WEBVTT 00:11.233 --> 00:13.900 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 00:13.900 --> 00:15.933 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% MAN: Ladies and gentlemen, 00:15.933 --> 00:18.266 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% the president of the United States of America 00:18.266 --> 00:20.066 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% and Mrs. Nixon, 00:20.066 --> 00:24.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Mr. and Mrs. David Eisenhower, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cox. 00:24.700 --> 00:26.800 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: On August 9, 1974, 00:26.800 --> 00:29.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Richard Milhous Nixon became the first president 00:29.566 --> 00:32.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% in the history of the United States to resign from office. 00:34.200 --> 00:37.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% His staff gathered in the White House to bid him farewell 00:37.333 --> 00:40.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as millions of Americans watched on television, 00:40.400 --> 00:44.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% some in sorrow and disbelief, others glad to see him go. 00:47.200 --> 00:50.300 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Richard Nixon had accomplished great things as president 00:50.300 --> 00:52.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and had been reelected overwhelmingly, 00:52.933 --> 00:54.600 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% but he was also widely distrusted, 00:54.600 --> 00:58.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% sometimes ridiculed, even despised. 00:58.666 --> 01:04.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% You're here to say goodbye to us, 01:04.433 --> 01:09.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and we don't have a good word for it in English. 01:11.500 --> 01:13.766 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% The best is "au revoir." 01:13.766 --> 01:15.833 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% We'll see you again. 01:15.833 --> 01:17.666 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 01:24.466 --> 01:31.800 align:left position:30% line:77% size:60% JOHN EHRLICHMAN: Richard Nixon was studiedly different to different people, 01:31.800 --> 01:35.133 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% and I don't think there's any one person-- 01:35.133 --> 01:39.833 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% including his wife, probably-- who could sit down and write 01:39.833 --> 01:42.700 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% the definitive explanation of Richard Nixon. 01:42.700 --> 01:44.466 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% We all saw him differently. 01:44.466 --> 01:47.066 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 01:47.066 --> 01:49.400 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: He was a tireless campaigner, 01:49.400 --> 01:53.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% a survivor of more than a quarter of a century 01:53.100 --> 01:54.633 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% of political battle, 01:54.633 --> 01:58.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% yet so self-conscious that he disliked shaking hands 01:58.566 --> 02:01.266 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and found it hard to look anyone in the eye. 02:01.266 --> 02:02.500 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% NIXON: And I intend to continue 02:02.500 --> 02:04.333 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% to expose the people 02:04.333 --> 02:06.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that have sold this country down the river 02:06.933 --> 02:09.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% until we have driven all the crooks and the Communists 02:09.300 --> 02:11.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and those that defend them out of Washington. 02:11.133 --> 02:12.966 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 02:12.966 --> 02:16.066 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: He rose to power as a crusader against Communism, 02:16.066 --> 02:18.466 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% only to make his most lasting mark 02:18.466 --> 02:21.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% building bridges to China and the Soviet Union. 02:25.333 --> 02:28.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% He had millions of admirers all over the world 02:28.400 --> 02:30.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% but trusted almost no one, 02:30.400 --> 02:34.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and in the end was left to face his enemies alone. 02:36.700 --> 02:39.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The advice he offered his staff in his last speech as president 02:39.900 --> 02:43.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% stirred the thick August air with admonitions 02:43.266 --> 02:46.866 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that seemed to apply most aptly to Nixon himself. 02:46.866 --> 02:49.333 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Always give your best. 02:49.333 --> 02:51.500 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Never get discouraged. 02:51.500 --> 02:54.566 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Never be petty. 02:54.566 --> 02:56.866 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Always remember: 02:56.866 --> 02:59.600 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% others may hate you, 02:59.600 --> 03:04.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. 03:05.866 --> 03:08.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% And then, you destroy yourself. 03:17.133 --> 03:20.366 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% ELLIOT RICHARDSON: It's struck me from time to time 03:20.366 --> 03:25.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that, that Nixon as a character would have been so easy to fix 03:25.800 --> 03:30.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in the sense of removing these rather petty flaws, 03:30.700 --> 03:36.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and yet I think it's also true that if you, if you did this, 03:36.566 --> 03:39.766 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% you would probably have removed 03:39.766 --> 03:44.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that very inner core of insecurity 03:44.866 --> 03:47.633 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% that led to his drive. 03:47.633 --> 03:52.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% A secure Nixon almost surely, in my view, 03:52.133 --> 03:55.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% would never have been president of the United States at all. 04:06.666 --> 04:14.200 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% SINGER 1: ♪ Sing a song of golden California ♪ 04:14.200 --> 04:17.833 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% SINGER 2: ♪ Grain reflects the lofty mountain ♪ 04:17.833 --> 04:24.600 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% SINGERS: ♪ And the sunset sea... the sunset sea. ♪ 04:24.600 --> 04:26.233 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Richard Nixon was born 04:26.233 --> 04:29.366 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% in the tiny Southern California desert town of Yorba Linda 04:29.366 --> 04:31.200 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% in 1913. 04:31.200 --> 04:32.766 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% SINGER 2: ♪ Golden paradise... ♪ 04:32.766 --> 04:34.966 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: He grew up among the people he would one day call 04:34.966 --> 04:38.600 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "forgotten Americans" and the "silent majority." 04:38.600 --> 04:41.833 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% SINGERS: ♪ My California... ♪ 04:41.833 --> 04:44.766 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Hardworking, churchgoing people... 04:46.666 --> 04:48.266 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Farmers, shopkeepers, 04:48.266 --> 04:51.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% people with an inbred respect for authority 04:51.800 --> 04:55.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and an unyielding belief in the American Dream. 04:55.266 --> 04:57.366 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% SINGERS: ♪ ...that's my honey ♪ 04:57.366 --> 05:03.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% ♪ That's my sunny California. ♪ 05:03.700 --> 05:05.966 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% NIXON: I remember my old man. 05:07.200 --> 05:10.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I think that they would have called him sort of a, 05:10.533 --> 05:11.600 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (soft chuckle) 05:11.600 --> 05:15.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% a sort of little man, common man. 05:15.700 --> 05:18.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% He didn't consider himself that way. 05:18.533 --> 05:20.600 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% (clears throat) You know what he was? 05:22.300 --> 05:24.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% He was a streetcar motorman first, 05:24.633 --> 05:29.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and then he was a farmer, and then he had a lemon ranch, 05:29.266 --> 05:31.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and then he was a grocer. 05:36.466 --> 05:38.733 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% But he was a great man. 05:42.100 --> 05:43.966 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: "Richard had his father's fire," 05:43.966 --> 05:46.600 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% his mother, Hannah Milhous Nixon, once said, 05:46.600 --> 05:48.566 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% "and my tact." 05:48.566 --> 05:51.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% She seemed the opposite of the loud, aggressive husband 05:51.833 --> 05:54.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% her Quaker family always believed beneath her-- 05:54.900 --> 05:57.333 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% soft-spoken, tightly controlled, 05:57.333 --> 06:00.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% never allowing anger to get the better of her. 06:00.533 --> 06:05.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% She insisted her second son be called Richard, not Dick, 06:05.900 --> 06:08.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% taught him to read before he entered school, 06:08.566 --> 06:10.333 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% and made sure he said his prayers daily 06:10.333 --> 06:13.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and went four times to Quaker meeting on Sundays. 06:15.366 --> 06:17.433 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% WOMAN: I taught Richard Nixon 06:17.433 --> 06:20.333 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% in the second grade here in Yorba Linda. 06:20.333 --> 06:24.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He sat in the back seat and always came to school 06:24.500 --> 06:28.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% with a white, starched shirt with long sleeves. 06:28.500 --> 06:32.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He was always a quiet, dignified little fellow 06:32.400 --> 06:35.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and a very good student. 06:35.500 --> 06:37.933 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: He was clumsy but dogged at games, 06:37.933 --> 06:40.833 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% shy but gifted at reciting poetry, 06:40.833 --> 06:44.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and full of his father's enthusiasm for politics. 06:44.000 --> 06:46.966 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% MERLE WEST: Dick was politically inclined as a kid. 06:46.966 --> 06:49.000 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% I remember walking to school, 06:49.000 --> 06:52.933 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% and I think it was when Harding was running for president, 06:52.933 --> 06:54.833 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and old Dick was there on a stump 06:54.833 --> 06:57.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% saying why everybody should vote for Harding. 06:57.400 --> 07:00.300 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 07:00.300 --> 07:04.600 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The Nixons moved to nearby Whittier when Richard was nine. 07:04.600 --> 07:07.000 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Founded by Quakers in 1887, 07:07.000 --> 07:09.833 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% it was a sober, industrious community: 07:09.833 --> 07:14.033 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% no liquor stores, no bars, no dance halls. 07:14.033 --> 07:17.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Frank Nixon bought a gas station along the highway 07:17.966 --> 07:22.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and soon added a general store where the whole family worked, 07:22.333 --> 07:25.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% often 16 hours a day, seven days a week. 07:25.233 --> 07:28.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% One thing my mother and dad always used to say 07:28.600 --> 07:30.500 align:left position:60% line:83% size:30% when we were growing up-- 07:30.500 --> 07:32.133 align:left position:60% line:83% size:30% I don't mean my mother, 07:32.133 --> 07:34.400 align:left position:52.5% line:83% size:37.5% because she was a little biased-- 07:34.400 --> 07:36.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% but my dad used to say when we were growing up, 07:36.700 --> 07:38.766 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% he said, "You know, you boys"-- 07:38.766 --> 07:40.633 align:left position:55% line:83% size:35% speaking to me particularly-- 07:40.633 --> 07:44.833 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% "that you boys have got to get out and scratch. 07:44.833 --> 07:47.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% You're not gonna get anywhere on your good looks." 07:47.666 --> 07:50.700 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 07:50.700 --> 07:52.866 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: When Richard was 12, 07:52.866 --> 07:57.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% his younger brother, Arthur, suddenly fell ill and died, 07:57.100 --> 07:58.833 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and within eight years, 07:58.833 --> 08:02.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Harold, the eldest brother and family favorite, 08:02.400 --> 08:04.766 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% would succumb to tuberculosis. 08:04.766 --> 08:08.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Hannah Nixon recalled, "It was Arthur's passing 08:08.366 --> 08:11.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "that first stirred within Richard a determination 08:11.866 --> 08:16.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "to help make up for our loss by making us very proud of him. 08:16.233 --> 08:18.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "He may have felt a kind of guilt 08:18.666 --> 08:21.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "that Harold and Arthur were dead 08:21.000 --> 08:23.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and he was alive," she remembered. 08:24.866 --> 08:27.033 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% My mother was a saint. 08:33.333 --> 08:40.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And I think of her, two boys dying of tuberculosis, 08:40.700 --> 08:46.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% nursing four others, and seeing each of them die, 08:46.866 --> 08:49.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and when they died, it was like one of her own. 08:53.233 --> 09:00.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Yes, she will have no books written about her, 09:00.000 --> 09:02.066 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% but she was a saint. 09:04.666 --> 09:06.333 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: "I would like to study law 09:06.333 --> 09:08.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and enter politics for an occupation," 09:08.400 --> 09:10.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Nixon wrote in the eighth grade, 09:10.166 --> 09:12.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% "so that I might be of some good to the people." 09:14.833 --> 09:17.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Nixon worked hard for everything he got, 09:17.066 --> 09:19.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and his sober, industrious air 09:19.400 --> 09:22.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% sometimes put off his contemporaries. 09:22.300 --> 09:25.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% When he ran for class president at Whittier High, 09:25.400 --> 09:28.266 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% he lost to a candidate he later dismissed 09:28.266 --> 09:31.966 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% as an athlete and personality boy. 09:31.966 --> 09:35.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He would not lose another election for 30 years. 09:39.633 --> 09:44.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Both Harvard and Yale invited Nixon to apply for scholarships, 09:44.500 --> 09:47.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% but his dream of a prestigious eastern university 09:47.333 --> 09:49.533 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% was frustrated. 09:49.533 --> 09:52.200 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% It was 1930, the Great Depression, 09:52.200 --> 09:54.433 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and Harold was in the midst 09:54.433 --> 09:57.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of his long struggle with tuberculosis. 09:57.566 --> 10:02.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "We needed Richard at home," Hannah Nixon remembered. 10:02.866 --> 10:07.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Nixon had to settle for Whittier College, just down the road, 10:07.100 --> 10:10.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and later said he'd never felt disappointed. 10:10.300 --> 10:13.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He soon became a big man on the small campus. 10:14.900 --> 10:18.366 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 10:18.366 --> 10:20.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% He was an ambitious student politician, 10:20.833 --> 10:24.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% an accomplished actor, a champion debater. 10:26.600 --> 10:30.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The Whittier student body elected Nixon president in 1933. 10:30.766 --> 10:34.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% He was both admired and resented for what one student called 10:34.700 --> 10:37.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "an almost ruthless cocksureness." 10:39.100 --> 10:42.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The exclusive Franklin Club denied Nixon membership. 10:42.766 --> 10:45.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% He helped organize a competing club: 10:45.533 --> 10:48.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% The Orthogonians, or Square Shooters-- 10:48.233 --> 10:49.966 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% students who took pride 10:49.966 --> 10:52.600 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in working their way through college. 10:52.600 --> 10:55.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% They wore no ties, served spaghetti and beans, 10:55.800 --> 10:58.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and attracted the college's best athletes. 11:00.766 --> 11:04.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Nixon later denied there was any class distinction 11:04.266 --> 11:06.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% between his shirt-sleeved Orthogonians 11:06.866 --> 11:08.733 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and the tuxedoed Franklins, 11:08.733 --> 11:11.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but throughout his life, he would emphasize the differences 11:11.900 --> 11:13.900 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% between his own modest beginnings 11:13.900 --> 11:16.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and the wealthy, privileged backgrounds 11:16.500 --> 11:18.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of his political opponents. 11:31.800 --> 11:35.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Duke Law School was Nixon's next training ground 11:35.233 --> 11:38.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in persistence, success, and frustration. 11:38.133 --> 11:41.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% His classmates called him "Gloomy Gus." 11:41.000 --> 11:43.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% He lived frugally, studied endlessly, 11:43.666 --> 11:47.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and never walked away from a classroom confrontation. 11:47.500 --> 11:51.066 align:left position:30% line:77% size:60% LYMAN BROWNFIELD: We had a professor of torts, Douglas Maggs, 11:51.066 --> 11:54.466 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% who was so intimidating that most people backed down. 11:54.466 --> 11:56.666 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% The first person in our class that I remember 11:56.666 --> 11:59.566 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% that stood up to him and kind of barked back 11:59.566 --> 12:01.433 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% was Nixon. 12:01.433 --> 12:04.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And he had-- he was standing there kind of flat-footed, 12:04.333 --> 12:06.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and you could just see he was dug in, 12:06.900 --> 12:08.666 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and he was just standing up to Maggs, 12:08.666 --> 12:10.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% kind of almost shaking in his shoes, 12:10.400 --> 12:12.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but by gosh, he wasn't going to back down. 12:12.866 --> 12:15.900 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon graduated third in his class, 12:15.900 --> 12:20.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% hoping for a job with an East Coast law firm or the FBI. 12:20.066 --> 12:22.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But his applications were rejected. 12:22.466 --> 12:25.000 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% He went back home to Whittier. 12:25.000 --> 12:29.133 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% SINGER: ♪ California, here I come... ♪ 12:29.133 --> 12:32.700 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon's mother helped him get a job in a friend's law office. 12:32.700 --> 12:34.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Small-town law bored him, 12:34.566 --> 12:36.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and he was still too young and inexperienced 12:36.733 --> 12:38.700 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% for state politics. 12:38.700 --> 12:40.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Then, while auditioning for a local play, 12:40.933 --> 12:42.600 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% he fell in love. 12:44.633 --> 12:47.433 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Pat Ryan was a truck farmer's red-haired daughter 12:47.433 --> 12:49.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% ten months older than he 12:49.100 --> 12:52.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and even more accustomed to hard work and hardship. 12:52.366 --> 12:54.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% She had worked her way through college 12:54.900 --> 12:58.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% as a switchboard operator, salesgirl, and movie extra 12:58.300 --> 13:01.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% before taking a teaching job at Whittier High. 13:01.366 --> 13:05.033 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "Don't laugh," Nixon told her, even before their first date, 13:05.033 --> 13:07.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% "but someday I'm going to marry you." 13:09.833 --> 13:12.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% He pursued Pat for over two years, 13:12.133 --> 13:15.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% even driving her to Los Angeles on weekends 13:15.133 --> 13:17.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% when she had dates with other men, 13:17.433 --> 13:20.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% then waiting around to take her home again. 13:20.466 --> 13:25.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% He married her in June of 1940, but his political ambitions 13:25.333 --> 13:28.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% would have to wait five more years. 13:28.266 --> 13:30.033 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% The world was at war. 13:30.033 --> 13:32.000 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% SINGER: ♪ ...California, here I come. ♪ 13:32.000 --> 13:36.633 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% NARRATOR: Eight months after Pearl Harbor, Nixon joined the Navy, 13:36.633 --> 13:40.000 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and as a lieutenant commander was sent to the Solomon Islands. 13:40.000 --> 13:42.066 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% He was best remembered for his skill 13:42.066 --> 13:44.866 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% at scrounging food and liquor and supplies 13:44.866 --> 13:47.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% for the grateful men who called him "Nick." 13:47.733 --> 13:49.633 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And he learned to play poker 13:49.633 --> 13:53.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% not just to fill the time, but to make some extra money. 13:53.633 --> 13:55.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% JAMES STEWART: He said to me, 13:55.100 --> 13:57.033 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "Do you think that there's any sure way to win?" 13:57.033 --> 13:58.566 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% And I said, 13:58.566 --> 14:01.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "Well, if you don't think you have the best hand going in, 14:01.300 --> 14:03.966 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% get out, drop, don't, don't ante up." 14:03.966 --> 14:06.500 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% I said, "The trouble with that is, is that 14:06.500 --> 14:08.933 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% "you'll probably drop three or four hands out of five 14:08.933 --> 14:10.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "and it's very boring, 14:10.600 --> 14:12.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and I haven't got the patience to do it." 14:12.700 --> 14:16.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Well, to our intense surprise, he did exactly that, 14:16.666 --> 14:22.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and he won quite more frequently than he lost 14:22.000 --> 14:26.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and he sent home to California a fair amount of money. 14:26.000 --> 14:28.200 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I have no idea exactly how much, 14:28.200 --> 14:31.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% but my estimate was between $6,000 and $7,000. 14:32.466 --> 14:34.800 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: It was his poker winnings 14:34.800 --> 14:38.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that helped finance Nixon's first political campaign. 14:38.333 --> 14:40.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% At war's end, he was approached 14:40.466 --> 14:44.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% by a group of Republican bankers and businessmen from Whittier 14:44.266 --> 14:46.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% who sought a candidate to unseat 14:46.500 --> 14:49.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the five-term Democratic congressman Jerry Voorhis. 14:49.000 --> 14:53.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Voorhis, a Yale graduate from a wealthy family, 14:53.366 --> 14:56.033 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% was anathema to Whittier Republicans. 14:56.033 --> 14:59.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% He supported labor, opposed big oil and big banking, 14:59.700 --> 15:02.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and championed the social welfare programs 15:02.766 --> 15:04.300 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% of the New Deal. 15:04.300 --> 15:07.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Lieutenant Commander Nixon jumped at the opportunity 15:07.300 --> 15:08.600 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% to run against him. 15:10.233 --> 15:12.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Leading Republicans around Whittier were confident 15:12.700 --> 15:16.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% they finally had found the man to defeat Jerry Voorhis. 15:16.433 --> 15:20.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "Nixon comes from good Quaker stock," a local banker wrote. 15:20.466 --> 15:22.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "He is a very aggressive individual." 15:22.766 --> 15:27.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Another partisan said, "This man is saleable merchandise." 15:29.566 --> 15:32.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% In his first campaign, Nixon developed an approach 15:32.300 --> 15:34.733 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% that remained remarkably consistent 15:34.733 --> 15:36.700 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% through nearly three decades. 15:36.700 --> 15:38.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The candidate presented himself as a family man 15:38.766 --> 15:41.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% from a long tradition of work and service, 15:41.533 --> 15:44.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% a firm believer in individual initiative, 15:44.100 --> 15:46.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% a champion of the forgotten man, 15:46.133 --> 15:48.733 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% and at the same time, 15:48.733 --> 15:52.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% he proved to be a fierce no-holds-barred combatant, 15:52.000 --> 15:55.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% accusing Voorhis of ties to Communist organizations, 15:55.366 --> 15:58.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% distorting Voorhis's record in Congress. 15:58.066 --> 15:59.966 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% JERRY VOORHIS: Just before the election, 15:59.966 --> 16:02.366 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% a good many people came and told me, 16:02.366 --> 16:06.300 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% "Do you know about the telephone calls that are being made?" 16:06.300 --> 16:08.333 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% And I said, no, I didn't. 16:08.333 --> 16:11.966 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% "Well," they said, "I was called on the phone 16:11.966 --> 16:15.333 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% "by an unidentified person who simply said, 16:15.333 --> 16:18.800 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% "'Do you know that Jerry Voorhis is a Communist?' 16:18.800 --> 16:21.333 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% "and 'You should vote for Mr. Nixon 16:21.333 --> 16:23.833 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% because of this fact.'" 16:23.833 --> 16:26.866 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The character of Nixon's campaign 16:26.866 --> 16:28.800 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% surprised many of his friends. 16:28.800 --> 16:31.033 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "Of course I knew Jerry Voorhis wasn't a Communist," 16:31.033 --> 16:33.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% he later told a Voorhis aide, "but I had to win. 16:33.933 --> 16:36.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "That's the thing you don't understand. 16:36.033 --> 16:38.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% The important thing is to win." 16:38.466 --> 16:40.466 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% VOORHIS: All the stops were pulled 16:40.466 --> 16:42.300 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and Mr. Nixon beat me. 16:42.300 --> 16:44.033 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% He was a good debater. 16:44.033 --> 16:45.666 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% He was a clever debater. 16:45.666 --> 16:49.466 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% I wouldn't deny that at all. 16:49.466 --> 16:52.800 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% But, uh... 16:52.800 --> 16:54.266 align:left position:45% line:5% size:45% I... 16:56.300 --> 17:00.966 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% I still feel that there were a good many... 17:00.966 --> 17:04.400 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% good many below-the-belt blows struck in the campaign. 17:06.500 --> 17:10.266 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon was swept into office with 60% of the vote, 17:10.266 --> 17:13.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% part of a nationwide Republican surge. 17:13.233 --> 17:17.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% His boyhood goal, to enter politics, had been achieved. 17:23.833 --> 17:28.100 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 17:28.100 --> 17:31.633 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: Capitol Hill in Washington is again the nation's focal point 17:31.633 --> 17:33.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% as the 80th Congress convenes 17:33.666 --> 17:37.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% during one of the most crucial periods in the nation's history. 17:37.066 --> 17:39.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The Republican-controlled Congress takes the helm 17:39.300 --> 17:41.000 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% in the House. 17:41.000 --> 17:43.900 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: As the Nixons posed beneath the cherry blossoms 17:43.900 --> 17:45.666 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% with baby Tricia, 17:45.666 --> 17:47.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% it was a heady time for a young Republican. 17:47.933 --> 17:50.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The G.O.P. controlled both houses of Congress 17:50.733 --> 17:54.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% for the first time in 20 years, and the fervent anti-Communism 17:54.566 --> 17:56.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that had helped Nixon win the election 17:56.566 --> 17:58.533 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% was well suited to the times. 17:58.533 --> 18:01.100 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: Soviet Russia was expansively stabbing westward, 18:01.100 --> 18:04.133 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% knifing into nations left empty by war. 18:04.133 --> 18:05.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Already, an iron curtain had dropped 18:05.866 --> 18:11.