Nixon tapes: Ruthless, cynical, profane

Posted: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:39 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: White House

From NBC’s John Rutherford
Richard Nixon's reputation takes a fresh pounding every time the National Archives releases another batch of audio tapes from his presidency, and today's opening of nearly 200 hours of Nixon White House recordings is no exception.

Again and again, Nixon comes across as ruthless, cynical and profane in conversations with staff members.

Here are some examples, both previously released and from today's new batch. (The last two are new today.):
-- On July 1, 1971, Nixon instructs Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman to have someone break into the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.:

"I can't have a high-minded lawyer ... I want a son-of-a-b----. I want someone just as tough as I am. ... We're up against an enemy, a conspiracy that will use any means. We are going to use any means... . Get it done. I want it done. I want the Brookings Institution cleaned out and have it cleaned out in a way that has somebody else take the blame."

-- On April 4, 1972, Nixon discusses the press with Haldeman:

NIXON: “Return the calls to those poor dumb bastards ... who I know are our friends. Now do it ... We made the same mistake [Dwight] Eisenhower made, but not as bad as Eisenhower made, because he sucked the Times too much ... G-d damn it, don't talk to them for a while. Will you enforce that now?'
HALDEMAN: "I'll try."

-- On May 18, 1972, Nixon talks to Henry Kissinger about the National Security Adviser's meeting with Ivy League college presidents regarding the war in Vietnam:

NIXON: "The Ivy League presidents? Why, I'll never let those sons-of-b------ in the White House again. Never, never, never. They're finished. The Ivy League schools are finished ... Henry, I would never have had them in. Don't do that again ... They came out against us when it was tough ... Don't ever go to an Ivy League school again, ever. Never, never, never."

-- On Nov. 14, 1972, Nixon talks with his aide Charles Colson about his landslide re-election victory over Democrat George McGovern:

NIXON: "What in the hell did you think of McGovern's statement on the election? Wasn't that the sour grapes crap again?”
COLSON: “Well, it's unbelievable, the arrogance of the guy ... God, what a bad man. Just awfully glad we got him buried and put away for good. I think he is.”
NIXON: “Oh, he's buried. He's buried."

-- On Dec. 9, 1972, Nixon talks to Colson about the appointment of building trades union leader Peter Brennan as secretary of labor:

NIXON: "The idea, they finally think the appointment of a working man makes them think we're for the working man.”
COLSON: “That's precisely it.”
NIXON: “They talk about all the tokenism. We appoint blacks, and they don't think we're for blacks. Mexicans. They don't think we're for Mexicans. But a working man, by golly, that is really something."

Today's release was the 12th of Nixon White House tapes since 1980. Approximately 2,217 hours of tape recordings are now available to the public.

*** UPDATE *** For more, including a collection of videos, and a Nixon quiz, click here.

*** UPDATE 2 *** To clarify, the newly released released examples today are from November 1972 and December 1972. The other examples were released earlier.

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Comments

Nixon looks like Little Bo Peep when compared with LBJ.

Danish Pride (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:46 PM)

Have they ever gotten the stains off the carpet in the Oval Office from when Clinton occupied it?

Not One Time (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:48 PM)

NIXON: “They talk about all the tokenism. We appoint blacks, and they don't think we're for blacks. Mexicans. They don't think we're for Mexicans. But a working man, by golly, that is really something."

Good gosh, Nixon sounded just like a Democrat!

Charles Ringer, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:50 PM)

I wonder if he was always so angry, or just on these tapes? I bet he wasn't hugged enough as a child.

Huggy in Seattle (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:50 PM)

Nixon would be proud to know that even though it took a few years, the NY Times is now near its demise.

Cochran, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:51 PM)

Worst SOB ever - til Bush II!

Auntie Fascist (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:52 PM)

Who woulda thunk that a republican would be this dishonest!!!!

justthinkinoutlouc (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:53 PM)

"I never had sex with that woman, Monica Lewinski, not one time."

I guess what Bill said was kind of true. It was more like a couple of dozen times.

