell and William H. Rehnquist, emphasizing the importance of the Supreme Court's role in the government. The conversation concluded with the President greeting and presenting gifts to the television, lighting, and sound crews who assisted with his broadcast.
President Nixon and his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods discussed the positive reception of the President's televised speech regarding his nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist to the Supreme Court. Woods relayed congratulatory feedback from key administration figures and allies, including John Connally, George Romney, and John Mitchell, who particularly praised the President's historical context regarding the Court. Although Woods relayed a request from Secretary James D. Hodgson for the President to call labor leader George Meany regarding Wage and Price Board issues, Nixon firmly declined to initiate the call.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the positive reception and strategic impact of Nixon's recent Supreme Court nominations, specifically highlighting William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The two emphasize the effectiveness of blindsiding the press with these appointments and discuss the necessity of maintaining a firm stance during the upcoming Senate confirmation process. They also address the political complications surrounding potential female nominees, noting the rejection of Mildred L. Lillie by the American Bar Association.
President Nixon and Chief Justice Warren E. Burger discuss the recent nominations of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to the Supreme Court. Nixon expresses strong confidence in both men, characterizing Rehnquist as a tough, constitutionalist jurist and Powell as an eminent legal mind. Nixon specifically instructs Burger to reassure Powell that his vision issues should not preclude his service, urging him to focus on his deliberative role on the Court rather than administrative minutiae.
President Nixon consulted with Secretary of State William Rogers and AFL-CIO leader George Meany to gauge their reactions to his recent Supreme Court nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. The conversations emphasized the nominees' commitment to law and order and their lack of anti-labor bias, which helped secure Meany’s preliminary support. Nixon also reflected on the authorship of his October 21 speech and discussed the ongoing challenges of finding qualified female candidates for judicial appointments.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the overwhelmingly positive public and editorial reaction to the President's recent Supreme Court nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. The pair noted that the surprise announcement effectively silenced critics and left political opponents, such as Senators Bayh and Kennedy, caught off guard. While Powell enjoyed broad recognition, the two agreed on the necessity of conducting an outreach campaign to build support for Rehnquist, whose credentials were less well-known to the broader public and legal establishment.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for securing the confirmation of Supreme Court nominees William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. following the President's recent announcement. They weigh the political challenges posed by opposition from groups like the American Bar Association and individual Democrats, specifically Edward M. Kennedy. Nixon emphasizes the nominees' superior academic and professional credentials as a defense against criticism and stresses the importance of maintaining momentum for their confirmation.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler discussed the positive public and political reception of Supreme Court nominees Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist, focusing on the importance of their conservative credentials and intellectual capability. Nixon analyzed the ideological balance of the Court and strategized on managing media narratives regarding the nominees' ages and backgrounds. Additionally, the participants reviewed the administration's public relations approach to the Pay Board and the potential labor boycott, deciding to downplay the absence of labor members during upcoming announcements.
President Nixon called Virginia Governor Linwood Holton to discuss the impending announcement of his Supreme Court nominations of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Nixon urged Holton to publicly endorse the selections during his press conference, emphasizing the high quality of the candidates and the bipartisan nature of the appointments. The conversation also touched on international affairs, including tensions in Pakistan and the Middle East, before concluding with plans for Holton to meet with White House staff regarding Virginia's school policies.
President Nixon consulted with Hobart D. Lewis to celebrate the successful announcement of his Supreme Court nominees, Lewis F. Powell Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. Nixon expressed satisfaction with his strategy of misleading the press and the American Bar Association to secure appointments that prioritized conservative ideology over typical vetting pressures. The two discussed the long-term impact of these appointments on the Court's ideological balance, agreeing that the move successfully trapped critics who previously demanded judicial excellence.
President Nixon and Patrick Buchanan discuss the positive reception among conservatives following the President's recent Supreme Court nominations. The two men mock the mainstream media's prediction of a constitutional crisis, noting how analysts like Eric Sevareid and Dan Rather were forced to walk back their commentary after the announcement. Nixon emphasizes the importance of maintaining conservative support and expresses confidence that the nominees, specifically William H. Rehnquist, will easily overcome political opposition in the Senate confirmation process.
President Nixon met with Patrick J. Buchanan, Kenneth M. Smith, and Lyndon K. Allin for a brief Oval Office session that included a photo opportunity and gift presentation. The discussion focused on the ongoing Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Nixon and his advisors particularly addressed liberal opposition to these appointments, specifically criticizing the double standards of critics like Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. regarding past judicial selections.
President Nixon calls Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to congratulate him on his recent Senate confirmation to the Supreme Court. The two discuss the political opposition faced by Powell and fellow nominee William H. Rehnquist, drawing historical parallels to the controversial nomination of Louis D. Brandeis. Powell outlines his transition plan, noting that he intends to wrap up his private law practice and begin full-time service on the Court by January 1972 after coordinating with Chief Justice Warren E. Burger.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull, Rose Mary Woods, and Manolo Sanchez to coordinate his busy administrative and social schedule. The discussion primarily focused on logistics for signing the Revenue Act of 1971, rearranging office décor, and managing upcoming appointments, including a planned interview with Jerrold Schecter and calls to Ambassador Walter Annenberg and William H. Rehnquist. Additionally, the President reviewed Supreme Court confirmation vote data with staff and finalized arrangements for a dinner and his upcoming trip to Camp David.
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.
President Nixon and Charles Colson review a series of recent political and economic successes, including the Senate confirmation of William H. Rehnquist, positive stock market performance, and strong retail sales data. The conversation highlights the administration's strategic legislative victories, specifically regarding tax bills and the veto of the Day Care Bill. Nixon directs Colson to coordinate with Vice President Agnew to secure support from conservatives for the administration's robust defense budget, emphasizing that these allies should focus their political pressure on the liberal Senate rather than the White House.
President Nixon called Chief Justice Warren E. Burger to exchange Christmas greetings and discuss the recent additions to the Supreme Court, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. The President expressed his confidence in Rehnquist’s work ethic and emphasized that he viewed the judiciary as the "Burger Court" rather than the "Nixon Court." The conversation concluded with a brief exchange regarding the President's upcoming travel to Florida to meet with Prime Minister Eisaku Sato.