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% around Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria... 18:11.300 --> 18:13.300 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% I am not now a Communist... 18:13.300 --> 18:15.233 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: And in the United States, 18:15.233 --> 18:18.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the House Committee on Un-American Activities 18:18.166 --> 18:20.500 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% searched for Soviet sympathizers. 18:20.500 --> 18:23.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Congressman Nixon soon became the junior member 18:23.133 --> 18:25.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of that controversial, headline-making body. 18:25.633 --> 18:28.433 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% And on August 3, 1948, 18:28.433 --> 18:30.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% shortly after the birth of Nixon's second daughter, Julie, 18:30.966 --> 18:32.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% an unlikely drama began 18:32.533 --> 18:35.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that would make the issue of Communist subversion 18:35.800 --> 18:37.033 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% front-page news 18:37.033 --> 18:39.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and make Congressman Nixon a national figure 18:39.600 --> 18:41.866 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% almost overnight. 18:41.866 --> 18:43.466 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% MAN: ...will be the truth, the whole truth, 18:43.466 --> 18:45.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and nothing but the truth, so help you God? 18:45.300 --> 18:46.600 align:left position:45% line:89% size:45% I do. 18:46.600 --> 18:48.766 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: A strange, self-confessed ex-Communist 18:48.766 --> 18:51.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and editor of "Time" magazine named Whittaker Chambers 18:51.900 --> 18:55.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% appeared before the committee to make a sensational charge. 18:55.466 --> 18:59.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Alger Hiss, protégé of Oliver Wendell Holmes, 18:59.266 --> 19:01.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% aide to Franklin Roosevelt at Yalta, 19:01.900 --> 19:05.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and one of the organizers of the United Nations 19:05.266 --> 19:07.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% was, said Chambers, a Communist 19:07.466 --> 19:11.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% intent upon infiltrating the highest offices of government. 19:11.766 --> 19:13.733 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% CHAMBERS: Mr. Hiss... 19:13.733 --> 19:17.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% represents the concealed enemy 19:17.400 --> 19:23.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% against which we are all fighting and I am fighting. 19:23.700 --> 19:27.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% My contacts with any foreign representative 19:27.233 --> 19:30.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% who could possibly have been a Communist 19:30.633 --> 19:32.966 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% have been strictly official. 19:32.966 --> 19:36.133 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Most observers found Hiss persuasive, 19:36.133 --> 19:39.833 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% but Nixon had learned through Father John Cronin, 19:39.833 --> 19:42.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the Catholic priest with FBI connections, 19:42.600 --> 19:45.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that Hiss had been under suspicion for years. 19:45.633 --> 19:48.066 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Nixon insisted the hearings continue. 19:48.066 --> 19:51.400 align:left position:27.5% line:77% size:62.5% NEWSREEL ANNOUNCER: "Who's the Liar?" might well be the title of the drama 19:51.400 --> 19:53.766 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% which unfolds before a packed caucus room 19:53.766 --> 19:56.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% where the House Un-American Affairs Committee members 19:56.966 --> 19:58.133 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% swear in Alger Hiss. 19:58.133 --> 20:00.133 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: The hearings were high drama. 20:00.133 --> 20:03.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Rumors spread that Chambers was a psychopath. 20:03.200 --> 20:05.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Hiss claimed never to have known him. 20:06.900 --> 20:08.933 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% President Truman denounced the proceedings 20:08.933 --> 20:10.666 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% as politically motivated 20:10.666 --> 20:13.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and ordered government agencies to refuse to cooperate. 20:13.566 --> 20:17.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Nixon charged that the Democrats were mounting a cover-up. 20:17.133 --> 20:19.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The freshman congressman from Whittier 20:19.200 --> 20:21.266 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% had put himself in the center of it all. 20:21.266 --> 20:25.333 align:left position:27.5% line:77% size:62.5% RALPH DE TOLEDANO: Nixon realized that once he had committed himself 20:25.333 --> 20:28.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that if everything collapsed, if Hiss was exonerated, 20:28.233 --> 20:31.566 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% or if the charges were not proved to the hilt, 20:31.566 --> 20:34.066 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% he would be badly hurt. 20:34.066 --> 20:37.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Now, I don't think he would have been permanently hurt, 20:37.133 --> 20:39.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% but certainly I think if that had happened, 20:39.900 --> 20:42.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Richard Nixon would never have become a senator 20:42.533 --> 20:46.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and never would have become president of the United States. 20:46.533 --> 20:49.166 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: "He immersed himself in the case 20:49.166 --> 20:51.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% with an absorption that was almost frightening," 20:51.500 --> 20:53.300 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Pat Nixon remembered. 20:53.300 --> 20:55.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% When others were ready to drop the case, 20:55.266 --> 20:57.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Nixon and chief investigator Robert Stripling 20:57.533 --> 20:59.100 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% talked them out of it. 20:59.100 --> 21:00.933 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% They were sure Hiss was lying 21:00.933 --> 21:02.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% when he claimed not even to have known Chambers, 21:02.700 --> 21:05.833 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and they set out to prove it. 21:05.833 --> 21:09.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% We went up and got Mr. Chambers, put him in the grand jury room. 21:09.600 --> 21:12.833 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% We put him under oath and we said, in effect, 21:12.833 --> 21:16.600 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% "You claim you know Mr. Hiss; tell us all about him. 21:16.600 --> 21:18.533 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% "What did he call his wife? 21:18.533 --> 21:20.200 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% "What did she call him? 21:20.200 --> 21:21.733 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% "Did they have a dog? 21:21.733 --> 21:23.166 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% "Did they have a veterinarian? 21:23.166 --> 21:24.533 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% "Did they have a doctor? 21:24.533 --> 21:26.033 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% "Did they have a cook? 21:26.033 --> 21:29.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Give us the housekeeping details beginning at the front door." 21:29.966 --> 21:32.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And he rattled on for two hours. 21:32.700 --> 21:41.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It was very obvious that he indeed did know Mr. Hiss, 21:41.100 --> 21:43.533 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% and quite well. 21:43.533 --> 21:47.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% There was also another factor which I think is very important, 21:47.200 --> 21:49.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and that was a kind of personal animus. 21:49.700 --> 21:53.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Hiss was arrogant on the stand 21:53.466 --> 21:55.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and he rubbed Nixon the wrong way 21:55.833 --> 21:59.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and he snapped at Nixon a couple of times, and so on. 21:59.466 --> 22:04.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And it became I think also a personal thing for Nixon. 22:04.633 --> 22:07.533 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He saw that it could be a big issue, 22:07.533 --> 22:12.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and his whole temperament made him want to pursue it. 22:12.066 --> 22:16.933 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% CHAMBERS: I believe that I was first introduced to Mr. Hiss 22:16.933 --> 22:20.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% by Harold Ware and J. Peters. 22:20.733 --> 22:23.433 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Chambers, now fighting a libel suit, 22:23.433 --> 22:25.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% leveled a still more sensational charge, 22:25.866 --> 22:28.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% one he had not yet shared with the committee. 22:28.166 --> 22:31.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% He claimed that Hiss had actually been a spy 22:31.333 --> 22:34.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% before the war, copying secret State Department documents 22:34.500 --> 22:38.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% which Chambers himself had passed on to a Soviet contact. 22:38.400 --> 22:42.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Nixon was furious that Chambers had been holding out on him. 22:42.433 --> 22:45.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He ordered any evidence Chambers might have subpoenaed, 22:45.466 --> 22:46.633 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% then left with his wife 22:46.633 --> 22:48.833 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% on a long-delayed Caribbean vacation. 22:48.833 --> 22:52.933 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 22:52.933 --> 22:56.933 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: In the latest sensational turn of the red espionage probe, 22:56.933 --> 22:58.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% the Maryland farm of the magazine editor 22:58.700 --> 23:00.733 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% becomes the focus of attention. 23:00.733 --> 23:03.333 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: From a hollowed-out pumpkin, 23:03.333 --> 23:06.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Chambers produced apparent proof of espionage: 23:06.666 --> 23:09.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% microfilm of stolen documents. 23:10.133 --> 23:12.266 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% Nixon made the nation's front pages 23:12.266 --> 23:14.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% when he was plucked from mid-ocean 23:14.366 --> 23:17.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and flown back to Washington for a press conference. 23:17.533 --> 23:20.400 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% I am holding in my hand a microfilm 23:20.400 --> 23:22.733 align:left position:55% line:83% size:35% of very highly confidential 23:22.733 --> 23:25.800 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% secret State Department documents... 23:25.800 --> 23:29.200 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The microfilm, thereafter known as the "Pumpkin Papers," 23:29.200 --> 23:32.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% provided the evidence and the publicity Nixon needed. 23:32.633 --> 23:36.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Finally, after two controversial trials, 23:36.133 --> 23:40.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Hiss was found guilty of perjury and imprisoned. 23:40.533 --> 23:44.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The Hiss case polarized American opinion about Richard Nixon. 23:44.933 --> 23:46.900 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% To conservatives, 23:46.900 --> 23:50.033 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% he had fearlessly rooted out a dangerous subversive, 23:50.033 --> 23:52.400 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% but in the eyes of many liberals, 23:52.400 --> 23:54.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Nixon had destroyed an honorable man 23:54.966 --> 23:59.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and set the stage for more unscrupulous Communist hunters. 23:59.066 --> 24:02.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But there was no doubt that at the age of 35, 24:02.300 --> 24:06.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the congressman from Whittier had become a national figure. 24:12.433 --> 24:14.233 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (explosion) 24:17.166 --> 24:22.233 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: 1950-- the Russians had exploded an atomic bomb of their own. 24:22.233 --> 24:24.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were charged 24:24.066 --> 24:27.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with giving the Soviets atomic secrets. 24:27.300 --> 24:31.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Communists took control of mainland China. 24:31.266 --> 24:34.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% In Korea, Communist troops poured across the 38th parallel 24:34.400 --> 24:37.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and American soldiers were sent to stop them. 24:37.833 --> 24:41.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Senator Joseph McCarthy charged that Communists in government 24:41.200 --> 24:42.800 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% were responsible for it all. 24:42.800 --> 24:44.000 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% And call the roll! 24:44.000 --> 24:47.400 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And call the roll of the traitors who plunder. 24:47.400 --> 24:51.966 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: And Congressman Nixon had his sights on the Senate. 24:51.966 --> 24:53.300 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% His opponent was 24:53.300 --> 24:56.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% three-term congresswoman Helen Gahagan Douglas. 24:56.500 --> 24:59.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Like Jerry Voorhis, she was wealthy, well educated, 24:59.966 --> 25:02.633 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and an outspoken New Dealer. 25:02.633 --> 25:06.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% She condemned the fear of internal Communism as irrational 25:06.433 --> 25:08.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and opposed the very existence 25:08.633 --> 25:11.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 25:11.833 --> 25:15.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Politicians in both parties called the former actress 25:15.333 --> 25:18.033 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% a "bleeding-heart liberal," a "do-gooder," 25:18.033 --> 25:22.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% a "Hollywood parlor pink." 25:22.400 --> 25:25.566 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Congressman John F. Kennedy quietly gave Nixon $1,000 25:25.566 --> 25:28.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% to help defeat her, saying, "It won't break my heart 25:28.466 --> 25:31.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% if you can turn the Senate's loss into Hollywood's gain." 25:33.733 --> 25:35.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Mrs. Douglas was a perfect target for what Nixon called 25:35.900 --> 25:39.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% his "rocking, socking" style of campaigning. 25:41.166 --> 25:44.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Implying the congresswoman was pro-Communist, 25:44.133 --> 25:46.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% he distributed a flyer on pink paper 25:46.033 --> 25:48.600 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% showing Mrs. Douglas had voted with the controversial 25:48.600 --> 25:53.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% left-wing congressman Vito Marcantonio 354 times. 25:53.633 --> 25:57.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The fact that most Democrats and a good many Republicans 25:57.166 --> 26:00.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% had voted the same way was ignored. 26:00.566 --> 26:02.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Nixon charged that his opponent 26:02.633 --> 26:05.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% was "pink right down to her underwear." 26:05.166 --> 26:09.533 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Mrs. Douglas fought back hard, calling Nixon a "peewee" 26:09.533 --> 26:13.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% who is trying to scare people into voting for him. 26:13.100 --> 26:16.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And she gave him the nickname he would never entirely shake: 26:16.100 --> 26:17.866 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% "Tricky Dick." 26:17.866 --> 26:19.833 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% DOUGLAS: When Richard Nixon ran 26:19.833 --> 26:23.100 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% for the House of Representatives and unseated Jerry Voorhis, 26:23.100 --> 26:26.433 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% it was the same kind of campaign as he waged against me in 1950. 26:26.433 --> 26:31.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But the essence of that kind of campaign is this: 26:31.666 --> 26:33.766 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% to avoid the issues. 26:33.766 --> 26:36.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% You work up bogus issues, 26:36.900 --> 26:41.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% trying to play on the fears of people, 26:41.366 --> 26:45.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% because if you talk about the real issues, you may lose votes. 26:45.733 --> 26:48.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% It's as simple as that. 26:48.266 --> 26:51.300 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% NARRATOR: Other candidates employed scare tactics that year, 26:51.300 --> 26:55.433 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% but few were more blatant than Richard Nixon's. 26:55.433 --> 27:00.533 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% "People react to fear," he once told an aide, "not love. 27:00.533 --> 27:03.933 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% They don't teach that in Sunday school, but it's true." 27:03.933 --> 27:07.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Nixon defeated Mrs. Douglas by almost 700,000 votes, 27:07.933 --> 27:09.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% the largest plurality won 27:09.900 --> 27:12.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% by any senatorial candidate in the country. 27:12.900 --> 27:15.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% A lot of people probably wonder how it is possible 27:15.500 --> 27:20.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% for a candidate to be elected into any office in California 27:20.333 --> 27:22.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% when he is a member of the Republican Party. 27:22.833 --> 27:25.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I have just had that experience and I should like to point out 27:25.766 --> 27:28.800 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% the reason for our election victory. 27:28.800 --> 27:31.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% It's because in this particular election, the issues, 27:31.533 --> 27:34.033 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% rather than the partisan labels of the candidates, 27:34.033 --> 27:35.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% were what governed the electorate. 27:35.566 --> 27:37.000 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% I think the major issue... 27:37.000 --> 27:38.533 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% MORRIS: Richard Nixon does not simply defeat 27:38.533 --> 27:40.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Jerry Voorhis for the Congress 27:40.400 --> 27:43.633 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% or defeat Helen Gahagan Douglas for the Senate in 1950; 27:43.633 --> 27:45.733 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% he destroys these people politically 27:45.733 --> 27:47.766 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% and very nearly personally. 27:47.766 --> 27:51.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% And he does that in such a way 27:51.433 --> 27:54.233 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% as to leave a great legacy of bitterness 27:54.233 --> 27:57.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% among their supporters, and even among onlookers-- 27:57.033 --> 28:01.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% people who are sort of neutral observers on the side. 28:05.333 --> 28:09.400 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 28:09.400 --> 28:12.433 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: Chicago is a city divided 28:12.433 --> 28:16.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% as thousands of delegates and observers stream into the city 28:16.600 --> 28:18.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% for the 25th Republican Convention. 28:18.900 --> 28:21.300 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Partisanship runs high, 28:21.300 --> 28:23.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and the trappings of the Grand Old Party dominate the scene 28:23.666 --> 28:27.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% before the serious business gets under way. 28:27.366 --> 28:30.466 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: After only a year and a half in the Senate, 28:30.466 --> 28:32.266 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Nixon was a leading candidate 28:32.266 --> 28:34.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for the vice-presidential nomination. 28:34.500 --> 28:38.433 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: Here comes "Mr. Republican" himself, Senator Robert Taft. 28:38.433 --> 28:42.433 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Taft partisans, mostly conservative and isolationist, 28:42.433 --> 28:45.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% applauded Nixon's fervent anti-Communism, 28:45.500 --> 28:48.566 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% while General Eisenhower's more liberal, 28:48.566 --> 28:51.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% internationalist backers were attracted to Nixon's support 28:51.166 --> 28:52.766 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% of the Marshall Plan, 28:52.766 --> 28:55.966 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% his commitment to rebuilding post-war Europe. 28:55.966 --> 28:59.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The California delegation was pledged 28:59.300 --> 29:02.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to its favorite son, Governor Earl Warren. 29:02.533 --> 29:05.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But behind the scenes, Nixon lobbied hard 29:05.166 --> 29:07.233 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% for the nomination of Eisenhower. 29:07.233 --> 29:09.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% He was a man with no set ideology, 29:09.700 --> 29:13.966 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% no set, real deep-down principles. 29:13.966 --> 29:16.700 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% Uh, I... 29:16.700 --> 29:18.433 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% He wasn't a Taft Republican, 29:18.433 --> 29:20.100 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% he wasn't an Eisenhower Republican; 29:20.100 --> 29:22.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% he was a Nixon Republican. 29:22.200 --> 29:24.733 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 29:24.733 --> 29:26.466 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: With New York's big bloc of votes, 29:26.466 --> 29:29.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% the issue is no longer in doubt, 29:29.566 --> 29:31.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and a wildly cheering convention hails its nominee, 29:31.966 --> 29:35.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Dwight D. Eisenhower, soldier and statesman. 29:35.400 --> 29:40.066 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Away from the convention floor, Eisenhower huddled with Nixon. 29:40.066 --> 29:41.633 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% The young senator represented 29:41.633 --> 29:44.266 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% the growing power of the West Coast, 29:44.266 --> 29:46.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and he was a rough-and-tumble campaigner. 29:46.533 --> 29:49.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The general offered him the vice-presidency. 29:49.400 --> 29:52.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And as we contribute to the Republican cause, 29:52.533 --> 29:56.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% what we will do is to forge a great victory 29:56.166 --> 29:59.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for the Republican Party next November. 29:59.166 --> 30:00.966 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% But a victory which will be a victory 30:00.966 --> 30:02.966 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% not only for the Republican Party, 30:02.966 --> 30:06.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but what is more important, it will be a victory for America 30:06.733 --> 30:10.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and for the cause of free peoples throughout the world. 30:10.700 --> 30:14.133 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 30:14.133 --> 30:16.700 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Eisenhower intended to keep to the high road, 30:16.700 --> 30:18.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% he told his new running mate. 30:18.500 --> 30:22.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It was up to Nixon to flail the Democrats 30:22.000 --> 30:24.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and their presidential candidate, Adlai Stevenson. 30:24.233 --> 30:26.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% There is no question in my mind 30:26.700 --> 30:29.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% as to the loyalty of Mr. Stevenson. 30:29.066 --> 30:32.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But the question is one as to his judgment. 30:32.833 --> 30:34.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Many good Americans are concerned 30:34.933 --> 30:37.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% by the way that President Truman and Governor Stevenson 30:37.766 --> 30:39.866 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% have both attempted to ridicule and pooh-pooh 30:39.866 --> 30:42.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the Communist threat within the United States. 30:42.866 --> 30:45.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% You read about another bribe, you read about another tax fix, 30:45.966 --> 30:47.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% you read about another gangster 30:47.633 --> 30:49.500 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% getting favors from the government. 30:49.500 --> 30:51.733 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% The people are sick and tired of it. 30:51.733 --> 30:53.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% They're outraged and they want something done about it, 30:53.766 --> 30:55.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and they're tired of an administration 30:55.533 --> 30:57.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% which instead of cleaning up is covering up 30:57.766 --> 31:00.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the scandals in Washington at the present time. 31:00.833 --> 31:04.200 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Suddenly, Nixon faced a scandal of his own. 31:04.200 --> 31:07.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "The New York Post" reported that wealthy supporters 31:07.733 --> 31:10.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% had set up a secret fund for Nixon's personal use. 31:10.866 --> 31:13.866 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% NIXON: And if that were true, let me say first of all 31:13.866 --> 31:17.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that I should never have accepted the nomination 31:17.600 --> 31:19.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% for the vice-presidency of the United States, 31:19.400 --> 31:21.400 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and if it were true, I would get off the ticket right away. 31:21.400 --> 31:22.800 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% But it is not true. 31:22.800 --> 31:24.933 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: In fact, the fund was not secret 31:24.933 --> 31:27.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and was earmarked exclusively for political expenses. 31:27.300 --> 31:29.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% But the damage had been done. 31:29.733 --> 31:33.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Aides urged Eisenhower to drop Nixon from the ticket. 31:33.100 --> 31:37.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Even Republican newspapers demanded he resign. 31:37.200 --> 31:39.933 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% HANNAH: When those headlines first came in the paper, 31:39.933 --> 31:42.333 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% I just wanted to hide that paper. 31:42.333 --> 31:44.666 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% I didn't want anyone to see it. 31:44.666 --> 31:47.000 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% I couldn't eat. 31:47.000 --> 31:50.533 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And I knew that it wasn't true, but, but what could I do? 31:50.533 --> 31:52.600 align:left position:30% line:77% size:60% PATRICK HILLINGS: Well, when the world seemed the blackest-- 31:52.600 --> 31:56.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and the whole Nixon campaign had halted in Portland, Oregon-- 31:56.333 --> 31:58.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I got a telegram from his mother. 31:58.500 --> 32:01.233 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% I took it in to him and gave it to him 32:01.233 --> 32:04.700 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and he was sitting in a large chair with his arms on the side 32:04.700 --> 32:08.100 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% almost like the Lincoln statue that you see in Washington, 32:08.100 --> 32:10.100 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% the Lincoln Memorial, 32:10.100 --> 32:12.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and I handed him the telegram and he read it 32:12.100 --> 32:16.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and he dropped it on his... in the chair 32:16.300 --> 32:20.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and his head fell forward, and tears came down his eyes. 32:20.333 --> 32:23.733 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And it was obvious that he'd been terribly moved 32:23.733 --> 32:25.400 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% by what all this meant. 32:25.400 --> 32:28.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% It was so important to him to prove to his mother 32:28.866 --> 32:31.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that, that he had never done anything wrong. 32:31.566 --> 32:34.400 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Was Nixon on or off the ticket? 32:34.400 --> 32:37.800 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% General Eisenhower had been frustratingly silent. 32:37.800 --> 32:40.266 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% Finally, after three days of waiting, 32:40.266 --> 32:44.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% a weary, anxious Nixon received Eisenhower's phone call. 32:44.200 --> 32:47.366 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And he said, "General," he said, "I'm just Richard Nixon." 32:47.366 --> 32:49.366 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% And he said, "I'm just a very young guy 32:49.366 --> 32:51.633 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% that doesn't know you very well." 32:51.633 --> 32:53.600 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% But he said, "I must tell you, General, 32:53.600 --> 32:55.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "that there comes a time, even in your life, 32:55.600 --> 32:57.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% when you have to shit or get off the pot." 32:57.933 --> 33:00.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And there was this dead silence, and we didn't know 33:00.500 --> 33:02.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% whether the ball game was over right then or not. 33:02.933 --> 33:07.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But Eisenhower seemed to take it as it was meant to be given 33:07.566 --> 33:11.633 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and came to the conclusion-- as he told Nixon on the phone, 33:11.633 --> 33:15.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% he reported to us after the conversation-- 33:15.233 --> 33:18.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% that Nixon should go to California 33:18.033 --> 33:20.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and make a nationwide speech 33:20.466 --> 33:23.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% explaining all the details of this so-called secret fund, 33:23.600 --> 33:25.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and that he would authorize the national committee 33:25.900 --> 33:27.933 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% to pay for the cost. 33:27.933 --> 33:30.933 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon secluded himself in Los Angeles 33:30.933 --> 33:34.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and prepared to use the young medium of television 33:34.066 --> 33:35.966 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% as it had never been used before. 33:35.966 --> 33:39.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% He would bypass the press, bypass even Eisenhower, 33:39.166 --> 33:42.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and plead his case directly to the American people. 