Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on William Safire
79 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Safire, Haldeman, Woods
These are conversations about William Safire. For the 83 conversations Safire took part in, see William Safire’s page →
When William Safire comes up
Related topics: SpeechwritingWhite House operationsWhite House communicationsPresidential communicationEconomic policyPresidential schedulingPublic relationsWhite House administrationSchedulingHenry KissingerPresidential staffPay BoardJohn B. ConnallyWhite House staff
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to speechwriter William L. Safire. The interaction served as a brief administrative bridge to facilitate direct communication between the President and his staff. No further substantive discussion occurred during this short recording.
On February 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:09 pm and 3:00 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 456-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the delivery of two drafted speeches prepared by William Safire. Nixon requested that both documents be sent to his office for immediate review. The pair specifically discussed the status of a speech scheduled for an upcoming engagement in Newport to ensure its completion and availability.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield in the Oval Office to coordinate the President's daily agenda. The primary focus of the discussion was the scheduling of a meeting with speechwriter William L. Safire. No further substantive policy matters were recorded during this brief administrative briefing.
On March 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:44 pm and 3:48 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 467-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the President's recent public relations efforts, focusing specifically on the impact of his recent eulogy for Whitney M. Young, Jr. and the need to strategically manage the President's press interviews. They discussed concerns regarding the influence and tactics of speechwriter William Safire, as well as the importance of maintaining an image of accessibility through controlled media engagements rather than traditional press conferences. Additionally, the President provided specific instructions to his staff regarding future press outreach and the upcoming funeral arrangements for Thomas E. Dewey.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the need to adopt a 'hard-line' public stance on welfare reform to address rising public frustration and secure support for H.R. 1. The President emphasizes shifting the narrative away from expanding welfare rolls toward promoting work requirements and personal responsibility, utilizing striking anecdotes similar to those used by Governor Ronald Reagan. To implement this communication strategy, Nixon instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate with speechwriter William Safire to develop tough, persuasive rhetoric that highlights the systemic problems with the current welfare apparatus.
President Nixon and OMB Director George Shultz discussed the upcoming release of Gross National Product (GNP) figures to ensure the data was handled appropriately to avoid perceptions of political manipulation. They reviewed positive underlying economic indicators, specifically noting downward revisions in inventories and an increase in corporate profits, while strategizing on how to secure favorable press coverage without appearing overly celebratory. Ultimately, they decided to allow the report to be released through standard channels while tasking Press Secretary Ron Ziegler with providing necessary context to explain the data's impact.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:34 pm and 3:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-015 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:32 am and 9:37 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-107 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the status of a speech draft originally prepared by William Safire, with Nixon ultimately deciding to rely on a later version for his remarks. The President expresses a preference for a more improvisational speaking style, noting his intention to "wing" parts of the presentation rather than adhering strictly to a prepared script. Additionally, the pair coordinates the President’s schedule, confirming an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger.
On August 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:43 pm and 7:14 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 273-040 of the White House Tapes.
On August 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:24 pm and 7:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 273-048 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon met with speechwriter William Safire to finalize the content and tone of his forthcoming address concerning major economic policy shifts. The discussion focused on refining the rhetoric surrounding new tax plans, currency convertibility, and long-term economic strategies. Key advisors, including John Connally, Herbert Stein, and Paul Volcker, were consulted to ensure the messaging effectively communicated the administration's plan to stabilize the economy.