Cigar Arafat? (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:54 PM)

If you think thats something just wait till we get the real low down on Bush and Cheney. Nixon is a light weight when it comes to dirt, when the dirt GWB and dirty cheney did in the dark come to the light maybe we will have the pleasure of seeing them on trail for treason or war crimes, at least war profiteering. I for one cant wait for a lot of truths to come out, I'm only 62 I can wait till I am 82 if
need be.
marty

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:54 PM)

Yep sounds like a right wing nut. Those Pro -wrestlers of AM radio Trash and fred flinstone...on OXY!!!!

John, Houston (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:55 PM)

hmmmm - Break into that dangerous Brookings Institution. It does give one pause.

Makes you wonder what kind of hair-raising revelations will come out eventually from the current administration, assuming they can't figure out a way to erase all the evidence on their way out the door.

avrds, Montana (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:56 PM)

I love reading about Nixon. Very interesting man, good and bad. He went to the Lincoln Memorial very very late on evening to talk with war protestors. I don't think it received much press.

But I believe JFK liked him well enough until they ran against each other. Tricia and Julie seemed like they were crazy about him as a father.

Fascinating man. Evil. Intelligent. Paranoid.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:59 PM)

"Ruthless, cynical and profane..."

Words you would expect to hear describing a brutal dictator, not a President of the United States. Thanks for posting this, First Read. It sure offers a stark contrast to the way our new President Elect conducts himself.

Charles Colson could have been describing Nixon when he said, "Well, it's unbelievable, the arrogance of the guy ... God, what a bad man."

Gail, TN (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:02 PM)

Nixon is a sweet baby when compared to Cheney.
I cant wait to see him in the Hague, where he belongs with the war criminals.

cecilia Carrasco (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:02 PM)

He does sound like a true Pubie. Pubic hair has a way of getting out of hand if you don't trim it down to nothing..kind of usless...hey, just like Bush!!!!

John, Houston (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:08 PM)

All very true Pat, Boston.
Truly a fascinating time in American History. It's too bad he never gets the credit he deserves for being so bold in the foriegn policy arena. It was remarkable that he went to China in the early 70's and I have read about several times when he would engage protestors and many others who would not agree with him. Sadly enough I believe Nixon was no more or less corrupt than any other President in American history (well maybe a little less corrupt than our current President) but he was careless about covering his tracks and got caught. These tapes say less about the man and more about the sordid history of politics in America.

Mark,Seattle (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:12 PM)

Makes you wonder what kind of hair-raising revelations will come out eventually from the current administration, assuming they can't figure out a way to erase all the evidence on their way out the door.

avrds, Montana

Still waiting for Clintons donor list for his so called library, also know as his personal ATM. Bill said he'd reveal the donors now that Hill is the SecofState! He promised! Any day now, we'll see the list I'm sure.

The Whole List, and Nothing But the List (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:13 PM)

What about The IGNOMINY of Bush, his disgrace is becoming more apparent everyday. GW Bush was/ is like a broken record, repeating the state of economy, lies about nonexistent WMDs, fear over and over and over again. It’s degrading to have no concern for the downward spiral of our country, his plummeting ratings, and his contingency for military power, his own reputation, his, worthless, despicable, jester image. The only unilateral actions Bush can make-- are to not have any pocket vetoes or use his warped sense of religion anymore. At least, he then could repair some of his damages to our country and himself; if were to repent. But, that’s not looming; because he is impossible! Yes, I’m angry that even the wee 20% support he has here are so blinded.

The time for intransigency is over and President Elect is bringing change. Nevertheless, right wingers and nut jobs here will seek to lay blame on the President Elect and Clintion-istas. It’s not recycling; it’s compromise, its change, and it’s courage. How willing, courageous or compliant will those who complain be to change?

Will GW admit his military industrial compound is a continuation of his father's New World Order? Believe me; that is profane. They started the decline of the Western Hemisphere and chaos in the Middle East!

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:13 PM)

This makes me interesting to hear W's tapes. They'll be released in, what, thirty years? Can hardly wait. I can't wait to hear them planning the war in Iraq using a map taped to a dart board.

"So Colin, who's next? Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Vermont...?"

"Actually sir, Vermont is part of the United States."