33:42.533 --> 33:45.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% This prime-time broadcast would come to be known 33:45.733 --> 33:48.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as "The Checkers Speech," and widened the gap 33:48.533 --> 33:51.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% between Nixon's admirers and his detractors. 33:51.466 --> 33:54.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% To some, he seemed humble, honest, sincere; 33:54.333 --> 33:58.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to others, self-righteous and shamelessly manipulative. 33:58.033 --> 34:01.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% My fellow Americans, I come before you tonight 34:01.933 --> 34:05.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% as a candidate for the vice-presidency 34:05.100 --> 34:10.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and as a man whose honesty and integrity has been questioned. 34:10.166 --> 34:14.033 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% And so now what I am going to do-- 34:14.033 --> 34:16.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and incidentally, this is unprecedented 34:16.300 --> 34:18.800 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% in the history of American politics-- 34:18.800 --> 34:21.366 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% I am going at this time 34:21.366 --> 34:26.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% to give to this television and radio audience 34:26.000 --> 34:29.266 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% a complete financial history-- 34:29.266 --> 34:33.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% everything I've earned, everything I've spent, 34:33.333 --> 34:35.500 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% everything I owe. 34:35.500 --> 34:38.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I don't remember talking to his mother. 34:38.066 --> 34:41.400 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% But his father, he thought that he really did all right. 34:41.400 --> 34:44.666 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% He said, "I hated to hear him say some of the things he said, 34:44.666 --> 34:46.766 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "but he told the truth, 34:46.766 --> 34:49.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "and that's what the people wanted to hear, 34:49.000 --> 34:52.500 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% and that's... did the job for him." 34:52.500 --> 34:55.500 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% First of all, we've got a house in Washington 34:55.500 --> 35:01.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% which cost $41,000 and on which we owe $20,000. 35:01.600 --> 35:06.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% We have a house in Whittier, California, which cost $13,000 35:06.733 --> 35:09.300 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and on which we owe $3,000. 35:09.300 --> 35:11.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% My folks are living there at the present time. 35:11.433 --> 35:13.300 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: His wife asked him, 35:13.300 --> 35:15.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "Why do you have to tell people how little we have 35:15.633 --> 35:17.066 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% and how much we owe?" 35:17.066 --> 35:19.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% "People in political life 35:19.566 --> 35:21.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% have to live in a goldfish bowl," he answered. 35:21.966 --> 35:23.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "But I knew it was a weak explanation 35:23.866 --> 35:26.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% for the humiliation I was asking her to endure." 35:26.000 --> 35:30.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I should say this: that Pat doesn't have a mink coat. 35:30.333 --> 35:35.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But she does have a respectable, Republican, cloth coat, 35:35.000 --> 35:39.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and I always tell her that she'd look good in anything. 35:39.400 --> 35:42.300 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The cloth coat remark was aimed at the Truman administration, 35:42.300 --> 35:45.466 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% then plagued by mink coat bribery charges. 35:45.466 --> 35:49.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Next, Nixon borrowed a technique from Franklin Roosevelt: 35:49.066 --> 35:50.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% he talked about his dog. 35:50.833 --> 35:55.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "Using the same ploy as FDR," he wrote in his memoirs, 35:55.500 --> 35:59.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "would irritate my opponents and delight my friends." 35:59.300 --> 36:02.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% We did get something-- a gift-- after the election. 36:02.700 --> 36:07.866 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% It was a little cocker spaniel dog, black and white, spotted. 36:07.866 --> 36:10.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And our little girl, Tricia, the six-year-old, 36:10.466 --> 36:12.866 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% named it Checkers. 36:12.866 --> 36:16.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And you know, the kids, like all kids, love the dog, 36:16.466 --> 36:18.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and I just want to say this right now 36:18.766 --> 36:21.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% that regardless of what they say about it, 36:21.133 --> 36:22.733 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% we're going to keep him. 36:22.733 --> 36:26.566 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% NIXON: I would do nothing that would harm the possibilities 36:26.566 --> 36:30.866 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% of Dwight Eisenhower to become president of the United States, 36:30.866 --> 36:33.366 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% and for that reason, I am submitting 36:33.366 --> 36:36.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to the Republican National Committee tonight 36:36.433 --> 36:38.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% through this television broadcast 36:38.700 --> 36:41.266 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% the decision which is theirs to make. 36:41.266 --> 36:44.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Wire and write the Republican National Committee 36:44.100 --> 36:46.100 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% whether you think I should stay on 36:46.100 --> 36:48.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% or whether I should get off. 36:48.100 --> 36:51.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And whatever their decision is, I will abide by it. 36:51.900 --> 36:57.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I have been a warrior, and I like courage. 36:57.600 --> 37:00.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And tonight, I saw an example of courage. 37:00.533 --> 37:03.033 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% MAN: All those in favor 37:03.033 --> 37:05.100 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% of Nixon continuing as a candidate 37:05.100 --> 37:06.933 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% will say "Aye!" 37:06.933 --> 37:09.133 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CROWD: Aye! 37:11.433 --> 37:15.633 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% BROWNFIELD: I had called some Republican friends of mine 37:15.633 --> 37:17.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and had asked them to send telegrams to Nixon saying, 37:17.866 --> 37:20.866 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% "Don't drop off the ticket," and they had refused. 37:20.866 --> 37:24.366 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% And I was with some of them when I watched the Checkers speech, 37:24.366 --> 37:28.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and afterwards, every one of them sent a telegram to Nixon 37:28.233 --> 37:30.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% saying, "Great job-- stay on the ticket." 37:30.933 --> 37:31.966 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (crowd cheering) 37:31.966 --> 37:33.600 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon stayed on the ticket 37:33.600 --> 37:36.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that was swept into office in November-- 37:36.400 --> 37:40.800 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the first Republican administration in two decades. 37:40.800 --> 37:46.133 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% HILLINGS: During the Eisenhower years, Nixon became the point man. 37:46.133 --> 37:47.866 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Eisenhower never expected 37:47.866 --> 37:50.100 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% to have to get into too much political discussion, 37:50.100 --> 37:51.800 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% but that was one of the reasons he put 37:51.800 --> 37:54.000 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% young Senator Richard Nixon on the ticket, 37:54.000 --> 37:56.533 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% because he could do that. 37:56.533 --> 37:59.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% So all the tough political assignments 37:59.066 --> 38:01.033 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% usually were given to Nixon. 38:01.033 --> 38:04.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% All the Democrat Congress offers if elected this year 38:04.566 --> 38:08.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% is a return to the policies of the Truman administration. 38:08.300 --> 38:10.666 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% MORRIS: He's a very partisan creature, after all. 38:10.666 --> 38:13.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And he becomes, for the first time, really the focus 38:13.866 --> 38:16.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of genuine criticism in the press. 38:16.333 --> 38:18.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% He has enjoyed enormous immunity in the press 38:18.700 --> 38:21.333 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% in Southern California and nationally 38:21.333 --> 38:23.200 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% up until the '52 campaign. 38:23.200 --> 38:27.900 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And he suffers his first tarnish in the fund episode, 38:27.900 --> 38:30.233 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and that gets worse and worse 38:30.233 --> 38:32.300 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% until Herblock begins to give him a heavy beard 38:32.300 --> 38:34.666 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% in cartoons in the "Washington Post" 38:34.666 --> 38:37.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and he comes under sometimes vicious, 38:37.166 --> 38:41.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% often very telling and accurate attack in the national media. 38:46.566 --> 38:48.466 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 38:48.466 --> 38:51.833 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: A stunned nation hears that its president is stricken 38:51.833 --> 38:53.733 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% with a heart attack... 38:53.733 --> 38:55.266 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon's detractors held their breath 38:55.266 --> 38:59.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% during Eisenhower's illness in September 1955. 38:59.666 --> 39:03.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But the vice president surprised even his most severe critics. 39:03.300 --> 39:06.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% For nearly two months, Nixon was a cautious substitute president, 39:06.333 --> 39:08.233 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% standing in for Eisenhower 39:08.233 --> 39:11.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% while not calling attention to himself. 39:11.166 --> 39:13.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The American people can be assured 39:13.533 --> 39:15.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that the business of government will go ahead as usual 39:15.566 --> 39:17.600 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% despite the president's illness. 39:17.600 --> 39:19.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Under the president's leadership, 39:19.466 --> 39:21.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a team has been developed in Washington 39:21.300 --> 39:24.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% which will carry out the very well defined foreign policies 39:24.800 --> 39:29.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and domestic policies that the president himself has laid down 39:29.200 --> 39:31.800 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% during his first two-and-a-half years in office. 39:31.800 --> 39:34.800 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Fully recovered, Eisenhower announced 39:34.800 --> 39:36.933 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% he would seek reelection 39:36.933 --> 39:39.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but did not guarantee Nixon a place on the ticket. 39:39.933 --> 39:44.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Privately, he thought him immature, a political liability. 39:44.066 --> 39:46.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But Nixon refused to consider the president's offer 39:46.733 --> 39:50.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of a cabinet position instead of the vice-presidency. 39:50.433 --> 39:52.566 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% He finally forced Eisenhower's hand. 39:52.566 --> 39:54.266 align:left position:65% line:83% size:25% I met with the president 39:54.266 --> 39:56.633 align:left position:55% line:83% size:35% this afternoon in the White House, 39:56.633 --> 39:59.000 align:left position:47.5% line:83% size:42.5% and at that time, I informed him 39:59.000 --> 40:02.133 align:left position:47.5% line:83% size:42.5% that in the event that he and the delegates 40:02.133 --> 40:04.800 align:left position:47.5% line:83% size:42.5% to the Republican National Convention 40:04.800 --> 40:07.600 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% decided that it was in the best interests 40:07.600 --> 40:10.033 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% of the Republican Party and his administration 40:10.033 --> 40:12.200 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% for me to continue in my present office 40:12.200 --> 40:15.033 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% that I would be honored to accept renomination 40:15.033 --> 40:17.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as the Republican candidate for vice president. 40:21.400 --> 40:23.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The president has asked me to say 40:23.100 --> 40:24.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that he was delighted 40:24.533 --> 40:26.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to hear of the vice president's decision. 40:26.833 --> 40:29.333 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 40:36.700 --> 40:39.500 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% No man could be more highly honored 40:39.500 --> 40:42.666 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% than to be selected as the running mate 40:42.666 --> 40:44.866 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% of such a great president. 40:44.866 --> 40:49.100 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% I accept this nomination in that spirit. 40:49.100 --> 40:54.100 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon was less aggressive in 1956 than in earlier campaigns. 40:54.100 --> 40:56.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The press began to write of "a new Nixon." 40:56.600 --> 41:00.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% But the vice president remained the Democrats' favorite target. 41:00.500 --> 41:02.000 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% STEVENSON: I must say bluntly 41:02.000 --> 41:05.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% that every piece of scientific evidence we have, 41:05.433 --> 41:10.033 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% every lesson of history and experience, 41:10.033 --> 41:12.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% indicates that a Republican victory tomorrow 41:12.766 --> 41:16.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% would mean that Richard Nixon would probably be 41:16.233 --> 41:20.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% president of this country within the next four years. 41:20.533 --> 41:24.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I say frankly, as a citizen more than a candidate, 41:24.533 --> 41:29.400 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% that I recoil at the prospect of Mr. Nixon 41:29.400 --> 41:32.000 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% as custodian of this nation's future, 41:32.000 --> 41:34.400 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% as guardian of the hydrogen bomb, 41:34.400 --> 41:37.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% as representative of America in the world, 41:37.366 --> 41:41.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as commander in chief of the United States armed forces. 41:41.433 --> 41:43.966 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: As evening returns come in, the trend is unmistakable. 41:43.966 --> 41:45.966 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% It's Eisenhower by a landslide 41:45.966 --> 41:51.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% with 457 electoral votes to 74 for Stevenson 41:51.233 --> 41:53.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and a nine-million-vote plurality. 41:53.700 --> 41:57.000 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% I, Richard M. Nixon, do solemnly swear... 41:57.000 --> 41:59.733 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon was a survivor. 41:59.733 --> 42:02.600 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% He had overcome Eisenhower's indifference, 42:02.600 --> 42:04.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% a sometimes hostile press, and bitter partisan attacks. 42:04.900 --> 42:07.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Congratulations, Mr. Vice President. 42:07.133 --> 42:10.233 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: He entered his second vice-presidential term 42:10.233 --> 42:13.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% as the Republican heir apparent. 42:13.133 --> 42:15.800 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (applause and whistling) 42:21.266 --> 42:27.233 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% (marching band playing) 42:27.233 --> 42:29.633 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 42:32.033 --> 42:34.133 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Richard Nixon was the favorite 42:34.133 --> 42:38.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to win the Republican presidential nomination in 1960. 42:38.133 --> 42:40.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Events of the last four years had made him 42:40.100 --> 42:42.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% one of the most visible vice presidents in history. 42:44.600 --> 42:46.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% During a tour of South America, 42:46.666 --> 42:48.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% he had faced down angry leftist mobs 42:48.633 --> 42:52.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that spat upon him and his wife and attacked their motorcade. 42:54.400 --> 42:57.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Maintaining his composure throughout the ordeal, 42:57.200 --> 42:59.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Nixon returned home to a hero's welcome. 43:01.766 --> 43:03.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And in Moscow, he had confronted 43:03.433 --> 43:06.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the leader of the Communist world, Nikita Khrushchev, 43:06.200 --> 43:08.966 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% in an impromptu televised debate. 43:08.966 --> 43:13.400 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% There must be a free exchange of ideas. 43:13.400 --> 43:15.800 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% There are some instances 43:15.800 --> 43:18.000 align:left position:57.5% line:83% size:32.5% where you may be ahead of us-- 43:18.000 --> 43:20.500 align:left position:60% line:83% size:30% for example, in the development 43:20.500 --> 43:22.766 align:left position:57.5% line:83% size:32.5% of the thrust of your rockets 43:22.766 --> 43:24.900 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% for the investigation of outer space. 43:24.900 --> 43:26.533 align:left position:60% line:83% size:30% There may be some instances-- 43:26.533 --> 43:28.133 align:left position:60% line:83% size:30% for example, color television-- 43:28.133 --> 43:29.566 align:left position:62.5% line:83% size:27.5% where we're ahead of you. 43:29.566 --> 43:31.333 align:left position:60% line:83% size:30% But in order for both of us... 43:31.333 --> 43:33.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Nyet, nyet. 43:33.500 --> 43:35.266 align:left position:57.5% line:83% size:32.5% ...both of us to benefit... 43:35.266 --> 43:38.166 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% You see, you never concede anything! 43:38.166 --> 43:42.700 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon's combination of toughness and humor played well back home. 43:42.700 --> 43:44.633 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% In July 1960, 43:44.633 --> 43:48.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Republicans embraced him as their presidential candidate. 43:48.366 --> 43:49.833 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% MAN: It is declared, therefore, 43:49.833 --> 43:52.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that Vice President Richard M. Nixon 43:52.000 --> 43:53.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% has been unanimously nominated 43:53.833 --> 43:56.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to be the candidate of the Republican Party 43:56.000 --> 43:58.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% for the office of president of the United States. 43:58.733 --> 44:01.833 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 44:07.333 --> 44:10.100 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Just 14 years after he was tapped 44:10.100 --> 44:12.466 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% by a group of small-town businessmen 44:12.466 --> 44:14.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to run for Congress in California, 44:14.600 --> 44:17.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Richard Nixon stood at the top of his party. 44:17.533 --> 44:20.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% As he mapped out an ambitious 50-state campaign, 44:20.066 --> 44:23.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% he was challenged by his opponent, John F. Kennedy, 44:23.466 --> 44:25.733 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% to a series of televised debates-- 44:25.733 --> 44:27.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% the first in American history. 44:27.833 --> 44:30.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Even when hospitalized for two weeks with a knee injury, 44:30.833 --> 44:32.233 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Nixon remained confident, 44:32.233 --> 44:33.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% anxious for the debates to begin, 44:33.866 --> 44:36.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% eager once again to use television 44:36.666 --> 44:39.300 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to talk directly to the voters. 44:39.300 --> 44:41.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% At the time, there was a feeling 44:41.166 --> 44:43.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that this, overall, might be a mismatch. 44:43.800 --> 44:49.833 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% Nixon was the candidate who had more prominence, 44:49.833 --> 44:53.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% who had been a member of the House, a member of the Senate, 44:53.966 --> 44:57.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and the vice president of the United States. 44:57.133 --> 45:00.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Kennedy-- he didn't have a particularly strong 45:00.366 --> 45:02.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% reputation in Congress. 45:02.600 --> 45:06.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% There was some feeling that he was, to some extent, a playboy, 45:06.800 --> 45:09.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% that he wasn't too serious a senator. 45:09.366 --> 45:11.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So I think people felt that Nixon had the edge, 45:11.933 --> 45:13.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and I think Nixon felt that he had the edge. 45:13.900 --> 45:16.233 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% The candidates need no introduction. 45:16.233 --> 45:17.233 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% The Republican candidate, 45:17.233 --> 45:20.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Vice President Richard M. Nixon, 45:20.200 --> 45:22.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and the Democratic candidate, Senator John F. Kennedy. 45:22.533 --> 45:26.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% According to rules set by the candidates themselves... 45:26.200 --> 45:29.600 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The Nixon-Kennedy debates would forever change 45:29.600 --> 45:32.100 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% the way Americans chose their presidents. 45:32.100 --> 45:34.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Political rallies and old-fashioned hand shaking 45:34.033 --> 45:35.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% became much less important 45:35.566 --> 45:38.166 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% than the image on the television screen. 45:38.166 --> 45:41.100 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% ROGERS: You must understand that Nixon himself had said, 45:41.100 --> 45:43.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "I don't want any makeup on for these particular debates." 45:43.500 --> 45:45.666 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% What I tried to explain to Dick was 45:45.666 --> 45:47.833 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% he has certain characteristics of his skin 45:47.833 --> 45:49.333 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% where it's almost transparent. 45:49.333 --> 45:51.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And it was a very nice thought to say, 45:51.600 --> 45:53.000 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% you know, "I don't want any makeup," 45:53.000 --> 45:54.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but that he really needed it in order to have 45:54.800 --> 45:57.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% what we would call even an acceptable television picture. 45:57.933 --> 46:00.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And of course JFK, he'd been riding in motorcades 46:00.966 --> 46:02.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% all over California with the top down. 46:02.700 --> 46:04.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% He looked like a bronze warrior when he came into Chicago, 46:04.800 --> 46:06.233 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% he really did. 46:06.233 --> 46:08.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Mr. Nixon comes out of the Republican Party-- 46:08.800 --> 46:10.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% he was nominated by it-- 46:10.900 --> 46:14.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and it is a fact that through most of these last 25 years, 46:14.000 --> 46:16.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the Republican leadership has opposed 46:16.566 --> 46:20.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% federal aid for education, medical care for the aged... 46:20.400 --> 46:22.766 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I know what it means to be poor. 46:22.766 --> 46:25.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I know what it means to see people who are unemployed. 46:25.133 --> 46:27.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I know Senator Kennedy feels as deeply about these problems 46:27.733 --> 46:29.233 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% as I do. 46:29.233 --> 46:32.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But our disagreement is not about the goals for America, 46:32.966 --> 46:36.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but only about the means to reach those goals. 46:36.333 --> 46:39.033 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The first debate was costly to Nixon. 46:39.033 --> 46:41.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The radio audience thought he had won, 46:41.066 --> 46:43.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but the largest television audience in history 46:43.300 --> 46:45.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% had seen the vice president haggard and drawn 46:45.300 --> 46:48.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and had been given its first sustained look 46:48.400 --> 46:50.800 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% at the Kennedy style. 46:50.800 --> 46:52.766 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% HERB KLEIN: Kennedy had a great charm 46:52.766 --> 46:56.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for not only the voters, but also for the press. 46:56.000 --> 47:00.000 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% The press corps had sort of a love affair with Jack Kennedy, 47:00.000 --> 47:03.100 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and no matter what things we might do to make things better-- 47:03.100 --> 47:06.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% we could serve a hot meal, they would serve a cold meal, 47:06.300 --> 47:09.200 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% and the press would like the cold better-- 47:09.200 --> 47:11.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and so that he felt he was running up 47:11.366 --> 47:13.800 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% against impossible odds. 47:13.800 --> 47:16.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And I say we can't afford to have the White House 47:16.900 --> 47:20.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as a training ground for an inexperienced man 47:20.100 --> 47:21.766 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% who is rash and impulsive. 47:21.766 --> 47:24.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% This administration has failed to recognize-- 47:24.600 --> 47:28.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% has failed to recognize-- that in these changing times, 47:28.100 --> 47:32.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% with a revolution of rising expectations sweeping the globe, 47:32.066 --> 47:34.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% the United States has lost its image 47:34.433 --> 47:37.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as a new, strong, vital, revolutionary society. 47:37.600 --> 47:40.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I have been to Russia and I've seen it. 47:40.000 --> 47:42.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I have been to the United States and I've seen it. 47:42.300 --> 47:45.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And there is no need for a second-rate psychology 47:45.400 --> 47:47.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% on the part of any American. 47:47.366 --> 47:54.133 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (crowds cheering) 48:01.400 --> 48:02.700 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% REPORTER: Mr. Vice President, 48:02.700 --> 48:04.633 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% what did you think of your reception today? 48:04.633 --> 48:06.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Well, of course it was the greatest of the campaign, 48:06.600 --> 48:08.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and I think this means that 48:08.266 --> 48:10.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% we're on the way to victory in New York. 48:10.033 --> 48:11.033 align:left position:55% line:89% size:35% How about you? 48:11.033 --> 48:12.033 align:left position:57.5% line:89% size:32.5% Do you agree? 48:12.033 --> 48:13.633 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Oh, it was wonderful. 48:14.833 --> 48:17.566 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% CROWD: ♪ We want Nixon, we want Nixon! ♪ 48:17.566 --> 48:23.333 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% ♪ We want Nixon to be our president. ♪ 48:23.333 --> 48:25.133 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% NARRATOR: Election night, Nixon remembered, 48:25.133 --> 48:27.233 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% was the longest night of his life. 48:27.233 --> 48:29.666 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% It appeared at first to be a Kennedy sweep, 48:29.666 --> 48:31.866 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% then became too close to call, 48:31.866 --> 48:34.233 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% then edged back toward Kennedy again. 48:34.233 --> 48:39.266 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (crowd cheering) 48:47.766 --> 48:49.566 align:left position:52.5% line:89% size:37.5% And I... 48:52.000 --> 48:54.833 align:left position:52.5% line:83% size:37.5% Please, please, just a minute. 48:54.833 --> 48:55.833 align:left position:52.5% line:89% size:37.5% And I... 48:55.833 --> 48:58.300 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% As I look at the board here, 48:58.300 --> 49:01.166 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% while there are still some results 49:01.166 --> 49:02.533 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% still to come in, 49:02.533 --> 49:05.300 align:left position:55% line:83% size:35% if the present trend continues, 49:05.300 --> 49:07.800 align:left position:60% line:83% size:30% Mr. Kennedy, Senator Kennedy 49:07.800 --> 49:10.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% will be the next president of the United States. 49:10.633 --> 49:15.066 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CROWD: No! 49:15.066 --> 49:17.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (crowd shouting angrily) 49:23.400 --> 49:26.600 align:left position:67.5% line:83% size:22.5% I just... and I want... 49:26.600 --> 49:28.366 align:left position:60% line:89% size:30% Excuse me... 49:28.366 --> 49:30.533 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CROWD: We want Nixon! 49:30.533 --> 49:33.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% We want Nixon! We want Nixon! 49:33.633 --> 49:37.733 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (chanting continues) 49:40.433 --> 49:42.833 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: In the end, it proved to be 49:42.833 --> 49:45.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% one of the closest elections in history. 49:45.000 --> 49:46.733 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% Kennedy won by only 100,000 votes, 49:46.733 --> 49:50.