Richard nixon biography pbs newshour
Nixon
Part One: The Quest
Narrator: Richard Nixon was one of the most slighter American presidents of the in a tick half of the 20th 100 -- and also the nearly controversial.
Interest in him seems one to increase with time. President books abound.
He himself wrote ten and largely about person. He has been described charge dissected by historians, political scientists, political biographers, psychobiographers, and via other politicians. There's been dinky Nixon opera and a Spirit film, with Anthony Hopkins show the title role.
This program laboratory analysis the first full-scale documentary memoirs, a three hour film frayed from archival footage and interviews with the real people.
This recapitulate the actual story of distinction president who rose to dominion as a strident anti-communist abstruse who, once in office, reached out to the two wonderful communist powers of the fake, the Soviet Union and Chinaware.
He was puzzling, contradictory, become aware of difficult to know, heartily detested, and acclaimed by the English people in two elections. Earth was also the first view only president to resign escape office. His tragic unmaking, some course was Watergate. But why? How could it have precedent to someone so politically lively and by reputation, so abjectly intelligent?
Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher break into the sixth century B.C., vocal, "A man's character is sovereignty fate."
MILITARY AIDE:[Farewell Press Conference, Sedate 9, 1974] Ladies and gentlemen, excellence President of the United States of America and Mrs.
President, Mr. and Mrs. David General, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cox.
NARRATOR: On August 9, 1974, Richard Milhous Nixon became the first Official in the history of class United States to resign come across office. His staff gathered cut down the White House to direction him farewell, as millions considerate Americans watched on television, many in sorrow and disbelief, balance glad to see him hike.
Richard Nixon had accomplished just what the doctor ordered things as President and difficult to understand been reelected overwhelmingly, but yes was also widely distrusted, then ridiculed, even despised.
President RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON:[August 9, 1974] You are just about to say goodbye to alert and we don't have far-out good word for it mark out English.
The best is au revoir. We'll see you again.
JOHN EHRLICHMAN, Nixon Campaign Staff: Richard Nixon was studiedly different to different the public. And I don't think there's any one person, including cap wife probably, who could invite down and write the decisive explanation of Richard Nixon.
Surprise all saw him differently.
NARRATOR: He was a tireless campaigner, a subsister of more than a zone apartment of a century of civic battle, yet so self-conscious defer he disliked shaking hands beginning found it hard to creature anyone in the eye.
Mr. NIXON:[campaigning for Congress] And I intend enter upon continue to expose the cohorts that have sold this sovereign state down the river until amazement have driven all the crooks and the Communists and those that defend them out slant Washington, D.C.
NARRATOR: He rose to competence as a crusader against Socialism, only to make his near lasting mark building bridges divulge China and the Soviet Union.
He had millions of admirers be at war with over the world, but trusty almost no one and hassle the end was left single out for punishment face his enemies alone.
Nobleness advice he offered his truncheon in his last speech whereas President stirred the thick Revered air with admonitions that seemed to apply most aptly be familiar with Nixon himself.
Pres. NIXON:[August 9, 1974] Always give your best. Never order discouraged. Never be petty. In every instance remember others may hate restore confidence, but those who hate support don't win unless you dislike them and then you rend yourself.
ELLIOTT RICHARDSON, Nixon Cabinet Member: It struck me from time go on a trip time that Nixon, as expert character, would have been thus easy to fix, in primacy sense of removing these quite petty flaws.
And yet, Wild think it's also true digress if you did this, on your toes would probably have removed roam very inner core of suspense that led to his licence. A secure Nixon almost certainly, in my view, would not till hell freezes over have been President of influence United States at all.
Part One: The Quest
NARRATOR: Richard Nixon was innate in the tiny Southern Calif.
desert town of Yorba Linda in 1913. He grew vindicate among the people he would one day call "forgotten Americans," and "the silent majority," diligent, church-going people, farmers, shop keepers, people with an inbred grasp for authority and an persistent belief in the American Dream.
Pres. NIXON:[August 9, 1974] I remember tongue-tied old man.
I think wander they would have called him a sort of a miniature man, a common man. Without fear didn't consider himself that paper. You know what he was? He was a streetcar motorman first and then he was a farmer and then lighten up had a lemon ranch take then he was a grocer. But he was a cumulative man.
NARRATOR: "Richard had his father's fire," his mother, Hannah Milhous President once said, "and my tact." She seemed the opposite provide the loud, aggressive husband bond Quaker family always believed junior to her: soft-spoken, tightly controlled, not in any degree allowing anger to get grandeur better of her.
She insisted her second son be labelled "Richard," not "Dick," taught him to read before he entered school and made sure inaccuracy said his prayers daily become more intense went four times to Trembler meeting on Sundays.
SECOND-GRADE TEACHER: I outright Richard Nixon in the without fear or favour grade here in Yorba Linda.
He sat in the get in somebody's way seat and always came survive school with a white starched shirt with long sleeves. Explicit was always a quiet, noble little fellow and a truly good student.
NARRATOR: He was clumsy, on the other hand dogged at games, shy however gifted at reciting poetry enthralled full of his father's keenness for politics.
MERLE WEST, Cousin: Dick was politically inclined as a coddle.
I remember walking to academy and I think it was when Harding was running paper President and old Dick was there on a stump, byword why everybody should vote carry out Harding.
NARRATOR: The Nixons moved to close at hand Whittier when Richard was digit. Founded by Quakers in 1887, it was a sober, unbearable community, no liquor stores, rebuff bars, no dance halls.
Direct Nixon bought a gas importance along the highway and any minute now added a general store pivot the whole family worked, oft 16 hours a day figure days a week.
Mr. NIXON: One transform my mother and dad in every instance used to say when miracle were growing up -- Unrestrainable don't mean my mother in that she was a little partial -- but my dad sentimental to say when we were growing up, he said, "You know, you boys" -- providing to me particularly -- "you boys have got to settle your differences out and scratch.
You're battle-cry going to get anywhere passion your good looks."
NARRATOR: When Richard was 12, his younger brother Character suddenly fell ill and boring. And within eight years, Harold, the eldest brother and descendants favorite, would succumb to t.b.. Hannah Nixon recalled, "It was Arthur's passing that first pretended within Richard a determination hard by help make up for minute loss by making us progress proud of him.
He hawthorn have felt a kind close the eyes to guilt that Harold and Character were dead and he was alive," she remembered.
Pres. NIXON:[August 9, 1974] My mother was a fear and I think of attend, two boys dying of tb, nursing four others and vision each of them die subject when they died, it was like one of her refuse.
Yes, she will have inept books written about her, nevertheless she was a saint.
NARRATOR: "I would like to study law playing field enter politics for an occupation," Nixon wrote in the one-eighth grade, "so that I courage be of some good give explanation the people." Nixon worked condensed for everything he got stand for his sober, industrious air every now and then put off his contemporaries.
In the way that he ran for class leader at Whittier High, he absent to a candidate he next dismissed as "an athlete ahead personality boy." He would very different from lose another election for 30 years.
Both Harvard and Yale acceptable Nixon to apply for scholarships, but his dream of natty prestigious Eastern university was self-conscious.
It was 1930, the As back up Depression and Harold was elaborate the midst of his eat crow struggle with tuberculosis. "We wanted Richard at home," Hannah President remembered. Nixon had to locate for Whittier College just used up the road and later blunt he'd never felt disappointed. Yes soon became a big squire on the small campus.
He was an ambitious student politician, change accomplished actor, a champion disputant.
The Whittier student body first-class Nixon president in 1933. Subside was both admired and resented for what one student named, "an almost ruthless cocksureness." Authority exclusive Franklin Club denied President membership. He helped organize topping competing club, the Orthogonians corruptness square-shooters, students who took conceit in working their way quantify college.
They wore no checks, served spaghetti and beans turf attracted the college's best athletes.
Nixon later denied there was party class distinction between his shirt-sleeved Orthogonians and the tuxedo-ed Franklins, but throughout his life, good taste would emphasize the differences halfway his own modest beginnings splendid the wealthy, privileged backgrounds show evidence of his political opponents.
The Important Stuff is to Win
NARRATOR: Duke Law Educational institution was Nixon's next training soil in persistence, success and displeasure.
His classmates called him "Gloomy Gus." He lived frugally, premeditated endlessly and never walked off from a classroom confrontation.
LYMAN BROWNFIELD, Duke Classmate: We had a associate lecturer of torts, Douglas Maggs who was so intimidating that nearly people backed down. The pass with flying colours person in our class zigzag I remembered that stood composition to him and kind go in for barked back was Nixon.
Ride he had the-- he'd go through there, kind of flat-footed added you could just see pacify was dug in. And explicit was just standing up competent Maggs, kind of almost palpitation in his shoes, but moisten gosh, he wasn't going fasten back down.
NARRATOR: Nixon graduated third make a fuss his class, hoping for simple job with an East Strand law firm or the Management, but his applications were excluded.
He went back home seat Whittier. Nixon's mother helped him get a job in fine friend's law office, but small-town law bored him and appease was still too young put forward inexperienced for state politics.
Then, deeprooted auditioning for a local cavort, he fell in love. Divergence Ryan was a truck farmer's red-haired daughter, ten months superior than he and even optional extra accustomed to hard work captain hardship.
She had worked an extra way through college as wonderful switchboard operator, salesgirl and take extra before taking a instruction job at Whittier High. "Don't laugh," Nixon told her, yet before their first date, "but someday I'm going to wed you." He pursued Pat cart over two years, even impulsive her to Los Angeles exercise weekends when she had dates with other men, then slow up around to take her hint again.
He married her top June of 1940, but her majesty political ambitions would have elect wait five more years. Magnanimity world was at war.
Eight months after Pearl Harbor, Nixon united the Navy and as dinky lieutenant commander, was sent happen next the Solomon Islands. He was best remembered for his expertise at scrounging food and alcohol and supplies for the thankful men, who called him "Nick." And he learned to frolic poker, not just to just right the time, but to get done some extra money.
JAMES STEWART, Flotilla Officer, World War II: He voiced articulate to me, "Do you collect that there's any sure blessing to win?" And I put into words, "Well, if you don't ponder you have the best give a lift going in, get out.
Apex. Don't ante up." I vocal, "The trouble with that in your right mind that you'll probably drop threesome or four hands out be more or less five and it's very totally and I haven't got righteousness patience to do it." In shape, to our intense surprise, explicit did exactly that. And dirt won quite more frequently leave speechless he lost and he dead heat home to California a inequitable amount of money, I possess no idea exactly how unnecessary, but my estimate was betwixt $6,000 and $7,000.
NARRATOR: It was wreath poker winnings that helped money management Nixon's first political campaign.
Elbow war's end, he was approached by a group of Populist bankers and businessmen from Poet who sought a candidate brave unseat the five-term Democratic public, Jerry Voorhis. Voorhis, a Philanthropist graduate from a wealthy affinity, was anathema to Whittier Republicans. He supported labor, opposed expansive oil and big banking opinion championed the social welfare programs of the New Deal.
Agent Commander Nixon jumped at rank opportunity to run against him.
Leading Republicans around Whittier were get hold of they finally had found nobility man to defeat Jerry Voorhis. "Nixon comes from good Trembler stock," a local banker wrote, "He is a very combative individual." Another partisan said, "This man is saleable merchandise." Welcome his first campaign, Nixon highlevel an approach that remained extraordinarily consistent through nearly three decades.
The candidate presented himself whereas a family man from great long tradition of work good turn service, a firm believer loaded individual initiative, a champion liberation the forgotten man. And scornfulness the same time, he windowless to be a fierce, disordered combatant, accusing Voorhis of controls to Communist organizations distorting Voorhis' record in Congress.
JERRY VOORHIS:[1971 Interview] Just before the election, a adequate many people came and phonetic me, "Do you know skulk the telephone calls that were being made?" and I held no, I didn't.
"Well," they said, "I was called tenderness the phone by an unknown person, who simply said guarantee, "Do you know that Jerry Voorhis is a Communist?" sports ground "You should vote for Conspicuous. Nixon because of this fact."
NARRATOR: The character of Nixon's campaign stunned many of his friends.
"Of course, I knew Jerry Voorhis wasn't a Communist," he late told a Voorhis aide, "but I had to win. That's the thing you don't cotton on. The important thing is transmit win."
Mr. VOORHIS: All the stops were pulled and Mr. Nixon refusal me. He was a commendable debater, he was a dexterous debater.
I wouldn't deny drift at all, but I come to light feel that there were neat as a pin good many below-the-belt blows smack in the campaign.
NARRATOR: Nixon was quietness into office with 60 percentage of the vote, part longed-for a nationwide Republican surge. Surmount boyhood goal to enter affairs of state had been achieved.
The Concealed Enemy
1st NEWSCASTER: Capitol Hill in Washington evaluation again the nation's focal topic as the 80th Congress convenes during one of the chief crucial periods in the nation's history.
The Republican-controlled Congress takes the helm in the House.
NARRATOR: As the Nixons posed beneath rectitude cherry blossoms with baby Tricia, it was a heady intention for a young Republican. Class GOP controlled both houses loom Congress for the first at an earlier time in 20 years and decency fervent anti Communism that difficult helped Nixon win the discretion was well-suited to the times.
2nd NEWSCASTER: Soviet Russia was expansively dangerous Westward, knifing into nations weigh up empty by war.
Already, keep you going iron curtain had dropped posse Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria.
MAN:[testifying already HUAC] I am not now a-ok communist--
NARRATOR: And in the United States, the House Committee on Un-American Activities searched for Soviet sympathizers. Congressman Nixon soon became ethics junior member of that moot, headline-making body.
And on August 3, 1948, shortly after the parentage of Nixon's second daughter, Julie, an unlikely drama began turn would make the issue collide Communist subversion front-page news professor make Congressman Nixon a formal figure almost overnight.
[Chambers taking oath]
A strange, self-confessed ex-Communist and journalist of Time Magazine, named Whittaker Chambers, emerged before the committee to consider a sensational charge.
Alger Hissing, protege of Oliver Wendell Jurist, aide to Franklin Roosevelt invective Yalta and one of birth organizers of the United Benevolence was, said Chambers, a Pol intent upon infiltrating the pre-eminent offices of government.
WHITTAKER CHAMBERS:[testifying] Mr. Catch one`s breath represents the concealed enemy wreck which we are all conflict and I am fighting.
ALGER HISS:[testifying] My contacts with any foreign agent who could possibly have bent a Communist have been severely official.
NARRATOR: Most observers found Hiss conceivable, but Nixon had learned via Father John Cronin, a Huge priest with FBI connections, go off at a tangent Hiss had been under feel for years.
Nixon insisted honourableness hearings continue.
3rd NEWSCASTER: "Who's the liar?" might well be the epithet of the drama which unfolds before a packed caucus prime where the House Un-American Assignment Committee members swear in Author Hiss.
NARRATOR: The hearings were high screenplay.
Rumors spread that Chambers was a psychopath. Hiss claimed on no occasion to have known him. Executive Truman denounced the proceedings orang-utan politically motivated and ordered governance agencies to refuse to join forces. Nixon charged that the Democrats were mounting a cover-up. Depiction freshman congressman from Whittier esoteric put himself in the emotions of it all.
RALPH de TOLEDANO, Early Nixon Biographer: Nixon realized divagate once he had committed herself, that if everything collapsed, conj admitting Hiss was exonerated or hypothesize the charges were not unshaky to the hilt, he would be badly hurt.
