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This file contains:
Memo from Agnes Waldron to RN RE: Positions taken by Hubert Humphrey. 6pgs. [Memo], 6/20/1968
Memo from Ellsworth to DC (cc: Mitchell, Kleindienst, Haldeman) RE: Rockerfeller Strategy Pre-Convention. 2pgs. [Memo], 8/17/1968
Memo from LG to RN regarding notes on strategy. 4pgs. [Memo], 6/14/1968
Memo from Buchanan to Bob (Haldeman?) RE: the uses of television. 16pgs. [Memo], 11/15/1967
Message from Jack Drown to Bob Haldeman RE: conversation with Fred Seaton. 1pg. [Other Document], 9/5/1968
Memo from Allan to Buchanan RE: RN projected visit to Mexico. 1pg. [Memo], 9/26/1968
Report from RNC regarding possible Humphrey comback. 1pg. [Report], 9/26/1968
Memo from John Whitaker to Haldeman (cc: Loie Gaunt) inquiring who was present at a breakfast meeting. 1pg. [Memo], 9/15/1968
Memo from Maury Stans to RN requesting the presence of Agnew for fund-raising dinners. 1pg. [Memo], 9/25/1968
Western Union message from Barry Goldwater to Richard Nixon urging him not to go to Mexico City. 1pg. [Other Document], 9/25/1968
Memo from Murray Chotiner to Haldeman RE: "floating" rumors on Social Security/Medicar and RN's farm plank. 1pg. [Memo], 9/25/1968
Memo from Shakespert to Haldeman RE: favorable research results on Cleveland television program. 2pgs. [Memo], 9/24/1968
Memo from Buchanan to Haldeman requesting fee processing. 1pg. [Memo], 9/24/1968
Memo from TCH to Buchanan RE: expenses. 1pgs. [Memo], 9/18/1968
Memo frm Kimball to Nixon, Agnew, Ellsworth, Finch, Flanigan, Haldeman, Klein, Kleindienst, McWhorter, Mitchell, Moore, Sears, Sohmer, White, Woods, et. Al… RE: Surrogate Candidates. 8pgs. [Memo], 9/23/1968
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26126941
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WHSF: Returned, 35-19
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26126941
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WHSF: Returned, 35-19
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This file contains:
Memo from Agnes Waldron to RN RE: Positions taken by Hubert Humphrey. 6pgs. [Memo], 6/20/1968
Memo from Ellsworth to DC (cc: Mitchell, Kleindienst, Haldeman) RE: Rockerfeller Strategy Pre-Convention. 2pgs. [Memo], 8/17/1968
Memo from LG to RN regarding notes on strategy. 4pgs. [Memo], 6/14/1968
Memo from Buchanan to Bob (Haldeman?) RE: the uses of television. 16pgs. [Memo], 11/15/1967
Message from Jack Drown to Bob Haldeman RE: conversation with Fred Seaton. 1pg. [Other Document], 9/5/1968
Memo from Allan to Buchanan RE: RN projected visit to Mexico. 1pg. [Memo], 9/26/1968
Report from RNC regarding possible Humphrey comback. 1pg. [Report], 9/26/1968
Memo from John Whitaker to Haldeman (cc: Loie Gaunt) inquiring who was present at a breakfast meeting. 1pg. [Memo], 9/15/1968
Memo from Maury Stans to RN requesting the presence of Agnew for fund-raising dinners. 1pg. [Memo], 9/25/1968
Western Union message from Barry Goldwater to Richard Nixon urging him not to go to Mexico City. 1pg. [Other Document], 9/25/1968
Memo from Murray Chotiner to Haldeman RE: "floating" rumors on Social Security/Medicar and RN's farm plank. 1pg. [Memo], 9/25/1968
Memo from Shakespert to Haldeman RE: favorable research results on Cleveland television program. 2pgs. [Memo], 9/24/1968
Memo from Buchanan to Haldeman requesting fee processing. 1pg. [Memo], 9/24/1968
Memo from TCH to Buchanan RE: expenses. 1pgs. [Memo], 9/18/1968
Memo frm Kimball to Nixon, Agnew, Ellsworth, Finch, Flanigan, Haldeman, Klein, Kleindienst, McWhorter, Mitchell, Moore, Sears, Sohmer, White, Woods, et. Al… RE: Surrogate Candidates. 8pgs. [Memo], 9/23/1968
citationUrl
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Richard M. Nixon's Returned Materials Collection
Returned White House Special Files
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
White House Special Files Collection
Folder List
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
35
19
06/20/1968
Memo
Memo from Agnes Waldron to RN RE:
Positions taken by Hubert Humphrey. 6pgs.
35
19
08/17/1968
Memo
Memo from Ellsworth to DC (cc: Mitchell,
Kleindienst, Haldeman) RE: Rockerfeller
Strategy Pre-Convention. 2pgs.
35
19
06/14/1968
Memo
Memo from LG to RN regarding notes on
strategy. 4pgs.
35
19
11/15/1967
Memo
Memo from Buchanan to Bob (Haldeman?)
RE: the uses of television. 16pgs.
35
19
9/05/1968
Other Document
Message from Jack Drown to Bob Haldeman
RE: conversation with Fred Seaton. 1pg.
35
19
09/26/1968
Memo
Memo from Allan to Buchanan RE: RN
projected visit to Mexico. 1pg.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Page 1 of 3
Box Number Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
35
19
09/26/1968
Report
Report from RNC regarding possible
Humphrey comback. 1pg.
35
19
09/15/1968
Memo
Memo from John Whitaker to Haldeman
(cc: Loie Gaunt) inquiring who was present
at a breakfast meeting. 1pg.
35
19
09/25/1968
Memo
Memo from Maury Stans to RN requesting
the presence of Agnew for fund-raising
dinners. 1pg.
35
19
09/25/1968
Other Document
Western Union message from Barry
Goldwater to Richard Nixon urging him not
to go to Mexico City. 1pg.
35
19
09/25/1968
Memo
Memo from Murray Chotiner to Haldeman
RE: "floating" rumors on Social
Security/Medicar and RN's farm plank. 1pg.