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and charges of Democratic fraud were widespread. 49:50.733 --> 49:54.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Much of the winning margin came from Lyndon Johnson's Texas 49:54.333 --> 49:56.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and Richard J. Daley's Chicago. 49:56.400 --> 49:58.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% But Nixon refused to demand a recount. 49:58.966 --> 50:02.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "If it failed to change the results," he wrote, 50:02.233 --> 50:05.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "charges of sore loser would follow me through history 50:05.933 --> 50:10.433 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and remove any possibility of a further political career." 50:10.433 --> 50:12.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Richard Nixon is forever embittered by the experience, 50:12.866 --> 50:15.366 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% and taken with the example, 50:15.366 --> 50:18.166 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% I think feels that never again will he be caught short, 50:18.166 --> 50:20.866 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% never again will his opponents outdo him, 50:20.866 --> 50:22.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and never again will he trust 50:22.500 --> 50:26.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% the ordinary, normal, and honest devices of American politics 50:26.400 --> 50:29.633 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% to function as they're supposed to. 50:29.633 --> 50:33.400 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: In his last official act as vice president, 50:33.400 --> 50:36.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Nixon presided over a joint session of Congress 50:36.866 --> 50:40.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% on January 6, 1961 and announced his own defeat. 50:40.500 --> 50:42.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% I now declare that John F. Kennedy 50:42.700 --> 50:45.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% has been elected president of the United States 50:45.533 --> 50:46.633 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% and Lyndon Johnson 50:46.633 --> 50:47.933 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% vice president of the United States. 50:47.933 --> 50:51.633 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 50:51.633 --> 50:53.000 align:left position:55% line:83% size:35% So long, Dick, I certainly enjoyed 50:53.000 --> 50:54.233 align:left position:60% line:83% size:30% sitting back here with you. 50:56.066 --> 51:00.100 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% KENNEDY: I, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, do solemnly swear 51:00.100 --> 51:02.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that I will faithfully execute the office 51:02.166 --> 51:04.400 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% of president of the United States 51:04.400 --> 51:07.066 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% and will, to the best of my ability, 51:07.066 --> 51:09.000 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% preserve, protect, and defend 51:09.000 --> 51:12.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the Constitution of the United States, so help me, God. 51:21.966 --> 51:24.500 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% HILLINGS: Well, he handled it surprisingly well. 51:24.500 --> 51:28.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% In fact, he cheered us up a good deal of the time. 51:28.200 --> 51:29.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% He was still a very young man. 51:29.900 --> 51:32.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I'm sure he had thoughts of the future. 51:32.366 --> 51:34.066 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% The biggest problem was that 51:34.066 --> 51:36.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the fellow who defeated him was a young man, 51:36.333 --> 51:38.333 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and all of us thought that meant 51:38.333 --> 51:40.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% at least eight years for Jack Kennedy, 51:40.566 --> 51:43.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and what is Nixon going to do for eight years? 51:43.466 --> 51:47.733 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% SINGER: ♪ California, here I come ♪ 51:47.733 --> 51:51.233 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% ♪ Right back where I started from! ♪ 51:52.500 --> 51:55.033 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% NIXON: I shall not be a candidate 51:55.033 --> 52:00.300 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% for president of the United States in 1964. 52:00.300 --> 52:04.133 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% I shall be a candidate for governor 52:04.133 --> 52:08.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% of the state of California in 1962. 52:08.166 --> 52:10.533 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% SINGER: ♪ That's why I can hardly wait... ♪ 52:10.533 --> 52:12.700 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: But Nixon had been out of touch 52:12.700 --> 52:15.233 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% with his home state for too long. 52:15.233 --> 52:17.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The campaign against incumbent governor Pat Brown 52:17.933 --> 52:19.700 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% was bitter and exhausting. 52:19.700 --> 52:21.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Nixon was soundly defeated. 52:21.566 --> 52:23.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Reporters in Los Angeles were told 52:23.833 --> 52:28.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the losing candidate had left and would not make a statement. 52:28.000 --> 52:31.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But Nixon, his anger toward the press building for years, 52:31.833 --> 52:34.000 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% resolved to have the last word. 52:34.000 --> 52:37.600 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% For 16 years, ever since the Hiss case, 52:37.600 --> 52:42.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you've had a lot of fun-- a lot of fun. 52:42.300 --> 52:46.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You've had an opportunity to attack me, 52:46.700 --> 52:49.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and I think I've given as good as I've taken. 52:49.300 --> 52:54.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I leave you gentlemen now, and you will now write it, 52:54.400 --> 52:56.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% you will interpret it, that's your right. 52:56.666 --> 52:59.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% But as I leave you, I want you to know, 52:59.700 --> 53:03.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% just think how much you're going to be missing. 53:03.833 --> 53:06.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% You don't have Nixon to kick around anymore. 53:06.933 --> 53:10.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference. 53:10.866 --> 53:15.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And I hope that what I have said today 53:15.000 --> 53:21.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% will at least make television, radio, the press recognize 53:21.266 --> 53:23.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that they have a right and a responsibility. 53:23.933 --> 53:26.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% If they're against a candidate, give him the shaft, 53:26.266 --> 53:29.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% but also recognize if they give him the shaft, 53:29.533 --> 53:32.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% put one lonely reporter on the campaign 53:32.400 --> 53:34.800 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% who will report what the candidate says now and then. 53:34.800 --> 53:36.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Thank you, gentlemen, and good day. 53:36.266 --> 53:40.000 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 53:40.000 --> 53:47.000 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 53:47.000 --> 53:49.433 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: An angry, resentful Richard Nixon 53:49.433 --> 53:53.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% strode from the Beverly Hilton on November 7, 1962, 53:53.666 --> 53:56.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% seemingly bound for political oblivion. 53:56.766 --> 53:59.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "Barring a miracle," said "Time" magazine, 53:59.500 --> 54:03.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Richard Nixon's political career was over. 54:14.466 --> 54:17.366 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 54:21.166 --> 54:24.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% (orchestral music playing) 54:26.366 --> 54:28.200 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (florid piano music) 54:35.433 --> 54:37.466 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Less than six months 54:37.466 --> 54:39.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% after his humiliating defeat in California, 54:39.966 --> 54:42.433 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Nixon appeared on the "Jack Paar Show," 54:42.433 --> 54:46.200 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% playing a tune he had written himself. 54:46.200 --> 54:48.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Although no one in the audience could have known it, 54:48.400 --> 54:51.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% this was the beginning of one of the most remarkable comebacks 54:51.866 --> 54:54.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% in American political history. 54:54.166 --> 54:57.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Can Kennedy be defeated in '64? 54:58.633 --> 55:00.633 align:left position:50% line:89% size:40% Well, which one? 55:00.633 --> 55:02.200 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (laughter) 55:05.100 --> 55:07.466 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Just to be very serious, 55:07.466 --> 55:09.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% I know of course you're referring to President Kennedy, 55:09.366 --> 55:11.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and I, under no circumstances, would speak disrespectfully 55:11.966 --> 55:14.000 align:left position:62.5% line:83% size:27.5% even of him or of his office. 55:14.000 --> 55:16.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Weren't you kind of friends at one time? 55:16.466 --> 55:18.666 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% Certainly, we came to the Congress together 55:18.666 --> 55:20.433 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% and we were low men on the totem pole 55:20.433 --> 55:22.500 align:left position:60% line:83% size:30% on the Labor Committee together. 55:22.500 --> 55:25.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And we remained low men until he ran for president. 55:25.633 --> 55:27.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Now he's up and I'm down. 55:27.000 --> 55:28.833 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (laughter) 55:28.833 --> 55:30.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% My little daughter said today that, 55:30.766 --> 55:32.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% "Mr. Nixon will be on?" 55:32.333 --> 55:33.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I said, "Yes." 55:33.533 --> 55:36.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% She said, "I do hope that man finds work." 55:36.200 --> 55:38.333 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (laughter) 55:38.333 --> 55:42.966 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 55:42.966 --> 55:46.500 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon found work as a Wall Street lawyer 55:46.500 --> 55:50.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% determined to succeed at what he called "the fast track." 55:50.600 --> 55:52.766 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Pat Nixon had never been happy 55:52.766 --> 55:55.466 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% with the constant demands of politics 55:55.466 --> 55:59.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and welcomed the prospect of a more normal existence. 55:59.233 --> 56:02.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "I hope we never move again," she told him 56:02.900 --> 56:05.566 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% when they settled in New York. 56:08.000 --> 56:10.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But politics had been Nixon's whole life, 56:10.700 --> 56:12.400 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% all he had ever known. 56:16.066 --> 56:19.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% He soon told friends he would die of boredom 56:19.666 --> 56:22.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% if he stayed in private life. 56:22.100 --> 56:25.433 align:left position:35% line:77% size:55% TV ANNOUNCER: Here is a bulletin from CBS news. 56:25.433 --> 56:27.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% In Dallas, Texas, three shots were fired 56:27.666 --> 56:30.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% at President Kennedy's motorcade... 56:30.166 --> 56:33.333 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: To some, it seemed that Kennedy's assassination 56:33.333 --> 56:36.433 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% might open the way for Nixon in the next election. 56:36.433 --> 56:39.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But sensing the mood of the country, 56:39.333 --> 56:42.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Nixon concluded that Lyndon Johnson, the new president, 56:42.466 --> 56:46.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% would be unbeatable in 1964. 56:46.400 --> 56:48.900 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% INTERVIEWER: Are you writing yourself off at this point 56:48.900 --> 56:50.433 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% as a political candidate, 56:50.433 --> 56:52.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% as a presidential candidate at any time? 56:52.266 --> 56:53.800 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Well, I've made it clear 56:53.800 --> 56:56.533 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that I am not a candidate for public office. 56:56.533 --> 57:01.000 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% I shall not become a candidate in this year, 1964, 57:01.000 --> 57:02.666 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and I certainly have no plans 57:02.666 --> 57:04.766 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% to become a candidate in the future. 57:04.766 --> 57:06.900 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% I also want to make it clear at the same time, however, 57:06.900 --> 57:08.666 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% I am not writing myself off 57:08.666 --> 57:11.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as a political leader in the United States. 57:11.033 --> 57:12.066 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (car door closes) 57:13.300 --> 57:17.333 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: As Nixon expected, President Johnson overwhelmed 57:17.333 --> 57:20.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Republican Barry Goldwater in 1964, 57:20.166 --> 57:23.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and the party lost disastrously in Congress. 57:23.500 --> 57:27.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But in the ruins of that defeat, Nixon saw his way back to power. 57:29.866 --> 57:31.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% He worked the Republican 57:31.200 --> 57:33.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% congressional circuit tirelessly, 57:33.400 --> 57:38.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% traveled to 35 states, barnstormed for 105 candidates. 57:38.100 --> 57:40.100 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 57:40.100 --> 57:44.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And when the party made a dramatic comeback in 1966, 57:44.866 --> 57:47.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% there was hardly a Republican who didn't owe Nixon a favor. 57:47.800 --> 57:51.400 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 57:51.400 --> 57:53.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% LEONARD GARMENT: He was uncomfortable 57:53.433 --> 57:57.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% with all of the obligatory activities of politics. 57:57.600 --> 57:59.933 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Those were the dues one paid 57:59.933 --> 58:04.000 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% in order to gain admission to the arena, and he paid them. 58:04.000 --> 58:06.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He flinched on occasion, but he paid them. 58:06.233 --> 58:08.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% He learned to do what he had to do. 58:08.666 --> 58:10.300 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% NIXON: How are you doing, boys? 58:10.300 --> 58:11.800 align:left position:80% line:83% size:10% MAN: Good to see you! 58:11.800 --> 58:13.333 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Get this boy in! 58:13.333 --> 58:14.500 align:left position:52.5% line:89% size:37.5% We're going to! 58:14.500 --> 58:15.500 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% You're all in! You get him in now! 58:15.500 --> 58:17.066 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% We're gonna get him in! 58:17.066 --> 58:21.900 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon promised his family a moratorium on politics in 1967 58:21.900 --> 58:23.800 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% but immediately took off 58:23.800 --> 58:26.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% on a grueling tour of four continents. 58:28.933 --> 58:31.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Traveling as a private citizen, 58:31.033 --> 58:34.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the former vice president could still command a crowd 58:34.500 --> 58:37.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% in the most remote reaches of the globe. 58:37.400 --> 58:40.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% His trips kept him in the news 58:40.666 --> 58:43.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and strengthened his grasp of foreign policy. 58:43.533 --> 58:48.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Once again, Richard Nixon was aiming for the presidency. 58:48.133 --> 58:52.800 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% He had this, this absolutely core fire 58:52.800 --> 58:56.966 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% that he wanted to be president of the United States, 58:56.966 --> 58:59.000 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% I think for several reasons-- 58:59.000 --> 59:01.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% probably to prove a lot of things to himself, 59:01.233 --> 59:03.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% but also because he sincerely wanted 59:03.533 --> 59:06.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to take the country in a direction 59:06.133 --> 59:08.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% that he felt was the right direction. 59:08.300 --> 59:10.966 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% MAN: Okay! 59:10.966 --> 59:12.800 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% (cheers) 59:12.800 --> 59:17.966 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: As Nixon officially announced his candidacy in February 1968, 59:17.966 --> 59:21.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the events of that tumultuous year 59:21.466 --> 59:24.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% moved him closer to the office he had sought for so long. 59:24.900 --> 59:26.066 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% (gunfire) 59:26.066 --> 59:28.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% In Vietnam, Communist guerrillas fought their way 59:28.600 --> 59:32.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to the very doorstep of the American Embassy in Saigon. 59:32.500 --> 59:37.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Never had the prospects for victory looked more bleak. 59:37.866 --> 59:39.966 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (indistinct shouting) 59:39.966 --> 59:42.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% At home, anger over the war tore the country apart 59:42.233 --> 59:45.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and forced Lyndon Johnson to withdraw 59:45.033 --> 59:48.033 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% from the presidential race. 59:48.033 --> 59:51.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Robert Kennedy was just beginning to emerge 59:51.266 --> 59:53.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% as the Democratic front-runner 59:53.633 --> 59:55.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% when he was killed by an assassin's bullet. 59:55.700 --> 59:59.166 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (screaming) 59:59.166 --> 01:00:03.600 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Race riots following the murder of Martin Luther King 01:00:03.600 --> 01:00:06.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% turned many cities into battlegrounds. 01:00:06.366 --> 01:00:08.100 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (sirens wailing) 01:00:08.100 --> 01:00:11.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The country had not suffered such upheaval 01:00:11.533 --> 01:00:13.500 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% since the Civil War. 01:00:13.500 --> 01:00:16.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Many Americans yearned for a leader 01:00:16.100 --> 01:00:18.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% who promised safety and stability. 01:00:18.700 --> 01:00:21.066 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% MAN: New Hampshire! 01:00:21.066 --> 01:00:22.533 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: In Miami Beach, 01:00:22.533 --> 01:00:24.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% safe from the crises that engulfed the country, 01:00:24.400 --> 01:00:26.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% the Nixon family watched 01:00:26.466 --> 01:00:29.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as Republicans chose their candidate. 01:00:29.000 --> 01:00:31.533 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% DELEGATE: ...for Richard M. Nixon. 01:00:31.533 --> 01:00:34.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% There-- we worked for those! (laughs) 01:00:34.700 --> 01:00:36.400 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (laughter) 01:00:36.400 --> 01:00:40.266 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% DELEGATE: Wisconsin is proud to cast its 30 votes 01:00:40.266 --> 01:00:43.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% for the nominee of this convention, 01:00:43.133 --> 01:00:44.633 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Richard M. Nixon. 01:00:44.633 --> 01:00:48.200 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (cheering) 01:00:48.200 --> 01:00:50.266 align:left position:75% line:77% size:15% NIXON: Sit down, get to work! 01:00:52.366 --> 01:00:54.466 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 01:00:54.466 --> 01:00:58.133 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: As he accepted the nomination of his party, 01:00:58.133 --> 01:01:00.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Nixon offered himself as the man who could bring order 01:01:00.666 --> 01:01:04.100 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% out of the turmoil of 1968. 01:01:04.100 --> 01:01:06.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% When the strongest nation in the world 01:01:06.766 --> 01:01:09.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% can be tied down for four years in a war in Vietnam 01:01:09.400 --> 01:01:10.900 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% with no end in sight, 01:01:10.900 --> 01:01:13.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% when the nation with the greatest tradition 01:01:13.766 --> 01:01:17.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% of the rule of law is plagued by unprecedented lawlessness, 01:01:17.733 --> 01:01:20.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% when a nation that has been known for a century 01:01:20.733 --> 01:01:23.266 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% for equality of opportunity 01:01:23.266 --> 01:01:25.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is torn by unprecedented racial violence, 01:01:25.800 --> 01:01:27.966 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% then it's time for new leadership 01:01:27.966 --> 01:01:30.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% for the United States of America! 01:01:30.233 --> 01:01:32.266 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 01:01:32.266 --> 01:01:34.933 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Republicans once again pinned their presidential hopes 01:01:34.933 --> 01:01:36.933 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% on Richard Nixon. 01:01:36.933 --> 01:01:39.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% To them, and to many in the press, 01:01:39.666 --> 01:01:41.366 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% he seemed a new Nixon, 01:01:41.366 --> 01:01:44.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% better prepared than the man who had lost in 1960. 01:01:44.466 --> 01:01:48.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% But the Democratic front-runner Hubert Humphrey 01:01:48.533 --> 01:01:52.000 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% said he'd seen it all before. 01:01:52.000 --> 01:01:55.400 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% He started that renewal job in 1952-- 01:01:55.400 --> 01:01:57.533 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% brand new Nixon. 01:01:57.533 --> 01:02:01.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% There was some reason for it, too. 01:02:01.200 --> 01:02:04.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Then they had another renewal job in 1956. 01:02:05.766 --> 01:02:09.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Then they had another renovation operation in 1960. 01:02:11.366 --> 01:02:13.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Then, when he went to run for governor 01:02:13.266 --> 01:02:16.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% in California in 1962, they renewed him again. 01:02:16.733 --> 01:02:18.400 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (laughter) 01:02:18.400 --> 01:02:22.100 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And then in 1964, another touch-up. 01:02:22.100 --> 01:02:26.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And now, I read about the new Nixon of 1968. 01:02:26.000 --> 01:02:27.533 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Ladies and gentlemen, 01:02:27.533 --> 01:02:30.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% anybody that's had his political face lifted so many times 01:02:30.533 --> 01:02:31.766 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% can't be very new. 01:02:31.766 --> 01:02:35.033 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% (laughter and applause) 01:02:35.033 --> 01:02:38.800 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (seagulls squawking) 01:02:38.800 --> 01:02:41.800 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Boating in the Florida Keys, Nixon was relaxed and confident. 01:02:41.800 --> 01:02:45.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He was running far ahead of Humphrey in the polls, 01:02:45.300 --> 01:02:49.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and the Vietnam War was splintering the Democrats. 01:02:49.166 --> 01:02:53.433 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% CROWD: We want peace now! We want peace now! 01:02:53.433 --> 01:02:59.066 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: At their convention in Chicago, the anti-war wing of the party 01:02:59.066 --> 01:03:01.100 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% pressed for an end to the bombing 01:03:01.100 --> 01:03:04.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and a negotiated withdrawal of U.S. troops. 01:03:04.400 --> 01:03:06.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But Humphrey stuck by President Johnson's policy. 01:03:06.766 --> 01:03:11.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And I think that withdrawal would be totally unrealistic 01:03:11.533 --> 01:03:13.900 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and would be a catastrophe. 01:03:13.900 --> 01:03:16.133 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (chanting) 01:03:16.133 --> 01:03:19.500 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: As the Democrats fought over Vietnam, 01:03:19.500 --> 01:03:21.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Nixon avoided the issue, 01:03:21.300 --> 01:03:23.566 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% promising only that he would find 01:03:23.566 --> 01:03:25.533 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% an honorable end to the war. 01:03:27.700 --> 01:03:30.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Along with millions of Americans, 01:03:30.166 --> 01:03:32.033 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% he watched on television 01:03:32.033 --> 01:03:35.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as anti-war protests outside the convention hall 01:03:35.700 --> 01:03:37.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% exploded into violence. 01:03:37.533 --> 01:03:43.766 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (indistinct shouting) 01:03:43.766 --> 01:03:48.333 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% In the chaos, Nixon saw an opportunity. 01:03:50.500 --> 01:03:52.066 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% A few days later, 01:03:52.066 --> 01:03:55.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% he moved through the same streets in a motorcade. 01:03:55.433 --> 01:03:59.333 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% 400,000 people turned out to cheer him. 01:03:59.333 --> 01:04:02.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% He chose the city which had seen open war among the Democrats 01:04:02.666 --> 01:04:05.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% to sound one of the central themes of his campaign. 01:04:05.133 --> 01:04:09.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% This is a nation of laws, and as Abraham Lincoln has said, 01:04:09.533 --> 01:04:13.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "No one is above the law, no one is below the law," 01:04:13.333 --> 01:04:15.433 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and we're going to enforce the law, 01:04:15.433 --> 01:04:16.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and Americans should remember that 01:04:16.866 --> 01:04:18.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% if we're going to have law and order. 01:04:18.733 --> 01:04:20.566 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: The emphasis on law and order 01:04:20.566 --> 01:04:22.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% appealed to millions of Americans. 01:04:22.466 --> 01:04:27.433 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 01:04:27.433 --> 01:04:32.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Nixon's television commercials hammered it home. 01:04:32.266 --> 01:04:35.833 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% NIXON: In recent years, crime in this country has grown 01:04:35.833 --> 01:04:37.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% nine times as fast as population. 01:04:37.966 --> 01:04:39.366 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% At the current rate, 01:04:39.366 --> 01:04:42.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the crimes of violence in America will double by 1972. 01:04:42.133 --> 01:04:46.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We cannot accept that kind of future for America. 01:04:46.000 --> 01:04:49.266 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We owe it to the decent and law-abiding citizens of America 01:04:49.266 --> 01:04:52.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to take the offensive against the criminal forces 01:04:52.000 --> 01:04:54.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that threaten their peace and their security 01:04:54.766 --> 01:04:58.600 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and to rebuild respect for law across this country. 01:04:58.600 --> 01:05:00.833 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% I pledge to you... 01:05:00.833 --> 01:05:03.333 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: To the Democrats, Nixon's call for law and order 01:05:03.333 --> 01:05:05.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% played to the worst in Americans. 01:05:05.766 --> 01:05:10.300 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% But you can't vote your anger; you have to vote your hopes. 01:05:10.300 --> 01:05:13.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% You can't vote your hates; you have to vote your hopes. 01:05:13.966 --> 01:05:17.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The preamble of the Constitution doesn't just say, 01:05:17.166 --> 01:05:20.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "Double the rate of convictions." 01:05:20.233 --> 01:05:23.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% It doesn't just say, "Law and order." 01:05:23.033 --> 01:05:25.966 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% It says, "To ensure justice," 01:05:25.966 --> 01:05:31.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and if Mr. Nixon hasn't read it, then I'll send him a copy. 01:05:31.166 --> 01:05:33.166 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: But Nixon had a feel for the issues 01:05:33.166 --> 01:05:35.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that moved the middle American voter. 01:05:35.533 --> 01:05:40.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They were the same issues that moved him. 01:05:40.133 --> 01:05:44.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Blaming liberal Democrats for the upheaval in the country, 01:05:44.100 --> 01:05:47.333 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% he sought to rally a new Republican majority. 01:05:47.333 --> 01:05:51.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The new voice that is being heard across America today-- 01:05:51.833 --> 01:05:55.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% it is not the voice of a single person. 01:05:55.000 --> 01:05:58.566 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% It's the voice of a majority of Americans 01:05:58.566 --> 01:06:01.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% who have not been the protestors, 01:06:01.300 --> 01:06:03.966 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% who have not been the shouters. 01:06:03.966 --> 01:06:07.233 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The great majority finally have become angry-- 01:06:07.233 --> 01:06:10.000 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% not angry with hate, 01:06:10.000 --> 01:06:12.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but angry, my friends, because they love America 01:06:12.333 --> 01:06:14.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and they don't like what has been happening to America 01:06:14.600 --> 01:06:16.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% for the last four years. 