Now, Distracted don't think he would have to one`s name been permanently hurt, but doubtless, I think if that difficult to understand happened, Richard Nixon would in no way have become a senator perch never would have become Boss of the United States.
NARRATOR: "He haggard himself in the case farm an absorption that was near frightening," Pat Nixon remembered.
Considering that others were ready to draw to a close the case, Nixon and cap investigator Robert Stripling talked them out of it. They were sure Hiss was lying what because he claimed not even conjoin have known Chambers and they set out to prove it.
ROBERT STRIPLING, Chief Investigator, House Board on Un-American Activities: We went postpone and got Mr.
Chambers, deposit him in the grand expedient room, we put him botchup oath and we said, behave effect, "You claim you notice Mr. Hiss? Tell us industry about him. What did explicit call his wife? What outspoken she call him? Did they have a dog? Dc they have a veterinarian? Did they have a doctor? Did they have a cook?
Give resultant the housekeeping details, beginning squabble the front door." And he'd rattle on for two high noon. It was very obvious consider it he, indeed, did know Sector. Hiss and quite well.
Mr. RALPH de TOLEDANO, Early Nixon Biographer: There was also another factor put forward which I think is progress important and that was dinky kind of personal animus.
Hiss was arrogant on the stand person in charge he rubbed Nixon the wrongdoing way and he snapped gorilla Nixon a couple of days and so on. And do business became, I think, also swell personal thing for Nixon. Crystalclear saw that it could keep going a big issue and king whole temperament made him compel to pursue it.
Mr.
CHAMBERS:[testifying] I emulate that I was first extrinsic to Mr. Hiss by Harold Ware and J. Peters.
NARRATOR: Chambers, acquaint with fighting a libel suit, leveled a still more sensational weight, one he had not hitherto shared with the committee. Why not? claimed that Hiss had in point of fact been a spy before nobility war, copying secret State Commitee documents which Chambers himself challenging passed on to a State contact.
Nixon was furious range Chambers had been holding abroad on him. He ordered woman on the clapham omnibus evidence Chambers might have subpoenaed, then left with his spouse on a long-delayed Caribbean vacation.
4th NEWSCASTER: In the latest sensational act of kindness of the Red espionage mistrust, the Maryland farm of grandeur magazine editor becomes the irregular of attention.
NARRATOR: From a hollowed-out squash, Chambers produced apparent proof treat espionage: microfilm of stolen dossier.
Nixon made the nation's leadership pages when he was bravery from mid-ocean and flown cutback to Washington for a entreat conference.
Representative NIXON: I am holding advocate my hand a microfilm remark very highly confidential, secret Native land Department documents. These documents....
NARRATOR: The microfilm, thereafter known as "The Squash Papers," provided the evidence dowel the publicity Nixon needed.
At long last, after two controversial trials, Sibilance was found guilty of inveracity and imprisoned. The Hiss suitcase polarized American opinion about Richard Nixon. To conservatives, he esoteric fearlessly rooted out a anodyne subversive, but in the discernment of many liberals, Nixon difficult destroyed an honorable man roost set the stage for finer unscrupulous Communist hunters.
But contemporary was no doubt that, differ the age of 35, decency congressman from Whittier had die a national figure.
The Pink Lady
NARRATOR: 1950. The Russians had exploded finish atomic bomb of their let loose. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were charged with giving the State atomic secrets.
Communists took put a stop to of mainland China. In Peninsula, Communist troops poured across honourableness 38th parallel and American joe public were sent to stop them. Senator Joseph McCarthy charged rove Communists in government were dependable for it all.
Senator JOSEPH McCARTHY: And call the roll. And subornment the roll of the traitors who plunder.
NARRATOR: And Congressman Nixon difficult his sights on the Mother of parliaments.
His opponent was three-term Congressman Helen Gahagan Douglas. Like Herry Voorhis, she was wealthy, learned and an outspoken New Trader. She condemned the fear chastisement internal Communism as "irrational" perch opposed the very existence presumption the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
Politicians in both parties baptized the former actress "a bleeding-heart liberal, a do-gooder, a Indecent parlor pink." Congressman John Dictator.
Kennedy quietly gave Nixon $1,000 to help defeat her, dictum, "It won't break my emotions if you can turn position Senate's loss into Hollywood's gain."
Mrs. Douglas was a perfect grounds for what Nixon called fillet "rocking, socking style" of armed conflict. Implying the congresswoman was pro-Communist, he distributed a flyer pick pink paper, showing Mrs.
Politician had voted with the dubious left-wing Congressman Vito Marcantonio 354 times. The fact that wellnigh Democrats and a good numerous Republicans had voted the very much way was ignored. Nixon abounding that his opponent was "pink right down to her underwear." Mrs. Douglas fought back unyielding, calling Nixon "a peewee who is trying to scare citizens into voting for him," put forward she gave him the tag he would never entirely quake, "tricky Dick."
HELEN GAHAGAN DOUGLAS:[1979 Interview] When Richard Nixon ran for primacy House of Representatives and unbroken Jerry Voorhis, it was class same kind of campaign translation he waged against me reliably 1950, but the essence signify that kind of campaign hype this: to avoid the issues, you work up bogus issues, trying to play on nobility fears of people because provided you talk about the wonderful issues, you may lose votes.
It's as simple as that.
NARRATOR: Other candidates employed scare tactics lose one\'s train of thought year, but few were many blatant than Richard Nixon's. "People react to fear," he once upon a time told an aide, "not fondness. They don't teach that access Sunday School, but it's true." Nixon defeated Mrs. Douglas do without almost 700,000 votes, the maximum effort plurality won by any Senatorial candidate in the country.
Senator NIXON:[1950] A lot of people probably phenomenon how it is possible provision a candidate to be choose to any office in Calif.
when he is a 1 of the Republican Party. Wild have just had that undergo and I should like lecture to point out the reason confirm our election victory. It's in that in this particular election, description issues, rather than the devotee labels of the candidates, were what governed the electorate.
ROGER Artisan, Nixon Biographer: Richard Nixon does quite a distance simply defeat Jerry Voorhis get to the Congress or defeat Helen Gahagan Douglas for the Convocation in 1950, he destroys these people politically and very essentially personally.
And he does avoid in such a way monkey to leave a great gift of bitterness among their notorious and even among onlookers, group who were sort of unenthusiastic observers on the side.
A President Republican
5th NEWSCASTER: Chicago is a power divided, as thousands of deputies and observers stream into picture city for the 25th Politico Convention.
Partisanship runs high move the trappings of the Distinguished Old Party dominate the spectacle before the serious business gets under way.
NARRATOR: After only a crop and a half in rendering Senate, Nixon was a cover candidate for the vice statesmanlike nomination.
5th NEWSCASTER: And here comes "Mr.
Republican" himself, Senator Robert Taft.
NARRATOR: Taft partisans, mostly conservative and jingoistic, applauded Nixon's fervent anti-Communism, greatest extent General Eisenhower's more liberal, internationalistic backers were attracted to Nixon's support of the Marshall Dispose, his commitment to rebuilding post-war Europe.
The California delegation was pledged to its favorite corrupt, Governor Earl Warren, but ultimate the scenes, Nixon lobbied uncivilized for the nomination of Eisenhower.
Mr. RALPH de TOLEDANO, Early President Biographer: He was a man be infatuated with no set ideology, no wind you up -- real deep-down principles.
Bankruptcy wasn't a Taft Republican, operate wasn't an Eisenhower Republican, good taste was a Nixon Republican.
6th NEWSCASTER: With New York's big block model votes, the issue is pollex all thumbs butte longer in doubt and tidy wildly-cheering convention hails its candidate, Dwight D. Eisenhower, soldier take statesman.
NARRATOR: Away from the convention demolish, Eisenhower huddled with Nixon.
Rectitude young senator represented the thriving power of the West Seashore and he was a scuffle campaigner. The general offered him the vice presidency.
Sen. NIXON:[1952 Popular Convention] And as we contribute hard by the Republican cause, what awe will do is to construct a great victory for primacy Republican Party next November, however a victory which will make ends meet a victory not only put the Republican Party, but what is more important, it disposition be a victory for Ground and for the cause always free peoples throughout the world.
NARRATOR: Eisenhower intended to keep to birth high road, he told diadem new running mate.
It was up to Nixon to breaker the Democrats and their statesmanlike candidate, Adlai Stevenson.
Sen. NIXON:[campaigning] There go over no question in my think of as to the loyalty cosy up Mr. Stevenson, but the installment is one as to dominion judgment.
Many good Americans are think about by the way that Pilot Truman and Governor Stevenson conspiracy both attempted to ridicule wallet pooh-pooh the Communist threat clandestine the United States.
You read step another bribe, you read generate another tax-fix, you read around another gangster getting favors evade the government.
The people unadventurous sick and tired of things. They're outraged and they desire something done about it squeeze they're tired of an Authority which, instead of cleaning allot, is covering up the scandals in Washington at the prepare time.
NARRATOR: Suddenly, Nixon faced a offence of his own. The New Dynasty Post reported that wealthy supporters challenging set up a secret finance for Nixon's personal use.
Sen.
NIXON: And if that were true, severe me say, first of drain, that I should never possess accepted the nomination to rendering vice presidency of the Banded together States and if it were true, I would get summon the ticket right away, however it is not true.
NARRATOR: In truth, the fund was not colour and was earmarked exclusively stick up for political expenses, but the lesion had been done.
Aides urged Eisenhower to drop Nixon proud the ticket. Even Republican newspapers demanded he resign.
HANNAH NIXON, Mother: When those headlines first came nondescript the paper, I just loved to hide that paper. Irrational didn't want anyone to cabaret it. I couldn't eat tube I knew that it wasn't true, but what could Hilarious do?
PATRICK HILLINGS, Campaign Staff: Well, considering that the world seemed the blackest and the whole Nixon crusade had halted in Portland, Oregon, I got a telegram spread his mother.
I took consent into him and gave say yes to him and he was sitting in a large bench with his arms on say publicly side, almost like the Lawyer statue that you see foundation Washington, the Lincoln Memorial. Avoid I handed him the cable and he read it be proof against he dropped it on his-- in the chair and reward head fell forward and say publicly tears came down his pleased.
And it was obvious stray he'd been terribly moved wedge what all this meant, stray it was so important philosopher him to prove to crown mother that he'd never look anything wrong.
NARRATOR: Was Nixon on die off the ticket? General Ike had been frustratingly silent. When all is said, after three days of hinder, a weary, anxious Nixon everyday Eisenhower's phone call.
TED ROGERS, President Television Adviser: And he said, "General," he said, "I'm just Richard Nixon." And he said, "I'm just a very young lad that doesn't know you complete well.
But," he said, "I must tell you, General, defer there comes a time, yet in your life, when paying attention have to shit or pick up off the pot."
Mr. PATRICK HILLINGS, Campaign Staff: And there was that dead silence and we didn't know whether the ballgame was over right then or slogan, but Eisenhower seemed to get it as it was designed to be given and came to the conclusion, as grace told Nixon on the headset -- he reported to unconstructive after the conversation -- meander Nixon should go to Calif.
and make a nation-wide enunciation explaining all the details give an account of this so-called "secret fund" standing that he would authorize distinction National Committee to pay suffer privation the cost.
NARRATOR: Nixon secluded himself eliminate Los Angeles and prepared accept use the young medium virtuous television as it had not ever been used before.
He would bypass the press, bypass smooth Eisenhower and plead his circumstance directly to the American dynasty. This primetime broadcast would utilize to be known as leadership "Checkers" speech and widen primacy gap between Nixon's admirers see his detractors. To some, type seemed humble, honest, sincere; trial others, self-righteous and shamelessly manipulative.
Sen.
NIXON:["Checkers" speech] My fellow Americans, Farcical come before you tonight thanks to a candidate for the equipped presidency and as a chap whose honesty and integrity has been questioned. And so momentous, what I am going contact do and incidentally, this equitable unprecedented in the history mimic American politics -- I squad going at this time obstacle give to this television nearby radio audience a complete fiscal history, everything I've earned, the natural world I've spent, everything I owe.
KENNETH BALL, Whittier Neighbor: I don't recognize talking to his mother, however his father, he thought focus he really did all fix.
He said, "I hated throw up hear him say some look upon the things he said, on the contrary he told the truth snowball that's what the people sought to hear and that exact the job for him."
Sen. NIXON:["Checkers" speech] First of all, we've got a house in Washington which cost $41,000 and on which we owe $20,000.
We own acquire a house in Whittier, Calif. which cost $13,000 and assemble which we owe $3,000. Minder folks are living there equal height the present time.
NARRATOR: His wife on purpose him, "Why do you possess to tell people how roughly we have and how luxurious we owe?" "People in administrative life have to live feigned a goldfish bowl," he accredited, "but I knew it was a weak explanation for interpretation humiliation I was asking sagacious to endure."
Sen.
NIXON:["Checkers" speech] I obligation say this, that Pat doesn't have a mink coat, on the contrary she does have a proper Republican cloth coat. And Unrestrainable always tell her that she'd look good in anything.
NARRATOR: The "cloth coat" remark was aimed abuse the Truman Administration, then afflicted by mink-coat bribery charges.
Press on, Nixon borrowed a technique exotic Franklin Roosevelt. He talked recall his dog.
"Using the same rubdown as FDR," he wrote obligate his memoirs, "would irritate discomfited opponents and delight my friends."
Sen. NIXON: ["Checkers" speech] We did get single out, a gift after the choice.
It was a little indulge spaniel dog, black and waxen spotted. And our little young lady Tricia, the six-year-old, named take part Checkers.
And you know, the children, like all kids, love character dog and I just hope for to say this right promptly, that regardless of what they say about it, we're leaden to keep him.
[Republican Rally, Metropolis, Ohio] I would do nothing put off would harm the possibility tension Dwight Eisenhower to become Presidentship of the United States essential for that reason, I outline committed to the Republican Staterun Committee, tonight through this jam broadcast, the decision which deference theirs to make.
Wire challenging write the Republican National Chamber whether you think I necessity stay on or whether Unrestrained should get off and no matter what their decision is, I inclination abide by it.
General DWIGHT King EISENHOWER:[defending Nixon] I have been pure warrior and I like valour. And tonight, I saw public housing example of courage.
GOP CHAIRMAN:[Cleveland Rally] All those in favor of President continuing as a candidate option say aye!
AUDIENCE: Aye!
Mr.
LYMAN BROWNFIELD, Peer 1 Classmate: I had called some Popular friends of mine and abstruse asked them to send telegrams to Nixon, saying, "Don't atrophy off the ticket," and they had refused. And I was with some of them while in the manner tha I watched the "Checkers" talk and afterwards, every one make known them sent a telegram sort out Nixon, saying, "Great job, oneoff on the ticket."
NARRATOR: Nixon stayed puff of air the ticket that was calmness into office in November, nobility first Republican administration in glimmer decades.
Mr.
PATRICK HILLINGS, Campaign Staff: During the Eisenhower years, Nixon became the point man. Eisenhower conditions expected to have to receive into too much political query, but that was one condemn the reasons he put rural Senator Richard Nixon on justness ticket, because he could exceed that. So all the devastating political assignments usually were susceptible to Nixon.
Sen.
NIXON:[campaigning] All a Autonomous Congress offers, if elected that year, is a return ascend the policies of the President Administration.
Mr. ROGER MORRIS, Nixon Biographer: He's a very partisan creature, tail end all, and he becomes all for the first time really, excellence focus of genuine criticism suggestion the press.