35
19
09/24/1968
Memo
Memo from Shakespert to Haldeman RE:
favorable research results on Cleveland
television program. 2pgs.
35
19
09/24/1968
Memo
Memo from Buchanan to Haldeman
requesting fee processing. 1pg.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Page 2 of 3
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
35
19
09/18/1968
Memo
Memo from TCH to Buchanan RE:
expenses. 1pgs.
35
19
09/23/1968
Memo
Memo frm Kimball to Nixon, Agnew,
Ellsworth, Finch, Flanigan, Haldeman, Klein,
Kleindienst, McWhorter, Mitchell, Moore,
Sears, Sohmer, White, Woods, et. Al... RE:
Surrogate Candidates. 8pgs.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Page 3 of 3
File
Had hid lih t forget
Is Mago greeny t
June 20, 1968 not upif
dig them out ?
MEMORANDUM:
@ good stor
To:
RN
Fr:
Agnes Waldron
duta real study
over the years
Re:
Positions taken by Hubert Humphrey well find fome
outlandish statement parting
Economic Policy and Taxes according to Congressional Quarterly:
HHH "believes that the Federal Government, through its
basic economic policies, should stimulate the national economy
to more and more rapid growth. During his Senate career, he
backed increased federal expenditures and dismissed as ground-
less complaints about the danger of an increasing national
debt. If
During his sixteen years in the Senate, HHH proposed or
voted for programs that would have cost Americans over $100
billion in addition to the amounts Congress actually appro-
priated during that same period. Humphrey is essentially a
populist. He has summed up his economic viewpoint thusly:
"If I am going to be called an inflationist, that will not
bother me one bit, because the one thing this Senator re-
members is that the troubles we had in our business and our
family did not come from inflation, but they came from de-
flation. "
(Cong. Rec. 5/22/57)
So far as the current fiscal and monetary crisis is
concerned, he has had little to say. However, he continues
-2-
to call for new programs. He has, for example, called
for a Marshal Plan for our cities. As a usual practice
HHH never puts a price tag on any of his proposals.
During the 1964 campaign Arthur Krock in comparing
LBJ and HHH commented: "Humphrey has consistently sub-
ordinated the costs to the ever-expanding welfare state,
under mounting centralized control by Washington, whereas
the President's stated design is to keep the costs and the
concept in prudent balance." Krock's evaluation on HHH
at least still holds true. Humphrey is opposed to revenue
sharing with the states. For example, on January 24, 1967
he said: "I do not think that the Federal government
would be keeping proper faith with American taxpayers if
tax revenues were to be handed over, no strings attached,
to state and local governments which might not be ready
or able to use them effectively."
In his letter to the Reverend Ralph David Abernathy,
HHH supported the aims of The Poor People's March and called
for the following:
(1) Extensive reform of the Welfare system - not
further described.
(2) Some form of income maintenance - not specified.
(3) Immediate priority should be given to eliminate
hunger - through food stamp and commodity dis-
Rnso
tribution programs.
after Position in the a
-3-
(4) Expansion of rural and urban health centers.
(5) A program of "selective public service employ-
ment" but he specifically ruled out the govern-
ment as "employer of last resort. "
(6) Early implementation of the recommendation of the
Kerner Commission Report. (Estimated cost $40.5-
$22.8 from public sources. See attached estimate)
There is some indication that HHH is aware of the fact
that even with the end of the war, there is no money to fi-
nance new programs. The Washington Post reported that HHH
meet with Walter Heller and Charles Schultz at Brookings,
where he was told to forget the idea that the end of the
war would release $30 billion for domestic needs. Of course,
since he learned this, he wrote Abernathy in support of the
Poor People's demands.
Similarly, on the very day LBJ was signing a greatly
reduced Foreign Aide bill and announcing travel restrictions,
HHH was in Africa pledging a doubling or tripling of foreign
aid funds. The bill this year is, of course, in even more
serious trouble and may be killed in the House.
Law and Order:
HHH has the usual knee-jerk liberal reaction with regard
to riots. At the time of the Watts riot - he expressed more
sympathy for the rioters than for the victims. Similarly,
-4-
(while Cleveland was burning July 18,1956) HHH told a
New Orleans audience that he could "lead a mighty good
riot. "
Following the riots in Detroit and Newark, HHH, before
a Boston audience placed the blame for the riots on every
American citizen: "For whose fault is it when our cities
bleed and burn?
It is the fault of the racial extremists
who incite to riot. It is the fault of the looter and the
sniper who deny their neighbor's right to live in peace.
It is the fault of the governments who do too little, too
late. It is the fault of decent men of good will who fail
to act. It is the fault of all of us."
When the Kerner Commission Repat was released HHH
was more restrained. On March 24, 1968 he stated that
the report's contention that "white society condones"
Negro slums "comes dangerously close to a doctrine of
group guilt." He declared the report was "open to some
challenge" and specifically took exception to the reports
conclusion that the U.S. was moving toward two separate
societies.
During the 1964 campaign he termed Goldwater's call
for law and order a racist appeal and said Goldwater had
over emphasized episodes of riots and civil disorder.
-5-
Foreign Affairs:
Humphrey is an avowed internationalist. Towards the
Soviet Union and Eastern Europe he is a dedicated bridge
builder - though he has never been much concerned with the
fact that the bridge building is almost totally from one
direction. He is a firm believer in disarmament, trade,
cultural exchanges, etc.
More recently, April 22, 1968 he called for the building
of "peaceful bridges" to Communist China. In 1964 however
he told UPI editors that China was an aggressive warlike
country and he opposed U.S. recognition. He said the U.S.
should instead have firm and reliable relations with the
Soviet Union during the Sino-Russian Quarrel.