01:06:16.300 --> 01:06:18.300 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% REPORTER: You've just heard Richard Nixon refer to you 01:06:18.300 --> 01:06:20.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% among all these other people as "the forgotten Americans." 01:06:20.766 --> 01:06:22.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% What do you think he's referring to? 01:06:22.800 --> 01:06:26.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Well, I sort of think he's talking about the people 01:06:26.266 --> 01:06:28.166 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% that are paying the taxes, 01:06:28.166 --> 01:06:30.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that are supporting the schools, the churches, 01:06:30.200 --> 01:06:32.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the people that are they are sort of forgotten 01:06:32.933 --> 01:06:36.266 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% because everything's aimed at welfare and things like that. 01:06:36.266 --> 01:06:39.466 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% (band playing "Stars and Stripes Forever") 01:06:39.466 --> 01:06:42.766 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon's call to the forgotten Americans 01:06:42.766 --> 01:06:44.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% appealed to a broad band of voters-- 01:06:44.766 --> 01:06:49.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% mostly white, middle class, hawkish, patriotic. 01:06:49.866 --> 01:06:53.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It was a group that felt ignored and excluded 01:06:53.133 --> 01:06:55.233 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% in the upheavals of the '60s. 01:06:55.233 --> 01:06:58.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And the strategy seemed to be working. 01:06:58.166 --> 01:07:04.733 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 01:07:04.733 --> 01:07:07.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Nixon held his strong lead into the fall. 01:07:07.466 --> 01:07:09.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Then, just before the election, 01:07:09.466 --> 01:07:11.800 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% President Johnson suddenly stopped 01:07:11.800 --> 01:07:13.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% the bombing of North Vietnam. 01:07:13.733 --> 01:07:15.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Humphrey surged in the polls. 01:07:15.733 --> 01:07:18.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% We're going to have the biggest election surprise 01:07:18.533 --> 01:07:20.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that America has known in 20 years. 01:07:20.733 --> 01:07:22.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% We're going to win this election! 01:07:22.633 --> 01:07:24.333 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Thank you very much! 01:07:24.333 --> 01:07:28.500 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: By election night, Nixon and Humphrey were dead even. 01:07:28.500 --> 01:07:30.866 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Nixon prepared his family 01:07:30.866 --> 01:07:35.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% for the possibility of still another defeat. 01:07:35.133 --> 01:07:37.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% WALTER CRONKITE: Nixon has closed a little bit 01:07:37.233 --> 01:07:39.733 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% in the last few tabulations there. 01:07:39.733 --> 01:07:42.500 align:left position:45% line:77% size:45% MAN: I think before the morning is out, 01:07:42.500 --> 01:07:44.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Hubert Humphrey will be the next president 01:07:44.733 --> 01:07:46.233 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% of the United States. 01:07:46.233 --> 01:07:47.533 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (crowd cheering) 01:07:47.533 --> 01:07:49.700 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% CRONKITE: And there have been no changes. 01:07:49.700 --> 01:07:51.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% None of those big states have fallen yet, 01:07:51.900 --> 01:07:54.033 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the ones we are waiting for, and Nixon has 175... 01:07:54.033 --> 01:07:57.900 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: All night long, the lead shifted back and forth. 01:07:57.900 --> 01:08:00.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The results weren't announced until 8:00 the next morning. 01:08:00.900 --> 01:08:03.900 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% CRONKITE: With the 26 electoral votes in Illinois, 01:08:03.900 --> 01:08:08.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Richard Nixon goes over the top with 287 electoral votes. 01:08:08.766 --> 01:08:10.500 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% He needed 270 to win. 01:08:10.500 --> 01:08:14.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And that seems to be the 1968 election. 01:08:14.166 --> 01:08:16.300 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 01:08:16.300 --> 01:08:18.633 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: And he is beaming, Pat Nixon is beaming. 01:08:18.633 --> 01:08:22.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% One can't help but think back to 1960 01:08:22.000 --> 01:08:26.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% when a tearful Pat Nixon was choking back the emotions. 01:08:26.866 --> 01:08:31.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% It was a totally different scene, of course, then. 01:08:31.400 --> 01:08:35.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Here is possibly one of the most fantastic political comebacks 01:08:35.333 --> 01:08:36.833 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% in American history. 01:08:38.866 --> 01:08:42.833 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I saw many signs in this campaign. 01:08:42.833 --> 01:08:47.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Some of them were not friendly, some were very friendly, 01:08:47.200 --> 01:08:50.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% but the one that touched me the most 01:08:50.133 --> 01:08:52.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% was one that I saw in Dexter, Ohio, 01:08:52.933 --> 01:08:54.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% at the end of a long day of whistle-stopping. 01:08:54.633 --> 01:08:57.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% A teenager held up a sign: 01:08:57.333 --> 01:08:59.366 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% "Bring us together." 01:08:59.366 --> 01:09:05.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And that will be the great objective 01:09:05.033 --> 01:09:07.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of this administration at the outset: 01:09:07.233 --> 01:09:09.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to bring the American people together. 01:09:09.966 --> 01:09:13.366 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon spoke of unity, 01:09:13.366 --> 01:09:17.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but his margin of victory had been extremely narrow. 01:09:17.133 --> 01:09:20.433 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% He had not reached out to Blacks or the poor 01:09:20.433 --> 01:09:23.033 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% or opponents of the war, 01:09:23.033 --> 01:09:26.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and a nation as badly divided as America in 1968 01:09:26.933 --> 01:09:28.933 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% would not be easy to lead. 01:09:34.100 --> 01:09:38.533 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CHORUS: ♪ America ♪ 01:09:38.533 --> 01:09:42.566 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% ♪ America... ♪ 01:09:42.566 --> 01:09:47.833 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: At age 56, after 22 years of political battle, 01:09:47.833 --> 01:09:51.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Richard Nixon had become the most powerful man in the world. 01:09:51.800 --> 01:09:55.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% He envisioned nothing less than a new world order 01:09:55.700 --> 01:09:58.233 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% with himself as its architect. 01:10:00.666 --> 01:10:03.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The greatest honor history can bestow 01:10:03.033 --> 01:10:06.533 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% is the title of peacemaker. 01:10:06.533 --> 01:10:09.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% This honor now beckons America. 01:10:09.466 --> 01:10:13.300 align:left position:55% line:83% size:35% If we succeed, generations to come 01:10:13.300 --> 01:10:18.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% will say of us now living that we mastered our moment, 01:10:18.633 --> 01:10:23.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that we helped make the world safe for mankind. 01:10:23.500 --> 01:10:26.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% This is our summons to greatness. 01:10:26.933 --> 01:10:29.733 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (marching band music) 01:10:33.366 --> 01:10:37.733 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% RICHARDSON: There's no question at all that Nixon aspired to greatness. 01:10:37.733 --> 01:10:40.433 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% He would talk constantly 01:10:40.433 --> 01:10:45.266 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% about the generation of peace 01:10:45.266 --> 01:10:47.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that he hoped to contribute to building 01:10:47.900 --> 01:10:51.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that would indeed be his bequest 01:10:51.533 --> 01:10:55.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to the United States and the world. 01:10:57.966 --> 01:11:01.433 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: As Nixon took power, he assembled a staff 01:11:01.433 --> 01:11:05.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that would leave him free to carry out his ambitious plans 01:11:05.433 --> 01:11:08.833 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and whose loyalty had already been demonstrated. 01:11:08.833 --> 01:11:11.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The White House staff, as it evolves, I think you'll find 01:11:11.200 --> 01:11:14.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% will be smaller than it's been in the past... 01:11:14.733 --> 01:11:16.933 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: H.R. Haldeman, a former advertising executive 01:11:16.933 --> 01:11:19.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% who'd been at Nixon's side since 1956, 01:11:19.333 --> 01:11:22.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% was made chief of staff. 01:11:22.266 --> 01:11:24.266 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% "He was proud," he once said, 01:11:24.266 --> 01:11:27.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "to be Richard Nixon's son of a bitch." 01:11:29.833 --> 01:11:33.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% John Ehrlichman, a lawyer and top aide during the campaign, 01:11:33.766 --> 01:11:37.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% would handle much of domestic policy. 01:11:37.633 --> 01:11:42.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Together, he and Haldeman would tightly control access 01:11:42.533 --> 01:11:44.133 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% to the president. 01:11:44.133 --> 01:11:49.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Those whom they excluded called them "The Berlin Wall." 01:11:49.766 --> 01:11:51.966 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Behind that wall, 01:11:51.966 --> 01:11:54.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Nixon could focus on his main interest, 01:11:54.233 --> 01:11:57.266 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% foreign policy, bypassing the State Department 01:11:57.266 --> 01:12:00.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to work closely with his national security advisor 01:12:00.733 --> 01:12:02.533 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Henry Kissinger. 01:12:02.533 --> 01:12:04.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Dr. Kissinger is perhaps one of the major scholars 01:12:04.733 --> 01:12:07.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% in America and the world today in this area. 01:12:07.100 --> 01:12:10.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% He has never yet had a full-time government assignment, 01:12:10.166 --> 01:12:13.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and he will bring to this responsibility 01:12:13.600 --> 01:12:15.900 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% a fresh approach... 01:12:15.900 --> 01:12:19.433 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% MORRIS: They organized the government to concentrate power 01:12:19.433 --> 01:12:22.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% in the hands of these two men in the White House, 01:12:22.600 --> 01:12:25.600 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and it's not accidental that he appoints an old friend 01:12:25.600 --> 01:12:27.866 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% but a decidedly weak practitioner 01:12:27.866 --> 01:12:30.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% in Bill Rogers in the Department of State, 01:12:30.633 --> 01:12:35.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% or essentially a Wisconsin Dells politician, Melvin Laird, 01:12:35.233 --> 01:12:36.800 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% as secretary of defense. 01:12:36.800 --> 01:12:38.800 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% There are no strong figures in this cabinet 01:12:38.800 --> 01:12:41.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and there are no strong foreign policy figures 01:12:41.133 --> 01:12:44.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% anywhere in the higher echelons of the government. 01:12:44.200 --> 01:12:46.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% It is to be Richard Nixon's foreign policy, 01:12:46.966 --> 01:12:48.800 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and it is to be carried out 01:12:48.800 --> 01:12:52.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% with sophistication and some subtlety by Henry Kissinger. 01:12:52.333 --> 01:12:55.566 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% (rotor blades whirring) 01:12:55.566 --> 01:12:58.500 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Looming over the new administration 01:12:58.500 --> 01:13:00.133 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% was the war in Vietnam. 01:13:00.133 --> 01:13:03.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% American troops had been fighting for four years 01:13:03.133 --> 01:13:04.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% on behalf of South Vietnam 01:13:04.566 --> 01:13:08.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% against the Soviet-backed Communist forces of the North. 01:13:08.700 --> 01:13:13.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The war had already taken the lives of 30,000 Americans 01:13:13.900 --> 01:13:18.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and over a million Vietnamese, and destroyed one president. 01:13:18.633 --> 01:13:23.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Nixon was determined not to let it destroy him. 01:13:23.000 --> 01:13:25.133 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 01:13:25.133 --> 01:13:27.700 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Even before his inauguration, 01:13:27.700 --> 01:13:30.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Nixon had Kissinger begin secret contacts 01:13:30.600 --> 01:13:32.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% with the North Vietnamese in an attempt 01:13:32.600 --> 01:13:35.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to move the stalled Paris peace talks forward, 01:13:35.933 --> 01:13:38.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and soon, the two men developed a strategy 01:13:38.500 --> 01:13:41.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% they hoped would get the U.S. out of the war 01:13:41.500 --> 01:13:46.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% without abandoning America's ally, South Vietnam. 01:13:46.066 --> 01:13:48.766 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% NIXON: We have adopted a plan 01:13:48.766 --> 01:13:50.400 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% which we have worked out 01:13:50.400 --> 01:13:53.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% in cooperation with the South Vietnamese 01:13:53.133 --> 01:13:57.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% for the complete withdrawal of all U.S. combat ground forces 01:13:57.200 --> 01:14:00.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and their replacement by South Vietnamese forces 01:14:00.633 --> 01:14:03.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% on an orderly, scheduled timetable. 01:14:03.100 --> 01:14:06.133 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% This withdrawal will be made from strength... 01:14:06.133 --> 01:14:08.833 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% NARRATOR: Confident that this policy would end America's involvement 01:14:08.833 --> 01:14:10.866 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% in Southeast Asia by the end of 1970, 01:14:10.866 --> 01:14:16.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Nixon and Kissinger turned their attention to global strategy, 01:14:16.133 --> 01:14:18.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% reshaping America's entire relationship 01:14:18.166 --> 01:14:19.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% with the Communist world. 01:14:19.900 --> 01:14:24.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% They both began in 1969, 1970 with a notion 01:14:24.266 --> 01:14:27.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that only lately has become fashionable in Washington, 01:14:27.666 --> 01:14:29.800 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and that is that the post-war is really over, 01:14:29.800 --> 01:14:32.633 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that the Cold War ought to be a thing of the past. 01:14:32.633 --> 01:14:36.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% They are, in that sense, almost 20 years ahead of their time. 01:14:39.700 --> 01:14:42.666 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Recognizing that the Soviet Union 01:14:42.666 --> 01:14:45.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% had nearly caught up to the U.S. in nuclear strength, 01:14:45.266 --> 01:14:48.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Nixon and Kissinger dispatched a team of negotiators 01:14:48.766 --> 01:14:51.600 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to work out a treaty with the Soviets. 01:14:51.600 --> 01:14:55.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% For the first time in the history of the nuclear age, 01:14:55.133 --> 01:14:57.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the two superpowers sat down to discuss setting limits 01:14:57.666 --> 01:15:00.500 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% on nuclear weapons. 01:15:00.500 --> 01:15:02.500 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 01:15:02.500 --> 01:15:04.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% At the same time, they began secret contacts 01:15:04.966 --> 01:15:09.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% with the other great Communist power, China. 01:15:09.500 --> 01:15:12.066 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% There were few more forbidding 01:15:12.066 --> 01:15:15.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and isolated places in the world in 1969, 01:15:15.566 --> 01:15:19.366 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% but Nixon believed that China, with its vast population 01:15:19.366 --> 01:15:20.766 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and growing nuclear arsenal, 01:15:20.766 --> 01:15:24.266 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% would soon be too powerful to ignore. 01:15:24.266 --> 01:15:27.200 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% MORRIS: Here, for the first time in the 20th century, 01:15:27.200 --> 01:15:29.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% we have two men at the very pinnacle 01:15:29.366 --> 01:15:30.900 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of the American government 01:15:30.900 --> 01:15:32.666 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% who have some clear notion 01:15:32.666 --> 01:15:35.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% not only of what the world is doing out there, 01:15:35.166 --> 01:15:36.500 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% what's happening in the world, 01:15:36.500 --> 01:15:39.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but of where they want the United States to fit in. 01:15:39.000 --> 01:15:42.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% We are not a nation that practices 01:15:42.000 --> 01:15:44.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% its foreign policy by design, for the most part, 01:15:44.466 --> 01:15:47.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and Nixon and Kissinger are an exception to that rule. 01:15:47.600 --> 01:15:51.466 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (indistinct chatter) 01:15:51.466 --> 01:15:55.566 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: In the summer of 1969, Nixon announced 01:15:55.566 --> 01:16:00.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the first American troop withdrawals from Vietnam. 01:16:01.800 --> 01:16:05.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Arms control, China, Southeast Asia. 01:16:08.100 --> 01:16:13.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% He seemed to be moving steadily toward becoming a peacemaker. 01:16:22.466 --> 01:16:24.866 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (indistinct chatter) 01:16:24.866 --> 01:16:26.800 align:left position:45% line:77% size:45% MAN: Ten, hut! (chatter stops) 01:16:36.600 --> 01:16:40.533 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Richard Nixon loved the movie "Patton" 01:16:40.533 --> 01:16:43.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and watched it again and again in the White House. 01:16:43.566 --> 01:16:46.166 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (bugle salute) 01:16:46.166 --> 01:16:49.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% General George Patton was a man of action, 01:16:49.466 --> 01:16:53.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% contemptuous of his critics, uncompromising, 01:16:53.600 --> 01:16:56.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% determined to win at all costs. 01:16:58.766 --> 01:17:00.100 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% Be seated. 01:17:00.100 --> 01:17:02.633 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (shuffling) 01:17:03.966 --> 01:17:06.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% I want you to remember 01:17:06.533 --> 01:17:08.666 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Americans love a winner 01:17:08.666 --> 01:17:11.866 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and will not tolerate a loser. 01:17:11.866 --> 01:17:14.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Americans play to win all the time. 01:17:14.866 --> 01:17:20.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. 01:17:20.800 --> 01:17:24.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% That's why Americans have never lost 01:17:24.266 --> 01:17:26.666 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and will never lose a war 01:17:26.666 --> 01:17:32.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% because the very thought of losing is hateful to Americans. 01:17:32.500 --> 01:17:35.233 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Richard Nixon was determined 01:17:35.233 --> 01:17:38.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% not to be the first American president to lose a war. 01:17:40.533 --> 01:17:42.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% He might simply have brought the troops home 01:17:42.966 --> 01:17:47.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and blamed Vietnam on the Democrats, 01:17:47.200 --> 01:17:51.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but Nixon, like many of his contemporaries in both parties, 01:17:51.100 --> 01:17:53.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% believed that abandoning South Vietnam to the Communists 01:17:53.966 --> 01:17:57.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% would be a defeat that invited further aggression-- 01:17:57.000 --> 01:17:59.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% a sign that America could no longer be counted on 01:17:59.600 --> 01:18:02.133 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% by her allies. 01:18:02.133 --> 01:18:05.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Despite mounting pressure for immediate withdrawal, 01:18:05.566 --> 01:18:07.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% he stuck to his gradual course 01:18:07.633 --> 01:18:10.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% while trying to negotiate what he called 01:18:10.333 --> 01:18:12.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% "an honorable end to the war." 01:18:16.200 --> 01:18:18.466 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% But the months dragged on. 01:18:18.466 --> 01:18:20.500 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Casualties mounted, 01:18:20.500 --> 01:18:27.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and Nixon's policy seemed only to prolong America's agony. 01:18:27.200 --> 01:18:29.466 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% I said, "With respect to Vietnam," 01:18:29.466 --> 01:18:31.500 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% I said, "the war in Vietnam is lost, 01:18:31.500 --> 01:18:37.100 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% and the sooner you get out, the better we will be." 01:18:37.100 --> 01:18:43.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% It was lost, but he, for some reason, kept at it. 01:18:43.133 --> 01:18:44.866 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% It wasn't his war, 01:18:44.866 --> 01:18:48.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and it seemed to me that just in handling a presidency, 01:18:48.866 --> 01:18:51.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% you stick around with the war for two years 01:18:51.533 --> 01:18:54.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and it's your war, and it became his war. 01:18:54.033 --> 01:18:55.533 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% And in the end, 01:18:55.533 --> 01:18:57.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% half the country seemed to think he started it. 01:18:57.333 --> 01:19:02.166 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CROWD: ♪ All we are saying ♪ 01:19:02.166 --> 01:19:04.866 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% ♪ Is give peace a chance... ♪ 01:19:04.866 --> 01:19:06.966 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: In October 1969, 01:19:06.966 --> 01:19:09.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the largest anti-war demonstrations 01:19:09.500 --> 01:19:11.166 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% in the nation's history, 01:19:11.166 --> 01:19:13.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% collectively known as "The Moratorium," 01:19:13.766 --> 01:19:16.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% were held in cities all over the country. 01:19:16.766 --> 01:19:19.466 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% Critics of the war had waited nine months 01:19:19.466 --> 01:19:22.200 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% for Nixon to make good his pledge to end the conflict, 01:19:22.200 --> 01:19:24.400 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% but now the honeymoon was over. 01:19:24.400 --> 01:19:26.566 align:left position:45% line:5% size:45% MAN: Are you listening, Nixon? 01:19:26.566 --> 01:19:28.166 align:left position:42.5% line:5% size:47.5% NIXON: I understand that there has been 01:19:28.166 --> 01:19:32.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and continues to be opposition to the war in Vietnam 01:19:32.333 --> 01:19:35.500 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% on the campuses and also in the nation. 01:19:35.500 --> 01:19:39.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% As far as this kind of activity is concerned, 01:19:39.933 --> 01:19:41.666 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% we expect it. 01:19:41.666 --> 01:19:44.000 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% However, under no circumstances 01:19:44.000 --> 01:19:47.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% will I be affected whatever by it. 01:19:47.166 --> 01:19:52.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The moratorium itself was seen by Richard Nixon 01:19:52.200 --> 01:19:56.333 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% as 200,000 people out there on the Mall 01:19:56.333 --> 01:20:00.166 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% protesting his foreign policy 01:20:00.166 --> 01:20:03.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% while at the same time, the polls were showing 01:20:03.166 --> 01:20:06.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that 58%, 59% of the American people supported him 01:20:06.933 --> 01:20:09.133 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% in his foreign policy. 01:20:09.133 --> 01:20:11.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And he would look out the window and he would say, 01:20:11.466 --> 01:20:14.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "I simply cannot permit foreign policy to be made 01:20:14.366 --> 01:20:16.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% in the streets of Washington." 01:20:16.166 --> 01:20:19.633 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% GREGORY: The president of the United States said 01:20:19.633 --> 01:20:23.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% nothing you young kids would do would have any effect on him. 01:20:23.200 --> 01:20:27.400 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% Well, I suggest to the president of the United States 01:20:27.400 --> 01:20:29.900 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% if he want to know how much effect 01:20:29.900 --> 01:20:32.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% you youngsters can have on the president, 01:20:32.666 --> 01:20:34.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% he should make one long-distance phone call 01:20:34.866 --> 01:20:37.000 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% to the LBJ Ranch 01:20:37.000 --> 01:20:40.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and ask that boy how much effect you can have. 01:20:40.033 --> 01:20:41.766 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (cheering) 01:20:41.766 --> 01:20:45.533 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% CROWD: One, two, three, four, Tricky Dick, stop the war! 01:20:45.533 --> 01:20:49.233 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The fate of Lyndon Johnson did haunt Richard Nixon. 01:20:49.233 --> 01:20:51.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% He felt he had to demonstrate 01:20:51.300 --> 01:20:53.733 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that most Americans still supported him 01:20:53.733 --> 01:20:55.866 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and that it would not benefit Hanoi 01:20:55.866 --> 01:20:57.900 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% to stall peace negotiations. 01:20:57.900 --> 01:21:02.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "Don't get rattled, don't waver, don't react," 01:21:02.766 --> 01:21:05.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% he told himself as he went to work on a speech 01:21:05.100 --> 01:21:06.600 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% to respond to the protests. 01:21:06.600 --> 01:21:09.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Insisting on writing it himself, 01:21:09.266 --> 01:21:13.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% he distinguished his supporters, the "forgotten Americans," 01:21:13.700 --> 01:21:16.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% from the vocal minority in the streets 01:21:16.600 --> 01:21:18.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% with a new catchphrase: 01:21:18.600 --> 01:21:23.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% ...to you, the great silent majority of my fellow Americans, 01:21:23.533 --> 01:21:25.966 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% I ask for your support. 01:21:25.966 --> 01:21:29.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% For the more divided we are at home, 01:21:29.100 --> 01:21:34.100 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% the less likely the enemy is to negotiate at Paris. 01:21:34.100 --> 01:21:37.033 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Let us be united for peace. 01:21:37.033 --> 01:21:40.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Let us also be united against defeat. 01:21:40.866 --> 01:21:43.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Because let us understand: 01:21:43.333 --> 01:21:49.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% North Vietnam cannot defeat or humiliate the United States. 01:21:49.333 --> 01:21:52.866 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Only Americans can do that. 01:21:52.866 --> 01:21:57.166 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: It was the most effective speech of Nixon's presidency. 01:21:57.166 --> 01:22:01.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% 80,000 telegrams and letters arrived at the White House. 01:22:01.733 --> 01:22:04.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Nearly all supported him. 01:22:04.000 --> 01:22:06.533 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% His approval rating soared. 01:22:06.533 --> 01:22:10.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But the war continued, and with it the protests. 01:22:17.066 --> 01:22:19.933 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% MORRIS: I think Richard Nixon came to office expecting 01:22:19.933 --> 01:22:21.866 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% if not a quick fix in Vietnam, 01:22:21.866 --> 01:22:25.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% expecting a kind of responsiveness in the war. 01:22:25.900 --> 01:22:29.433 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% He had made certain speeches, he had offered certain gestures, 01:22:29.433 --> 01:22:33.100 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% he had proffered both secretly and publicly 01:22:33.100 --> 01:22:35.033 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% what he thought were promising initiatives 01:22:35.033 --> 01:22:36.700 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% in negotiations. 01:22:36.700 --> 01:22:38.633 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% None of that had yielded anything. 01:22:38.633 --> 01:22:41.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% There was a palpable sense of frustration 01:22:41.066 --> 01:22:42.866 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% in the administration 01:22:42.866 --> 01:22:45.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% about how long this war was going to drag on. 01:22:48.366 --> 01:22:52.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Out of the Oval Office began to flood memoranda 01:22:52.133 --> 01:22:54.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% that were stream- of-consciousness renditions 01:22:54.500 --> 01:22:58.