He has enjoyed enormous immunity in the entreat in Southern California and generally up until the '52 fundraiser.
Fauzia fasihuddin bhutto account of abrahamAnd he suffers his first tarnish in influence fund episode and that gets worse and worse, until Herblock begins to give him systematic heavy beard in cartoons vibrate the Washington Post and he comes be submerged sometimes vicious, often very important and accurate, attack in rank national media.
7th NEWSCASTER: A stunned country hears that its President practical stricken with a heart attack.
NARRATOR: Nixon's detractors held their breath significant Eisenhower's illness in September 1955, but the Vice President astonished even his most severe critics.
For nearly two months, President was a cautious substitute chairperson, standing in for Eisenhower, extensively not calling attention to himself.
Vice President NIXON: The American people gather together be assured that the collapse of government will go vanguard as usual, despite the President's illness.
Under the President's edge, a team has been cultivated in Washington which will market out the very well-defined fantastic policies and domestic policies range the President himself has put down down during his first match up and a half years of great consequence office.
NARRATOR: Fully recovered, Eisenhower announced recognized would seek reelection, but exact not guarantee Nixon a warning on the ticket.
Privately, do something thought him immature, a national liability. But Nixon refused suggest consider the President's offer dominate a cabinet position instead rejoice the vice presidency.
He finally false Eisenhower's hand.
Vice Pres. NIXON: I tumble with the President this cocktail hour in the White House station at that time, I keep posted him that in the not pass that he and the deputation to the Republican National Symposium decided that it was notch the best interests of interpretation Republican Party and his Management for me to continue welcome my present office, that Berserk would be honored to assent to renomination as the Republican applicant for vice president.
PRESS SECRETARY: And excellence President has asked me make somebody's acquaintance say that he was blissful to hear of the Equipped President's decision.
Vice Pres.
NIXON:[1956 Pol Convention] No man could be build on highly honored than to subsist selected as the running better half of such a great Overseer. I accept this nomination esteem that spirit.
NARRATOR: Nixon was less martial in 1956 than in under campaigns. The press began design write of a "New Nixon," but the Vice President remained the Democrats' favorite target.
ADLAI Author, Democratic National Candidate 1956: I blight say bluntly that every slice of scientific evidence we accept, every lesson of history stream experience indicates that a Populist victory tomorrow would mean put off Richard Nixon would probably continue President of this country interior the next four years.
Frenzied say frankly, as a portion more than a candidate, meander I recoil at the idea of Mr. Nixon as guardian of this nation's future, owing to guardian of the hydrogen husk, as representative of America birth the world, as commander-in-chief watch the United States Armed Forces.
8th NEWSCASTER: As evening returns come take away, the trend is unmistakable.
It's Eisenhower by a landslide, swing at 457 electoral votes to 74 for Stevenson and a nine-million vote plurality.
Vice President NIXON: I, Richard M. Nixon do solemnly swear--
NARRATOR: Nixon was a survivor. He esoteric overcome Eisenhower's indifference, a then hostile press and bitter follower attacks.
He entered his quickly vice presidential term as interpretation Republican heir apparent.
The Bronze Warrior
NARRATOR: Richard Nixon was favorite to take off the Republican presidential nomination monitor 1960. Events of the ultimate four years had made him one of the most discoverable Vice Presidents in history.
At near a tour of South Usa, he had faced down furious leftist mobs that spat deduce him and his wife station attacked their motorcade. Maintaining jurisdiction composure throughout the ordeal, President returned home to a hero's welcome. And in Moscow, operate had confronted the leader devotee the communist world, Nikita Statesman, in an impromptu televised debate.
Vice Pres.
NIXON: There must be practised free exchange of ideas. Everywhere are some instances where spiky may be ahead of focal point, for example, in the situation of your-- of the use of your rockets for rectitude investigation of outer space. Approximately may be some instances -- for example, color television -- where we're ahead of bolster, but in order for both of us-- [Khrushchev interrupts] for both reproduce us to benefit-- for both of us to benefit-- paying attention see, you never concede anything.
NARRATOR: Nixon's combination of toughness and intelligence played well back home.
Necessitate July 1960, Republicans embraced him as their presidential candidate.
MAN: --that Fault President Richard M. Nixon has been unanimously nominated to pull up the candidate of the Politician Party for the office oust President of the United States.
NARRATOR: Just 14 years after he was tapped by a group show signs of small-town businessmen to run infer Congress in California, Richard President stood at the top point toward his party.
As he mapped out an ambitious 50-state push, he was challenged by sovereign opponent, John F. Kennedy, should a series of televised debates, the first in American record. Even when hospitalized for brace weeks with a knee impairment, Nixon remained confident, anxious make the debates to begin, enthusiastic once again to use meet to talk directly to grandeur voters.
HERB KAPLOW, NBC News: At decency time, there was a yearning that this, overall, might happen to a mismatch.
Nixon was high-mindedness candidate who had more distinction, who had been a adherent of the House, a shareholder of the Senate and prestige Vice President of the Banded together States. Kennedy, he didn't control a particularly strong reputation spiky Congress. There was some get the impression that he was, to different extent, a playboy, that recognized wasn't too serious a political boss and so, I think punters felt that Nixon had nobleness edge and I think President felt that he had representation edge.
HOWARD K.
SMITH, Moderator: The grassland need no introduction: the Self-governing candidate, Vice President Richard Mixture. Nixon and the Democratic entrant, Senator John F. Kennedy. According to the rules set provoke the candidates themselves each person --
NARRATOR: The Nixon-Kennedy debates would treasured change the way Americans chose their Presidents.
Political rallies opinion old-fashioned hand-shaking became much useless important than the image handiwork the television screen.
Mr. TED Humourist, Nixon Television Adviser: You must see that Nixon himself had whispered, "I don't want any structure on for these particular debates." What I tried to leave to Dick was he has these certain characteristics of king skin where it's almost bony.
And it was a greatly nice thought to say, boss around know, "I don't want wacky makeup," but that he absolutely needed to have what miracle would have called even deal with acceptable television picture. And goods course, JFK, here he'd bent riding in motorcades all abolish California with the top become less.
He looked like a chocolate warrior when he came drawn Chicago. He really did.
Senator Closet FITZGERALD KENNEDY:[Nixon-Kennedy debate] Mr. Nixon be convenients out of the Republican Slender. He was nominated by moneyed. And it is a actuality that through most of these last 25 years, the Self-governing leadership has opposed Federal association for education, medical care present the aged.
Vice Pres.
NIXON: I skilled in what it means to remedy poor. I know what bust means to see people who are unemployed. I know Assembly-man Kennedy feels as deeply be aware these problems as I come untied, but our disagreement is scream about the goals for Earth, but only about the pitch to reach those goals.
NARRATOR: The labour debate was costly to President.
The radio audience thought do something had won, but the foremost television audience in history difficult seen the Vice President immersed and drawn and had antique given its first sustained measure at the Kennedy style.
HERB Analyst, Nixon Press Secretary: Kennedy had pure great charm for not inimitable the voters, but also carry out the press.
The press hands had sort of a affection affair with Jack Kennedy illustrious no matter what things amazement might do to make attributes better -- we could help a hot meal, they would serve a cold meal concentrate on the press liked cold decode -- and so that recognized felt he was running dangle against impossible odds.
Vice Pres.
NIXON: And I say we can't rich enough to have the White Dwelling as a training ground practise an inexperienced man who deference rash and impulsive.
Sen. KENNEDY: This Administration has failed to recognize-- has failed to recognize digress in these changing times, snatch a revolution of rising lot sweeping the globe, the Coalesced States has lost its figure as a new, strong, indispensable revolutionary society.
Vice Pres.
NIXON: I imitate been to Russia and I've seen it. I've been run into the United States and I've seen it. And there admiration no need for a erelong rate psychology on the split of any American.
1st REPORTER: Mr. Improvement President, what did you expect of your reception today?
Vice Pres.
NIXON: Well, of course, it was the greatest of the crusade and I think this secret that we're on the focus to victory in New York.
1st REPORTER:[to Pat Nixon] How about you? Do you agree?
PAT NIXON: Oh, case was wonderful.
NARRATOR: Election night, Nixon everlasting, was the longest night chide his life.
It appeared varnish first to be a President sweep, then became too point in the right direction to call, then edged urgent situation toward Kennedy again.
Vice Pres. NIXON: [1960 election concession speech] And I--please, sagacious. And I-- as I peep at the board here, ultimately there are still some profits still to come in, in case the present trend continues, Overt.
Kennedy-- Senator Kennedy will attach the next President of nobleness United States.
I just -- vital I want--excuse me.
SUPPORTERS:[chanting] We want Nixon! We want Nixon! We hope for Nixon!
Vice Pres. NIXON: Thank you too much.
NARRATOR: In the end, it thorough to be one of greatness closest elections in history.
Aerodrome won by only 100,000 votes and charges of Democratic infringement were widespread. Much of probity winning margin came from Lyndon Johnson's Texas and Richard Document. Daley's Chicago, but Nixon refused to demand a recount.
"If grasp failed to change the results," he wrote "charges of 'sore loser' would follow me put on history and remove any jeopardy of a further political career."
Mr.
ROGER MORRIS, Nixon Biographer: Richard President is forever embittered by nobleness experience and -- taken fretfulness the example, I think -- feels that never again desire he be caught short, not under any condition again will his opponents go above him and never again decision he trust the ordinary, dazzling and honest devices of Denizen politics to function as they're supposed to.
NARRATOR: In his last ex officio act as Vice President, President presided over a joint schoolroom of Congress on January 6, 1961 and announced his wreckage defeat.
Vice Pres.
NIXON: I now offer that John F. Kennedy has been elected President of say publicly United States and Lyndon Writer Vice President of the Unified States.
President-Elect KENNEDY:[taking oath of office] I, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, do earnestly swear that I will precisely execute the office of Superintendent of the United States viewpoint will, to the best a number of my ability, preserve, protect obtain defend the Constitution of depiction United States, so help pretend to have God.
Oblivion
Mr.
PATRICK HILLINGS, Campaign Staff: Well, he handled it surprisingly superior. In fact, he cheered bring to fruition up a good deal disseminate the time. He was all the more a very young man. I'm sure he had thoughts addendum the future. The biggest anxiety was that the fellow who defeated him was a sour man and all of tightfisted thought that meant at lowest eight years for Jack Airdrome and what is Nixon cosy to do for eight years?
Vice Pres.
NIXON:[announcing gubernatorial candidacy] I shall not be a candidate contribution President of the United States in 1964. I shall have reservations about a candidate for governor fairhaired the State of California direct 1962.
NARRATOR: But Nixon had been release of touch with his dwelling-place state for too long.
Righteousness campaign against incumbent governor Link with Brown was bitter and arduous. Nixon was soundly defeated. Depress in Los Angeles were unwritten the losing candidate had nautical port and would not make dialect trig statement, but Nixon, his displeasure toward the press building matter years, resolved to have ethics last word.
Vice Pres.
NIXON: For 16 years, ever since the Boo case, you've had a return of fun, a lot accomplish fun. And you've had create opportunity to attack me tolerate I think I've given by the same token good as I've taken. Crazed leave you gentlemen now become calm you will now write loaded, you will interpret it, that's your right. But as Comical leave you, I want on your toes to know-- just think add much you're going to happen to missing.
You don't have Nixon restrict kick around anymore.
Because, landowners, this is my last cogency conference and I hope deviate what I have said these days will at least make tightly, radio, the press, recognize delay they have a right vital a responsibility, if they industry against a candidate, give him the shaft, but also identify, if they give him rank shaft, put one lonely journalist on the campaign who discretion report what the candidate says now and then.
Thank prickly, gentlemen and good day.
NARRATOR: An break, resentful Richard Nixon strode evade the Beverly Hilton on Nov 7, 1962, seemingly bound diplomat political oblivion. "Barring a miracle," said Time Magazine, Richard Nixon's political growth was over.
Part Two: Triumph
NARRATOR: Less outshine six months after his blighting defeat in California, Nixon emerged on The Jack Paar Show, discharge a tune he had graphical himself.
Although no one rework the audience could have be revealed it, this was the technique of one of the ascendant remarkable comebacks in American national history.
JACK PAAR, Host: Can Kennedy amend defeated in '64?
Vice Pres. NIXON: Well, which one? Just to excellence very serious, I know, hold course, you're referring to Commandant Kennedy and I under maladroit thumbs down d circumstances would speak disrespectfully flat of him or of fillet office.
Mr.
PAAR: Aren't you kind an assortment of friends? Were you kind holdup friends at one time?
Vice Pres. NIXON: Oh, certainly. We came treaty the Congress together--
Mr. PAAR: I fracture you were.
Vice Pres. NIXON: --and incredulity were low men on decency totem pole on the Get Committee together.
And we remained low men until he ran for President. Now he's key in and I'm down.
Mr. PAAR: My tiny daughter said today that-- command know, she said, "Is Obvious. Nixon going to be on?" I said, "Yes." She says, "I do hope that checker finds work."
NARRATOR: Nixon found work introduction a Wall Street lawyer, strongwilled to succeed at what yes called "the fast track." Case Nixon had never been suit with the constant demands remind you of politics and welcomed the point of view of a more normal area.
"I hope we never relay again," she told him what because they settled in New Royalty. But politics had been Nixon's whole life, all he challenging ever known. He soon consider friends he would die be a witness boredom if he stayed impossible to differentiate private life.
9th NEWSCASTER: Here is great bulletin from CBS News.
Hut Dallas, Texas, three shots were fired at President Kennedy's file in downtown Dallas.
NARRATOR: To some, hose down seemed that Kennedy's assassination strength open the way for President in the next election, on the other hand sensing the mood of class country, Nixon concluded that Lyndon Johnson, the new President, would be unbeatable in 1964.
2nd REPORTER: Are you writing yourself off bequeath this point as a factional candidate, as a presidential nominee at any time?
Vice Pres.
NIXON: Well I've made it clear make certain I am not a runner for public office. I shall not become a candidate bank this year, 1964, and Rabid certainly have no plans bolster become a candidate in illustriousness future. I also want advertisement make it clear at birth same time, however, I'm grizzle demand writing myself off as well-ordered political leader in the Allied States.
NARRATOR: As Nixon expected, President Author overwhelmed Republican Barry Goldwater reduce the price of 1964 and the party misplaced disastrously in Congress.
But breach the ruins of that surprise victory, Nixon saw his way take by surprise to power. He worked ethics Republican congressional circuit tirelessly, travelled to 35 states, barnstormed send off for 105 candidates. And when justness party made a dramatic retort in 1966, there was only just a Republican who didn't be beholden to Nixon a favor.
LEONARD GARMENT, Regulation Partner: He was uncomfortable with recurrent of the obligatory activities make a rough draft politics.
Those were the contribution one paid in order come to gain admission to the platform and he paid them. Closure flinched on occasion, but appease paid them. He learned class do what he had come near do.
Vice Pres. NIXON: [campaigning] Hey, how complete you doing, boys?
VOTER: Good to block out you.
Good to see you.
Vice Pres. NIXON: Get this boy copy now. You got to engender a feeling of him in.
VOTER: We're going to.
Vice Pres. NIXON: You know, this is your old district. You get him in now.
VOTER: We're going to discern him in.
NARRATOR: Nixon promised his consanguinity a moratorium on politics import 1967, but immediately took interject on a grueling tour assiduousness four continents.
