Chapter 31 Section 2 A Search For Order Riddlebarger WATERGATE Chapter 31 Section 2 A Search For Order Riddlebarger

Nixon’s 1st Term

“Always remember that others may hate you but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.” -Richard M. Nixon, announcing his resignation on August 8, 1974.

Nixon’s 1st Term Nixon’s 1st term (1969-72) has its difficult moments but overall, he had many successes. Still, he is very concerned about his political future. His history in presidential elections leaves him feeling uncertain This leads to his support of illegal actions to try to ensure his re-election

The Plumbers Nixon had a reputation as a political scrapper At times, his supporters use questionable actions during his 1st term Nixon advisors, H.R. Haldeman & John Erlichman did political dirty work Created a group know as the “Plumbers” Plumbers are to respond to any “leaks” of secret information & to investigate political enemies. Pentagon Papers Erlichman (top) from historyplace.com and Haldeman (bottom) from Washpost

1972 Election In 1972, Nixon & staff are focused on re-election CREEP (Committee to Re-Elect the President) His chances look good Nixon & advisors still feel uneasy In early 1972, they develop a scheme to break into the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters. Located at Watergate office-hotel complex. Wanted to collect info to use against them in election wiretaps

Break-In The break-in ends with the arrest of 5 men. It barely made the news at the time Slowly events will to emerge that connect the burglars to the president Heavy national media coverage won’t come until the next year

5 days after break-in… “The White House has no involvement whatsoever in this particular incident.”

Bernstein & Woodward Even though national media isn’t paying much attention, 2 young local reporters continued to investigate Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein They began to uncover burglars connections to the White House

The Scandal Unfolds At this point, public doesn’t seem to be paying much attention Nixon easily wins re-election in 1972 With re-election, Nixon may have thought Watergate issues were behind him Actually, the scandal is just about to explode

Nixon Involvement? By Feb. 1973, 7 men connected to White House or Nixon re-election have been found guilty or pled guilty to Watergate-connected crimes Questions emerge from trials- How much did Nixon know & was he involved in a cover-up? Washington Post continues to investigate Now the public and Congress are paying attention

Nixon Aides Resign Nixon orders his staff to investigate April 1973: Haldeman & Erlichman resign along with Nixon’s Attorney General Nixon fires John Dean whom he had appointed to investigate the Watergate Scandal These moves were meant to show the public that Nixon was taking tough action against wrong-doing

After the firings… “There can be no whitewash at the White House.”

Reaction Republicans are calmed by Nixon’s actions Congressman Gerald Ford praised Nixon for “cleaning house” Democrats aren’t so sure They demand a special prosecutor (someone not connected to Nixon administration) be appointed to investigate the scandal. Nixon later agrees and appoints Archibald Cox to be special prosecutor.

Senate Watergate Hearings May ‘73: Senate begins televised hearings on Watergate Public is tuned in What did the President know, and and when did he know it?” -Sen. Howard Baker Republican

“When the President does it, that means that it's not illegal.” - Richard Nixon

Butterfield’s Bombshell Senate hearing produce lots of drama John Dean testifies that he had spoken with Nixon many times about Watergate & cover-up July ‘73: Former Nixon aide Alexander Butterfield reveals that Nixon records all White House conversations.

Nixon Obstruction Nixon does not want to give up tapes to investigators He claims executive privilege (president has right to keep official conversations & meetings private.) Investigators reject these claims Special Prosecutor Cox & Senate Watergate Committee continue to seek tapes Get a subpoena to order Nixon to turn them over

Saturday Night Massacre “Whether ours shall be a government of laws and not of men is now for Congress and ultimately the American people to decide.” Nixon’s response to subpoena: Orders his Attorney General to fire Cox A.G. refuses and quits instead Lower level official fires Cox. Saturday Night Massacre stuns many Americans Archibald Cox

The Pressure Mounts Public confidence in Nixon is now very low. He continues to deny involvement in break-in or cover-up. “I am not a crook.” He delays the release of the tapes White House then says critical 18 minute section of tape has been unexplainably erased Calls for his resignation or impeachment grow. He releases some transcripts of tapes These seem to suggest he had some knowledge of break-in and role in cover-up. Investigators still want the tapes.

Nixon Resigns July 1974: Supreme Court orders Nixon to turn over all tapes. House Judiciary Committee votes to recommend impeachment. Aug. 8, 1974: Nixon announces his resignation.