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% of the president's fears and ambitions in Southeast Asia-- 01:22:58.800 --> 01:23:00.500 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% his image of this whole contest 01:23:00.500 --> 01:23:02.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as a kind of challenge being issued 01:23:02.433 --> 01:23:04.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% not only by the parties on the ground-- 01:23:04.900 --> 01:23:07.166 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% by the Cambodian rebels, 01:23:07.166 --> 01:23:08.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the North Vietnamese, and the Vietcong-- 01:23:08.966 --> 01:23:12.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but ultimately by more formidable and distant forces: 01:23:12.900 --> 01:23:17.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the Soviet Union, by China, by his enemies testing him, 01:23:17.000 --> 01:23:20.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% measuring his mettle as a man and as a leader. 01:23:20.500 --> 01:23:23.466 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% EHRLICHMAN: He took me aside and he said, 01:23:23.466 --> 01:23:26.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% "I'm going to be out of the play for ten days here. 01:23:26.233 --> 01:23:29.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "I won't be able to handle any domestic decisions for ten days, 01:23:29.466 --> 01:23:32.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "so come back this afternoon and tell me all the things 01:23:32.133 --> 01:23:34.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "that need to be decided for the next ten days, 01:23:34.433 --> 01:23:36.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "and then I won't be able to see you 01:23:36.200 --> 01:23:39.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "because I'm gonna be focusing on this business in Vietnam. 01:23:39.733 --> 01:23:42.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% We're going to try and bring it to a head." 01:23:42.600 --> 01:23:45.933 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Laird 01:23:45.933 --> 01:23:47.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% waited for the president. 01:23:47.833 --> 01:23:50.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% After days of tense deliberation, 01:23:50.433 --> 01:23:54.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Nixon was about to announce an attack on enemy sanctuaries 01:23:54.666 --> 01:23:57.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% across the Vietnam border in Cambodia, 01:23:57.433 --> 01:24:00.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and he would do so over the objections 01:24:00.366 --> 01:24:02.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% of many White House advisors. 01:24:02.666 --> 01:24:06.000 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% MORRIS: We thought the invasion was a bad idea, 01:24:06.000 --> 01:24:08.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and that it was one more round of escalation 01:24:08.700 --> 01:24:11.600 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% on the pattern, on an old pattern in Vietnam 01:24:11.600 --> 01:24:15.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% which would cost lives and national treasure 01:24:15.333 --> 01:24:17.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and really only prolong the suffering 01:24:17.400 --> 01:24:19.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and do nothing to affect the larger outcome of the war. 01:24:19.833 --> 01:24:23.366 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: But the military and Kissinger recommended the action, 01:24:23.366 --> 01:24:26.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and Nixon wanted to go ahead. 01:24:26.366 --> 01:24:28.200 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% He was convinced that destroying 01:24:28.200 --> 01:24:30.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the North Vietnamese hiding places in Cambodia 01:24:30.866 --> 01:24:35.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% would relieve Communist pressure on the South, 01:24:35.066 --> 01:24:37.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and he wanted to take some dramatic action to demonstrate 01:24:37.900 --> 01:24:41.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that neither Hanoi nor the anti-war movement 01:24:41.133 --> 01:24:44.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% could intimidate the United States or its president. 01:24:44.966 --> 01:24:48.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% If, when the chips are down, 01:24:48.400 --> 01:24:50.933 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% the world's most powerful nation, 01:24:50.933 --> 01:24:53.266 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% the United States of America, 01:24:53.266 --> 01:24:57.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% acts like a pitiful, helpless giant, 01:24:57.266 --> 01:25:01.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the forces of totalitarianism and anarchy 01:25:01.366 --> 01:25:04.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% will threaten free nations and free institutions 01:25:04.600 --> 01:25:07.166 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% throughout the world. 01:25:07.166 --> 01:25:11.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% It is not our power, but our will and character 01:25:11.233 --> 01:25:13.900 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% that is being tested tonight. 01:25:15.833 --> 01:25:20.166 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: As Nixon spoke, American troops moved into Cambodia. 01:25:20.166 --> 01:25:22.100 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% His critics were outraged. 01:25:22.100 --> 01:25:24.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The president who had promised to end the war 01:25:24.466 --> 01:25:26.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% seemed to be widening it, 01:25:26.000 --> 01:25:29.833 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% moving into a country perceived as neutral. 01:25:29.833 --> 01:25:31.933 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Three members of Kissinger's staff, 01:25:31.933 --> 01:25:35.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% including Roger Morris, resigned in protest. 01:25:35.500 --> 01:25:37.166 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Nixon was unmoved. 01:25:37.166 --> 01:25:39.033 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% NIXON: I would rather be 01:25:39.033 --> 01:25:45.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% a one-term president and do what I believe was right 01:25:45.400 --> 01:25:47.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% than to be a two-term president 01:25:47.666 --> 01:25:53.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% at the cost of seeing America become a second-rate power 01:25:53.100 --> 01:25:56.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and to see this nation accept the first defeat 01:25:56.600 --> 01:26:00.800 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% in its proud 190-year history. 01:26:00.800 --> 01:26:03.633 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Early the next morning, 01:26:03.633 --> 01:26:06.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Nixon went to the Pentagon for a firsthand briefing. 01:26:06.466 --> 01:26:08.900 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% The military was reporting success. 01:26:08.900 --> 01:26:12.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Nixon was encouraged, and praised American soldiers 01:26:12.200 --> 01:26:14.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% fighting in the jungles of Southeast Asia. 01:26:14.300 --> 01:26:16.200 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% The wife of one of those soldiers 01:26:16.200 --> 01:26:18.300 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% reached out to shake his hand. 01:26:18.300 --> 01:26:22.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Nixon drew a sharp contrast between the troops in Vietnam 01:26:22.533 --> 01:26:25.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and the student protesters at home. 01:26:25.500 --> 01:26:27.533 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% NIXON: You know, you see these bums, you know, 01:26:27.533 --> 01:26:29.033 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% blowing up the campuses. 01:26:29.033 --> 01:26:33.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Listen, the boys that are on the college campuses today 01:26:33.066 --> 01:26:35.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% are the luckiest people in the world, 01:26:35.800 --> 01:26:39.333 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and here they are, burning up the books, 01:26:39.333 --> 01:26:40.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I mean, storming around about this issue-- 01:26:40.600 --> 01:26:42.233 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% I mean, you name it. 01:26:42.233 --> 01:26:44.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Get rid of the war, there'll be another one. 01:26:44.800 --> 01:26:47.733 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (siren howling) 01:26:47.733 --> 01:26:51.666 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon's remarks further infuriated students 01:26:51.666 --> 01:26:54.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% already protesting over Cambodia. 01:26:54.133 --> 01:26:57.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% After three tense days of demonstrations 01:26:57.033 --> 01:26:59.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% at Kent State University in Ohio, 01:26:59.500 --> 01:27:01.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% nervous National Guardsmen opened fire. 01:27:01.466 --> 01:27:04.000 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (crackle of gunshots) 01:27:04.000 --> 01:27:06.533 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Four students were killed. 01:27:06.533 --> 01:27:11.866 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "My child was not a bum," said the father of one dead girl. 01:27:15.900 --> 01:27:18.233 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% American campuses exploded. 01:27:18.233 --> 01:27:22.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Hundreds of colleges and universities closed down. 01:27:22.033 --> 01:27:24.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Governors in 16 states called out the police 01:27:24.966 --> 01:27:29.100 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% and National Guard. 01:27:29.100 --> 01:27:31.666 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (crowd cheering) 01:27:31.666 --> 01:27:35.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Nixon's supporters took to the streets as well. 01:27:35.000 --> 01:27:39.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% At New York's City Hall, construction workers struggled 01:27:39.000 --> 01:27:41.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to raise the flag which the mayor had lowered 01:27:41.333 --> 01:27:44.366 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to honor the dead at Kent State. 01:27:44.366 --> 01:27:46.166 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Nixon's move into Cambodia 01:27:46.166 --> 01:27:49.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and his dividing of Americans into "bums" and "heroes" 01:27:49.866 --> 01:27:51.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% had set off a national firestorm. 01:27:54.166 --> 01:27:56.433 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CROWD: Strike! Strike! Strike! 01:27:56.433 --> 01:28:00.166 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Angry protestors returned to Washington. 01:28:00.166 --> 01:28:04.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% As tensions rose, the Secret Service ringed the White House 01:28:04.500 --> 01:28:06.533 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% with a barricade of buses. 01:28:09.733 --> 01:28:12.300 align:left position:32.5% line:77% size:57.5% CHARLES COLSON: It was like living in a bunker in the White House. 01:28:12.300 --> 01:28:13.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I mean, you'd look out in the streets 01:28:13.866 --> 01:28:15.766 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and see thousands of people protesting. 01:28:15.766 --> 01:28:18.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You literally were afraid for your life. 01:28:18.100 --> 01:28:19.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% There are times when I can remember saying, 01:28:19.766 --> 01:28:21.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "I can't believe this is the United States of America, 01:28:21.433 --> 01:28:23.600 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% "a free country, and here we are in the White House 01:28:23.600 --> 01:28:25.433 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% "with barricades up and buses around the White House 01:28:25.433 --> 01:28:26.966 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% "and tear gas going off 01:28:26.966 --> 01:28:28.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% "and thousands, hundreds of thousands 01:28:28.466 --> 01:28:30.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% "of protestors out in the streets, 01:28:30.133 --> 01:28:31.766 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and troops sitting here." 01:28:31.766 --> 01:28:34.600 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: An embattled Nixon faced the press 01:28:34.600 --> 01:28:36.666 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% as anti-war demonstrators 01:28:36.666 --> 01:28:37.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% continued to flock to Washington. 01:28:37.866 --> 01:28:38.866 align:left position:62.5% line:83% size:27.5% JOURNALIST: Mr. President. 01:28:38.866 --> 01:28:39.866 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% Mr. Kaplow. 01:28:39.866 --> 01:28:41.433 align:left position:47.5% line:83% size:42.5% What do you think the students 01:28:41.433 --> 01:28:44.266 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% are trying to say with these demonstrations? 01:28:44.266 --> 01:28:47.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% They're trying to say that they want peace. 01:28:47.500 --> 01:28:51.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% They're trying to say that they want to stop the killing. 01:28:51.833 --> 01:28:55.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% They're trying to say that they want to end the draft. 01:28:55.866 --> 01:29:00.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% They're trying to say that we ought to get out of Vietnam. 01:29:00.333 --> 01:29:04.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I agree with everything that they're trying to accomplish. 01:29:04.800 --> 01:29:09.700 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% I believe, however, that the decisions that I have made 01:29:09.700 --> 01:29:11.933 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% will serve that purpose. 01:29:11.933 --> 01:29:14.966 align:left position:42.5% line:5% size:47.5% CROWD: ♪ All we are saying ♪ 01:29:14.966 --> 01:29:18.400 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% ♪ Is give peace a chance. ♪ 01:29:18.400 --> 01:29:20.966 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: That night, protestors circled the White House 01:29:20.966 --> 01:29:22.766 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% with chants and candles. 01:29:22.766 --> 01:29:26.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Inside, a sleepless Nixon made more than 40 phone calls 01:29:26.733 --> 01:29:30.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to friends and supporters around the country. 01:29:30.033 --> 01:29:33.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Near dawn, he called for a car and asked to be driven 01:29:33.900 --> 01:29:37.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to the Lincoln Memorial, where protestors had gathered. 01:29:37.866 --> 01:29:40.900 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% White House aide Egil Krogh followed him. 01:29:40.900 --> 01:29:44.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It was... I guess it was almost a surreal atmosphere. 01:29:44.133 --> 01:29:45.500 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It was almost, like, dream-like. 01:29:45.500 --> 01:29:47.000 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% "Is this really happening?" 01:29:47.000 --> 01:29:49.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Walking up the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial, 01:29:49.533 --> 01:29:51.800 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and there was the president 01:29:51.800 --> 01:29:56.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% sort of standing in the middle of a group of young people 01:29:56.566 --> 01:29:59.333 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% who were wearing combat fatigues 01:29:59.333 --> 01:30:02.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% with peace symbols, and bandannas-- 01:30:02.300 --> 01:30:06.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% all of the clothing of the '60s and the '70s-- 01:30:06.766 --> 01:30:11.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and trying very hard to... to communicate to them. 01:30:11.866 --> 01:30:13.666 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% I think I said, 01:30:13.666 --> 01:30:17.033 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% "Well, what are you going to do about the Kent State killings? 01:30:17.033 --> 01:30:19.000 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% What are you going to do about the war?" 01:30:19.000 --> 01:30:21.900 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% He said, "I'm really not here to talk about that right now. 01:30:21.900 --> 01:30:24.133 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% We're trying to handle things." 01:30:24.133 --> 01:30:27.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% So it was a one-way, you know, conversation or a one-way street 01:30:27.833 --> 01:30:31.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% because he was there trying to be very conversational 01:30:31.700 --> 01:30:33.100 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% and casual, 01:30:33.100 --> 01:30:37.000 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and we were there outraged and angry and scared. 01:30:37.000 --> 01:30:40.666 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% KROGH: One student basically told him, 01:30:40.666 --> 01:30:42.300 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% he said, "I hope that you realize 01:30:42.300 --> 01:30:45.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that we are willing to die for what we believe in." 01:30:45.100 --> 01:30:48.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And I think... as I recall, the president's response was, 01:30:48.066 --> 01:30:51.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "Well, I understand that, but we're trying to build a world 01:30:51.766 --> 01:30:55.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% where people will not have to die for what they believe in." 01:30:55.000 --> 01:31:04.266 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CHOIR: ♪ Oh, how I love Jesus ♪ 01:31:04.266 --> 01:31:11.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% ♪ Oh, how I love Jesus ♪ 01:31:11.300 --> 01:31:13.266 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% WOMAN: If you love him, sing! 01:31:13.266 --> 01:31:20.766 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CHOIR: ♪ Oh, how I love Jesus ♪ 01:31:20.766 --> 01:31:26.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% ♪ To know that Jesus... ♪ 01:31:26.100 --> 01:31:32.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Sweet, loving, merciful Jesus is ours. 01:31:32.433 --> 01:31:37.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% He belongs to all of us who want to receive and accept him. 01:31:37.500 --> 01:31:43.433 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (loud applause) 01:31:43.433 --> 01:31:46.766 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: When he appeared as the guest of honor 01:31:46.766 --> 01:31:49.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% at a Billy Graham Crusade in Tennessee, 01:31:49.433 --> 01:31:51.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Nixon had been in office 16 months. 01:31:51.966 --> 01:31:56.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% A majority of Americans still backed his Vietnam policy, 01:31:56.000 --> 01:31:59.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but the furor over Cambodia had deepened the divisions 01:31:59.966 --> 01:32:02.133 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Nixon had promised to mend. 01:32:02.133 --> 01:32:06.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Even here, surrounded by thousands who supported him, 01:32:06.666 --> 01:32:11.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the president could not escape the ceaseless storm of protest. 01:32:13.866 --> 01:32:20.300 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% (distorted shouting, chanting) 01:32:20.300 --> 01:32:23.833 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (shouting and booing) 01:32:23.833 --> 01:32:26.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And if we're going to bring people together 01:32:26.433 --> 01:32:28.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% as we must bring them together, 01:32:28.533 --> 01:32:31.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% if we're going to have peace in the world, 01:32:31.300 --> 01:32:33.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% if our young people are going to have a fulfillment 01:32:33.800 --> 01:32:37.166 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% beyond simply those material things, 01:32:37.166 --> 01:32:40.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% they must turn to those great spiritual sources 01:32:40.633 --> 01:32:44.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that have made America the great country that it is. 01:32:44.500 --> 01:32:46.033 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% I'm proud to be here 01:32:46.033 --> 01:32:49.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and I'm very proud to have your warm reception. 01:32:49.566 --> 01:32:51.333 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Thank you very much. 01:32:51.333 --> 01:32:52.666 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 01:32:52.666 --> 01:32:54.633 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% MAN: Let us sing together. 01:32:54.633 --> 01:32:57.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "God bless America, my home, sweet home." 01:32:57.700 --> 01:33:04.066 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% ALL: ♪ God bless America ♪ 01:33:04.066 --> 01:33:08.666 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% ♪ Land that I love ♪ 01:33:08.666 --> 01:33:12.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% ♪ Stand beside her, and guide... ♪ 01:33:12.666 --> 01:33:14.666 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Throughout the next year, 01:33:14.666 --> 01:33:17.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Nixon continued to try to rally his supporters 01:33:17.000 --> 01:33:19.000 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% while denouncing his opponents, 01:33:19.000 --> 01:33:21.133 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% calling some among the protesters 01:33:21.133 --> 01:33:23.733 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "thugs" and "hoodlums," 01:33:23.733 --> 01:33:26.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% blaming his critics in Congress and the press 01:33:26.433 --> 01:33:29.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% for failing to support the war. 01:33:29.033 --> 01:33:32.233 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% ALL: ♪ ...white with foam ♪ 01:33:32.233 --> 01:33:37.033 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% ♪ God bless America... ♪ 01:33:37.033 --> 01:33:40.833 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: All U.S. troops left Cambodia by the end of June, 01:33:40.833 --> 01:33:42.733 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% as Nixon had promised. 01:33:42.733 --> 01:33:44.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% He insisted that the military action 01:33:44.433 --> 01:33:46.133 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% which had caused such turmoil 01:33:46.133 --> 01:33:48.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% had eased the pressure on the troops in Vietnam. 01:33:48.300 --> 01:33:51.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Withdrawals continued on schedule, 01:33:51.933 --> 01:33:54.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but more American lives had been lost. 01:33:54.433 --> 01:33:57.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% There was no breakthrough in the peace talks. 01:33:59.533 --> 01:34:01.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% And in the White House, 01:34:01.600 --> 01:34:04.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% an increasingly frustrated and suspicious Nixon 01:34:04.733 --> 01:34:07.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% urged intensified surveillance of the anti-war movement. 01:34:07.666 --> 01:34:11.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He grew distrustful even of his closest advisors 01:34:11.000 --> 01:34:14.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and installed hidden microphones in his own office 01:34:14.500 --> 01:34:16.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in part so that his aides could not later claim 01:34:16.933 --> 01:34:19.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to have disagreed with his decisions. 01:34:19.066 --> 01:34:21.066 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% But the taping system 01:34:21.066 --> 01:34:24.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% would eventually trap the president himself. 01:34:24.266 --> 01:34:28.133 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (singing ends) 01:34:34.666 --> 01:34:37.700 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 01:34:46.166 --> 01:34:49.633 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: On June 12, 1971, the White House staff 01:34:49.633 --> 01:34:52.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% prepared for a wedding in the Rose Garden. 01:34:52.433 --> 01:34:56.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The president's elder daughter, Tricia, was to be married 01:34:56.066 --> 01:34:58.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to a young law student, Edward Cox. 01:34:58.400 --> 01:35:01.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Rain threatened the ceremony, 01:35:01.500 --> 01:35:03.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and Nixon spent much of the afternoon on the phone 01:35:03.900 --> 01:35:05.700 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% to Air Force weathermen. 01:35:05.700 --> 01:35:07.933 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Finally, there was a prediction 01:35:07.933 --> 01:35:10.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of a 15-minute break in the weather. 01:35:10.033 --> 01:35:11.533 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% I gotta get dressed! 01:35:11.533 --> 01:35:14.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I've gotta get all my things-- my hair done. 01:35:14.833 --> 01:35:16.600 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (laughter) 01:35:16.600 --> 01:35:18.766 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (processional music) 01:35:21.166 --> 01:35:23.966 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% LINKLETTER: I saw the president more relaxed, 01:35:23.966 --> 01:35:28.466 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% more happy, and more like a typical American father 01:35:28.466 --> 01:35:30.533 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% than I've seen him in a long, long time. 01:35:30.533 --> 01:35:31.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% INTERVIEWER: He looked like he was 01:35:31.733 --> 01:35:33.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% doing a great job out on the dance floor, too. 01:35:33.066 --> 01:35:34.266 align:left position:45% line:89% size:45% Yes. 01:35:34.266 --> 01:35:37.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And he doesn't dance all that often, you know. 01:35:37.100 --> 01:35:40.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% (music playing, light applause) 01:35:40.166 --> 01:35:44.166 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: "It was a day that all of us will remember," 01:35:44.166 --> 01:35:45.833 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Nixon later wrote, 01:35:45.833 --> 01:35:49.866 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "because we were beautifully and simply happy." 01:35:52.533 --> 01:35:56.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The next morning, Nixon picked up the "New York Times." 01:35:56.100 --> 01:35:59.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% In the left corner was an account of Tricia's wedding. 01:35:59.733 --> 01:36:02.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Across the page was another headline: 01:36:02.300 --> 01:36:05.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the first installment of what came to be called 01:36:05.133 --> 01:36:08.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the Pentagon Papers, a secret Defense Department study 01:36:08.733 --> 01:36:10.933 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% which revealed past government deception 01:36:10.933 --> 01:36:12.666 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% about the war in Vietnam. 01:36:12.666 --> 01:36:15.166 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% I felt that as an American citizen... 01:36:15.166 --> 01:36:18.200 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Daniel Ellsberg, a former Defense Department employee 01:36:18.200 --> 01:36:20.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% who had turned against the war, 01:36:20.033 --> 01:36:23.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% had given the top secret documents to the press. 01:36:23.600 --> 01:36:25.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I can no longer cooperate 01:36:25.233 --> 01:36:28.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% in concealing this information from the American public. 01:36:28.233 --> 01:36:31.800 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Although the Pentagon Papers contained nothing 01:36:31.800 --> 01:36:34.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% about the Nixon policy in Vietnam, 01:36:34.000 --> 01:36:36.333 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% it was a leak of enormous magnitude. 01:36:36.333 --> 01:36:39.000 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% The president and Henry Kissinger saw it 01:36:39.000 --> 01:36:40.733 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% as a disturbing precedent 01:36:40.733 --> 01:36:42.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% and a threat to their secret diplomacy. 01:36:42.700 --> 01:36:44.700 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% COLSON: There was panic in the White House. 01:36:44.700 --> 01:36:46.633 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And I remember being in meetings with Henry Kissinger that day 01:36:46.633 --> 01:36:48.700 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% in which he said, 01:36:48.700 --> 01:36:51.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "This could cause the collapse of American foreign policy. 01:36:51.200 --> 01:36:53.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "This could undermine our initiatives 01:36:53.533 --> 01:36:55.400 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% with China and the Soviet Union." 01:36:55.400 --> 01:36:56.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And don't forget that at that time, 01:36:56.966 --> 01:36:59.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% people did not know that we were negotiating secretly 01:36:59.800 --> 01:37:01.133 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% with the Chinese. 01:37:01.133 --> 01:37:02.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% They did not also know that we were conducting 01:37:02.633 --> 01:37:04.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% secret negotiations with the North Vietnamese 01:37:04.700 --> 01:37:06.500 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% to end the war in Vietnam. 01:37:06.500 --> 01:37:09.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And so a lot of things were going on that we knew 01:37:09.000 --> 01:37:10.400 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% that the public didn't. 01:37:10.400 --> 01:37:12.166 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Just five weeks later, 01:37:12.166 --> 01:37:14.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the "Times" published another leak, 01:37:14.766 --> 01:37:18.633 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% this one potentially damaging to Nixon's foreign policy. 01:37:18.633 --> 01:37:21.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% It revealed U.S. negotiating tactics 01:37:21.066 --> 01:37:23.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and upcoming arms talks with the Soviets, 01:37:23.800 --> 01:37:28.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and it seemed to confirm Nixon's worst fears about the press. 01:37:28.000 --> 01:37:31.500 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% KROGH: I had seen him angry in meetings in the past, 01:37:31.500 --> 01:37:34.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but I had never experienced this kind of fury 01:37:34.766 --> 01:37:39.900 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% where he was basically walking around the room 01:37:39.900 --> 01:37:41.833 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% slamming his fist in his hand, 01:37:41.833 --> 01:37:43.600 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% saying that this cannot be tolerated. 01:37:43.600 --> 01:37:45.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% "We cannot let this go on!" 01:37:45.200 --> 01:37:48.633 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% COLSON: Nixon became obsessive about the press coverage. 01:37:48.633 --> 01:37:51.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We had a daily news summary that was prepared 01:37:51.766 --> 01:37:53.433 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% by a young man in the White House, 01:37:53.433 --> 01:37:54.933 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and by the time I got to the White House, 01:37:54.933 --> 01:37:56.933 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% the president had already read it 01:37:56.933 --> 01:37:59.166 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% and had marked on the columns, 01:37:59.166 --> 01:38:03.166 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% "John Chancellor last night said this, respond today." 01:38:03.166 --> 01:38:05.166 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% "Call up so-and-so." 01:38:05.166 --> 01:38:08.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% "Look at this-- you can't trust these people." 01:38:08.000 --> 01:38:10.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "'Newsweek' has done it to us again." 01:38:10.200 --> 01:38:11.700 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% I'd get Nixon's news summary 01:38:11.700 --> 01:38:13.533 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with all these comments down the side. 01:38:13.533 --> 01:38:16.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And so you had the idea when you went to work in the morning, 01:38:16.766 --> 01:38:18.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% you were going to war with the press. 