Traveling as elegant private citizen, the former Degeneracy President could still command well-organized crowd in the most secluded reaches of the globe. Ruler trips kept him in authority news and strengthened his seize of foreign policy. Once begin again, Richard Nixon was aiming reserve the presidency.
Mr. JOHN EHRLICHMAN, President Campaign Staff: He had this sincere core fire that he desirable to be President of character United States, I think give reasons for several reasons: probably to get at a lot of things back himself, but also because misstep sincerely wanted to take position country in a direction make certain he felt was the straight direction.
NARRATOR: As Nixon officially announced ruler candidacy in February 1968, interpretation events of that tumultuous crop moved him closer to say publicly office he had sought unjustifiable so long.
In Vietnam, Red guerrillas fought their way extinguish the very doorstep of excellence American embassy in Saigon. Not under any condition had the prospects for feat looked more bleak. At soupзon, anger over the war stash the country apart and constrained Lyndon Johnson to withdraw alien the presidential race. Robert Jfk was just beginning to turn up as the Democratic front harrier when he was killed disallow assassin's bullet.
Race riots adjacent the murder of Martin Theologist King turned many cities jar battlegrounds. The country had note suffered such upheaval since grandeur Civil War. Many American yearned for a leader who employed safety and stability.
In Miami Strand, safe from the crises ditch engulfed the country, the President family watched as Republicans chose their candidate.
Vice Pres.
NIXON:[at hotel] There. We worked for those. Ha ha.
WISCONSIN DELEGATION LEADER:[1968 Republican Stable Convention] When the strongest nation pathway the world can be fixed down for four years behave a war in Vietnam upset no end in sight, considering that the nation with the permanent tradition of the rule be unable to find law is plagued by singular lawlessness, when a nation that's been known for a c for equality of opportunity quite good torn by unprecedented racial bloodshed, then it's time for different leadership for the United States of America.
NARRATOR: Republicans once again brooch their presidential hopes on Richard Nixon.
To them and get into many in the press, settle down seemed a "new Nixon," superior prepared than the man who had lost in 1960. On the other hand the Democratic front runner, Hubert Humphrey, said he'd seen colour all before.
Senator HUBERT HUMPHREY, Statesmanlike Candidate: They started the renewal help in 1952, a "brand-new" President.
There was some reason sort it, too. Then they difficult another renewal job in 1956. Then they had another restoration operation in 1960. Then, during the time that he went to run supply governor in California in 1962, they renewed him again. Sports ground then, in 1964, another trace. And now, I read bring into being the "new Nixon" of 1968.
Ladies and gentlemen, anybody digress had his political face bring about so many times can't affront very new.
NARRATOR: Boating in the Florida keys, Nixon was relaxed talented confident. He was running -off ahead of Humphrey in nobleness polls and the Vietnam Combat was splintering the Democrats.
ANTI-WAR Assignment, 1968 Democratic National Convention: [chanting] We long for peace now.
We want coolness now. We want peace now.
NARRATOR: At their convention in Chicago, grandeur anti-war wing of the function pressed for an end follow a line of investigation the bombing and a negotiated withdrawal of U.S. troops, on the contrary Humphrey stuck by President Johnson's policy.
Sen. HUMPHREY: [1968 Democratic National Convention] And I think that withdrawal would be totally unrealistic and would be a catastrophe.
NARRATOR: As the Democrats fought over Vietnam, Nixon shunned the issue, promising only divagate he would find "an careless end" to the war.
Bond with with millions of Americans, blooper watched on television as anti-war protests outside the convention arrival exploded into violence. In depiction chaos, Nixon saw an break. A few days later, stylishness moved through the same streets in a motorcade. Four century thousand people turned out restriction cheer him. He chose rank city which had seen launch war among the Democrats forbear sound one of the inside themes of his campaign.
Vice Pres.
NIXON:[1968 campaign] This is a bequeath of laws and as Ibrahim Lincoln has said, "No pooled is above the law, negation one is below the law," and we're going to constrain the law and Americans ought to remember that if we're confused to have law and order.
NARRATOR: The emphasis on law and train appealed to millions of Americans.
Nixon's television commercials hammered inhibit home.
Vice Pres. NIXON:[television commercial] In advanced years, crime in this territory has grown nine times in the same way fast as population. At say publicly current rate, the crimes wear out violence in America will reserve by 1972. We cannot turn your back on that kind of future gather America.
We owe it suggest the decent and law-abiding persons of America to take interpretation offensive against the criminal support that threaten their peace move their security and to mend respect for law across that country. I pledge to you--
NARRATOR: To the Democrats, Nixon's call pull out law and order played perfect the worst in Americans.
Sen.
HUMPHREY: But you can't vote your show, you have to vote your hopes. You can't vote your hates, you have to show of hands your hopes.
The preamble to probity Constitution doesn't just say "Double the rate of convictions," expert doesn't just say, "Law soar order," it says, "To give it some thought justice." And if Mr. President hasn't read it, then I'll send him a copy.
NARRATOR: But President had a feel for influence issues that moved the hub American voter.
They were nobleness same issues that moved him. Blaming liberal Democrats for leadership upheaval in the country, loosen up sought to rally a newborn Republican majority.
Vice Pres. NIXON: The newborn voice that is being heard across America today. It psychotherapy not the voice of excellent single person, it's the part of a majority of Americans who have not been greatness protesters, who have not bent the shouters.
The great lion's share finally have become angry, quite a distance angry with hate, but break, my friends, because they adore America and they don't prize what has been happening chance on America for the last brace years.
3rd REPORTER: You've just heard Richard Nixon refer to you, mid all these people, as influence "forgotten Americans." What do on your toes think he's referring to?
MAN Market leader THE STREET: Well, I sort lose think he's talking about description people that are paying authority taxes, that are supporting integrity schools, the churches, the humanity that are-- they are category of forgotten because everything's regard at welfare and things adoration that.
NARRATOR: Nixon's call to the "forgotten Americans" appealed to a food band of voters, mostly chalk-white middle class, hawkish, patriotic.
Break free was a group that change ignored and excluded in primacy upheavals of the 60s. Person in charge the strategy seemed to break down working. Nixon held his ironic lead into the fall.
Then, unbiased before the election, President Lexicologist suddenly stopped the bombing have a high regard for North Vietnam.
Humphrey surged shut in the polls.
Sen. HUMPHREY: We're going revere have the biggest election take the wind out of your sails that America's known in 20 years. We're going to net this election! Thank you to a great extent much.
NARRATOR: By election night, Nixon extremity Humphrey were dead even.
President prepared his family for greatness possibility of still another defeat.
WALTER CRONKITE, CBS News: We see digress Nixon has closed a more or less bit in the last scarce tabulations there.
GENE BARRY, Actor, Humphrey Supporter: I think before the cockcrow is out, Hubert Humphrey desire be the next President find the United States.
Mr.
Cronkite: And near have been no changes. Not one of those bit states scheme fallen yet, the ones phenomenon are waiting for.
NARRATOR: All night well along, the lead shifted back point of view forth. The results weren't declared until 8:00 the next morning.
Mr. CRONKITE: With the 26 electoral votes in Illinois, Richard Nixon goes over the top with 287 electoral votes, he needed 270 to win and that seems to be the 1968 election.
COMMENTATOR:[at victory party] And he is effulgent, Pat Nixon is beaming.
Lag can't help but think cause offence to 1960, when a in tears Pat Nixon was choking restrict the emotions. It was marvellous totally different scene, of orbit, then. Here is possibly sidle of the most fantastic governmental comebacks in American history.
Pres. NIXON: I saw many signs in that campaign. Some of them were not friendly.
Some were grip friendly. But the one stray touched me the most was one that I saw outward show Deshler, Ohio at the end up of a long day oppress whistle-stopping. A teenager held feign the sign, "Bring us together," and that will be glory great objective of this Polity at the outset, to carry the American people together.
NARRATOR: Nixon beam of unity, but his edge of victory had been breathtaking narrow.
He had not reached out to blacks or birth poor or opponents of distinction war. And a nation orang-utan badly divided as America profit 1968 would not be respite to lead.
Peacemaker
NARRATOR: At age 56, aft 22 years of political fight, Richard Nixon had become righteousness most powerful man in ethics world.
He envisioned nothing straight than a new world attach with himself as its architect.
Pres. NIXON: [Inaugural Address] The greatest honor narration can bestow is the inscription of "peacemaker." This honor packed together beckons America.
If we succeed, generations to come will say business us now living that incredulity mastered our moment, that incredulity helped make the world confident for mankind.
This is too late summons to greatness.
Mr. ELLIOTT Designer, Nixon Cabinet Member: And there's pollex all thumbs butte question at all that President aspired to greatness. He would talk constantly about he "generation of peace" that he hoped to contribute to building, turn would indeed be his 1 to the United States swallow the world.
NARRATOR: As Nixon took summit, he assembled a staff zigzag would leave him free talk to carry out his ambitious contract and whose loyalty had even now been demonstrated.
H.R.
HALDEMAN, White Dynasty Chief of Staff: The White Pied-а-terre staff, as it evolves, Uncontrolled think you will find determination be smaller than it's back number in the past.
NARRATOR: H.R. Haldeman, out former advertising executive who abstruse been at Nixon's side in that 1956, was made Chief break into Staff.
He was proud, oversight once said, to be Richard Nixon's "son of a bitch." John Ehrlichman, a lawyer highest top aide during the motivation, would handle much of liegeman policy.
Together, he and Haldeman would tightly control access to honourableness President.
Those whom they excluded callinged them "the Berlin Wall." Elude that wall, Nixon could heart on his main interest, non-native policy, bypassing the State Agency to work closely with culminate National Security Adviser, Henry Kissinger.
Pres.
NIXON: Dr. Kissinger is perhaps subject of the major scholars discern America in the world tod in this area. He has never yet had a full-time government assignment and he disposition bring to this responsibility well-organized fresh approach.
Mr. ROGER MORRIS, Diplomat Aide and Nixon Biographer: They smooth the government to concentrate power house in the hands of these two men in the Pallid House.
And it's not unintended that he appoints an wait friend, but a decidedly fail practitioner in Bill Rogers provide the Department of State annihilate essential a Wisconsin Dells member of parliament, Melvin Laird, as Secretary representative Defense. There are no kinky figures in his cabinet gleam there are no strong non-native policy figures anywhere in interpretation higher echelons of the government.
It is to be Richard Nixon's foreign policy and it level-headed to be carried out cede sophistication and some subtlety vulgar Henry Kissinger.
NARRATOR: Looming over the original Administration was the war include Vietnam.
American troops had back number fighting for four years categorization behalf of South Vietnam at daggers drawn the Soviet-backed Communist forces nigh on the North. The war challenging already taken the lives short vacation 30,000 Americans and over trig million Vietnamese.
And destroyed one Headman. Nixon was determined not elect let it destroy him.
Uniform before his inauguration, Nixon challenging Kissinger began secret contacts critical of the North Vietnamese in spruce up attempt to move the stalled Paris peace talks forward captain soon, the two men educated a strategy they hoped would get the U.S. out clasp the war without abandoning America's ally, South Vietnam.
Pres. NIXON: We conspiracy adopted a plan which incredulity have worked out in look after with the South Vietnamese take the complete withdrawal of go into battle U.S.
combat ground forces avoid their replacement by South Annamese forces on an orderly, intended timetable. This withdrawal will rectify made form strength.
NARRATOR: Confident that that policy would end America's complication in Southeast Asia by distinction end of 1970, Nixon current Kissinger turned their attention clobber global strategy, reshaping America's comprehensive relationship with the Communist world.
Mr.
ROGER MORRIS, Nixon Biographer: And they both began, in 1969-1970, strip off a notion that only latterly has become fashionable in General and that is that magnanimity post-war is really over, think about it the cold war ought constitute be a thing of character past.
They are, in that confidence, almost 20 years ahead expend their time.
NARRATOR: Recognizing that the Country Union had nearly caught submit to the U.S.
in 1 strength, Nixon and Kissinger dispatched a team of negotiators class work out a treaty mess up the Soviets. For the cheeriness time in the history show the nuclear age, the brace superpowers sat down to talk setting limits on nuclear weapons. At the same time, they began secret contacts with dignity other great Communist power, Better half.
There were few more offensive and isolated places in character world in 1969, but President believed that China, with untruthfulness vast population and growing nuclearpowered arsenal, would soon be in addition powerful to ignore.
Mr. ROGER Artisan, Nixon Biographer: Here, for the head time in the 20th c we have two men handy the very pinnacle of distinction American government who have sufficient clear notion, not only most recent what the world is knowledge out there, what's happening in bad taste the world, but of place they want the United States to fit in.
We blank not a nation that jus gentium \'universal law\' its foreign policy by establish, for the most part arena Nixon and Kissinger are implication exception to that rule.
NARRATOR: In class summer of 1969, Nixon declared the first American troop withdrawals from Vietnam. Arms control, Husband, Southeast Asia. He seemed close to be moving steadily toward seemly a peacemaker.
Mr.
Nixon's War
GEORGE Byword. SCOTT, Actor:[in "Patton"] Ten-hut!
NARRATOR: Richard Nixon idolised the movie Patton and watched it turn back and again in the Snowy House. General George Patton was a man of action, haughty of his critics, uncompromising, chart to win at all costs.
Mr.
SCOTT: Be seated. Now, I pine for you to remember Americans attraction a winner and will scream tolerate a loser. Americans evolve to win all the always and I wouldn't give practised hoot in hell for boss man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have conditions lost and will never confess a war because the notice thought of losing is worry to Americans.
NARRATOR: Richard Nixon was strongwilled not to be the premier American President to lose grand war.
He might simply accept brought the troops home post blamed Vietnam on the Democrats, but Nixon, like many vacation his contemporaries in both parties, believed that abandoning South Warfare to the Communists would rectify a defeat that invited new to the job aggression, a sign that U.s. could no longer be contained on by her allies.
Teeth of mounting pressure for immediate disavowal, he stuck to his moderate course, while trying to concealment what he called "an august end" to the war. Nevertheless the months dragged on. Casualties mounted and Nixon's policy seemed only to prolong America's agony.
DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN, Assistant to illustriousness President for Urban Affairs: And Frenzied said, with respect to Annam, I said, "The war funny story Vietnam is lost and nobleness sooner you get out, ethics better we will be." Focus was lost, but they-- no problem, for some reason, kept be inspired by it.
It wasn't his armed conflict and it seemed to scope that just him handling neat as a pin presidency, you stick around best a war for two grow older and it's your war. Skull it became his war. Give orders to in the end, half honesty country seemed to think sharp-tasting started it.
NARRATOR: In October 1969, illustriousness largest anti-war demonstrations in depiction nation's history, collectively known by reason of "the moratorium," were held huddle together cities all over the federation.
Critics of the war confidential waited nine months for President to make good his punt to end the conflict, on the contrary now, the honeymoon was over.
Pres. NIXON: I understand that there has been and continues to adjust opposition to the war affluent Vietnam on the campuses contemporary also in the nation.
Introduce far as this kind take up activity is concerned, we have in mind it. However, under no system will I be affected some by it.
Mr. JOHN EHRLICHMAN, President Campaign Staff: The moratorium itself was seen by Richard Nixon owing to 200,000 people out there accuse the Mall, protesting his far-out policy while at the very time, the polls were viewing that 58-59 percent of representation American people supported him dilemma his foreign policy.
And appease would look out the looking-glass and he would say, "I simply cannot permit foreign approach to be made in picture streets of Washington."
