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

2. Nixon’s 1st Term

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

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

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

6. 1972 Election In 1972, Nixon & staff are focused on re-election
CREEP (Committee to Re-Elect the President)
His chances look good
Nixon & advisors still feel uneasy
In early 1972, they develop a scheme to break into the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters.
Located at Watergate office-hotel complex.
Wanted to collect info to use against them in election
wiretaps

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

8. 5 days after break-in…
“The White House has no involvement whatsoever in this particular incident.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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