01:38:18.400 --> 01:38:21.500 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 01:38:21.500 --> 01:38:25.600 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: A sense of being under siege pervaded the White House 01:38:25.600 --> 01:38:27.233 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% fueled by the leaks, 01:38:27.233 --> 01:38:29.966 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% the constant anti-war demonstrations, 01:38:29.966 --> 01:38:32.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and intensifying criticism in the press. 01:38:35.500 --> 01:38:38.333 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% In this atmosphere of "us versus them," 01:38:38.333 --> 01:38:41.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Colson's office began an ever-expanding list 01:38:41.933 --> 01:38:45.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of Nixon's critics-- "The Enemies List." 01:38:45.166 --> 01:38:48.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Its object was "to screw our political enemies." 01:38:51.100 --> 01:38:55.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Reporters and politicians, educators and entertainers 01:38:55.066 --> 01:38:57.100 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% were barred from the White House. 01:38:57.100 --> 01:38:59.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Some were targeted for tax audits, 01:38:59.833 --> 01:39:03.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% others were trailed by private detectives. 01:39:05.033 --> 01:39:06.933 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% COLSON: And it was very shortly thereafter 01:39:06.933 --> 01:39:08.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that Nixon authorized the Plumbers-- 01:39:08.933 --> 01:39:12.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the creation of a special group to stop leaks-- 01:39:12.233 --> 01:39:13.766 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% and they began 01:39:13.766 --> 01:39:18.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% to take extralegal steps and put into motion the mechanism 01:39:18.866 --> 01:39:22.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% which ultimately resulted in the downfall of the administration. 01:39:22.033 --> 01:39:24.500 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: In a White House memo 01:39:24.500 --> 01:39:27.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% regarding the neutralization of Daniel Ellsberg, 01:39:27.933 --> 01:39:30.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the Plumbers discussed how they might 01:39:30.666 --> 01:39:33.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "Destroy his public image and credibility." 01:39:33.866 --> 01:39:36.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% In search of damaging information 01:39:36.433 --> 01:39:38.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% about Ellsberg's private life, 01:39:38.666 --> 01:39:42.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% they arranged a break-in at the office of his psychiatrist. 01:39:42.833 --> 01:39:45.700 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% KROGH: They apparently broke a window 01:39:45.700 --> 01:39:47.700 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% on the way in, and realizing that 01:39:47.700 --> 01:39:51.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% it could no longer be viewed as a covert operation, 01:39:51.600 --> 01:39:54.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% changed courses and decided to make it look 01:39:54.700 --> 01:39:57.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as if it had been entered by a burglar 01:39:57.533 --> 01:40:00.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% looking for drugs or some other substances. 01:40:00.633 --> 01:40:02.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Basically, they smashed up the office, 01:40:02.633 --> 01:40:04.766 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% took pictures of the damage. 01:40:04.766 --> 01:40:07.733 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I was shocked at these pictures. 01:40:07.733 --> 01:40:10.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Went to see John Ehrlichman. 01:40:10.300 --> 01:40:13.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% He was, if anything, more shocked than I was 01:40:13.500 --> 01:40:16.100 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% and said, "Shut it down as of now." 01:40:16.100 --> 01:40:19.100 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The Plumbers were eventually disbanded, 01:40:19.100 --> 01:40:21.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but some of the agents were reassigned 01:40:21.766 --> 01:40:23.966 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% to work behind the scenes 01:40:23.966 --> 01:40:28.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% for the newly-formed Committee to Reelect the President. 01:40:28.933 --> 01:40:33.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Reelection had become Nixon's consuming concern. 01:40:33.233 --> 01:40:35.733 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% From the first day of his presidency, 01:40:35.733 --> 01:40:38.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% he had fought to hold on to his "silent majority" 01:40:38.333 --> 01:40:40.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and had shaped his domestic policies 01:40:40.133 --> 01:40:42.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% in part to win their votes. 01:40:42.200 --> 01:40:44.900 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% But those voters were slipping away. 01:40:44.900 --> 01:40:47.433 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Unemployment and inflation were up. 01:40:47.433 --> 01:40:50.133 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Racial divisions had deepened, 01:40:50.133 --> 01:40:54.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and still, week after week, the dead came home from Vietnam. 01:40:56.633 --> 01:41:00.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Nixon's popularity had fallen so low that he had begun to fear 01:41:00.333 --> 01:41:03.366 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% he would not even be renominated in 1972. 01:41:15.433 --> 01:41:16.933 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: Good evening. 01:41:16.933 --> 01:41:19.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The 37th president of the United States, 01:41:19.433 --> 01:41:21.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Richard M. Nixon, is in China-- 01:41:21.533 --> 01:41:23.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the first American chief executive 01:41:23.500 --> 01:41:25.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ever to visit the world's most populous country. 01:41:25.833 --> 01:41:29.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% (band playing "The Star-Spangled Banner") 01:41:29.700 --> 01:41:33.100 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (crowd cheering) 01:41:33.100 --> 01:41:35.433 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: On February 18, 1972, 01:41:35.433 --> 01:41:39.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Richard Nixon began still another remarkable comeback 01:41:39.700 --> 01:41:42.800 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% with a stunning foreign policy success. 01:41:44.233 --> 01:41:46.633 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% REPORTER: President Nixon's motorcade 01:41:46.633 --> 01:41:49.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% is now sweeping toward the city of Peking. 01:41:49.466 --> 01:41:52.100 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% REPORTER: Here comes the motorcade now, as you see. 01:41:52.100 --> 01:41:55.500 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The world watched as Richard Nixon drove through a city 01:41:55.500 --> 01:41:59.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that few outsiders had seen for nearly a quarter of a century. 01:41:59.933 --> 01:42:01.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% "He knew," said the "New York Times," 01:42:01.633 --> 01:42:03.300 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "that for this journey, 01:42:03.300 --> 01:42:07.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% no matter what else occurred, he would always be remembered." 01:42:07.000 --> 01:42:11.300 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% That afternoon, Nixon was abruptly summoned 01:42:11.300 --> 01:42:13.800 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% to see Mao Zedong. 01:42:13.800 --> 01:42:17.033 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% American television was unaware of the meeting. 01:42:17.033 --> 01:42:19.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The only coverage was by Chinese cameramen 01:42:19.266 --> 01:42:22.266 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% with black and white film. 01:42:22.266 --> 01:42:27.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% This encounter between Nixon, the career anti-Communist, 01:42:27.333 --> 01:42:29.566 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and Chairman Mao, the leader of the largest 01:42:29.566 --> 01:42:31.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Communist revolutionary movement in history, 01:42:31.766 --> 01:42:33.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% shocked Nixon's old conservative allies. 01:42:33.866 --> 01:42:39.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% They accused him of surrendering to international Communism. 01:42:39.800 --> 01:42:43.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% But for Nixon, it was all part of his global strategy. 01:42:43.000 --> 01:42:46.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% By visiting China, he was beginning to exploit 01:42:46.133 --> 01:42:48.533 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% the divisions in the Communist world. 01:42:48.533 --> 01:42:50.366 align:left position:45% line:77% size:45% MAN: One of Nixon's primary objectives 01:42:50.366 --> 01:42:51.866 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% in opening up with China 01:42:51.866 --> 01:42:56.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% was to give him more leverage with the Soviet Union. 01:42:56.333 --> 01:42:58.566 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% These relations were essentially stalled, 01:42:58.566 --> 01:43:01.033 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% but soon after the opening with China, 01:43:01.033 --> 01:43:05.400 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% the Soviet Union became much more flexible on several fronts. 01:43:05.400 --> 01:43:08.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% They agreed to a summit meeting with us in 1972 01:43:08.266 --> 01:43:10.666 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and they began to be more reasonable 01:43:10.666 --> 01:43:12.766 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% on various arms control issues. 01:43:12.766 --> 01:43:15.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (dramatic opera singing) 01:43:22.033 --> 01:43:26.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% (music ends, applause) 01:43:26.600 --> 01:43:29.933 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% COLSON: Nixon enjoyed the power game 01:43:29.933 --> 01:43:33.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% probably as much as any president in modern times. 01:43:33.766 --> 01:43:36.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He played it very hard and very cleverly 01:43:36.466 --> 01:43:39.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and very carefully in the world scene. 01:43:39.133 --> 01:43:40.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And he was always thinking strategically, 01:43:40.766 --> 01:43:42.433 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and that's one of the qualities 01:43:42.433 --> 01:43:44.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that someone has to have in foreign policy. 01:43:44.900 --> 01:43:47.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I mean, you cannot make decisions in foreign policy 01:43:47.166 --> 01:43:50.366 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% based on today's circumstance. 01:43:50.366 --> 01:43:52.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% You've got to think about its ramifications 01:43:52.166 --> 01:43:54.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% for five, ten, 15, 20 years down the road, 01:43:54.500 --> 01:43:56.066 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and it's like a chess player; 01:43:56.066 --> 01:43:57.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% you're anticipating six moves ahead 01:43:57.866 --> 01:43:59.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% if you're a good chess player. 01:43:59.400 --> 01:44:02.633 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 01:44:02.633 --> 01:44:05.700 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% GROUP: ♪ We love you, President ♪ 01:44:05.700 --> 01:44:08.500 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% ♪ Oh, yes, we do ♪ 01:44:08.500 --> 01:44:13.333 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% ♪ We love you, President, and we'll be true ♪ 01:44:13.333 --> 01:44:18.500 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% ♪ When you're not near us, we're blue ♪ 01:44:18.500 --> 01:44:25.833 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% ♪ Oh, President, we love you. ♪ 01:44:25.833 --> 01:44:28.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% (helicopter engine humming) 01:44:30.466 --> 01:44:33.533 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: In the spring of 1972, 01:44:33.533 --> 01:44:37.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the North Vietnamese suddenly launched a massive offensive. 01:44:37.866 --> 01:44:40.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% South Vietnam's forces were overwhelmed. 01:44:40.833 --> 01:44:42.533 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Thousands fled. 01:44:47.833 --> 01:44:52.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% If the offensive were not stopped, the war would be lost, 01:44:52.000 --> 01:44:55.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and with it, Nixon feared, the presidency. 01:44:58.100 --> 01:45:00.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% But if he ordered a U.S. counterattack, 01:45:00.166 --> 01:45:01.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% the Soviets might cancel 01:45:01.833 --> 01:45:05.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the upcoming arms control summit in Moscow-- 01:45:05.133 --> 01:45:07.966 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% a vital part of Nixon's grand design. 01:45:07.966 --> 01:45:11.633 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Most of his advisors urged Nixon not to take any action 01:45:11.633 --> 01:45:14.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that might jeopardize the summit. 01:45:14.000 --> 01:45:17.733 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% Once again, Nixon overruled them. 01:45:17.733 --> 01:45:20.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% His view was that it would be embarrassing 01:45:20.166 --> 01:45:21.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% for him to go to Moscow 01:45:21.600 --> 01:45:23.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% without responding to North Vietnamese aggression-- 01:45:23.566 --> 01:45:25.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% that he would look weak. 01:45:25.100 --> 01:45:27.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% He's talking to Soviet leaders 01:45:27.033 --> 01:45:29.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% who are providing arms to the North Vietnamese troops 01:45:29.666 --> 01:45:31.666 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% who are killing American troops. 01:45:31.666 --> 01:45:34.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% So he didn't think the summit was worth it 01:45:34.033 --> 01:45:36.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% unless he could also show that he was strong 01:45:36.366 --> 01:45:37.933 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% within Vietnam itself. 01:45:39.766 --> 01:45:42.266 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon ordered the most drastic escalation 01:45:42.266 --> 01:45:44.466 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% of the war since 1968-- 01:45:44.466 --> 01:45:46.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% massive, sustained bombing of Hanoi 01:45:46.566 --> 01:45:49.666 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and the mining of Haiphong Harbor, 01:45:49.666 --> 01:45:53.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% risking a full-scale confrontation with the Soviets 01:45:53.466 --> 01:45:56.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% by putting their supply ships in peril. 01:45:56.266 --> 01:46:00.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% After explaining his decision to the American people, 01:46:00.233 --> 01:46:03.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% he made a direct appeal to the Kremlin. 01:46:03.166 --> 01:46:05.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Our two nations have made significant progress 01:46:05.100 --> 01:46:07.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% in our negotiations in recent months. 01:46:07.200 --> 01:46:10.700 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% We are near major agreements on nuclear arms limitation, 01:46:10.700 --> 01:46:13.766 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% on trade, on a host of other issues. 01:46:13.766 --> 01:46:17.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Let us not slide back toward the dark shadows 01:46:17.700 --> 01:46:20.233 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% of a previous age. 01:46:20.233 --> 01:46:27.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% We do not ask you to sacrifice your principles or your friends, 01:46:27.400 --> 01:46:31.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but neither should you permit Hanoi's intransigence 01:46:31.366 --> 01:46:33.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% to blot out the prospects 01:46:33.100 --> 01:46:36.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% we together have so patiently prepared. 01:46:36.666 --> 01:46:43.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% ("The Star-Spangled Banner" playing) 01:46:48.500 --> 01:46:50.966 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon's gamble paid off. 01:46:50.966 --> 01:46:52.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The Soviets did not cancel the summit. 01:46:52.833 --> 01:46:56.433 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% On May 22, 1972, 01:46:56.433 --> 01:46:59.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Richard Nixon became the first American president 01:46:59.100 --> 01:47:01.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% ever to set foot inside the Kremlin. 01:47:08.466 --> 01:47:10.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Nixon had done what none of his predecessors 01:47:10.433 --> 01:47:11.833 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% had been able to do. 01:47:11.833 --> 01:47:14.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% He had negotiated a treaty in which the two superpowers 01:47:14.766 --> 01:47:19.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% agreed to slow an arms race that had been accelerating 01:47:19.300 --> 01:47:22.166 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% for more than a quarter of a century. 01:47:22.166 --> 01:47:25.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It was his greatest achievement. 01:47:25.166 --> 01:47:29.866 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 01:47:29.866 --> 01:47:32.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Two days later, five burglars 01:47:32.366 --> 01:47:34.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% working for the Committee to Reelect Richard Nixon 01:47:34.933 --> 01:47:37.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% entered the Watergate complex in Washington. 01:47:39.833 --> 01:47:41.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% They broke into the office 01:47:41.333 --> 01:47:43.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% of the Democratic National Committee, 01:47:43.033 --> 01:47:46.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% placed bugs on the telephones, and made their escape. 01:47:46.733 --> 01:47:49.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% But the microphones failed to work. 01:47:49.300 --> 01:47:51.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% They would have to go back. 01:47:53.200 --> 01:47:56.233 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% The president of the United States. 01:47:56.233 --> 01:48:01.566 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 01:48:06.833 --> 01:48:10.233 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon returned from Moscow in triumph. 01:48:10.233 --> 01:48:13.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He had almost completed the withdrawal 01:48:13.000 --> 01:48:17.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% of American forces from Vietnam, opened the door to China, 01:48:17.233 --> 01:48:20.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and signed the first nuclear arms limitation treaty 01:48:20.233 --> 01:48:22.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% since the dawn of the atomic age. 01:48:25.233 --> 01:48:28.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He had often said that all he wanted was a life 01:48:28.433 --> 01:48:31.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% with one more victory than defeat. 01:48:31.466 --> 01:48:35.733 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Now that victory-- a second term as president-- 01:48:35.733 --> 01:48:38.166 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% seemed his for the asking. 01:48:41.800 --> 01:48:44.566 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% REPORTER: Five men wearing white gloves and carrying cameras 01:48:44.566 --> 01:48:46.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% were caught early today in the headquarters 01:48:46.466 --> 01:48:48.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% of the Democratic National Committee in Washington. 01:48:48.633 --> 01:48:50.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% They apparently were unarmed, 01:48:50.300 --> 01:48:52.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and nobody knows yet why they were there, 01:48:52.766 --> 01:48:54.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% but I don't think that's the last 01:48:54.066 --> 01:48:55.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% we're going to hear of this story. 01:49:04.900 --> 01:49:08.000 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% Five men wearing white gloves and carrying cameras 01:49:08.000 --> 01:49:10.000 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% were caught early today in the headquarters 01:49:10.000 --> 01:49:11.833 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% of the Democratic National Committee in Washington. 01:49:11.833 --> 01:49:13.466 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% They were caught by a night watchman 01:49:13.466 --> 01:49:15.533 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and they did not resist arrest when the police came. 01:49:15.533 --> 01:49:17.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% They apparently were unarmed, 01:49:17.400 --> 01:49:19.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and nobody knows yet why they were there. 01:49:19.666 --> 01:49:21.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The film in the camera hadn't even been exposed. 01:49:21.666 --> 01:49:23.666 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% In any case, they're being held. 01:49:23.666 --> 01:49:28.700 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 01:49:32.333 --> 01:49:35.966 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% NARRATOR: "On Sunday morning, June 18," Richard Nixon later wrote, 01:49:35.966 --> 01:49:37.700 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% "I left for Key Biscayne. 01:49:37.700 --> 01:49:39.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% "When I got to my house, 01:49:39.366 --> 01:49:42.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "I could smell coffee brewing in the kitchen, 01:49:42.666 --> 01:49:44.833 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% "and I went in to get a cup. 01:49:44.833 --> 01:49:47.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "There was a 'Miami Herald' on the counter, 01:49:47.766 --> 01:49:50.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "and I glanced over the front page. 01:49:50.400 --> 01:49:54.066 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "The main headline was about the Vietnam withdrawals. 01:49:54.066 --> 01:49:56.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "There was a small story in the middle of the page 01:49:56.200 --> 01:49:58.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% on the left-hand side..." 01:49:58.200 --> 01:50:00.600 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: The Watergate apartment hotel office complex in Washington 01:50:00.600 --> 01:50:02.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% has a fortress-like appearance, 01:50:02.400 --> 01:50:04.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but the burglars penetrated that security. 01:50:04.666 --> 01:50:06.666 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: Four of the men arrested 01:50:06.666 --> 01:50:09.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% were Cuban nationals now living in Miami, 01:50:09.000 --> 01:50:11.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and the fifth, James McCord, 01:50:11.733 --> 01:50:14.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% was a former FBI and C.I.A. agent 01:50:14.266 --> 01:50:16.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% recently employed as a security aide 01:50:16.366 --> 01:50:17.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% by the Republican National Committee 01:50:17.966 --> 01:50:20.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and the Committee to Reelect the President. 01:50:20.533 --> 01:50:23.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Presidential press secretary Ron Zeigler 01:50:23.533 --> 01:50:26.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% today called the incident a "third-rate burglary 01:50:26.033 --> 01:50:28.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and nothing the president would be concerned with." 01:50:31.033 --> 01:50:34.166 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: But the president was concerned. 01:50:34.166 --> 01:50:38.433 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% On June 23, he met with his chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman. 01:50:38.433 --> 01:50:39.466 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% (audio recording playing) 01:50:39.466 --> 01:50:41.200 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% HALDEMAN: Now, on the investigation, 01:50:41.200 --> 01:50:43.566 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% you know the Democratic break-in thing, we're back 01:50:43.566 --> 01:50:48.533 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% in a problem area because the FBI is not under control. 01:50:49.566 --> 01:50:52.500 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: To thwart the FBI investigation, 01:50:52.500 --> 01:50:55.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Haldeman suggested that the break-in could be made 01:50:55.566 --> 01:50:57.633 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to look like a C.I.A. operation. 01:50:59.366 --> 01:51:00.666 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% HALDEMAN: And that will fit rather well 01:51:00.666 --> 01:51:03.066 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% because the FBI agents who are working the case, 01:51:03.066 --> 01:51:06.133 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% at this point, feel that's what it is. 01:51:06.133 --> 01:51:07.933 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% This is C.I.A. 01:51:09.466 --> 01:51:12.966 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: There is no evidence that Nixon had ordered the break-in, 01:51:12.966 --> 01:51:14.966 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% but his aides had. 01:51:14.966 --> 01:51:18.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The president approved the plan to divert the FBI. 01:51:19.966 --> 01:51:23.866 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% NIXON: Just say, "this is sort of a comedy of errors..." 01:51:23.866 --> 01:51:27.466 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and that they should call the FBI in and say that we wish 01:51:27.466 --> 01:51:29.900 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% for the country, don't go any further into this case, period. 01:51:32.466 --> 01:51:36.300 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: "I saw Watergate as politics, pure and simple," 01:51:36.300 --> 01:51:38.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Nixon wrote in his memoirs. 01:51:38.200 --> 01:51:40.633 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% "We were going to play it tough. 01:51:40.633 --> 01:51:42.900 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "I never doubted that was exactly 01:51:42.900 --> 01:51:45.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% how the other side would have played it." 01:51:45.533 --> 01:51:48.533 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% EHRLICHMAN: Richard Nixon pulled it into the White House. 01:51:48.533 --> 01:51:50.300 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% He couldn't leave it alone. 01:51:50.300 --> 01:51:52.533 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% And so within a week after the break-in, 01:51:52.533 --> 01:51:54.033 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% or maybe two weeks, 01:51:54.033 --> 01:51:55.833 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% he had personally involved himself 01:51:55.833 --> 01:51:57.533 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% in the intrigue of the whole thing. 01:51:57.533 --> 01:52:02.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So Nixon sealed his fate six days after the break-in. 01:52:02.766 --> 01:52:05.800 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 01:52:10.133 --> 01:52:13.166 align:left position:30% line:77% size:60% CROWD (chanting): Four more years! Four more years! 01:52:13.166 --> 01:52:15.233 align:left position:30% line:77% size:60% Four more years! 01:52:15.233 --> 01:52:17.600 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Four more years! 01:52:17.600 --> 01:52:19.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Four more years! (marching band playing) 01:52:19.533 --> 01:52:22.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Four more years! 01:52:22.133 --> 01:52:23.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Four more years! 01:52:25.066 --> 01:52:29.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%   (marching band continues) 01:52:29.366 --> 01:52:31.566 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Four more years! Four more years! 01:52:36.800 --> 01:52:41.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (marching band continues) 01:52:41.466 --> 01:52:45.233 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Miami Beach, August 1972. 01:52:45.233 --> 01:52:47.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Two months after the Watergate break-in, 01:52:47.700 --> 01:52:50.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% a triumphant Richard Nixon took command 01:52:50.200 --> 01:52:53.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% at the Republican National Convention. 01:52:59.333 --> 01:53:01.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Narrowly elected four years earlier, 01:53:01.666 --> 01:53:04.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Nixon now wanted to win the biggest landslide 01:53:04.666 --> 01:53:07.433 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% in presidential history. 01:53:09.233 --> 01:53:11.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Tonight, I again proudly accept your nomination 01:53:11.733 --> 01:53:14.366 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% for president of the United States. 01:53:14.366 --> 01:53:16.366 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (cheering) 01:53:16.366 --> 01:53:18.533 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And let us pledge ourselves 01:53:18.533 --> 01:53:24.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% to win an even greater victory this November, in 1972. 01:53:24.166 --> 01:53:25.766 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (cheering) 01:53:25.766 --> 01:53:27.766 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% SINGERS: ♪ Vote Nixon now ♪ 01:53:27.766 --> 01:53:30.333 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% ♪ Nixon now ♪ 01:53:30.333 --> 01:53:34.433 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% ♪ He's made the difference ♪ 01:53:34.433 --> 01:53:36.033 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% ♪ He's shown us how... ♪ 01:53:36.033 --> 01:53:39.300 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon's campaign amassed huge sums of money. 01:53:39.300 --> 01:53:42.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Skillful television ads appealed to Democrats, 01:53:42.633 --> 01:53:45.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% blue-collar workers, the South. 01:53:45.900 --> 01:53:50.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Nixon had always campaigned hard for other Republicans. 01:53:50.733 --> 01:53:54.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Now he abandoned them, even dropped the party label. 01:53:54.466 --> 01:53:56.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Richard Nixon campaigned as "the president." 01:53:59.500 --> 01:54:00.566 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% You're great! 01:54:00.566 --> 01:54:01.500 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Thank you! 01:54:01.500 --> 01:54:02.633 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% You're great. 01:54:02.633 --> 01:54:06.566 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: As the president pursued victory, 01:54:06.566 --> 01:54:10.433 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the White House continued to deny involvement in Watergate. 01:54:10.433 --> 01:54:12.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% A few reporters followed the story, 01:54:12.633 --> 01:54:15.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but most voters dismissed the break-in 01:54:15.300 --> 01:54:17.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% as a "campaign caper." 01:54:17.266 --> 01:54:20.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Watergate never threatened Nixon's big win. 01:54:20.633 --> 01:54:26.233 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% (band playing, crowd cheering) 01:54:30.966 --> 01:54:36.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Nixon overwhelmed his Democratic rival, Senator George McGovern. 01:54:36.000 --> 01:54:39.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He carried every state but Massachusetts. 01:54:41.600 --> 01:54:44.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% But his victory was not complete. 01:54:44.133 --> 01:54:47.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The Democratic opposition retained control 01:54:47.300 --> 01:54:49.866 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% of both the House and the Senate. 01:54:49.866 --> 01:54:53.200 align:left position:35% line:77% size:55% DAVID BRODER: It turned out to be a lonely landslide. 01:54:53.200 --> 01:54:56.533 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% He monopolized all of the resources, all of the money, 01:54:56.533 --> 01:55:00.000 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% all of the political talent in the Republican Party 01:55:00.000 --> 01:55:02.