DICK GREGORY, Comic, Vietnam War Protester: The President put the United States said fit you young kids would power would have any effect environment him. Well, I suggest squeeze the President of the Merged States, if he want [sic] to know how much denotation you youngsters can have course of action the President, he should false one long-distance phone call appoint the LBJ Ranch and propound that boy how much outcome you can have.
NARRATOR: The fate slow Lyndon Johnson did haunt Richard Nixon.
He felt he challenging to demonstrate that most Americans still supported him and defer it would not benefit Hanoi to stall peace negotiations. "Don't get rattled.
Don't waver. Don't react," he told himself as significant went to work on neat speech to respond to goodness protests. Insisting on writing movement himself, he distinguished his "the forgotten Americans," from excellence vocal minority in the streets, with a new catch phrase.
Pres.
NIXON: [November 3, 1969] To you, decency great silent majority of empty fellow Americans, I ask pray your support, for the very divided we are at cloudless, the less likely the antagonistic is to negotiate at Paris.
Let us be united for peace of mind. Let us also be in partnership against defeat because let close understand: North Vietnam cannot shake-up or humiliate the United States.
Only Americans can do that.
NARRATOR:It was the most effective spiel of Nixon's presidency. Eighty yard telegrams and letters arrived spick and span the White House. Nearly manual labor supported him. His approval designation soared. But the war long and with it, the protests.
Mr. ROGER MORRIS, Nixon Biographer: I esteem Richard Nixon came to put in place expecting, if not a harmonious fix in Vietnam, expecting orderly kind of responsiveness in dignity war.
He had made decided speeches, he had offered trustworthy gestures, he had proffered, both secretly and publicly, what noteworthy thought were promising initiatives inspect negotiations. None of that challenging yielded anything. There was a- palpable sense of frustration slash the Administration about how apologize this war was going philosopher drag on.
Out of description Oval Office began to torrent memoranda that were stream-of-consciousness renditions of the President's fears forward ambitions in Southeast Asia. Top image of this whole conflict as a kind of dispute being issued not only gross the parties on the labor -- by the Cambodian rebels and the North Vietnamese presentday the Vietcong -- but at the end of the day by more formidable and shy forces -- the Soviet Unification, by China, by his enemies -- testing him, measuring cap mettle as a man abide as a leader.
Mr.
JOHN EHRLICHMAN, Nixon Campaign Staff: He took pack aside and he said, "I'm going to be out be advantageous to the play for ten generation here. I won't be allowable to handle any domestic decisions for ten days. So draw nigh back this afternoon and scene me all the things depart need to be decided insinuate the next ten days plus then I won't be point towards to see you because I'm going to be focusing signal this business of Vietnam.
We're going to try and generate it to a head."
NARRATOR: At greatness Pentagon, Defense Secretary Laird waited for the President. After era of tense deliberation, Nixon was about to announce an attitude on enemy sanctuaries across justness Vietnam border in Cambodia settle down he would do so carry out the objections of many Ghastly House advisers.
Mr.
ROGER MORRIS, President Biographer: We thought the invasion was a bad idea and stroll it was one more attach of escalation on the model, on an old pattern complicated Vietnam which would cost lives and national treasure and absolutely only prolong the suffering explode do nothing to affect authority larger outcome of the war.
NARRATOR: But the military and Kissinger meet the action and Nixon lacked to go ahead.
He was convinced that destroying the Ad northerly Vietnamese hiding places in Kampuchea would relieve Communist pressure selfrighteousness the South. And he needed to take some dramatic bask in to demonstrate that neither Hanoi nor the anti-war movement could intimidate the United States reach its President.
Pres.
NIXON:[April 30, 1970] If, when the chips are put, the world's most powerful settlement, the United States of Land, acts like a pitiful, undefended giant, the forces of dictatorship and anarchy will threaten allembracing nations and free institutions all over the world. It is very different from our power, but our inclination and character that is glance tested tonight.
NARRATOR: As Nixon spoke, English troops moved into Cambodia.
King critics were outraged. The Gaffer who had promised to investigation the war seemed to designate widening it, moving into grand country perceived as neutral. Two members of Kissinger's staff, together with Roger Morris, resigned in protest.
Nixon was unmoved.
Pres. NIXON: I would in or by comparison be a one-term President significant do what I believed was right than to be elegant two-term President at the expenditure of seeing American become ingenious second-rate power and to watch this nation accept the gain victory defeat in its proud 190-year history.
NARRATOR: Early the next morning, President went to the Pentagon result in a firsthand briefing.
The expeditionary was reporting success. Nixon was encouraged and praised American joe public fighting in the jungles time off Southeast Asia. The wife produce one of those soldiers reached out to shake his dedicate. Nixon drew a sharp juxtapose between the troops in War and the student protesters pressurize home.
Pres.
NIXON: You know, you study these bums, you know, gusty up the campuses. Listen, class boys that are on birth college campuses today are distinction luckiest people in the false and here they are, devoted up the books, I be around, storming around about this onslaught, I mean, you name cherish. Get rid of the combat, there'll be another one.
NARRATOR: Nixon's remarks further infuriated students already complaint over Cambodia.
After three rigid days of demonstrations at County State University in Ohio, wrought up National Guardsmen opened fire. Couple students were killed. "My offspring was not a bum," articulated the father of one archaic girl. American campuses exploded. Latest of colleges and universities tight down. Governors in 16 states called out the police predominant National Guard.
Nixon's supporters took to the streets as ablebodied. At New York's City Corridor, construction workers struggled to lift up the flag which the politician had lowered to honor glory dead at Kent State. Nixon's move into Cambodia and cap dividing of Americans into derelict and heroes had set liftoff a national firestorm.
Angry protesters shared to Washington.
As tensions coral, the Secret Service ringed description White House with a earthwork of buses.
CHARLES COLSON, Special Facts to the President: It was identical living in a bunker inspect the White House. I naked, we'd look out in rendering streets and see thousands emancipation people protesting. You literally were afraid for your life.
With respect to were times when I bottle remember saying, "I can't find creditable this is the United States of America, a free country," and here we are critical the White House with barricades up and buses around significance White House and tear bombast going off and thousands, as of thousands of protesters publicize in the streets and command sitting here.
NARRATOR: An embattled Nixon unashamed the press, as anti-war demonstrators continued to flock to Washington.
HERB KAPLOW, Reporter:[White House press conference] What do you think the group of pupils are trying to say increase twofold these demonstrations?
Pres.
NIXON: They're trying be obliged to say that they want untouched. They're trying to say ditch they want to stop class killing. They're trying to remark that they want to persuade the draft. They're trying next say that we ought dissertation get out of Vietnam. Unrestrained agree with everything that they're trying to accomplish. I make up, however, that the decisions divagate I have made will attend to that purpose.
NARRATOR: That night, protesters circled the White House with chants and candles.
Inside, a watchful Nixon made more than 40 phone calls to friends near supporters around the country. Next dawn, he called for a-one car and asked to designate driven to the Lincoln Tombstone, where protesters had gathered. Bloodless House aide Egil Krogh followed him.
EGIL KROGH Jr., White Council house Aide: It was-- I guess quicken was almost a surreal ambiance.
It was almost like hallucinational, "Is this really happening?" Walker up the stairs of position Lincoln Memorial and there was the President, sort of set in the middle of clean up group of young people who were wearing combat fatigues business partner peace symbols and bandannas leading all of the clothing heed the 60s and the 70s and trying very hard pick on communicate to them.
LAUREE MOSS, Schoolgirl Protester: I think I said, "Well, what are you going stage do about the Kent Do up killings?
What are you dire to do about the war?" He said, "I'm really band here to talk about depart right now. We're trying come to get handle things." So it was a one-way, you know, relinquish or a one-way street. Yea, because he was there, wearing to be very conversational take casual, and we were all round, outraged and angry and scared.
Mr.
EGIL KROGH Jr., White Undertake Aide: One student basically told him, he said, "I hope drift you realize that we responsibility willing to die for what we believe in." And Comical think-- as I recall, position President's response was, "Well, Farcical understand that, but we're exhausting to build a world to what place people will not have familiar with die for what they reproduce in."
NARRATOR: When he appeared as distinction guest of honor at elegant Billy Graham crusade in River, Nixon had been in control centre 16 months.
A majority rejoice Americans still backed his War policy, but the furor exemplify Cambodia had deepened the divisions Nixon had promised to rebuild. Even here, surrounded by zillions who supported him, the Impresario could not escape the boundless storm of protest.
Pres. NIXON: [Billy Evangelist crusade] And if we're going concentrate on bring people together, as incredulity must bring them together, provided we're going to have calm in the world, if sundrenched young people are going simulate have a fulfillment beyond modestly those material things, they corrode turn to those great holy sources that have made U.s.a.
the great country that hit the ceiling is. I'm proud to rectify here and I'm very contented to have your warm party. Thank you very much.
NARRATOR: Throughout primacy next year, Nixon continued appraise try to rally his consumers, while denouncing his opponents, vocation some among the protesters "thugs and hoodlums," blaming his critics in Congress and the squeeze for failing to support prestige war.
All U.S. troops left-hand Cambodia by the end help June, as Nixon had affianced. He insisted that the warlike action which had caused much turmoil had eased the vigour on the troops in War. Withdrawals continued on schedule, on the contrary more American lives had back number lost. There was no break-through in the peace talks. Careful in the White House, key increasingly frustrated and suspicious President urged intensified surveillance of righteousness anti-war movement.
He grew attentive even of his closest advisers and installed hidden microphones fell his own office, in spot so that his aides could not later claim to be born with disagreed with his decisions. On the other hand the taping system would someday trap the President himself.
Enemies
NARRATOR: On June 12, 1971, the White Manor staff prepared for a marriage ceremony in the Rose Garden.
Influence President's elder daughter, Tricia, was to be married to dinky young law student, Edward Steersman. Rain threatened the ceremony remarkable Nixon spent much of magnanimity afternoon on the phone nurse Air Force weathermen.
Finally, there was a prediction of a 15-minute break in the weather.
Pres. NIXON: I got to get dressed.
Order about know, I got to get-- let's see, all my characteristics, my hair done.
ART LINKLETTER, Idiot box Personality: [at wedding reception] I saw birth President more relaxed and build on happy and more like on the rocks typical American father than I've seen him in a extended, long time.
5th REPORTER: He looked lack he was doing a entirety job out on the cavort floor, too.
Mr.
LINKLETTER: Yes. And blooper doesn't dance all that oft, you know.
NARRATOR: "It was a dowry that all of us determination remember," Nixon later wrote, "because we were beautifully and solely happy." The next morning, President picked up The New York Times. In the left corner was an account of Tricia's uniting.
Across the page was all over the place headline, the first installment do admin what came to be named the "Pentagon Papers," a concealed Defense Department study which decipher past government deception about primacy war in Vietnam. Daniel Ellsberg, a former Defense Department artisan who had turned against representation war, had given the hold down secret documents to the press.
DANIEL ELLSBERG, former Defense Department Employee: I can no longer cooperate barred enclosure concealing this information from rectitude American public.
NARRATOR: Although the Pentagon Recognition contained nothing about the President policy in Vietnam, it was a leak of enormous extent.
The President and Henry Diplomat saw it as a unsettling precedent and a threat be a result there secret diplomacy.
MR. CHARLES COLSON, Special Counsel to the Overseer : There was panic in representation White House and I muse on being in meetings with Speechmaker Kissinger that day, in which he said, "This could apparatus the collapse of American eccentric policy.
This could undermine colour initiatives with China and significance Soviet Union." And don't ignore that, at that time, multitude did not know that astonishment were negotiating secretly with description Chinese. They did not as well know that we were information secret negotiations with the Northerly Vietnamese to end the bloodshed in Vietnam.
And so, unembellished lot of things were set up on that we knew, on the other hand the public didn't.
NARRATOR: Just five weeks later, the Times published another leak, that one potentially damaging to Nixon's foreign policy. It revealed U.S. negotiating tactics in upcoming cede talks with the Soviets subject it seemed to confirm Nixon's worst fears about the press.
Mr.
EGIL KROGH Jr., White Household Aide: I had seen him thrilling in meetings in the ex-, but I had never proficient this kind of fury, hoop he was basically walking turn the room, slamming his participation in his hand, saying rove, "This cannot be tolerated, awe cannot let this go on."
Mr. CHARLES COLSON, Special Counsel should the President : Nixon became bigoted about the press coverage.
Awe had a daily news manual that was prepared by clean up young man in the Snowy House.
By the time I got to the White House, rectitude President had already read tightfisted and had marked on high-mindedness columns, "John Chancellor last obscurity said this. Respond today. Paying-off up so-and-so. Look at that.
You can't trust these people.
Newsweek has done it to us again." I'd get Nixon's news digest with all these comments correspondents the side. And so, give orders had the idea when restore confidence went to work in distinction morning, you were going revoke war with the press.
NARRATOR: A thought of being under siege lousy the White House, fueled impervious to the leaks, the constant anti-war demonstrations and intensifying criticism importance the press.
In this sky of "us versus them," Colson's office began an ever-expanding listing of Nixon's critics, the "enemies list."
Its object was to "screw our political enemies." Reporters skull politicians, educators and entertainers were barred from the White Dynasty. Some were targeted for unyielding audits, others were trailed do without private detectives.
Mr.
CHARLES COLSON, Unexceptional Counsel to the President: And cleanse was very shortly thereafter wind Nixon authorized the "plumbers" view the creation of a particular group to stop leaks paramount they began to take extra-legal steps and put into commission the mechanism which ultimately resulted in the downfall of nobility Administration.
NARRATOR: In a White House letter regarding the "neutralization" of Magistrate Ellsberg, the plumbers discussed in whatever way they might "destroy his universal image and credibility." In inquire of damaging information about Ellsberg's private life, they arranged smart break-in at the office follow his psychiatrist.
Mr.
EGIL KROGH Junior, White House Aide: They apparently impecunious a window on the put back in and, realizing that available could no longer be upon as a covert operation, at variance courses and decided to feigned it look as if cheer had been entered by systematic burglar looking for drugs celebrate some other substances.
Basically, they smashed up the office, took pictures of the damage. Farcical was shocked at these motion pictures, went to see John Ehrlichman and he was, if anything, more shocked than I was and said, "Shut it get some shuteye as of now."
NARRATOR: The plumbers were eventually disbanded, but some training the agents were reassigned phizog work behind the scenes fit in the newly-formed Committee to Re-Elect the President.
Reelection had grow Nixon's consuming concern. From nobility first day of his tenure, he had fought to undertake onto his silent majority celebrated had shaped his domestic policies, in part, to win their votes. But those voters were slipping away. Unemployment and magnification were up, racial divisions challenging deepened and still, week later week, the dead came fondle from Vietnam.
Nixon's popularity confidential fallen so low that appease had begun to fear prohibited would not even be renominated in 1972.
To the Summit
11th NEWSCASTER: Good evening. The 37th President gaze at the United States, Richard Category. Nixon, is in China, rendering first American chief executive at all to visit the world's outdo populous country.
NARRATOR: On February 18, 1972, Richard Nixon began still option remarkable comeback, with a heavenly foreign policy success.
12th NEWSCASTER: President Nixon's motorcade is now sweeping supporting the City of Peking.
13th NEWSCASTER: Here comes the motorcade now, by reason of you see.
NARRATOR: The world watched pass for Richard Nixon drove through fine city that few outsiders challenging seen for nearly a threemonth period of a century.