On August 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:18 pm and 11:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 007-149 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated a brief communication through the White House operator to place an outgoing call. The primary purpose of this interaction was to establish a direct line of contact with presidential speechwriter William L. Safire. No further discussion or substantive policy deliberations occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with speechwriter William Safire to discuss the development of an upcoming address to the Knights of Columbus. Nixon instructed Safire to synthesize drafts prepared by John McLaughlin and Patrick Buchanan into a cohesive 1,500-word speech. The President emphasized themes of peaceful competition following his August 15th address to the nation and requested the inclusion of Buchanan’s assertive rhetoric regarding America’s critics to suit the audience's sensibilities.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate administrative logistics regarding his immediate schedule and upcoming engagements. The discussion centered on managing arrivals for a meeting at the State Department, specifically involving Arthur F. Burns and George P. Shultz, as well as the status of speech drafts being prepared by William L. Safire. Butterfield was tasked with overseeing these appointments and ensuring the necessary materials were ready for the President's review.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to coordinate his upcoming schedule, specifically regarding a planned golf outing and an address to the Knights of Columbus. The President discussed the status of his speech draft, which was being prepared by William Safire, and requested clarity on the timing for the event. Additionally, they briefly touched upon the current performance of the stock market.
On August 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:54 pm and 8:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 008-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discussed the positive public reception following his announcement of a wage-price freeze. Woods reported favorable anecdotal feedback from various acquaintances, including Jack Drown, regarding the administration's new economic measures. The conversation also briefly touched upon the status of a draft speech being prepared by William Safire for the President’s upcoming address to the Knights of Columbus.
On August 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 9:39 pm to 9:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 008-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and William Safire discussed the drafting process for an upcoming speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). They coordinated the involvement of John K. Andrews, Jr. and Raymond K. Price, Jr. regarding the speech's thematic content, specifically focusing on promoting the American spirit and ensuring the address remains impactful and newsworthy rather than derivative.
President Nixon and his secretary, Rose Mary Woods, briefly discussed Woods's upcoming travel to California and the finalization of a forthcoming speech. Nixon confirmed that a courier would handle transporting the speech draft, which was being worked on by Ray Price and William Safire. He intended to review the draft that evening and a final version on Thursday, potentially making further edits in California.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to review draft materials for his upcoming address to the Knights of Columbus. The discussion focused on refining the speech's content and phrasing, specifically evaluating drafts prepared by speechwriters Raymond K. Price, Jr. and William L. Safire. The brief meeting served to coordinate administrative priorities ahead of the President's public appearance.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the preparation and handling of materials for upcoming presidential engagements, specifically a consumer business meeting and a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) address. The President issues instructions to Woods regarding the organization of specific documents, including drafts prepared by William Safire and a recording, to be secured in his briefcase. These materials were intended to facilitate the President's scheduled travel and speaking requirements in New York.
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:30 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-073 of the White House Tapes.
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 10:30 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 283-021 of the White House Tapes.
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:39 am and 11:44 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-077 of the White House Tapes.
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and William L. Safire talked on the telephone from 11:44 am to 11:45 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-079 of the White House Tapes.
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-083 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with speechwriter William Safire regarding the inclusion of legislative updates in an upcoming Phase II economic address. Nixon directs Safire to incorporate a segment urging the Senate to act promptly on a tax program already passed by the House, highlighting its potential for job creation. This addition serves to reinforce the administration's momentum on the "three-front program" of restraining prices, creating jobs, and stabilizing the dollar.
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 4:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-095 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss a significant surge in the stock market, which Colson attributes to the passage of a tax bill and the positive anticipation surrounding the President's upcoming Phase II economic policy speech. The two also verify positive data regarding wholesale prices, noting a rare decline that provides favorable optics for the administration's economic efforts. Colson reports that speechwriter William Safire is incorporating this favorable pricing data into the President's scheduled remarks.
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and William L. Safire talked on the telephone from 8:39 pm to 8:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-104 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire briefly touched upon Safire’s need for additional assistance in his role. The President encouraged Safire to reflect on the matter, suggesting they reconvene later to discuss potential support arrangements. They also briefly coordinated the initiation of a phone call to a third party.
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker talked on the telephone from 9:18 pm to 9:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-107 of the White House Tapes.
On October 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-108 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire discuss the framing of economic policy regarding corporate profits and price controls to avoid business alarm. Nixon emphasizes the need for language that frames cost savings as a benefit passed to the consumer while explicitly rejecting the implementation of an excess profits tax. He instructs Safire to coordinate with administration officials George Shultz and John Connally to revise the messaging and remove references to mandatory controls that might threaten business confidence.