Vietnam, of course, is HHH's Achilles heel. Prior to
his nomination as Vice President he took a dim view of U.S.
involvement in Asia. For example, on 5/20/61 HHH told
reporters that the U.S. should withdraw from Laos and
"extricate ourselves and try to shore up Vietnam and
Thailand. " He said further that it would be impossible
to supply U.S. troops in Laos and that the Laotians have
no will to fight. He said: "We can't garrison the world,
the Soviets don't try to do it and I don't think we can
either. There's no Red Army in Laos and there was none
-6-
in Cuba. "
Given his past position it is little wonder that HHH
has incurred the wrath of the liberals on Vietnam. To
some extent he has responded to this pressure. In February,
1966 when RFK suggested a coalition government with the
Viet Cong HHH likened this to letting a fox into the
chicken coop. But by December 1967, he did not foreclose
such a coalition and by May 1968 he said the stage was set
to invite the Viet Cong to participate in the Paris Talks.
The Administration was forced to issue a quick denial of
this.
file
June 17, 1968
General
Memor
MEMORANDUM
TO:
DC
CC: Mitchell, Kleindienst, Haldeman
FROM:
Ellsworth
n
RE:
Rockefeller Strategy Pre-Convention
Rockefeller's basic pre-Convention strategy
is the classic strategy for one who needs to weaken the
political establishment: develop and press the twin
themes everyone (not just the complainant) is frustrated
by inadequate access to the Establishment and by lack
of opportunity for self-determination.
Thus, his tactics will include not only the
effort to move upward in the public opinion polls, but
also the other efforts to develop concrete grievances
under the heading of lack of access and lack of self-
determination on the part of many different kinds of
interests.
For example, we can expect to see the develop-
ment of the theme that Republican delegations from
Southern states to the National Convention (part of the
Nixon/Republican "establishment") are denying seats on
the delegations to Negroes. We can expect to see plat-
form issues develop around a theme, regardless of the
-2-
substance of the issue, of lack of opportunity to be
heard, and denial of self-determination on the matters
of substantive positions on the issues. Counter strategy
is two-fold: (1) Alert everyone at every level of com-
petition to stress the fullness of procedures and oppor-
tunities for access (in other words, the right to be
heard) and thus to help determine resolution of the
issues, whatever it may be, and; (2) stress the need at
every level of competition to resist dilatory, frivolous,
divisive and anarchic tactics, having in mind at all
times the need to cast the image of the opposition in
the dilatory, frivolous, divisive or anarchic mold.
TO: RN
DATE: June 14, Pita X 1968
FROM: LG
NOTES ON STRATEGY
Various plans of action for the pre-convention and
post-convention periods were discussed this past week (Partici-
pants: Haldeman, Ellsworth, Sears, Shakespeare, Treleaven,
Buchanan, Price, Safire, Klein).
1. Two basic assumptions were agreed upon for short-
term planning purposes:
A. The Rockefeller campaign is not a threat to the
nomination, but in the interests of safety should not be com-
pletely discounted on this score at this time;
B. The Rockefeller campaign does threaten an adverse
impact on the national campaign, if we are completely passive.
On these assumptions, it was agreed that an interim strat-
egy should be devised and steps taken to put it into effect as soon
as possible. (This would be a contingency plan to be used only if
it appears in the next week or so that Rockefeller is actually
hurting us).
2. The key idea, which emerged from these discussions
(with
general
support), is to peg our pre-convention strategy
to the needs of the national campaign. In that way we counter the
Rockefeller effort and build strength for the national campaign
concurrently. This means planning immediately for a media campaign
(predominantly TV) in the swing states (Ohio, California, Illinois,
etc.), supplementing them with a few selected RN appearances in those
states (e.g. taping TV interviews [Hillsboro type] and originating
-2-
newsmaking radio speeches from Columbus, Ohio, L. A., etc.). The
advantages are numerous: It is logically and organically related to
the national campaign. It is not a defensive reaction to the Rocke-
feller effort. It postures RN as the party-builder oriented to
helping both the national ticket and important local candidates
(senators, governors, etc.). It maximizes the use of available
resources by concentrating them in battleground areas. It can be
better adapted to local needs and issue interests. It is an
interesting story (the "new" campaign). While primarily related
to the national effort it also provides needed exposure of RN on
TV (and in other media), thereby furnishing some support for our
position in the national polls. (We must not forget that only a
small fraction of the electorate has been exposed to RN's TV
campaign capabilities; where this has occurred--e.g. New Hamp-
shire, Oregon--the results have been dramatic).
3. The media campaign to be relevant should reflect
political trends, important issues, vulnerabilities of independ-
ents and dissident Democrats in the selected areas. Limitations
of time or money may require tailoring of the plan to less than all
of the swing states. The important factor, however, is the exist-
ence of an apparent strategic framework within which the operations
of the pre-convention campaign take place.
4. In those states where media is intensively employed,
"before and after" polls should be taken. Having them available
to demonstrate the change of voter attitude which takes place
when RN campaigns actively would be an effective tool for dele-
gate operations.
-3-
5. Related to this strategy: Frank Shakespeare has sug-
gested a calm, candid, non-vituperative kick-off statement from the
Nixon organization which nevertheless makes clear (a) that RN and
other candidates went to the people via the primary route, whereas
NR is going to them via Madison Avenue; (b) that the primaries of
1968 a National Primary in microcosm--involved true ballot box
decisions by millions of voters, whereas the polls are an uncertain
index of election day decisions and subject to numerous variables
(i.e. we expect and discount in advance the ups and downs of the
national polls); (c) that RN is not going to call upon his supporters,
who gave generously to finance the primaries effort, to finance a
major post-primaries effort against a candidate with unlimited
resources. RN is not going to impair his ability to mount a maximum
effort against the Democrats by spending millions in June and July
against a man who chose to ignore the primary system. (And if
one man can overrule the ballot box decisions of millions of
voters in the primaries by a massive "special interests" assault
on the 1500 persons sampled by national polls, wouldn't the viability
of the American primary system be seriously drawn into question?)
(This is suggestive of some of the points that could,
and, I think, should be made through carefully drawn statements,
issued by John Mitchell and/or others. The argument for such a
basic statement is that it would be a direct, high-impact response to
the many questions about the unprecedented Rockefeller campaign;
and much is gained in force of argument by gathering the various
points in one place. Ray Price and Bill Safire have been asked
to work up some draft material.)