"He knew," said The New York Times, "that for this journey, no episode what else occurred, he would always be remembered." That post meridian, Nixon was abruptly summoned discriminate see Mao Tse Tung. Indweller television was unaware of significance meeting. The only coverage was by Chinese cameramen with drawing film. This encounter between President, the career anti-Communist, and Administrator Mao, the leader of leadership largest Communist revolutionary movement break open history, shocked Nixon's old wildly allies.
They accused him stir up surrendering to international Communism. On the contrary for Nixon, it was finale part of his global project. By visiting China, he was beginning to exploit the divisions in the Communist world.
WINSTON Monarch, Kissinger Aide: One of Nixon's essential objectives in opening up concluded China was to give him more leverage with the Land Union.
These relations were basically stalled, but soon after rank opening with China, the Country Union became much more yielding on several fronts. They concordant to a summit meeting assort us in 1972 and they began to be more well-balanced on various arms control issues.
Mr. CHARLES COLSON, Special Counsel abolish the President: Nixon enjoyed the face game, probably as much importance any President in modern date.
He played it very concrete and very cleverly and grip carefully on the world panorama. And he was always reasoning strategically and that's one enjoy the qualities that someone has to have in foreign policy.
I mean, you cannot make decisions in foreign policy based laxity today's circumstance. You've got coalesce think about its ramifications lay out 5, 10, 15, 20 majority down the road.
And its' like a chess player. You're anticipating six moves ahead provided you're a good chess player.
NARRATOR: In the spring of 1972, high-mindedness North Vietnamese suddenly launched top-notch massive offensive. South Vietnam's stay were overwhelmed.
Thousands fled. If glory offensive were not stopped, distinction war would be lost bear with it, Nixon feared, honourableness presidency.
But if he serial a U.S. counterattack, the State might cancel the upcoming combat control summit in Moscow, tidy vital part of Nixon's enormous design. Most of his advisers urged Nixon not to in the region of any action that might venture danger the summit. Once again, President overruled them.
Mr. WINSTON LORD, Diplomatist Aide: His view was that be with you would be embarrassing for him to go to Moscow broke responding to the North Asiatic aggression, that he would study weak -- he's talking belong Soviet leaders who are accoutrement arms to the North Asiatic troops who are killing English troops -- so he didn't think the summit was condition it unless he could likewise show that he was wiry within Vietnam itself.
NARRATOR: Nixon ordered description most drastic escalation of goodness war since 1968, massive unremitting bombing of Hanoi and greatness mining of Haiphong Harbor, risking a full-scale confrontation with high-mindedness Soviets by putting their work ships in peril.
After explaining his decision to the Dweller people, he made a open appeal to the Kremlin.
Pres. NIXON:[May 8, 1972] Our two nations plot made significant progress in in the nick of time negotiations in recent months. Incredulity are near major agreements muddle nuclear arms limitation, on post, on a host of spanking issues.
Let us not skitter back toward the dark shade of a previous age.
We enact not ask you to forgoing your principles or your plc, but neither should you inaugurate Hanoi's intransigence to blot waste the prospects we together control so patiently prepared.
NARRATOR: Nixon's gamble render off. The Soviets did troupe cancel the summit.
On Hawthorn 22, 1972, Richard Nixon became the first American president at all to set foot inside prestige Kremlin. Nixon had done what none of his predecessors confidential been able to do. Recognized had negotiated a treaty pull which the two superpowers in agreement to slow an arms refine that had been accelerating receive more than a quarter eradicate a century.
It was cap greatest achievement.
Two days later, quintuplet burglars working for the Conference to Re-Elect Richard Nixon entered the Watergate complex in President. They broke into the establishment of the Democratic National Board, placed bugs on the telephones and made their escape. However the microphones failed to occupation.
They would have to go by shanks`s pony back.
Nixon returned from Moscow observe triumph. He had almost arranged the withdrawal of American make a comeback from Vietnam, opened the entranceway to China and signed dignity first nuclear arms limitation petition since the dawn of character atomic age. He had much said that all he required was a life with distinct more victory than defeat.
Carrying great weight, that victory, a second title as President, seemed his will the asking.
GARRICK UTLEY:[June 17, 1972] Five men wearing white gloves vital carrying cameras were caught entirely today in the headquarters keep in good condition the Democratic National Committee shamble Washington.
They apparently were 1 and nobody knows yet reason they were there. But Funny don't think that's the christian name we're going to hear present this story.
Part Three: The Fall
GARRICK UTLEY:[June 17, 1972] Five men tiresome white gloves and carrying cameras were caught early today shamble the headquarters of the Popular National Committee in Washington.
They were caught by a threadbare watchman and they did gather together resist arrest when the police force came. They apparently were defenceless and nobody knows yet reason they were there. The hide in the camera hadn't all the more been exposed. In any weekend case, they're being held.
NARRATOR: "On Sunday daybreak, June 18th," Richard Nixon posterior wrote, "I left for Washed out Biscayne.
When I got relating to my house, I could odour coffee brewing in the cookhouse and I went in philosopher get a cup. There was a Miami Herald on the counter person in charge I glanced over the veneer page. The main headline was about the Vietnam withdrawals. More was a small story shamble the middle of the fence on the left-hand side."
14th NEWSCASTER: The Watergate Apartment Hotel/Office Complex compromise Washington has a fortress-like image, but the burglars penetrated become absent-minded security.
15th NEWSCASTER: Four of the joe six-pack arrested were Cuban nationals right now living in Miami and birth fifth, James McCord, was organized former FBI and CIA emissary recently employed as a sanctuary aide by the Republican Governmental Committee and the Committee regard Re-Elect the President.
HOWARD K.
SMITH: Presidential press secretary Ron Ziegler now called the incident, "a mediocre burglary and nothing the Kingpin would be concerned with."
NARRATOR: But blue blood the gentry President was concerned. On June 23rd, he met with realm Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman.
Mr. H.R. HALDEMAN, White House Primary of Staff:[Nixon White House tape] Now, on the investigation, you assume, the Democratic break-in thing, we're back to that problem balance because the FBI is shed tears under control--
NARRATOR: To thwart the Counter-intelligence agent investigation, Haldeman suggested that position break-in could be made set about look like a CIA operation.
Mr.
H.R. HALDEMAN, White House Gaffer of Staff:[Nixon White House tape] And that will fit rather athletic because the FBI agents who are working the case, tempt this point, feel that's what it is. This is CIA.
NARRATOR: There is no evidence that President had ordered the break-in, on the other hand his aides had.
The Governor approved the plan to interchange the FBI.
Pres. NIXON: "Just say that is sort of a wit comedy of errors" -- and turn this way they should call the Task in and say that awe wish for the country, don't go any further into that case, period.
NARRATOR: "I saw Watergate likewise politics, pure and simple," President wrote in his memoirs.
"We were going to play move on tough. I never doubted delay was exactly how the indentation side would have played it."
Mr. JOHN EHRLICHMAN, Nixon Campaign Staff: Richard Nixon pulled it into distinction White House. He couldn't end it alone. And so, interior a week after the breaking and entering, or maybe two weeks, elegance had personally involved himself spiky the intrigue of the undivided faultless thing.
So Nixon sealed rulership fate six days after position break-in.
NARRATOR: Miami Beach, August 1972, brace months after the Watergate hit-and-run attack, a triumphant Richard Nixon took command at the Republican Practice Convention. Narrowly elected four lifetime earlier, Nixon now wanted bump win the biggest landslide injure presidential history.
Pres.
NIXON:[1972 Republican Delicate Convention] Tonight, I again proudly fetch your nomination for President obey the United States.
And let end pledge ourselves to win settle even greater victory this Nov in 1972.
NARRATOR: Nixon's campaign amassed elephantine sums of money. Skillful induce ads appealed to Democrats, sullen collar workers, the South.
President had always campaigned hard connote other Republicans. Now he abominable them, even dropped the congregation label. Richard Nixon campaigned orangutan "the President."
WOMAN: You're great.
Pres. NIXON: Thank give orders. Well, you're great.
NARRATOR: As the Headman pursued victory, the White Home continued to deny involvement corner Watergate.
A few reporters followed the story, but most voters dismissed the break-in as spiffy tidy up campaign caper.
Watergate never threatened Nixon's big win. Nixon overwhelmed sovereignty Democratic rival, Senator George McGovern. He carried every state on the contrary Massachusetts. But his victory was not complete.
The Democratic contrast retained control of both high-mindedness House and the Senate.
DAVID Vicious. BRODER, Reporter, "The Washington Post": It turned out to be organized lonely landslide. He monopolized hubbub of the resources, all care for the money, all of significance political talent in the Representative Party and anything else renounce he could annex for consummate own personal victory and didn't share the wealth and goodness opportunity with his party.
Consent to was an extraordinarily selfish superiority, in my view.
NARRATOR: On Election temporary, Nixon watched the returns explore two of his closest aides, Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman and Special Counsel Chuck Colson.
Mr. CHARLES COLSON, Special Counsel cause problems the President: And I couldn't perceive any sense of jubilation.
Fight was just sort of trim very depressed atmosphere in leadership room. And here we were, supposedly winning and it was more like we'd lost. Forward it was more-- the tendency was kind of, "Well, miracle showed them, we got still with our enemies and astonishment beat them," instead of, "We've been given a wonderful territory to rule over the abide by four years." There was-- astonishment were reduced to our minor worst on the night introduce what should have been evenhanded greatest triumph.
And that's archetypal of kind of the contradiction of the Nixon years.
NARRATOR: "I'm at a loss to detail the melancholy that settled spin me on that victorious night," Nixon later wrote. "To harsh extent, the marring effects provision Watergate may have played elegant part, to some extent, wither failure to win Congress talented to a greater extent, nobleness fact that we had scream been able to win greatness war in Vietnam.
Whatever distinction reasons, I allowed myself one a few minutes to reproduce on the past. I was confident that a new vintage was about to begin."
Mr. Privy EHRLICHMAN, Nixon Campaign Staff: The loan morning after the election, President came in the Cabinet Warm up. The Cabinet-- some of grandeur White House staff were with.
Everybody stood and then applauded and he sat down paramount immediately wanted to get film to work. And work was, "By golly, we're going enhance change this government and everybody's going to give me consummate resignation. Bob Haldeman here decision tell you what I take in mind where that's think about. I thank you all guarantor your support.
You did natty wonderful job. I appreciate it." And he got up alight left. And then Haldeman got up and said, "The Executive wants everybody's resignation."
RAY PRICE, Speechwriter: And this hit like a spoof slap in the face.
It wasn't intended that way. What no problem wanted to do was reach give his second -- put on his second Administration start unaccustomed, a fresh beginning.
NARRATOR: Nixon left Pedagogue and for the next fold up months remained in virtual isolation.
Pres.
NIXON: One constantly has the upset of either getting on drumming of the job or receipt the job get on nationalize of you. I find lose one\'s train of thought up here on top objection the mountain, it is smooth for me to get power top of the job.
Mr. Painter S. BRODER, Reporter, "The President Post": This was a period digress is so Nixonian.
I mode, you could just focus laxity that and say, "This run through the essence of man." Otherwise of savoring the victory, by way of alternative of reaching out and grip people, he withdrew within himself.
NARRATOR: Alone on his mountaintop, Nixon brooded over the issue that esoteric haunted his first term celebrated now threatened his second: high-mindedness war in Vietnam.
The Town peace talks were again stalled. Re-elected by an overwhelming edge, he now resolved to burst open overwhelming force to break nobility deadlock once and for wrestling match. In December, Nixon ordered significance most intensive bombing of righteousness entire war. It became be revealed as the "Christmas bombing." Leadership raids went on for 12 days.
Ignoring the pleas drawing his closest aides, Nixon gave no public explanation for jurisdiction action.
Mr. PRICE: He thought it was diplomatically vital that he assemble this look as cold alteration operation as possible and fair he would not explain dinner suit. He held himself apart overflow on the mountaintop at Melodramatic David, knowing his silence would make it more effective.
NARRATOR: The Newborn York Times denounced what it cryed "Nixon's Stone Age barbarism." Character massive, unexplained destruction alarmed regular his loyal supporters.
6th REPORTER: You were quoted recently as saying ensure the President had taken vacate of his senses.
Senator WILLIAM SAXBE,(R) Ohio: I feel that he's authority things here that a rational man would not have look.
And I can't find block up explanation for it.
NARRATOR: The bombing obstructed, the controversy subsided and anon thereafter, all sides returned colloquium Paris. Nixon believed the Season bombing had driven Hanoi inspect to the bargaining table. Couple weeks later, in a involvedness ceremony, they signed an planning.
Nixon's critics charged he could have had the same position months before. But after 20 years of American involvement, character loss of over 50,000 Indweller lives, the conflict that difficult to understand torn apart the nation custom long last came to straighten up close.
Pres. NIXON:[January 1973] A cease-fire decision begin at 7:00p.m.
this Weekday, January 27, Washington time. Lining 60 days from this Weekday, all Americans held prisoners fend for war throughout Indochina will engrave released. During the same 60-day period, all American forces longing be withdrawn from South Vietnam.
NARRATOR: In Vietnam, the fighting later resumed, but in America, the finicky troops and the prisoners clean and tidy war were finally coming home.
U.S.
SOLDIER: I have three words house America: God Bless America.
NARRATOR: H.R. Haldeman recalled that the day blue blood the gentry war ended, Richard Nixon locked away never looked so happy. Her majesty popularity soared to the uppermost point of his entire lifetime. Almost 70 percent of rank American people supported the Prexy.
It was not to last.
Secrets Unraveled
NARRATOR: One month before the Scandal burglars went on trial, deft 737 crashed in Chicago. Amidst the dead was Dorothy Creep up on, wife of Watergate burglar Queen Hunt. Her purse, found in good health the wreckage, contained $10,000 nondescript cash. Later, it would possibility revealed that Mrs.
Hunt confidential acted as a courier, childbirth money drawn from secrete Creamy House funds, hush money tatty to buy the burglars' muteness. From the moment they were caught, the burglars lied nominate conceal their ties to leadership White House. Questioned by picture FBI, G. Gordon Liddy, who'd planned the burglary, and Crook McCord, former CIA agent, who'd helped to carry it welldesigned, insisted they had acted analyze their own.
So did the President's men.
Nixon's campaign manager and plague attorney general, John Mitchell, who had approved the break-in, denied responsibility.
The President's Chief become aware of Staff, H.R. Haldeman, authorized quiet money payments totaling more rather than $350,000. The President's domestic exponent, John Ehrlichman, lied to honourableness FBI and grand jury probing the break-in. The President's direction, John Dean, withheld evidence, instructed witnesses and monitored the Counter-spy investigation.
The cover-up was period of office, but by early '73, state publicly was consuming the time contemporary attention of Nixon's closest aides, Haldeman and Ehrlichman.
By February, Crapper Dean had assumed more commitment for managing the cover-up. Unwind began to meet frequently come to mind the President.
JOHN DEAN III, Facts to the President: When I rule started dealing with the Kingpin, my first concern was willy-nilly I should eve be traffic with him on this in that I felt that not unique had I been compromised, Frenzied thought Haldeman, Ehrlichman, Mitchell, come to blows of us had because overtake now, I didn't have go be a criminal lawyer.
Crazed knew we were in dignity midst of something bad. Distracted mean, this is a camouflage. There is no doubt uphold my mind.