"Nobodies perfect" *thunk* "Iraq it is!"

Wilson, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:14 PM)

Pat Boston, MA: I enjoy your thoughts. Keep writing.

With regard to Nixon: He is only a step above Bush 43. Bush may not have swore as much as Nixon; but it will come out that he drank more.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:15 PM)

I'm SHOCKED!!! SHOCKED that Nixon was profane and ruthless!!!

Viva Peter Lorre!

Dave in Omaha (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:15 PM)

These quotes are the worst you could come up with? Wow, you're getting desperate in your attempts to bash Nixon.

Al Becker (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:19 PM)

I agree, Marty! I think what they'll uncover about Bush/Cheney will make Nixon look like a lightweight. As much as I disliked Nixon, I dislike the current two even more. January 20th can't some soon enough for me. Don't let the door hit you, George and Dick, on the way out. America has had quite enough of you two to last a lifetime. Bush, I understand, is worried about his legacy. Not to worry, George, you'll go down in history as THE worst President America ever had. This guy has screwed up absolutely everything he's ever tried to do in his lifetime and the presidency was no exception. How's THAt for a legacy? Pretty pathetic.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:19 PM)

I think we might be amazed (well actually not) at the language, tone and anger exhibited during private conversations by any past President whether Republican or Democrat while in office. If you think that some refrained from expressing their true feelings to confidants using various choice words and strategems now and again about the press, the opposition and the voters you are fooling yourself. Nixon just happened to get caught on tape. There is not a past President, living President, living ex-Presidents and President elect who have not let it all hang out in private conversations about those they considered idiots or low life individuals. Sometimes we forget they are human with the same human frailities as that found amoung the world's human population. And although most people are good people we can also be cursers, thiefs, cheaters, racists, angry, lying, self serving, resentful, self defeating, insensitive, jealous, and other adjectives that describe our darker sides. Look at the list one more time and tell yourself you have never exhibited one or more of these emotions or characterestics. And yet we expect our Presidents to be above all the negative influences we all potentially possess to a certain degree as human beings. Won't happen. Especailly when given so much power which also corrupts coupled with the extreme pressure of the job.

So the next time one wishes to bitch or complain about a certain negative behavior, emotion or characterestic Nixon or Clinton or Reagan or GWB, or Obama or any past President exhibited or engaged in just remember they are also human. Just like you and me.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:20 PM)

The neocons jumped on this early and hard. And why not? It only took them 30 years to find someone that made Nixon look good. Now they have their hopes pinned on some idiot that makes Bush look good.

Citizen of Rome (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:21 PM)

It's disturbing, that kind of personality occupying the white house. And to think America elected him in the first place! He's right, though - he duped the public but good.

On the other hand, there are a couple sources of inspiration there. Kissinger is still considered a bright spot in the history of American foreign policy. More broadly, if the United States can survive Nixon taking the presidency, we're a lot more resilient than we give ourselves credit for.

Alex Holyk, Denver, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:23 PM)

Were it not for Nixon's paranoya he might have been less apt to make such demands. It seems that the men in white coats should have visited Mr. Nixon and taken him away to the funny farm where life is happy all the time. Now we have a Schizophrenic in there. That house does things to people. Look at how the sane ones age and the nuts both age and get worse with their mental conditions. Physical illness also seems to be a part of life in the White House. Why anyone would want to be in a position to live there is beyond me.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:25 PM)

what a sociopath! if Ford would not have pardoned him then maybe we wouldn't have to be dealing with the psychopath we have in there now.

Ginger San Antonio, TX (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:29 PM)

Nixon, no doubt, had a ruthless way about him and broke some rules. But if he was a crook, at least he was somehow competent as president compared to the incompetency/dishonesty/graft we've been dealing with over the last 8 years.

Drew Leifheit, Budapest, Hungary (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:33 PM)

Only a repukagain could consider a cigar more important then the country.

! (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:34 PM)

Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton. Two cut out of the same mold. (Behind closed doors)The more we learn the more alike they appear.