-4-
6. For obvious reasons--media purchases, creative work,
fund-raising, scheduling, etc. some basic decisions must be made
promptly. Whatever is done short range should be sufficiently
flexible to permit stepping up, stepping down or redirection in the
light of more concrete evidence as to the effect of the Rockefeller
campaign.
7. Although the Rockefeller campaign interferes with
the hope of maintaining a low-profile effort during June and July,
there is a potential major plus in the blooding of the larger
national organization, including testing advertising themes and
techniques in the battleground states.
8. I have not touched on the various supporting efforts--
delegate monitoring, endorsements, etc. -- that would of course roll
right along.
####
PATRICK J. BUCHANAN
Bob:
Here are sketched out a
number of ideas worked out
over the weekend. While there
are still many holes in this
thesis, you can get from this
the drift of it---and the im-
port in terms of our own use
of television. Can you give us
your thoughts on this thing.
Aide to RICHARD NIXON
20 Broad Street, New York City
PatBuchanan
OH THE USES OF PHIRTSION
In the last 6 months Zelson Bockefeller has
gained something like 30 points on Tyndon Johnson from
about fufteen points behind to about £ fifteen points shoul.
(Outside of Now York) In that period of time the
average television viewer has probably seen President
Johnson an estimated average of, say, 60 times. He has
probably never seen Nelson Rockefeller on the tube in
those six months (outside of the Kew York viewing area)
unless it vas a smiling still photograph of him put on the
backdron.
From this the conclusion will be drawn that, "Woll,
it certainly wasn't TV responsible for Nelson's rise. I
would like to argue further that it was the "absence of "V"
that was partly responsible for Rocky's rise. And that
2) If Roeky had been on the tube say 35 times nationally, he
might be much lower in the polls than hc is right now.
Why did Rocky rise. 1) of course, for myriad reasons
LBJ dropped absolutely, and 2) Because the only recent picture
of Rocky that people have 1s the one that has come through
brief comments by IV commentators, 8 few articles in magazines,
but more imoortant the editorials and columnists in the
national magazines and the local press.
What is the single impression of Nelson Rockefeller
that all these pictures convey? It is this:
- 2 .
Nelson Rockefeller is an excellent Governor of
New York State, who fought to victory from behind in 1966,
who is by all standards the most popular Republican in the
country, and who would certainly be nominated and elected
were it not for the hostility of a bunch of unreconstructed
right-wingors, who will never forgive Rocky for the fight
he made against Goldmater and for his (Recky's) principles.
In other words, the impression the country is
getting of Rocky is an excellent one; it comes not through
the super MRBS modia of the tube, but mostly trickles through
editorial pages and columns well inside the cover of magazines
and newspapers. It takes time to push a message through
that relatively tiny mediu, but time has now passed and that
is the impression that is being harmered home day In and day out.
Now, no man is as good as the kind of publicity
Rocky gets, from the highest (Lippmann, Hughes) type of sources.
So, if that is the case, keep your mug off the tube. Don't
let them see that you are not so good-looking, that you are
not too eloquent. Let them read that you are everything a
President should be. And get and stay out of the public eye
leaving the public to view you through the rose-colored prism
of Emmett John Hughes.
There are other reasons I think that Rocky is not
getting on the national tube indeed avoiding it as he has
avoided all the Republican TV shows, on ABC, Huntley and
Brinkley etc. etc. First, Rocky does not want a comparative
- 3 -
view drawn (Why should hc? His press publicity is better
than anybody else )
Second, when I saw Rocky in the flesh talking
about his bond issue the other night, the old conservative
juices began bubbling answ. I thought I had become objective
about Rocky; indeed, sub-consciously was beginning to see
him as a qualified fellow, not all that bad. But the old
devil in the flesh 10 a different thing than what you get
from the press, of which we readgreat reams.
From the press you keep hearing, "Rocky doesn't
want this thing. 11 "Rocky is most popular. 11 "Rocky is the
kind of guy who likes to spend his hours talking abouttrans-
portation bond issues. " Anybody hammored with this long
enough swallows at least a small portion. I get the same
thing from reporters who talk to Rocky.
Thus, a second reason is that his being seen in
the flesh would a) bring my right-wing friends out of the
woodwork and b) it would make millions of people say, "Hey,
that's the same guy I saw munching blintzes four years ago;
how long has he been around. "
In short, if I were Rocky's advisers, I would try
to see to it that he was Not on television, or rather only
as much as was absolutely necessary.
Let me use a particularly irroverent example. John
the Baptist was a propagandist for Christ. He went from
town to town saying the Messiah is coming, he heals the sick,
- 11 -
he is God, he is this and that. It was one voice as it
wore "crying to the descrt." But one voice and one message
harmered and hemeered for three years---and the people were
lined up by the side of the roads for Christ to arrive. It
makes no difference the media used, but what is the public
impression loft of X at Y point of time.
From this analysis, a number of conclusions:
1) Rocky ought to stay off national TV; what the
hell good could it do him. He 10 not all that good looking
or clever; he is widely known; the publicity he currently
gets in trickles is the best kind, and has made its impact.
2) Rocky will continue to stand high in the polls
because no one is knocking him--and, politically, Rocky is
giving no one any reason to knock him. (What reason right now
would any right winger have to tear into Rocky ) He gives
them no cuase at all. Thus, they do not ram him, and Rocky's
press is provided by those who hammer home the competent,
unambitious, reluctant and qualified candidate.
3) As time goes by, more and more people will forget
the old image of Nelson Rockefeller as divider and rule-or-ruin
liberal and the guy who cut up Barry. In short, the old hateful
Nelson Rockofeller is dying while a new Rockefeller is in the
process of being gestated by the publicists. And if I were
Rocky's adviser I would tell him to keep out of sight while
the metamorphosis was going on, and to 0.031
y far down
the road as the new Nelson Rockefeller.
- 5 ...
I think this perhaps explains the "now look" some
conservatives are reportedly giving Rocky.
The conservativer bate the old Rocky. But the old
Rocky must bave did Lecause no one 5008 him in the flesh
anymore. Vo do read about a different person non, whom the
press tells us about, a fellow without ambition, a happy
family main, the most populs M Republican in the country.