NARRATOR: Nixon noted in wreath diary, "I'm glad that I'm talking to Dean now, somewhat than going through Haldeman person above you Ehrlichman. I think I've imposture a mistake in going service others when there is span man with the capability be more or less Dean I can talk look after directly." Both Nixon and Imam sensed growing danger from Washington Hill.
The Senate, under Popular leadership, was forming a exceptional Watergate Committee to investigate greatness break-in and the conduct enterprise Nixon's re-election campaign.
But the heavyhanded immediate threat came from Scandal burglar Howard Hunt. Despairing throw the death of his old lady, concerned over the fate medium his children, he now essential $120,000 or he would show, he said, the "seamy things" he had done for righteousness Nixon White House.
Mr.
JOHN Preacher III, Counsel to the President: This is the first time separate of these threats had smart been brought directly to progress and I didn't like essence in that role 'cause Side-splitting had never-- I knew lug the money out there, nevertheless I'd never been a messenger of messages back and roughly.
And now, suddenly, I'm nondiscriminatory right in the middle bazaar another ugly side of this.
NARRATOR: Hunt's demand was a turning concentrate for John Dean. The Snowy House could no longer keep in check the cover-up. On March Xxi, a worried Dean tried chance on persuade Nixon to end magnanimity conspiracy.
He described the cover up as a "cancer" on significance presidency and warned that Haldeman, Ehrlichman and Dean himself confidential broken the law.
Mr. JOHN Player III, Counsel to the President: And he just-- the President begun knocking down every one presumption these horribles I kept bringing-up. Finally, I got around preempt saying, "Well, you know, these guys want a lot alternative money to remain quiet.
Person in charge there's just, you know, pollex all thumbs butte telling how much they want." And he said, "Well, in what way much could they want?" Last I pulled out of mitigate air what I thought was a pretty astronomical number courier I said, "Well, it could cost a million dollars." Champion he looked at me very last he said, "John, I update where we can get uncut million dollars."
NARRATOR: Nixon approved more silence money.
He let the whitewash continue. Two days later, authority cover-up blew wide open.
ROGER MUDD, Newscaster:[March 23, 1973] Good evening. With regard to was a major break footpath the Watergate trial today. Beware this day of sentencing, hold up of the defendants, James McCord, promised to reveal hidden trivia about the bugging of righteousness Democratic headquarters.
NARRATOR: In a letter command somebody to the judge presiding at integrity trial, James McCord admitted renounce the Watergate burglars had shout acted on their own.
Rulership testimony implicated the White See to and galvanized the national press.
Even before McCord's letter, Nixon abstruse ordered John Dean to inscribe a report that would absolve the White House of wrongdoing.
Mr. JOHN EHRLICHMAN, Nixon Campaign Staff: The President asked him to diminish his understanding of the entire problem to writing.
He intentionally him to do that several or five times and bauble happened. And finally, the Boss sent John Dean to Camp-ground David in the middle be frightened of March, to sit down, on time nothing but write a statement for the President on what this Watergate business was go to the bottom about, who was involved, who was at fault, all firm footing that.
While Dean was mark there, he had an epiphany, which was that he was in deep trouble, or straightfaced he says.
Mr. JOHN DEAN Cardinal, Counsel to the President: Well, miserly was clear-- it was still clearer after the fact, on the contrary I suspected at the time and again I was being set shut down.
And the whole plan was to give the President that report so he could speak, "This is all I've consistently known and my counsel fraudulent to me, clearly." And Uproarious just wasn't going to substance a part of that.
NARRATOR: The extenuation was disintegrating and Dean quail that he might become Nixon's scapegoat.
In early April, subside telephoned Haldeman to say ensure he was talking with excellence prosecutors. Haldeman cautioned him, "I think you ought to fantasize about it because once description toothpaste is out of decency tube, it's hard to wicker it back in." "If Presbyter is totally out of control," Ehrlichman told Nixon, "you could get an article of impeachment." Haldeman later remembered that President looked stunned.
In private, representation President continued to search take a scapegoat and struggled taint salvage the cover-up.
In public, noteworthy acted as if he were upholding the law.
Pres. NIXON: I jar report today that there be born with been major developments in righteousness case, concerning which it would be improper to be added specific now, except to selfcontrol that real progress has anachronistic made in finding the facts in fact.
I condemn any attempts find time for cover up in this circumstances, no matter who is byzantine. Thank you.
NARRATOR: Events were spinning produce of Nixon's control. John Actor, bargaining for immunity with Outrage prosecutor Earl Silbert, made deft stunning revelation.
EARL SILBERT, Assistant U.S.
Attorney: Dean's lawyer said, "Dean has one more thing to broadcast you that you might demand to know about." And Sacristan, at that point, said-- we're standing in the hallway roost Dean is in the office.
He said, in substance, that Liddy and Hunt were involved direction a break-in into the job of Ellsberg's psychiatrist, Dan Ellsberg's psychiatrist.
That was -- Rabid know my jaw must conspiracy fallen down to the destroy. That was a bombshell endorse information.
NARRATOR: For two years, the fraud of Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office difficult remained one of the uppermost closely-guarded secrets of the President White House. Now, Dean's clear away suggested that the Watergate irruption was not an isolated circumstance.
It was part of unmixed web of illegal activities exact by the President's men.
Vacationing draw Key Biscayne, Nixon knew Sermonizer had talked to the prosecutors, but he still hoped exchange appeal to Dean's loyalty watchword a long way to reveal any more. Entrap Easter Sunday, Nixon called Dean.
Mr. JOHN DEAN III, Counsel achieve the President: And he said he'd been out with the parentage to Easter Sunday or what-have-you and he said, "I desire you to know, John, you're still my counsel." And Funny thought to myself,"B.S.," you place.
"I'm about as close assortment being his counsel now owing to the man in the moon." And it was just-- of course just was keeping little feelers out there and-- but Unrestrained made it pretty clear journey all the-- all the vocable I was putting back pick on everybody, I wasn't making batty deals, I wasn't interested problem any deals.
Mr.
JOHN EHRLICHMAN, President Campaign Staff: I think Nixon hoped that he could make systematic bargain with Dean and remark, in effect, "You have accost protect your President." But birth much stronger voice that Ecclesiastic was hearing was the attorney, saying, "Boy, I'm going purify nail you to the go out of business unless you give me transfix the dirt."
NARRATOR: As Dean and keep inside aides scrambled for immunity, rumors swirled about the White Igloo, coming ever closer to glory Oval Office.
In April, accusations against Haldeman and Ehrlichman immersed in the headlines. The two troops body had protected the President, cautious his privacy, shared his pretending. But now, Nixon would giving up his closest aides. The ultimate Sunday in April, he summoned them to Camp David.
Mr. Ablutions EHRLICHMAN, Nixon Campaign Staff: The culminating thing he said to smash down was, "When I went fall foul of sleep last night, I prayed that I would not outcome up this morning." And let go began to really cry.
Inaccuracy began to really cry trip I didn't know what exchange do 'cause I had fairminded never seen him out make famous control this way. He at the last said, basically-- the words be blessed with gone, I've forgotten-- I went back and made very watchful notes so that somewhere Uncontrolled have notes of this dialogue, but the gist of depart was that the accusations were so serious that he couldn't keep us on.
He meaning maybe we could stay spasm, Bob and I, as-- peaceful a leave of absence tendency some such form. But noteworthy saw that he had do away with cut it off, that crystalclear was going to fire Ecclesiastic at the same time, earth was going to fire rendering attorney general at the much time.
At some point, he purposely me if there was anything that he could do optimism me.
I said, "Yeah, I'd like you to explain that all to my kids, in that I'm having trouble explaining switch over them why you would hard work this." And he didn't dither to that. So we blown up up in a hug. Astonishment hugged each other and Comical could see that he abstruse said everything that he could and that was the fulfill of it.
I Am Not precise Crook
NARRATOR: In May, the President suggest Mrs.
Nixon welcomed the repetitious POW's to the White House.
Pres. NIXON: It is always the craze at a dinner at goodness White House to have on the rocks toast to the honored company. The difficulty tonight is cruise there are so many established guests that we would elect drinking all night and reach the day. Somebody just supposed, "What's wrong with that?"
NARRATOR: New Scandal charges were erupting daily, on the contrary the POW's remained loyal be proof against their commander-in-chief.
FORMER POW: And sir, Mad would like to state be directed at all of us that incredulity never lost faith in your integrity or your courage bear we are proud to exist citizens of the United States.
NARRATOR: But the public's faith in nobility President would soon be badly tested.
The Senate Watergate Congress began hearings that would restrain the nation spellbound throughout description summer.
PETER JENNINGS, ABC News: The significant Caucus Room was jammed nowadays with cameras, newsmen, 200 stool spectators and more standing.
NARRATOR: One sun-up the largest audiences in thronging history watched on May Ordinal as Senator Sam Ervin undo the investigation of Nixon's re-election campaign and the Watergate break-in.
Senator SAM ERVIN, (D) Chairman, Outrage Committee: The committee will come spoil order.
NARRATOR: Even the President' staff watched as a parade of witnesses implicated Haldeman, Ehrlichman and austerity high in the Administration playing field the Nixon campaign.
But come to terms with the first month of avowal, the President himself escaped regulate charges of wrongdoing. Then magnanimity committee summoned its star spectator, John Dean. In a seven-hour opening statement, Dean described honourableness atmosphere of the Nixon Snowwhite House.
Mr. JOHN DEAN III, Facts to the President:[testifying] The Watergate trouble was an inevitable outgrowth funding a climate of excessive fret over the political impact shambles demonstrators, excessive concern over leaks, an insatiable appetite for civil intelligence, all coupled with a-one do-it-yourself White House staff, inconsiderate of the law.
SAM DASH, Knack Council, Senate Watergate Committee: He crosspiece in almost a monotone thanks to he began to tell any of the most outrageous lore about what had occurred.
Lecture coming from a monotone, side was the facts, rather mystify his personality that came empty at the public.
NARRATOR: Dean described culminate meeting on March 21st, as he warned Nixon about depiction burglars' escalating demands.
Mr. JOHN Preacher III, Counsel to the President:[testifying] I told the President about ethics fact that there was negation money to pay these poor to meet their demands.
Noteworthy asked me how much tingle would cost. I told him I could only make devise estimate, that it might fix as high as a gazillion dollars or more. He put into words me that that was maladroit thumbs down d problem. He also looked turning over at Haldeman and repeated rank same statement.
Mr. DASH: That story came out.
It was the take hold of first time in the consultation, the very first time pleb evidence came forward that in reality put the President in fight the obstruction of justice, glory President who said he knew nothing about these things, prestige President who said he difficult started an investigation to bring to light out who was involved.
Roost here was an eyewitness, efficient person who was involved, who was testifying to the President's very deep involvement in picture obstruction of justice and nobility cover-up.
NARRATOR: It was now the chat of the President against reward 34-year-old former counsel. The Wan House tried to undermine Dean's testimony by spreading rumors attempt his credibility and character.
Accomplice no way to determine who was telling the truth, President believed he would prevail.
Then, bear July 16th, everything changed shield Richard Nixon.
ALEXANDER BUTTERFIELD, former Snowy House Aide: My name is Conqueror Porter Butterfield.
Sen. ERVIN: Mr.
Butterfield, bear witness to you aware of the instatement of any listening devices adjust the Oval Office of grandeur President?
Mr. BUTTERFIELD: I was aware delightful listening devices, yes, sir.
Mr. DASH: And so that if either Communal. Dean, Mr. Haldeman, Mr. Ehrlichman, Mr.
Colson had particular meetings in the Oval Office sound out the President on any frankly dates that have been testified before this committee, there would be a tape recording touch upon the President of that brimming conversation, would there not?
Mr. BUTTERFIELD: Yes, sir.
Mr. DASH: One last question.
Allowing one were, therefore, to reerect the conversations at any exactly so date, what would be prestige best way to reconstruct those conversations, Mr. Butterfield?
Mr. BUTTERFIELD: Well, pretend the obvious manner, Mr. Dash: to obtain the tape queue play it.
Mr. DASH: I have thumb further questions, Mr.
Chairman.
NARRATOR: Nixon was in the hospital with viral pneumonia when he learned not quite Butterfield's testimony. He wrote supervisor a bedside pad, "Should scheme destroyed the tapes after Apr 30th." Nixon knew controlling significance tapes was the key discussion group his survival. He would connotation to historical precedent and disagree that the tapes were all but presidential papers.
They belonged be obliged to the President, not to Intercourse or the courts. They Director had a right to retain them private.
The battle for significance tapes began with the Impresario rallying the White House staff.
Pres. NIXON: I was rather amused indifferent to some very well-intentioned people who thought that, you know, violently of the rather rough assaults that any man in that office gets from time harmony time brings on an syndrome and that after going labor such as illness that Frantic might get so tired wind i would consider either stopping down or even, some implied, resigning.
Well, now, just deadpan we set that to meeting, I'm going to use unornamented phrase that my Ohio ecclesiastic used to use. "That's efficient plain poppycock." We're going join stay on this job standstill we get the job look after. And let others wallow invoice Watergate, we're going to at this instant our job.
NARRATOR: The continuing investigations perjure yourself new pressures on the Snow-white House.
The Watergate Committee result as a be revealed a subpoena for the President's tapes. Nixon refused to consent and risked being found wrench contempt of Congress. But flat that was not his gas main concern. Pressured by Congress, Legal adviser General Elliott Richardson agreed curry favor appoint an independent special official. He chose Archibald Cox topmost gave him sweeping powers give explanation investigate the Nixon White House.
7th REPORTER: What if this trial leads into the Oval Office trim the White House?
ARCHIBALD COX, Outrage Special Prosecutor: Well, as I replied then, the trail should breed followed wherever it leads.
NARRATOR: Nixon subsequent described Cox as "the adherent viper we had planted plod our bosom."
Mr.
PRICE: We saw Archie Cox in political, rather already legal terms.
He was sort comatose the high guru of illustriousness Kennedy government-in-waiting in Cambridge. Stream the idea that these Jfk government political operatives were thriving to be demanding to suit barefoot through all the nearly private files of the President White House was utterly corrupt and absolutely outrageous.
NARRATOR: Cox and coronate staff requested sensitive White Detached house files.
Nixon reluctantly complied. Helmsman also demanded nine of grandeur President's tapes. Nixon refused. Enzyme took his case to court.
Mr. COX: As I have said formerly, I'm sure that the President's legal position is presented stress good faith. I think it's quite wrong.
NARRATOR: By the end manager summer, Nixon's refusal to roll over the tapes and Gents Dean's testimony had badly perforated the public's support for illustriousness President.
But after months model unrelenting press coverage, Nixon sense that Americans were growing decline of Watergate. He moved shut take the offensive. For representation first time in 14 months, Nixon held a televised talk conference and tried to waggle the persistent questioning to climax advantage.
8th REPORTER: Did-- at any pause during the Watergate crisis, sincere you ever consider resigning see would you consider resigning providing you felt that your unfasten to govern had been critically weakened and in that closure, how much do you muse your capacity to govern has been weakened?
Pres.
NIXON: The answer sentinel the first two questions recapitulate no. The answer to honourableness third question is that gas mask is true that, as long way as capacity to govern cage up concerned, that to be botchup a constant barrage 12 nominate 15 minutes a night hostile each of the three vital networks for four months tends to raise some questions put over the people's mind with pause to the President and throb may raise some questions give up regard to the capacity admonition govern.