Marcus, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:35 PM)

I guess you could say his legacy does "take a beating" when we learn FACTS about the man, relayed in his own voice. (Never seen the phrase "take a beating" used in place of "become more clear.")

Angela Lynn, LA, CA (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:35 PM)

There goes the liberal media again, bashing a great man, who happened to be republican, a maverick, and down to earth like a pit bull hockey mom!

S. Palin, Wasilla, Alaska (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:35 PM)

Sorry guys, but changing the topic to Bill Clinton doesn't negate Nixon's paranoia, but I guess if you don't have any other tool to use...

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:36 PM)

yeah, a 'lil Bo Peep, compared to LBJ and LBJ despised JFK something awful. He was a first rate backstabber

neeses, SC (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:38 PM)

Once again, I'm so thankful I never had the stupidity to vote for a republican - tricky dicky, bushey & cheney continue to confirm my wise decision.
Clinton lied about sex - who doesn't? His affair with monica is still not as evil as John McCain or ronald regan both with two living spouses, both having been engaged and married at the same time. Now that is family values for you, isn't it?

Union Baby, Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:39 PM)

"They started the decline of the Western Hemisphere and chaos in the Middle East!"

Congrats Beverly in Chicago - you are the author of the most inane, assinine comment ever in the history of blogging

JimboBillyBob in Wheeling, West-by-God-Virginia (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:40 PM)

Brookings Institution? Seems to me that this has been a topic of discussion lately. Senator McCain's BFF G. Gordon Liddy, of Watergate fame, was also involved in a plot to firebomb the Brookings Institution. I wonder if we just discovered the source of those instructions???

Brad Smith, Tulsa, OK (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:52 PM)

Nixon was another crooked president that people elected in office. there are too many crooks in politics and that will never change. This country is sad and I'm sorry, I'm a part of it. You suck America.

Ron B. (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:53 PM)

I dislike GWB as much as the next guy but all the idiots including myself who voted for him the second time (through fear) is to bear some blame because we were naive and fearful.

dooped, Columbia, Md (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:54 PM)

Nixon was a man -just a man. Very imperfect, under great stress, not everyone can take this job and do good at it. Should have never run. A man has to know his limitations.

Mike Mackey (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:56 PM)

Not One Time.

They changed the carpet after Clinton. But the Republicans peeped on it so much that the whole white house stinks. I'll advise the nx. President to get the whole White House Fumigated before moving in.

Not Again (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:57 PM)

Sounds more like the head of an organized crime family than the President of the U.S.

John (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:57 PM)

for sure he is honest, today no one will be freely because they are being recorded and will be used against them, as it is happen to nixon now

Rui (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:58 PM)

To JimboBillyBob: Did you mean Marcus in Chicago? If so, I totally agree with you. Comparing Clinton and Nixon is absurd! Clinton did so much for this country both in the US and abroad.

W. Goin (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:00 PM)

Oops! Sorry - I just found the Beverly comment. And it is sooooo right!

W. Goin (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:01 PM)

Why do you think the GOP went after Clinton so hard? They're claim to fame has always been they corruption of their presidents. By going after Clinton they could paint him with the tar brush of impeachment because up until then the only presidents who were considered for impeachment were Republicans. This way they have a Democrat to point to even though a majority of Americans know why and what they did. The GOP spent $75,000,000, wasted eight years, leaked grand jury testimony to come up with Clinton's piccadillos in the Oval Office. Compared to what Nixon and Bush Jr. have done Clinton was a saint!

Darla, Missoula, MY (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:01 PM)

Nixon was one of the biggest racist to ever occupy the whitehouse that is until the next republican president!
Republican is a party of the racists in America!
yes and the truth shall set us free!

rabprevent (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:01 PM)

Who the hell cares now? The man is long dead and gone. For God's sake does NBC and MSNBC have nothing better to report on than what a dead man said 36 years ago?

tony (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:02 PM)

It was reported in the newspapers of the time that Nixon spent his evenings watching 5 TV's all showing a different news channel so he would know what the press was saying about him, while chugging down a half dozen or more martinis while doing so.
If that is not a description of a Paranoid drunk I don't know what is.

Russ in Reno (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:03 PM)

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