MORE ON ROCKERSTIER
Apparent Florents of MR Strategy
1) Avoid discussion of any subject where people
tend to divide pretty solidly on one side or
the other. Tuns, Rocky lately has fought for a) State
initiative and action to fighting poverty and rats b) A
transportation bond issue to help the commuter and the New
Yorkers who have to ride dirty crowded subways. He makes
no comments on Vietnam at all (The NBC poll showed that
Rocky lead all other GOPers in the one who could best deal
with Vietnam, and he hasn't said a serious word about 1t
in a year. Interesting.) Also, one notes that Rocky does
not tear into conservatives, does not needle us, does not
get into fights of any kind.
2) Avoid national television. Why. Because simply
television is not Rocky's medium. He is not all that articul-
ate; he is not particularly handsome; the competition is too
tough; he would have to talk issues that divide people; he
would be judged on a comparative basis on what people see
when Rocky would rather be judged on a comparative basis on
what people read.
3) Get a hell of a good press running continuous
stories about a different Rockefcller than the image the
people have. Some people think Rocky is ambitious, unprincipled,
rotten family man, who would cut somebody's throat to be
and 2 -
President. Then, every story should say Rocky doesn't
want 10; he is more interested in talking about bond issues
and new highways and air pollution late into the night.
(Also, re the family MSD. The other night when the trans-
portation bond issue non, the rejoicing Rocky moved his papers
to the side of the podium 80 that the camera would have to
catch his handsome, beaming wife beside him. The move was
deliberate and calculated; the impact good.
4) AB discussed, one of the things that makes De
Gaulle SO intriguing, and considered such a great figure,
is his deliberate inaccessibility and aloofness. An audience
with De Gaulle 10 today a greater thing than an audience with
the Pope because the Pope is now more accessible. Why
does anybody want to talk to Howard Hughes? Except that he
doesn't want to see or talk with anyone. The inaccessibility
not only allows time for the old image to die, the new to be
created, but it adds interest.
5) The idea of getting on the eleventh hour news for
a presidential candidate
just to got on the news is ridicul-
ous. This presumes that the candidate people most easily
identify and know best will win. If that were the case, LBJ
would win in a walk. Getting on the Eleventh Hour news would
be excellent for BABBO or some Deoderant because they are
purchased through impulse buying. Choice of a presidential
candidate is a choice between two not twenty products, and
NO 3 ***
some scleet for silly dann reasons, but no one for impulse.
Frankly, to be successful with a strategy like the
one averibed above to Recky requires that while the man
remains aloof and indifferent, his propagandists work full
time and they have the co-operation of press and publicity,
Rocky being an Eastern Establishment Liboral has this automatic-
ally thus the stratogy works for bin, where it might not be
S0 effective for US. Our press supporters simply don't carry
the circulation and weight an do TIME and LIFE and NEWSWEEK
and the NEW YORK TIMES.
Looking back over what we Mave done in the past, it
is not dissimilar to a strategy like this and as you know
yourselves if we had had as good a pross as Rocky in the Big
Magazines and the TIMES, then we would be miles ahead of LBJ
and Rocky both because Rocky just doesn't get the press we
do West of the Appalachians.
The counter to the Rockefeller strategy is self-
evident.
1) Flush him out on the issued; make him take a
stand.
2) Get him 02 the Record on Vieinem.
3) Got across to the public modia all the information
we have or can find to indicate that Governor Rockefoller,
far from being uninterosted, is deeply involved in the Romacy
effort, and that in fact in some areas Romney's people are
nothing more than Rocky's old hunds.
4) Get across the words and activities of Rocky's
lieutenants which are thoroughly inconsistent with the Rocky
posture of non-interest.
5) Flush him out so that the old wolves of the right
can get the scent again. Make him iterate his positions on
issues which place him at odds with the majority of Republicans,
All Rocky need do is come out and TEM it one time to the con-
servatives and it will be the Pep-Sadler fights all over again,
everybody bloody including the White Knight.
6) The point is that Nelson Reckefeller is by no moans
Nelson Rockefeller's best selesman. Emmett Hughes and Company
can sell Rocky far better than Rocky can sell himself as was
demonstrated. One recalls that this great new leader of the
polls go whipped by Barry Coldwater in the State of California
and, in person or on TV, he is just mt all that potent as his
- 2 -
press agents, paid and unpaid, make him out to be.
7) The TOURCH no one bite Rocky today 10 that Rocky
isn't seying anything OF doing anything to give them reason.
He 18 got to start taking BOMO stands on issues.
ADDISTONAL THOUGHTS
I know that in our various institutions, the word
has gobc forth that television to the medium that makes
the largest impact, television is the way we hit come 10,000,000
where rallies don't make a dain bit of difference etc.
I think we ought to consider the question why we
want television exposure and on we want tolevision exposure?
One reason for tolevision exposure in to got identified
to the public. But god knows, everybody in the country knows
who RN is, and those that don't would know just as 8000 as the
convention 5.s over. So we don't want to be identified.
A second reason vould be that our personal appearance
is an asset. This is a day and age when the TV screen is
filled with incredibly handsome young people, and the only
politicians I know who are "attractive" in their facial ex-
pressions and mion on TV are Jack Kennedy and Reagan. Thus,
I don't think how RN looks, or his personality are reasons
for getting onto the tube.
Third, RN might want to get on the tube to get his
message across, to talk with the people. Right, this is a
legitimate reason. What is RN's message. He knows more about
foreign policy than anybody else in the country and is the
best qualified man to be President. How can you show this ou
you can-
a one-minute slot? You can't show anything about RN's qualifi-
not necensaily
cations; in one minute RN can say about 150 words on the
with RN
saying something
wes 2 -
Mid-Last OF Vietman. Can we dommatrate anything in a single
two or three-minuto ammunt on Victmen, which would load
someone to believe we could handle it better?
Can Rd say something which vill take one-minute on
Cronkite's show that 1:131 mulce somebody in his living room
say, "He can settle the Middle East better than Dockefeller
or Johnson or Reegon" could settle the Middle East.
I don't think so.