On October 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:22 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-110 of the White House Tapes.
On October 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:22 am and 10:24 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-111 of the White House Tapes.
William Safire consulted Secretary of the Treasury John Connally regarding revisions to a presidential speech draft concerning windfall profits and the Price Commission's regulatory approach. The participants agreed to remove a contentious line regarding unfair profits, replacing it with a policy mandate requiring businesses to pass cost savings directly to consumers. Connally confirmed his approval of the new language, noting that the revised messaging would likely avoid public controversy.
On October 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:56 am and 12:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-124 of the White House Tapes.
On October 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:02 pm and 12:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-126 of the White House Tapes.
On October 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-128 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire review and refine the wording of a presidential address concerning economic policy. They focus specifically on improving the rhetoric regarding the administration's "battle against inflation." The brief exchange concludes with an agreement to use the phrasing "we launched this battle" to emphasize the government's commitment to winning the fight against rising prices.
On October 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:31 pm and 12:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 010-130 of the White House Tapes.
On October 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:36 pm and 5:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 011-002 of the White House Tapes.
On October 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:24 pm and 8:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 011-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the strategic communication and drafting process for the upcoming announcement of Supreme Court nominees. Nixon emphasized the necessity of employing a skilled writer, specifically mentioning William L. Safire, to ensure the speech is effectively crafted for public delivery. The conversation focused on the importance of selecting the right tone and reporter-like precision to articulate the appointments clearly.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss strategy for upcoming Supreme Court nominations, focusing on managing political fallout and public perception. They evaluate potential candidates like Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and address the ABA's negative reception toward Herschel Friday due to civil rights concerns. To ensure a controlled rollout, Nixon plans to utilize William Safire to draft his announcement remarks only hours before the official disclosure to prevent premature leaks.
President Nixon instructed Charles W. Colson to coordinate with speechwriter William Safire to draft a brief summary highlighting positive economic indicators. The President specifically requested that the document emphasize recent growth in retail sales to support potential upcoming public statements. Colson committed to delivering the prepared material to the President by the following morning.
On November 11, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:50 pm and 6:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-056 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with an aide regarding his upcoming address to the AFL-CIO convention to ensure his economic messaging is accurate. He specifically requests research data comparing wage and price increases between 1965 and 1969 to support his argument that labor gains were consistently offset by inflation during that period. The President instructs staff to expedite this research, mentioning speechwriter William Safire, to solidify the economic narrative for his presentation.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the progress of a draft speech being prepared by William Safire. They evaluate the inclusion of specific diplomatic details, including the August 1971 ceasefire proposal and the two-phase timeline strategy. Kissinger instructs Safire to refine the text's nuances before finalizing the speech's introduction and conclusion.
On January 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:10 pm and 3:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-092 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with William Safire to outline a forthcoming televised address regarding the Vietnam War, emphasizing the need for a concise, compelling format over the overly detailed drafts produced by the National Security Council. The President instructed Safire to draft the speech privately to maintain control over the messaging, which centered on disclosing previously secret peace negotiations, the record of U.S. troop withdrawals, and recent diplomatic offers. Nixon explicitly directed Safire to keep the speech under 20 minutes and to avoid any tone of gloating, aiming instead to unify public opinion behind a clear, honorable path to ending the conflict.
President Nixon and William Safire engaged in a brief exchange regarding the logistics of document review and potential follow-up communication. The dialogue centered on coordinating the delivery of materials and establishing a procedure for the President to reach Safire for further input. This short interaction served primarily as a logistical check-in to facilitate ongoing administrative tasks.
On January 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:23 am and 10:55 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-099 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and William Safire discuss the drafting process for a high-stakes speech regarding secret foreign policy negotiations and the handling of POW issues. To maintain strict confidentiality, Nixon mandates that only Rose Mary Woods may type the draft, emphasizing the importance of themes centered on credibility and the strategic necessity of past official silence. The two finalize a schedule for Safire to deliver his work to the Executive Office Building so Nixon can review it around his other commitments, including the State of the Union preparations and a meeting on the dock strike.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to contact William Safire and request his immediate presence at the Executive Office Building. This brief administrative exchange served to coordinate a direct meeting between the President and his speechwriter. No further policy or strategic details were addressed during the call.