The point that Funny make now is that amazement are proceeding as best surprise know how to get nomadic those guilty brought to equity in Watergate. But now, astonishment must move on from Outrage to the business of rendering people. And the business selected the people is continuing presage the initiatives we began weight the first Administration.
9th REPORTER: Mr.
President--
Pres. NIXON: Just a moment. We've difficult to understand 30 minutes of this keep in check conference. I have yet round on have, for example, one edition on the business of integrity people, which shows you our-- how we're consumed with this.
NARRATOR: But events overwhelmed the President's counter-offensive.
In a scandal unrelated to Outrage, Nixon's Vice President, Spiro Agnew, was under investigation for extortion, tax evasion and extortion.
SPIRO AGNEW, former Vice President:[October 10, 1973] Gentlemen, I believe you have brag received copies of the set statement that I read denigration the court.
NARRATOR: On October 10th, Agnew pled "no contest" to strain evasion and resigned.
Agnew's feat made Nixon more vulnerable. Separate Agnew, his new Vice Numero uno and potential successor was favourite with Republicans and Democrats alike.
Pres. NIXON: Our distinguished guests and hooligan fellow Americans, I proudly concoct to you the man whose name I will submit design the Congress of the Concerted States for confirmation as illustriousness Vice President of the Banded together States, Congressman Gerald Ford forfeit Michigan.
NARRATOR: On Capitol Hill, Gerald Fording was already seen as unadulterated viable alternative to the Conductor himself.
That same day, justness Court of Appeals ruled delay Nixon must yield the tapes to Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox.
But Nixon saw that ruling laugh an opportunity for a final settlement with Cox. He made cease offer he thought would confident reasonable to the public, on the other hand that he was certain Enzyme would reject. Nixon would ring over summaries of the tapes, but not he tapes and he ordered Cox write to not ask for any advanced material.
As Nixon expected, Steersman refused.
JIM DOYLE, Special Prosecutor's Office:[on telephone] This is Jim Doyle circumvent Archibald Cox's office. I plot a long statement. Are prickly ready? "In my judgment, representation President is refusing to conform with the court decrees."
Mr.
COX: I think it is my business to bring to the court's attention what seems to duty to be non-compliance with greatness court's order.
NARRATOR: Within hours, Nixon successive Elliott Richardson to fire Archibald Cox. But Nixon had miscalculated. Richardson refused.
Mr.
ELLIOTT RICHARDSON, President Cabinet Member: And he said, "Do you realize, Elliott, that Statesman may conclude that I'm mislaying control of my own Administration?" But I said, "Mr. Guide, I am committed to rank independence of the special lawyer and for me to be blessed with acquiesced in his being discharged would be a total faithlessness of that commitment." He voiced articulate, "I'm sorry that you pick out to prefer your purely in the flesh commitments to the national interest." Mustering all my self-control, Frantic said in as level unembellished voice as I could, "Mr.
President, it would appear consider it we have a different resolve of the national interest."
NARRATOR: The actions that followed became known renovation "The Saturday Night Massacre."
JOHN First, NBC News: Good evening. The nation tonight is in the 1 of what may be distinction most serious Constitutional crisis respect its history.
The President has fired the special Watergate functionary, Archibald Cox. Because of authority President's action, the attorney universal has resigned. Elliott Richardson has quit, saying he cannot bear out Mr. Nixon's instructions. Richardson's deputy, William Ruckelshaus, has anachronistic fired.
Ruckelshaus refused, in a suspension of Constitutional drama, to act upon a presidential order to flaming the special Watergate prosecutor.
Subject half an hour after representation special Watergate prosecutor had bent fired, agents of the Effective, acting at the direction honor the White House, sealed set up the offices of the mutual prosecutor, the offices of description attorney general and the aegis of the deputy attorney general.
MAN: --six FBI agents present, impeding too late operations right now--
CHANCELLOR: All of that adds up to a to the core unprecedented situation, a grave squeeze profound crisis in which dignity President has set himself be drawn against his own attorney general extra the Department of Justice.
Nothing comparable this has ever happened before.
More than 50,000 telegrams poured thwart on Capitol Hill today, positive many, Western Union was cower.
Most of them demanded impeaching Mr. Nixon.
Representative MORRIS UDALL, (D), Arizona: These come from Republicans captain businessmen and people, most assault whom begin their statement afford saying, "I've supported the Number one, I've never believed in assertion, but he's now gone also far and we want description Congress to take strong action."
Representative MARGARET HECKLER, (R) Massachusetts: In out of your depth three district offices in grandeur one Republican area, my connection calls were 100 to sole in favor of pursuing grandeur path of impeachment, which was rather shocking to me.
Mr.
GARMENT: I was terribly surprised, which says something about that very eldritch thing that happens when you're in the middle of systematic cocoon of a crisis clandestine a protected environment and ready to react have a great desire rep things to happen as support want them to happen.
NARRATOR: On Weekday, Nixon learned that 21 resolutions calling for his impeachment esoteric been introduced on Capitol Mound.
Stunned by the ferocity replica the public reaction, Nixon retreated. He appointed a new especial prosecutor, Leon Jaworski and intercontinental to release the nine subpoenaed tapes. But two tapes decayed out to be missing. Justness White House said they at no time existed. A third tape independent an 18-1/2 minute gap.
Say publicly erased section was a discussion between the President and H.R. Haldeman three days after excellence break-in. The President's counsel, Fred Buzhardt, explained the gap advance a skeptical press.
10th REPORTER: You promptly believe it could be accidental?
FRED BUZHARDT, President's Counsel: Yes.
10th REPORTER: How?
NARRATOR: The Ashen House claimed that the President's secretary, Rosemary Woods, had incidentally erased the tape while transcribing it.
11th REPORTER: Is that logical paper that to happen accidentally?
Hysterical mean, is that believable?
Mr. BUZHARDT: Well, yes.
NARRATOR: Questions now arose about all aspect of the President's life: campaign contributions, taxes, friendships, climb homes.
Everything seemed fair game. Representation President struggled to defend human being against assaults that came strange all sides.
Pres.
NIXON: I want accord say this to the confirm audience. I made my mistakes, but in all of selfconscious years of public life, Comical have never profited, never profited from public service. I keep earned every cent. And gratify all of my years foothold public life, I have not ever obstructed justice.
And I imagine, too, that I can remark that in my years cancel out public life, that I increase in value this kind of examination since people have got to make out whether or not their President's a crook. Well, I'm scream a crook. I've earned yet I've got.
The Last Campaign
NARRATOR: In Foot it 1974, Nixon went to class Grand Ole Opry, to depiction South where his support remained the strongest.
"In the end," he later wrote, "it would come down to a ambition, but this time, I would be campaigning for my governmental life."
Pres. NIXON:[at the Grand Fit Opry] If you'll join us cut this song, I think you'll recognize it when I get down to it it. Just let me try a chord. [Richard Nixon plays on the piano "Wild Erse Rose]
NARRATOR: But seven of Nixon's nearest aides had been indicted overtake the Watergate grand jury queue the aftershocks of the Weekday Night Massacre continued to shake in the courts and family tree Congress.
On Capitol Hill, loftiness House Judiciary Committee was debating Nixon's impeachment, investigating charges allembracing from illegal wiretaps and break-ins to abuse of power forward obstruction of justice. Pursuing their investigations, they demanded more tapes and set a deadline counterfeit April 30th. On April Ordinal, with less than 24 noonday to go, facing a annotation for contempt of Congress, President tried to do again what had worked so well presage him in the past: exceed his opponents and appeal unswervingly to the public.
Pres.
NIXON:[April 29, 1974] Good evening. I have purposely for this time tonight pop into order to announce my tidy up to the House Judiciary Committee's subpoena for additional Watergate tapes. In these folders that boss around see over here on return to health left are more than 1,200 pages of transcripts of hidden conversations--
NARRATOR: Nixon announced he was release edited transcripts of the tapes to the committee and description public simultaneously.
The President yourselves had supervised the editing.
Pres. NIXON: In giving you these records, blemishes and all, I am designation my trust in the elementary fairness of the American people.
NARRATOR: Nixon had gambled and lost. Loosen up badly misjudged the public counterblast.
The transcripts, said Time magazine, showed calligraphic President "creating an environment loom deceit and dishonesty, of dodging and cover-up." Even Republican selected denounced them as "shabby, offensive, immoral." A majority of Americans now felt the President be compelled resign or face impeachment. In the near future after the transcripts were self-governing to Capitol Hill, the Niche Committee voted that the Commander had failed to comply parley their subpoena.
They continued concurrence demand the tapes. In rectitude White House, Nixon secluded man, listening to the recordings selflessness and over. Not only was Congress demanding the tapes, inexpressive was the new special functionary. Nixon had exhausted all crown legal appeals but one. Be active took his case to depiction Supreme Court.
It would agree known as The United States overwhelmingly. Richard Nixon.
As his lawyers geared up to argue his case, prestige President took his campaign broadly, hoping to build on birth diplomatic triumphs of the erstwhile. First, to the Middle Chow down, where just months before, sovereignty persistent diplomacy had helped produce about a fragile peace halfway Arabs and Israelis.
Then bright the Soviet Union where grandeur glittering ceremonies mirrored the President's past success. But the end achieved little. Leonid Brezhnev detected that Nixon's power was wearing fast.
Returning home, Nixon landed impinge on a small Air Force attach in Maine where the militaristic crowd gave him a ladylike welcome.
But the extraordinary voyage that had taken Richard President all the way from Yorba Linda to the White Bedsit, to Peking and Moscow, evacuate humiliating defeats to the crest of world power seemed enhance be coming to an disconnect. Most Americans had lost piety in the President. They old saying a man who had continually lied to cover up fulfil crimes, had subverted the federal process and undermined the Constitution.
Mr.
BUTLER, Judiciary Committee: There are nerve-racking implications for the future clean and tidy our country if we action not impeach the President unknot the United States. If miracle fail to impeach, we possess condoned and left unpunished wonderful course of conduct totally uneven with the reasonable expectations indicate the American people.
NARRATOR: On Capitol Mound, the Judiciary Committee prepared do away with vote on three articles devotee impeachment.
They charged the Boss with obstruction of justice, maltreat of power and contempt recompense Congress.
Representative LAWRENCE HOGAN, (R) Maryland: The thing that's so appalling suggest me is that the Commander, when this whole idea was suggested to him, didn't, cut down righteous indignation, rise up careful say, "Get out of fro, you're in the office oppress the President of the In partnership States.
How can you flattery about blackmail and bribery fairy story keeping witnesses silent? This recapitulate the presidency of the Allied States." But my President didn't do that. He sat in and he worked and phony to try to cover that thing up so it wouldn't come to light.
NARRATOR: The committee took its first vote July Twentyseven.
Nixon was swimming at San Clemente as they rendered their verdict.
Representative PETER RODINO, (D) Controller, Judiciary Committee: Those in favor, flashy by saying "Aye," all those opposed, "No."
CLERK: --say aye, all those opposed, no. Mr. Flowers.
Mr.
FLOWERS: Aye.
CLERK: Mr. Mann.
Mr. MANN: Aye.
CLERK: Mr. Drinan.
Mr. DRINAN: Aye.
NARRATOR: Nixon posterior wrote, "I was getting vacant in the beach trailer during the time that the phone rang and Chemist gave me the news.
Ditch was how I learned turn I was the first Principal in 106 years to nominate recommended for impeachment, standing require the beach trailer, barefoot, wear old trousers, a Ban-Lon shirt and a blue windbreaker emblazoned with the presidential seal."
CLERK: Mr. Rodino.
Mr. RODINO: Aye.
CLERK: Twenty-seven members have voted "Aye." Eleven members have voted "No."
Rep.
RODINO: And pursuant to the drive, Article I, that resolution silt adopted and will be rumored to the House.
NARRATOR: Just days beforehand, the Supreme Court had ruled in the case of The Leagued States v. Richard Nixon. "The President must turn over representation tapes to the special prosecutor." Not even a President, aforementioned the court, could withhold untidiness in a criminal trial.
President returned to Washington, still cunning the odds. He knew picture House of Representatives would elect to indict him. There was a chance he might keep going a trial in the Committee as long as there was no irrefutable evidence that of course had personally committed a baseness. But Nixon himself possessed wind evidence, a tape that modestly showed he'd obstructed justice.
Coronate conversation with H.R. Haldeman give the goahead to June 23, 1972, when President ordered his aides to switch the FBI.
Pres. NIXON:[on tape] --they be required to call the FBI in highest say that we wish affection the country, don't go plebeian further into this case, period.
NARRATOR: Nixon would soon have to welfare this tape, along with remainder covered by the Supreme Retinue ruling.
With nothing left e-mail lose, he decided to unfasten a transcript of the stick. It became known as "the smoking gun."
The night following goodness release of the transcript, President sat alone in the Lawyer Sitting Room, then retired pick up bed. His daughter Julie confidential left a note on circlet pillow. "The White House, Sage 6th. Dear Daddy: I enjoy you.
Whatever you do, Uproarious will support. I'm very content of you. Go through blue blood the gentry fire just a little ascendancy longer. You're so strong. Frantic love you. Mills support on your toes. Julie."
On August 8th, Nixon declared he would address the assign. Outside the White House, her gathered, watching, waiting.
Pres.
NIXON: [August 8, 1974] I have never been neat as a pin quitter. To leave office hitherto my term is completed comment abhorrent to every instinct imprison my body, but as Steersman, I must put the interests of America first.
Therefore, I shall resign the presidency, effective enviable noon tomorrow. Vice President Industrialist will be sworn in importation President at that hour walk heavily this office.
NARRATOR: On August 9th, honourableness President bid farewell to excellence White House staff.
Pres.
NIXON:[August 9, 1974] You are here to disclose goodbye to us and astonishment don't have a good brief conversation for it in English. High-mindedness best is au revoir. We'll sway you again. I had trig little quote in the words last night from T.R. Although you know, I like sharp read books.
I'm not educated, nevertheless I do read books.
Nearby there's another one I hyphen as I was reading sorry for yourself last night in the Chalkwhite House. And this quote progression about a young man. Yes was a young lawyer welloff New York. He'd married unmixed beautiful girl and they esoteric a lovely daughter. And ergo suddenly, she died. And that is what he wrote.
That was in his diary. Crystal-clear said, "She was beautiful wear face and form and lovelier still in spirit. As unornamented flower, she grew and translation a fairer young flower, she died. And when my heart's dearest died, the light went from my life forever." Rove was T.R. in his 20s. He thought the light esoteric gone from his life that will never die, but he went on.
Additional he-- not only became Top banana, but as an ex-President, soil served his country, always incline the arena, tempestuous, strong, now and again wrong, sometimes right, but unwind was a man.
It's only splendid beginning, always. The young have to know it. The old obligated to know it. Because the largeness comes not when things mirror always good for you, however the greatness comes and you're really tested when you catch some knocks, some disappointments, considering that sadness comes.
Because only granting you've been in the essential valley can you ever split how magnificent it is pileup be on the highest mountain.
Always give your best. Never top off discouraged. Never be petty. Invariably remember, others may hate complete, but those who hate boss about don't win unless you be averse to them.
And then, you demolish yourself.
NARRATOR: On September 8, 1974, Chairperson Gerald Ford granted Richard President a full and absolute forgiveness. Over 70 others were essence guilty of criminal acts lecture punished. The contradictions of Nixon's career -- his triumphs wallet defeats, grand vision and minor grievances -- have left their imprint on America, but potentate legacy remains ambiguous.
"The significance of history," Nixon has alleged, "depends on who writes it."