No. People have been told repeatedly that RN has had
twenty years experience in foreign policy; they have heard
about his travels. (Incidentally, TV shots of RN abroad,
this is the
pictures, not of RN saying anything, but of RN travoling
point
in Victnam, in Iran, in Kenya, in Israel, etc. help here
at home.
What RN says about Vietnam on a nows clip will not
lead anybody to think he can handle Vietnam better he
might, however, remind somebody who already thinks so, but
the reminder 16 really not that important.
(In conclusion on this point, our big assets; ex-
perience, qualification, ability, are not things that can
be shown on Walter Cronkite or Huntley-Brinklcy. So, why
do we want to be on those shows at all?)
Let me go further. We don't need TV to prove we are
the most experienced, most qualified and most able; we don't
- 3 ->
need TV to got ourselves Ruotes NO don't need 1t to dowon-
strate 115 have the 100% and the glinnoon. Do no need the
dama thing at all and do we wint it.
Yes. But only to do the job we want it to do. No
want it controlled. And we can control 1t, because while
the promo CAU Melto that IN 1s doing X, Y or 7, the TV
can't show 15, unless RN invites them to do 80. I say, thus,
that IV is a partially controllable medium and we ought to
make it work for us.
In these arean. We CON use IIV to dectroy some of
the
myths
about
RN.
One of these myths 10 that RN 10 mean
and ruthless. Another is that RN is astrictly political
character who docen't give a damn about principles or problems,
but only about the politics of the situation. (Note: these
are the same things that are said, or rather "were" said about
Robert Kennedy, and look how ho has managed TV to get rid of
them. He makes with the shy little boy smile and talks, not
about the political situation, but about the starving children
in Recife, Brazil. "Can you imagine that; little children
growing up without a glass of milk etc. etc. etc."
I thus think that RN's appearances on TV should be
of the following kind:
1) He ought not go before the cameras to talk about
politics, to talk about the primaries and all that garbage.
The people who are astute about the business of politics know
- 4 -
RN is 8: pro, but there to no senso showing you are a
sophistical pro to a lot of people who think politics 10
a dirty business. In short, if we know a TV show is going
to quiz you on how the primaries are going to go, or what
Reagan and Robery are going to do, or who is moving where
inst what kood does 10 do us for RW to go on and explain
all the interiencies. no WO make any now converts that way?
Summary of point one. Many people think politics
is per se dirty business. Okay, that's the conventional
wisdom. Then, rather than show that RN is an excellent and
sophisticated politician, why the hell do we want to talk
about politics at all on a TV camera to ten million people.
We don't need the xposure; and we don't need to remind the
prudish that RN is an excellent politicion.
Point Two: To destroy the myth that RN is mean and
that he places politics ahoad of principles, RN ought to
get on shows where he can kid himself, where he can talk
about family, where he can crack jokes about past foibles.
On other shows, he ought to talk about problems, dismiss
questions about primarios and say, we have to concern ourselves
not with political management, but the goal. In short, use
the TV to convey the impression that RN isn't thinking about
New Hampshire or Wisconsin, but about Harlem and Appalachia.
Specifically, then, Buchanan would rather see RN on
Cronkite telling a Joke about himself than being quoted on
- 5 N/W
Vietnam. If 8 BW docen't know 12 IN can hendle Victrac,
that minute mon't convince his. But a guy who thinks RN
is a humbrloss S.O.H. might be stumed and convinced by a
grinning RN telling about his "getting stoned in Caracas.
Receivelizopy
file
9/5,
PRONCIS
ST
THIS IS ST FRANCIS HOTEL
GA PLS
NIXON HDQTRS NYC
HAVE A MESSAGE FOR BOB HALDEMAN FROM JJACK
DROWN
FINE GA WILL DELIVER
TO 30B HALDEMAN
FROM JACK DROWN
SEPT 5
IN TALKING TO FRED SEATON THIS MORNING ABOUT NEBRASKA, HE
RN
7
INDICATED THAT UNLESS HE HEARD FROM RN BY THIS SATURDAY,
can
HE WAS GOING FISHING.
HE SAID HE WAS NOT ANGRY, BUT NEITHER HE NOR BOB HILL NOR
JOHN LODGE -- AND ЧЕ WASN\T SUPE ABOUT WALTER WILLIAMS
AND LYNN HOLTON 11 44D BEEN ASSIGNED ANYTHING DEFINITE TO
DO.
SEATON ALSO INDICATED THAT MAMIE EISENHOWER HAD CALLED AND
TOLD HIM THAT HE WOULD NOT NEED TO STAND BY BECAUSE IKE WAS
IMPROVING RAPIDLY.
THANKS END
RECEIVED FINE AND WILL DELIVER THIS AFTN
END OR GA
END\5
September 26, 1968
TO:
Buchanan
FROM:
Allan
Re:
RN Projected visit to Mexico
FmmuAmbassador Robert Hill advises against
RN trip to Mexico on basis of his conversations in last
two days with contacts in Mexico City. Reasons:
1. It is anticipated that there will be
further serious disorders.
2. There is a chance that if RN visits
Mexico City there could be extensive
Communist-led demonstrations against
RN. Coming 20 days before election,
it could damage RN image as statesman.
September 26, 1968
RNC ANSWER DESK:
MONITOR SEES POSSIBLE HUMPHREY COMEBACK
"Many careful observers believe that Mr. Humphrey will cut
into the Nixon lead in the weeks ahead. They feel that he is presently
at a low point. Some even think that he might make a surprise comeback,
as President Truman did in 1948." (Richard L. Strout, Christian Science
Monitor, 9/26/68)
STROUT SAID IN ANOTHER STORY:
"Mr. Humphrey's proposal (to raise Social Security benefits
and finance them from the general Treasury) may bring domestic matters
back into the campaign to replace Foreign Policy and especially the
Vietnam issue which has seemed like an albatross around his neck. "
"The fast-talking Mr. Humphrey may be living in a world of
make-believe, but his euphoric bounce seems to be having some effect
on doubtful auiences. " (Christian Science Monitor, 9/26/68)
The the intho our tools that pour
RJ
MEMORANDUM
SEPTEMBER 25, 1968
TO:
BOB HALDEMAN
CC: LOIE GAUNT
FROM:
JOHN WHITAKER
Loie phoned today asking if anyone was present on the 18th
besides R.N. the Cardinal and Asa Call when they had breakfast.