On January 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:34 pm and 3:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s daily schedule, focusing on coordination for upcoming appointments and document reviews. Key items included arranging a meeting with Frank L. Rizzo, scheduling a photograph session with John D. Ehrlichman, and managing the review of a speech draft prepared by William L. Safire. The discussion concluded with instructions for Bull to manage the logistics of these meetings and finalize the timeline for the President's remaining tasks.
On January 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 317-002 of the White House Tapes.
On January 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:09 pm and 3:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 317-009 of the White House Tapes.
On January 24, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:05 pm and 4:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-050 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the preparation of a briefing book based on Henry Kissinger's recent work to effectively manage anticipated public and political inquiries. The President directed that a concise two-to-three-page list of questions and answers be drafted, specifically identifying William Safire or James Gannon as potential authors to refine the material. This document was intended for strategic distribution to members of Congress and the press to ensure a controlled and consistent administration message.
President Nixon directed H. R. Haldeman to instruct speechwriter William Safire to expand a foreign policy document by 250 words to reach a total length of 1,500 words. Nixon expressed a desire to avoid further administrative friction regarding the draft, noting that the length should remain strictly at the 1,500-word limit to align closer to Henry Kissinger’s original submission. The President stipulated that once this adjustment was made, he would finalize the document without further revisions.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discussed administrative details regarding a speech draft prepared by William L. Safire, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining Henry Kissinger’s approval for the document. The two also reviewed Nixon's upcoming schedule, specifically coordinating a meeting with Jack Brown. Furthermore, the conversation touched upon the logistics of Manolo Sanchez's speech drafting and acknowledged the steady stream of visitors to Woods’ office.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative tasks regarding the distribution of internal documentation. The discussion focused on organizing and disseminating copies of materials to key staff members, including William L. Safire, Charles W. Colson, and George P. Shultz. The meeting concluded with instructions for Bull to manage these secretarial and distribution responsibilities.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:36 pm and 2:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-065 of the White House Tapes.
On March 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 10:11 pm and 11:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated with speechwriter William Safire to revise the President's upcoming television address regarding the Pay Board. The discussion centered on crafting a paragraph to criticize AFL-CIO leader George Meany for walking out of the board after it rejected a 20% wage increase for longshoremen. Safire was instructed to emphasize the inequity of such a raise compared to the 5% cap applied to the general American workforce.
H. R. Haldeman contacts speechwriter William L. Safire to secure specific statistical data regarding the percentage of American wage earners represented by the AFL-CIO. This information is required for an upcoming television statement by the President concerning the Pay Board. Safire agrees to research the figure and report back to Haldeman at the President’s Executive Office Building line.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the finalization and editorial review of an upcoming Pay Board statement. The discussion focused on organizing necessary documentation and delegating the revision process to William Safire, specifically concerning policy details related to the longshoremen. The pair resolved to route the materials to Safire for his final assessment to ensure the statement's accuracy before release.
President Nixon and William Safire discuss revisions to a presidential statement regarding the Pay Board and a public dispute with labor leader George Meany. Despite concerns from George Shultz and John Connally that the President should avoid commenting on individual Pay Board decisions, Nixon insists on directly criticizing Meany to demonstrate a firm stance. The conversation concludes with the approval of language intended to frame the administration’s position as pro-worker while diminishing the representative authority of labor leadership.
On October 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:27 am and 8:42 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 368-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss a variety of administrative and personal matters, including staff transitions for William Safire and potential social or cultural engagements. The conversation also touched upon broader governmental concerns, such as the ongoing investigation into North Vietnam, the FBI, and media-related subpoena issues. The participants weighed logistics for a possible live broadcast from Camp David while navigating sensitive national security discussions regarding the United Kingdom.