Asa has told Loie that RN intended to be in Palm Springs between
December 4-7 to attend the Republican Governors' Conference,
and on the basis of this Cardinal McIntyre plans to set up an Al
Smith type dinner during that period. Naturally, the Cardinal
wishes to promote this as soon as possible.
With ever-loving cheers to whoever the poor guy is who worries
about these things after November 5
Love,
w
September 25, 1968
MEMORANDUM
TO:
RN
FROM:
Maury Stans
As we discussed Monday on the telephone,
it would be greatly helpful to our efforts if we can have Agnew
for two or three fund-raising dinners. Hope you can work something
out.
LA already committed
one or two other major one
would OK
Done.
Telefax
western union
Telefax
224P CDT SEP 25 68 KC248
LC176 L PFA306 PDB FAX PHOENIX ARIZ 25 1140A MST
THE HONORABLE RICHARD NIXON
BROWN PALACE HOTEL DVR
STRONGLY URGE-YOU CANCEL PLANS FOR VISIT TO MEXICO CITY ON
GROUNDS THAT IT WILL NOT PRODUCE VOTES FOR YOU HERE AND YOU
MIGHT BE THE CAUSE OF INCITINGMORE TROUBLE AT YOUR OWN PERSONAL
RISK. I REPEAT, DO NOT GO
BARRY GOLDWATER.
(1214).
147
fill
AGAY - -
WU 1270 (R8-66)
AGNEW
The
Campaign Committee
450 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
murry
(212) 661-6400
Murray Chotiner
Special Assistant to Campaign Manager
September 25, 1968
hope done you saw
MEMORANDUM
the results it
TO:
Bob Haldeman
FROM:
Murray Chotiner
You probably have picked up the "floating" rumors:
"
1. Dick is opposed to Social Security and Medicare.
N
2.
Dick has no farm plank, and we are ignoring the
Mid-West farm bloc states playing to California
Wisconsin and New York, ignoring grain and live-
stock farmers. .
"
We all know the usual story which is: If we send
out statements, they do not get the attention they
deserve. However, anything Dick says will be picked
up.
Will you please put the above items in the hopper.
MMC: bh
terruary
September 24, 1968
TO:
HALDEMAN
FROM: SHAKESPEARE
The research results on the Cleveland television
program are even more favorable than Chicago. Major
points include:
1) The audience increased during the program
from a 9% rating in the first half hour to 12% in the
second. This means starting viewers tended to stay with it
and others, chancing upon the program in progress, tended
to be attracted.
2) The unduplicated rating was 18%, meaning almost
one home in five throughout Ohio and Indiana saw some of
the program.
3) The reaction to Nixon was extraordinarily
favorable. In response to a query about their "impression"
of Nixon, 74% said "more favorable," 26%, "about the same"
and none (!!) "less favorable."
The viewers were far more impressed with Nixon than
on the specifics of his answers. In characterizing their
impressions, they used words such as "sincere," "honest,"
"straightforward," "like the way he handles himself" rather
than referring to a stand or policy. The most common phrase,
used by almost one in four, was "he has the ability to be
- 2 -
President."
5) An astonishing 86% of the viewers could think
of nothing they disliked about the program.
6) About half the viewers characterized themselves
as Democrats or Independents.
This program concept is clearly effective.
We should, however, guard against a danger. Both RN and
the staff may understandably start to think of these pro-
grams as routine, forgetting that each program is new to
hundreds of thousands of voters. We should continue en-
deavoring to keep the day of telecast uncluttered for RN
and provide him with sufficient time at the studio to be
alone for ten minutes, in a cool room, collecting his
thoughts, just prior to air.
# # #
9/24
L
?
done
B.B.
handle
MEMORANDUM TO BOB HALDEMAN
From Buchanan
Can you get this processed for us?
Buchanan
The $1000 fee is
in cash - from
Mitchell -
The expenses shed
follow the normal
process
Memorandum
TO
:
.at uchenan
DATE: 18 September 1963
FROM :
102
SUBJECT:
Expenses
I would appreciate it if you would check to see if
ay request for reimbursement of expenses in the amount
)
?
of 100.83 is bein processed.
Also, I would be grateful if you could arrange for
bayment of my September Cctober fee of 1000.
I haven't heard anything, but I understand that my
draft piece and the item on decentralization of the cities
is being passed around the bureaucracy. 1 1 have attempted
to set together with Alan Greenspan, but thus far haven't
been able to work out mutually convenient arran_ements.
hope to get to ether in the next couple weeks.
I would we interested in hearing about the meeting
homney is havin_ on urban problems and the de_ree to which
independent sector solutions will se pushed. 3y the way,
has anyone Liven consideration to jakin a more detailed
statement in this area?
September 23, 1968
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Richard M. Nixon
Hon. Walter Hickel
Spiro T. Agnew
Hon. John A. Volpe
Robert Ellsworth
Hon. Howard Baker
Robert Finch
Hon. Mark O. Hatfield
Peter Flanigan
Hon. William Brock
H. R. Haldeman
Hon. George Bush
Herb Klein
Hon. Clark MacGregor
Richard Kleindienst
Hon. F. Bradford Morse
Charles IcWhorter
Hon. Donald Rumsfeld
John Mitchell
Charles "Bud" Wilkinson
Richard Moore
John Sears
Arthur Sohmer
George White
Rose Mary Woods
FROM:
Jeffrey Kimball
RE:
SURROGATE CANDIDATES
COMPLETED EVENTS
June 27th
Congressman F. Bradford Morse of Massachusetts
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 12 & 13
Governor Walter J. Hickel of Alaska
Blue Hills, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
July 18th
Senator Mark O. Hatfield of Oregon
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
July 19th
Congressman F. Bradford Morse of Massachusetts
Concord, New Hampshire
July 23rd
"Bud" Wilkinson, National Committeeman from
Oklahoma
Newark, New Jersey
September 23, 1968
Page Two
July 26th &
Governor John A. Volpe of Massachusetts
27th
Cleveland, Ohio
Morristown, New Jersey
Gearhart, Oregon
July 28th
Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee
Chicago, Illinois
August 24th
Governor John A. Volpe of Massachusetts
Carbondale, Illinois
August 25th
Congressman George Bush of Texas
Ashtabula, Ohio
September 5th Governor John A. Volpe
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 6th Governor John A. Volpe
Newark, New Jersey
September 7th "Bud" Wilkinson, National Committeeman from Oklahoma
Minneapolis, Minnesota
September
Congressman Clark MacGregor of Minnesota
10th
Kansas City, Missouri
September
Congressman George Bush of Texas
13th
Portsmouth, Virginia
Newport News & Hampton, Virginia
September
Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee
13th
Chicago, Illinois
Dallas, Texas
September
Governor John A. Volpe of Massachusetts
16th
New Haven, Connecticut
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Fairfield, Connecticut
September
Governor John A. Volpe
18th
Boston, Massachusetts
September 23, 1968
Page Three
September
Senator Mark O. Hatfield
19th
Cleveland, Ohio
Senator Howard Baker
September
Houston, Texas
19th
September
Congressman George Bush
19th
Tulsa, Oklahoma
September
Governor Walter J. Hickel
19th
San Diego, California
September
"Bud" Wilkinson
19
Columbia, South Carolina
September
Congressman Clark MacGregor of Minnesota
20th
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
September
Governor John A. Volpe
21st
Syracuse, New York
September
Senator Mark O. Hatfield
21st
Newport, Rhode Island
September
Congressman George Bush
21st
Chicago, Illinois
St. Charles, Illinois
September
Congressman George Bush
22nd
Morristown, New Jersey
New Vernon, New Jersey
September
Congressman F. Bradford Morse
22nd
Concord, New Hampshire
COMMITTED EVENTS
September
Governor John A. Volpe
24th
San Francisco, California
Meet with Italo-American Leaders
September 23, 1968
Page Four
September
Governor John A. Volpe
25th
Los Angeles, California
Meet with Italo-American Leaders
September
Governor Walter J. Hickel
25th
Portland, Oregon
September
"Bud"Wilkinson
26th
Casper, Wyoming
Republican Fund Raising Dinner
September
Governor Walter J. Hickel
26th
San Francisco, California
September
Congressman Clark MacGregor
26th
Newark, New Jersey
North Brunswick, New Jersey
September
Governor Walter J. Hickel
27th
Los Angeles, California
San Diego, California
September
Congressman Donald Rumsfeld
27th
Trenton, New Jersey
September
Senator Howard Baker
27th
Omaha, Nebraska
National Convention of American Indians
September
Governor Walter J. Hickel
28
San Diego, California
September
Governor John A. Volpe
28th
Akron, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
September
Governor Walter J. Hickel
29th
Ojai, California
September 23, 1968
Page Five
October 1st
Governor John A. Volpe
Detroit, Michigan
Chicago, Illinois
October 3rd
Senator Howard Baker
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Wausau, Wisconsin
October 3rd
Governor John A. Volpe
New Jersey
October 3rd
Congressman William Brock
Panama City, Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Fort Pierce, Florida
October 4th
Senator Howard Baker
Detroit, Michigan
October 4th
Congressman George Bush
Moline & Rock Island, Illinois
October 4th
Congressman William Brock
Wilmington, North Carolina
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Burlington, North Carolina
October 5th
Governor John A. Volpe
Barre, Vermont
October 5th
Congressman William Brock
Bowling Green, Kentucky
October 9th
Senator Howard Baker
Washington, D. C.
$100 Fund Raising Dinner
September 23, 1968
Page Six
October
Governor John A. Volpe
9th
Nassau County, New York
$100 Fund Raising Dinner
October
Congressman F. Bradford Morse
9th
Portland, Maine
Portland Chamber of Commerce
October
Congressman George Bush
9th
Arkansas
$100 Fund Raising Dinner
October
Governor Walter J. Hickel
10th
Indianapolis, Indiana
Columbia Club Banquet
October
Governor John A. Volpe
11th
New York, New York
October
Governor Walter J. Hickel
12th
Kansas
October
Governor John A. Volpe
12th
Chicago, Illlnois
Columbus Day Parade
October
Governor John A. Volpe
13th
Buffalo, New York
Federation of Italian-American Societies
October
Congressman George Bush
15th
Greenwich, Connecticut
Fund Raising Dinner
October
Governor John A. Volpe
15th
Old Forge, Pennsylvania
Meeting with Italo-American Leaders
September 23, 1968
Page Seven
October 22nd Congressman George Bush
Minot, North Dakota
October 26th
Governor John A. Volpe
New York, New York
Grand Council of Columbia Association
October 29th
Senator Mark O. Hatfield
Indianapolis, Indiana
State-wide Fund Raiser
Suggested Speech Comments from Murray Chotiner:
It is suggested that our speakers. concur in statement of
Congressman Melvin Laird of Wisconsin, Chairman of the
House GOP Conference, urging HHH to repudiate Democrat
National Committee Chairman O'Brien's suggestion on "Meet
the Press, " that the election of RN might lead to aparthied
in America.
Integration of public schools in the South, pursuant to
the Supreme Court 1954 decision, began in Little Rock during
the Republican Administration. This was an historic milestone
in Civil Rights progress.
O'Brien's desperation is understandable. The country-
wide reports are that Democrats are turning away from their
party's nominee in droves; that Nixon must be given the chance
to correct the bumbling.
Humphrey should be challenged in speeches to take a
position on whether he criticizes any of the decisions of the
Supreme Court and whether he advocates legislative action to
correct them.
Ask HHH to name the issues on which he differs with
Johnson over the past 4 years. Also would like to know what
members of LBJ's cabinet he would retain.
September 23, 1968
Page Eight
It is suggested that we not attack Johnson in con-
nection with this point, but merely to have HHH declare
whether he will follow the LBJ policies. No matter what
he answers, he will be in trouble.
If he departs from LBJ, he incurs his wrath. If he
does not depart from LBJ, he will incur the wrath of the
people.