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and anything else that he could annex 01:55:02.533 --> 01:55:04.433 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% for his own personal victory 01:55:04.433 --> 01:55:08.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and didn't share the wealth and the opportunity with his party. 01:55:08.700 --> 01:55:12.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It was an extraordinarily selfish victory, in my view. 01:55:12.366 --> 01:55:15.333 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: We are showing President Nixon at this hour... 01:55:15.333 --> 01:55:17.166 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: On election night, 01:55:17.166 --> 01:55:20.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Nixon watched the returns with two of his closest aides: 01:55:20.066 --> 01:55:23.133 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% chief of staff H.R. Haldeman 01:55:23.133 --> 01:55:25.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and special counsel Chuck Colson. 01:55:25.433 --> 01:55:28.766 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% COLSON: And I couldn't feel any sense of jubilation. 01:55:28.766 --> 01:55:31.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It was just sort of a very depressed atmosphere 01:55:31.900 --> 01:55:33.233 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% in the room. 01:55:33.233 --> 01:55:34.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And here we were supposedly winning, 01:55:34.700 --> 01:55:36.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and it was more like we'd lost. 01:55:36.433 --> 01:55:38.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And it was more... the attitude was kind of, 01:55:38.800 --> 01:55:40.066 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "Well, we showed them. 01:55:40.066 --> 01:55:43.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% We got even with our enemies and we beat them," 01:55:43.366 --> 01:55:45.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% instead of, "We've been given a wonderful mandate 01:55:45.733 --> 01:55:48.166 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% to rule over the next four years." 01:55:48.166 --> 01:55:51.566 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% We were reduced to our petty worst 01:55:51.566 --> 01:55:53.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% on the night of what should have been our greatest triumph, 01:55:53.966 --> 01:55:57.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and that's indicative of kind of the paradox of the Nixon years. 01:55:57.766 --> 01:55:59.766 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 01:55:59.766 --> 01:56:03.266 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: "I'm at a loss to explain the melancholy 01:56:03.266 --> 01:56:05.800 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that settled over me on that victorious night," 01:56:05.800 --> 01:56:07.400 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Nixon later wrote. 01:56:07.400 --> 01:56:10.733 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "To some extent, the marring effects of Watergate 01:56:10.733 --> 01:56:12.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% "may have played a part. 01:56:12.366 --> 01:56:15.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% "To some extent our failure to win Congress, 01:56:15.366 --> 01:56:17.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% "and to a greater extent 01:56:17.100 --> 01:56:21.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "the fact that we had not been able to end the war in Vietnam. 01:56:21.466 --> 01:56:23.233 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "Whatever the reasons, 01:56:23.233 --> 01:56:26.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "I allowed myself only a few minutes to reflect on the past. 01:56:26.300 --> 01:56:29.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I was confident that a new era was about to begin." 01:56:32.666 --> 01:56:35.066 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% (birds twittering) 01:56:35.066 --> 01:56:36.933 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% EHRLICHMAN: The next morning after the election, 01:56:36.933 --> 01:56:38.566 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% Nixon came in the cabinet room. 01:56:38.566 --> 01:56:40.433 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% The cabinet, some of the White House staff were there. 01:56:40.433 --> 01:56:42.000 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% Everybody stood and applauded. 01:56:42.000 --> 01:56:46.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And he sat down and immediately wanted to get down to work. 01:56:46.400 --> 01:56:47.933 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And work was, "By golly, 01:56:47.933 --> 01:56:50.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "we're going to change this government, 01:56:50.166 --> 01:56:53.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "and everybody's going to give me his resignation. 01:56:53.033 --> 01:56:55.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% "Bob Haldeman here will tell you what I have in mind 01:56:55.466 --> 01:56:56.933 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% "where that's concerned. 01:56:56.933 --> 01:56:58.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "I thank you all for your support. 01:56:58.633 --> 01:57:00.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You did a wonderful job, I appreciate it," 01:57:00.433 --> 01:57:02.033 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and he got up and left. 01:57:02.033 --> 01:57:03.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And then Haldeman got up and said, 01:57:03.900 --> 01:57:06.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "The president wants everybody's resignation." 01:57:06.666 --> 01:57:09.400 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% And this hit like a cold slap in the face. 01:57:09.400 --> 01:57:12.000 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% It wasn't intended that way. 01:57:12.000 --> 01:57:16.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% What he wanted to do was to give his second... 01:57:16.133 --> 01:57:19.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% have his second administration start fresh-- 01:57:19.766 --> 01:57:21.400 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% a fresh beginning. 01:57:23.200 --> 01:57:25.366 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon left Washington, 01:57:25.366 --> 01:57:28.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and for the next two months, remained in virtual isolation. 01:57:31.066 --> 01:57:33.166 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% NIXON: One constantly has the problem 01:57:33.166 --> 01:57:35.466 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% of either getting on top of the job 01:57:35.466 --> 01:57:39.900 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% or having the job get on top of you. 01:57:39.900 --> 01:57:43.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I find that up here on top of a mountain, 01:57:43.766 --> 01:57:47.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% it is easier for me to get on top of the job. 01:57:47.433 --> 01:57:50.000 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% BRODER: This was a period that is so Nixonian. 01:57:50.000 --> 01:57:52.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I mean, you could just focus on that 01:57:52.433 --> 01:57:55.266 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and say, "This is the essence of the man." 01:57:55.266 --> 01:57:58.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Instead of savoring the victory, 01:57:58.433 --> 01:58:02.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% instead of reaching out and embracing people, 01:58:02.566 --> 01:58:07.266 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% he withdrew within himself. 01:58:09.400 --> 01:58:10.900 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Alone on his mountaintop, 01:58:10.900 --> 01:58:15.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Nixon brooded over the issue that had haunted his first term 01:58:15.733 --> 01:58:19.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and now threatened his second: the war in Vietnam. 01:58:19.000 --> 01:58:22.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The Paris peace talks were again stalled. 01:58:22.500 --> 01:58:25.600 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Reelected by an overwhelming margin, 01:58:25.600 --> 01:58:28.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% he now resolved to use overwhelming force 01:58:28.366 --> 01:58:31.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to break the deadlock once and for all. 01:58:31.000 --> 01:58:34.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% In December, Nixon ordered the most intensive bombing 01:58:34.600 --> 01:58:36.333 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% of the entire war. 01:58:38.333 --> 01:58:41.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It became known as "The Christmas Bombing." 01:58:46.733 --> 01:58:48.600 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% The raids went on for 12 days. 01:58:48.600 --> 01:58:53.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Ignoring the pleas of his closest aides, 01:58:53.066 --> 01:58:56.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Nixon gave no public explanation for his action. 01:58:56.700 --> 01:59:00.200 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% PRICE: He thought it was diplomatically vital 01:59:00.200 --> 01:59:04.033 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that he make this look as cold an operation as possible, 01:59:04.033 --> 01:59:06.233 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and so he would not explain it. 01:59:06.233 --> 01:59:08.633 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% He held himself apart 01:59:08.633 --> 01:59:10.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% up on the mountaintop in Camp David 01:59:10.766 --> 01:59:14.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% knowing his silence would make it more effective. 01:59:14.533 --> 01:59:17.466 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: The "New York Times" denounced 01:59:17.466 --> 01:59:20.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% what it called Nixon's "Stone-age barbarism." 01:59:20.233 --> 01:59:23.733 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% The massive, unexplained destruction 01:59:23.733 --> 01:59:26.366 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% alarmed even his loyal supporters. 01:59:26.366 --> 01:59:29.066 align:left position:60% line:77% size:30% INTERVIEWER: You were quoted recently as saying that 01:59:29.066 --> 01:59:31.966 align:left position:47.5% line:83% size:42.5% the president had taken leave of his senses. 01:59:31.966 --> 01:59:34.833 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% I feel that he's done things here 01:59:34.833 --> 01:59:38.400 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% that a reasonable man would not have done. 01:59:38.400 --> 01:59:41.866 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And I can't find an explanation for it. 01:59:42.966 --> 01:59:45.000 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: The bombing stopped. 01:59:45.000 --> 01:59:46.733 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% The controversy subsided. 01:59:46.733 --> 01:59:50.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And shortly thereafter, all sides returned to Paris. 01:59:50.366 --> 01:59:52.933 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Nixon believed the Christmas bombing 01:59:52.933 --> 01:59:56.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% had driven Hanoi back to the bargaining table. 01:59:56.233 --> 01:59:59.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Two weeks later, in a quiet ceremony, 01:59:59.333 --> 02:00:00.666 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% they signed an agreement. 02:00:00.666 --> 02:00:02.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Nixon's critics charged 02:00:02.266 --> 02:00:04.766 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% he could have had the same terms months before. 02:00:06.466 --> 02:00:09.966 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% But after 20 years of American involvement, 02:00:09.966 --> 02:00:13.133 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% the loss of over 50,000 American lives, 02:00:13.133 --> 02:00:16.733 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% the conflict that had torn apart the nation 02:00:16.733 --> 02:00:19.233 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% at long last came to a close. 02:00:19.233 --> 02:00:21.733 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% NIXON: A cease-fire will begin 02:00:21.733 --> 02:00:26.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% at 7:00 P.M. this Saturday, January 27, Washington time. 02:00:26.066 --> 02:00:28.566 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Within 60 days from this Saturday, 02:00:28.566 --> 02:00:32.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% all Americans held prisoners of war throughout Indochina 02:00:32.900 --> 02:00:34.866 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% will be released. 02:00:34.866 --> 02:00:37.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% During the same 60-day period, 02:00:37.166 --> 02:00:41.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% all American forces will be withdrawn from South Vietnam. 02:00:41.633 --> 02:00:47.033 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 02:00:51.266 --> 02:00:54.733 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: In Vietnam, the fighting later resumed, 02:00:54.733 --> 02:00:57.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but in America, the weary troops and the prisoners of war 02:00:57.833 --> 02:01:01.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% were finally coming home. 02:01:04.500 --> 02:01:07.400 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (onlookers cheering) 02:01:07.400 --> 02:01:11.433 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% MAN: I have three words for America: 02:01:12.900 --> 02:01:14.466 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% God bless America. 02:01:14.466 --> 02:01:17.566 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 02:01:17.566 --> 02:01:21.366 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: H.R. Haldeman recalled that the day the war ended, 02:01:21.366 --> 02:01:23.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Richard Nixon had never looked so happy. 02:01:23.500 --> 02:01:25.066 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% His popularity soared 02:01:25.066 --> 02:01:27.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to the highest point of his entire career. 02:01:27.433 --> 02:01:32.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Almost 70% of the American people supported the president. 02:01:32.333 --> 02:01:35.333 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% It was not to last. 02:01:44.666 --> 02:01:49.833 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% (police siren blaring) 02:01:56.566 --> 02:02:00.433 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: One month before the Watergate burglars went on trial, 02:02:00.433 --> 02:02:02.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% a 737 crashed in Chicago. 02:02:05.266 --> 02:02:08.366 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Among the dead was Dorothy Hunt, 02:02:08.366 --> 02:02:12.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% wife of Watergate burglar Howard Hunt. 02:02:12.100 --> 02:02:14.866 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% Her purse, found in the wreckage, 02:02:14.866 --> 02:02:17.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% contained $10,000 in cash. 02:02:17.400 --> 02:02:22.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Later, it would be revealed that Mrs. Hunt had acted as a courier 02:02:22.600 --> 02:02:26.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% delivering money drawn from secret White House funds-- 02:02:26.966 --> 02:02:30.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% hush money used to buy the burglars' silence. 02:02:32.533 --> 02:02:34.966 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% From the moment they were caught, 02:02:34.966 --> 02:02:39.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the burglars lied to conceal their ties to the White House. 02:02:39.366 --> 02:02:41.066 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Questioned by the FBI, 02:02:41.066 --> 02:02:43.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% G. Gordon Liddy, who'd planned the burglary, 02:02:43.700 --> 02:02:46.100 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and James McCord, former C.I.A. agent 02:02:46.100 --> 02:02:47.733 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% who had helped to carry it out, 02:02:47.733 --> 02:02:49.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% insisted they had acted on their own. 02:02:49.966 --> 02:02:53.033 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% So did the president's men. 02:02:53.033 --> 02:02:55.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Nixon's campaign manager 02:02:55.266 --> 02:02:57.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and former attorney general John Mitchell, 02:02:57.933 --> 02:03:02.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% who had approved the break-in, denied responsibility. 02:03:02.400 --> 02:03:05.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The president's chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, 02:03:05.800 --> 02:03:10.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% authorized hush money payments totaling more than $350,000. 02:03:10.433 --> 02:03:13.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The president's domestic advisor, John Ehrlichman, 02:03:13.733 --> 02:03:17.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% lied to the FBI and grand jury investigating the break-in. 02:03:17.900 --> 02:03:21.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The president's counsel, John Dean, withheld evidence, 02:03:21.466 --> 02:03:25.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% coached witnesses, and monitored the FBI investigation. 02:03:27.400 --> 02:03:29.600 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% The cover-up was holding, 02:03:29.600 --> 02:03:33.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but by early '73, it was consuming the time and attention 02:03:33.000 --> 02:03:36.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of Nixon's closest aides: Haldeman and Ehrlichman. 02:03:39.566 --> 02:03:43.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% By February, John Dean had assumed more responsibility 02:03:43.000 --> 02:03:44.733 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% for managing the cover-up. 02:03:44.733 --> 02:03:48.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% He began to meet frequently with the president. 02:03:48.366 --> 02:03:50.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% When I first started dealing with the president, 02:03:50.566 --> 02:03:51.966 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% my first concern was 02:03:51.966 --> 02:03:53.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% whether I should even be dealing with him on this, 02:03:53.700 --> 02:03:56.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% because I felt that not only had I been compromised, 02:03:56.600 --> 02:03:59.100 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I thought Haldeman, Ehrlichman, Mitchell, all of us had, 02:03:59.100 --> 02:04:01.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% because by now, I didn't have to be a criminal lawyer-- 02:04:01.566 --> 02:04:03.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I knew we were in the midst of something bad. 02:04:03.700 --> 02:04:06.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I mean, this is a cover-up, there is no doubt in my mind. 02:04:06.700 --> 02:04:09.066 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon noted in his diary, 02:04:09.066 --> 02:04:11.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "I'm glad that I am talking to Dean now 02:04:11.866 --> 02:04:15.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "rather than going through Haldeman or Ehrlichman. 02:04:15.400 --> 02:04:18.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "I think I've made a mistake in going through others 02:04:18.100 --> 02:04:20.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "when there is a man with the capability of Dean 02:04:20.433 --> 02:04:22.133 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I can talk to directly." 02:04:24.466 --> 02:04:26.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Both Nixon and Dean sensed growing danger 02:04:26.800 --> 02:04:28.466 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% from Capitol Hill. 02:04:28.466 --> 02:04:30.666 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% The Senate, under Democratic leadership, 02:04:30.666 --> 02:04:32.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% was forming a special Watergate committee 02:04:32.866 --> 02:04:34.833 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% to investigate the break-in 02:04:34.833 --> 02:04:38.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and the conduct of Nixon's reelection campaign. 02:04:38.933 --> 02:04:41.866 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% But the most immediate threat 02:04:41.866 --> 02:04:44.800 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% came from Watergate burglar Howard Hunt. 02:04:44.800 --> 02:04:47.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Despairing over the death of his wife, 02:04:47.933 --> 02:04:51.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% concerned over the fate of his children, 02:04:51.100 --> 02:04:54.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% he now demanded $120,000, 02:04:54.333 --> 02:04:55.866 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% or he would reveal, he said, 02:04:55.866 --> 02:05:00.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the "seamy things" he had done for the Nixon White House. 02:05:00.933 --> 02:05:02.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% This was the first time one of these threats 02:05:02.600 --> 02:05:04.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% had ever been brought directly to me, 02:05:04.000 --> 02:05:06.200 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and I didn't like being in that role 02:05:06.200 --> 02:05:07.933 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% because I had never... 02:05:07.933 --> 02:05:09.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I knew about the money out there, 02:05:09.866 --> 02:05:12.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% but I had never been a conveyor of messages back and forth, 02:05:12.733 --> 02:05:14.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and now suddenly I'm just right in the middle 02:05:14.566 --> 02:05:16.333 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% of another ugly side of this. 02:05:16.333 --> 02:05:21.533 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Hunt's demand was a turning point for John Dean. 02:05:21.533 --> 02:05:25.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The White House could no longer control the cover-up. 02:05:25.200 --> 02:05:28.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% On March 21, a worried Dean tried to persuade Nixon 02:05:28.933 --> 02:05:30.800 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to end the conspiracy. 02:05:30.800 --> 02:05:34.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He described the cover-up as a cancer on the presidency 02:05:34.700 --> 02:05:37.900 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and warned that Haldeman, Ehrlichman, 02:05:37.900 --> 02:05:41.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and Dean himself had broken the law. 02:05:41.133 --> 02:05:42.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And he just... the president started knocking down 02:05:42.866 --> 02:05:44.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% every one of these horribles I kept raising. 02:05:44.866 --> 02:05:46.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Finally, I got around to saying, "Well, you know, 02:05:46.600 --> 02:05:51.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "these guys want a lot more money to remain quiet, 02:05:51.500 --> 02:05:54.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and there's just, you know, no telling how much they want." 02:05:54.366 --> 02:05:56.066 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% He said, "Well, how much could they want?" 02:05:56.066 --> 02:05:57.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And I pulled out of thin air 02:05:57.566 --> 02:05:59.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% what I thought was a pretty astronomical number. 02:05:59.266 --> 02:06:01.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I said, "Well, it could cost a million dollars." 02:06:01.566 --> 02:06:03.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% He looked at me and he said, 02:06:03.500 --> 02:06:06.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "John, I know where we can get a million dollars." 02:06:08.066 --> 02:06:10.333 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon approved more hush money. 02:06:10.333 --> 02:06:12.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% He let the cover-up continue. 02:06:12.733 --> 02:06:17.266 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Two days later, the cover-up blew wide open. 02:06:17.266 --> 02:06:18.633 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% Good evening. 02:06:18.633 --> 02:06:20.000 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% There was a major break in the Watergate trial today 02:06:20.000 --> 02:06:21.500 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% on this day of sentencing. 02:06:21.500 --> 02:06:23.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% One of the defendants, James McCord, 02:06:23.133 --> 02:06:26.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% promised to reveal hidden details 02:06:26.300 --> 02:06:28.466 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% about the bugging of the Democratic headquarters. 02:06:28.466 --> 02:06:31.666 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: In a letter to the judge presiding at the trial, 02:06:31.666 --> 02:06:34.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% James McCord admitted that the Watergate burglars 02:06:34.700 --> 02:06:37.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% had not acted on their own. 02:06:37.333 --> 02:06:40.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% His testimony implicated the White House 02:06:40.500 --> 02:06:44.066 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and galvanized the national press. 02:06:46.866 --> 02:06:49.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Even before McCord's letter, 02:06:49.300 --> 02:06:52.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Nixon had ordered John Dean to write a report 02:06:52.333 --> 02:06:55.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that would exonerate the White House of wrongdoing. 02:06:55.233 --> 02:06:57.433 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% EHRLICHMAN: The president asked him 02:06:57.433 --> 02:07:01.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% to reduce his understanding of the whole problem to writing. 02:07:01.866 --> 02:07:06.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He asked him to do that four or five times 02:07:06.566 --> 02:07:08.066 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% and nothing happened. 02:07:08.066 --> 02:07:11.033 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And finally, the president sent John Dean to Camp David 02:07:11.033 --> 02:07:15.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% in the middle of March to sit down, do nothing, 02:07:15.100 --> 02:07:17.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% but write a report for the president 02:07:17.266 --> 02:07:19.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% on what this Watergate business was all about-- 02:07:19.466 --> 02:07:21.833 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% who was involved, who was at fault, all of that. 02:07:21.833 --> 02:07:24.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% While Dean was up there, he had an epiphany, 02:07:24.966 --> 02:07:28.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% which was that he was in deep trouble, or so he says. 02:07:28.866 --> 02:07:31.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Well, it was much clearer after the fact, 02:07:31.633 --> 02:07:34.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but I suspected at the time I was being set up, 02:07:34.366 --> 02:07:38.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and the whole plan was to give the president this report 02:07:38.233 --> 02:07:42.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% so he could say, "This is all I've ever known 02:07:42.500 --> 02:07:45.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and my counsel lied to me, clearly." 02:07:45.100 --> 02:07:48.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And I just wasn't going to be part of that. 02:07:48.166 --> 02:07:50.900 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: The cover-up was disintegrating, 02:07:50.900 --> 02:07:54.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and Dean feared that he might become Nixon's scapegoat. 02:07:54.666 --> 02:07:57.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% In early April, he telephoned Haldeman 02:07:57.133 --> 02:07:59.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% to say that he was talking with the prosecutors. 02:07:59.933 --> 02:08:04.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Haldeman cautioned him, "I think you ought to think about it 02:08:04.300 --> 02:08:07.633 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "because once the toothpaste is out of the tube, 02:08:07.633 --> 02:08:09.766 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% it's hard to get it back in." 02:08:09.766 --> 02:08:14.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "If Dean is totally out of control," Ehrlichman told Nixon, 02:08:14.300 --> 02:08:18.066 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% "you could get an article of impeachment." 02:08:18.066 --> 02:08:22.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Haldeman later remembered that Nixon looked stunned. 02:08:22.766 --> 02:08:25.433 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% In private, the president continued 02:08:25.433 --> 02:08:27.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% to search for a scapegoat 02:08:27.366 --> 02:08:30.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and struggled to salvage the cover-up. 02:08:30.300 --> 02:08:35.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% In public, he acted as if he were upholding the law. 02:08:35.066 --> 02:08:36.733 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% I can report today 02:08:36.733 --> 02:08:40.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that there have been major developments in the case, 02:08:40.500 --> 02:08:45.066 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% concerning which it would be improper to be more specific now 02:08:45.066 --> 02:08:48.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% except to say that real progress has been made 02:08:48.500 --> 02:08:50.466 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% in finding the truth. 02:08:51.666 --> 02:08:55.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I condemn any attempts to cover up in this case 02:08:55.933 --> 02:08:59.233 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% no matter who is involved. 02:08:59.233 --> 02:09:00.500 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% Thank you. 02:09:03.233 --> 02:09:06.200 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Events were spinning out of Nixon's control. 02:09:06.200 --> 02:09:09.333 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% John Dean, bargaining for immunity 02:09:09.333 --> 02:09:11.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% with Watergate prosecutor Earl Silbert, 02:09:11.966 --> 02:09:13.933 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% made a stunning revelation. 02:09:13.933 --> 02:09:16.533 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% Dean's lawyer said, "Dean has one more thing to tell you 02:09:16.533 --> 02:09:18.333 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% that you might want to know about." 02:09:18.333 --> 02:09:20.566 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% And Dean at that point said-- 02:09:20.566 --> 02:09:23.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% we're standing in the hallway and Dean is in the office-- 02:09:23.266 --> 02:09:28.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% he said, in substance, that Liddy and Hunt 02:09:28.200 --> 02:09:31.066 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% were involved in a break-in 02:09:31.066 --> 02:09:34.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% into the office of Ellsberg's psychiatrist, 02:09:34.633 --> 02:09:36.533 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Dan Ellsberg's psychiatrist. 02:09:36.533 --> 02:09:37.800 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% That was... 02:09:37.800 --> 02:09:40.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I know my jaw must have fallen down to the floor. 02:09:40.600 --> 02:09:44.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% That was a bombshell of information. 02:09:44.933 --> 02:09:49.733 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: For two years, the burglary of Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office 02:09:49.733 --> 02:09:52.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% had remained one of the most closely guarded secrets 02:09:52.366 --> 02:09:54.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% of the Nixon White House. 02:09:54.366 --> 02:09:57.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Now Dean's revelation suggested that the Watergate break-in 02:09:57.833 --> 02:10:00.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% was not an isolated event. 02:10:00.400 --> 02:10:03.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% It was part of a web of illegal activities 02:10:03.500 --> 02:10:05.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% ordered by the president's men. 02:10:08.400 --> 02:10:10.433 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Vacationing in Key Biscayne, 02:10:10.433 --> 02:10:13.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Nixon knew Dean had talked to the prosecutors. 02:10:13.833 --> 02:10:17.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But he still hoped to appeal to Dean's loyalty 02:10:17.233 --> 02:10:19.566 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% not to reveal any more. 02:10:19.566 --> 02:10:22.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% On Easter Sunday, Nixon called Dean. 02:10:22.300 --> 02:10:24.500 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CROWD: Happy Easter! 02:10:24.500 --> 02:10:26.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And he said he'd been out with the family 02:10:26.566 --> 02:10:28.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to Easter Sunday or what have you 02:10:28.633 --> 02:10:30.300 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% and he said, "I want you to know, John, 02:10:30.300 --> 02:10:31.966 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% you're still my counsel." 02:10:31.966 --> 02:10:35.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And I thought to myself, "BS," you know? 02:10:35.233 --> 02:10:37.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "I'm about as close to being his counsel now 02:10:37.800 --> 02:10:39.866 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% as the man in the moon." 02:10:39.866 --> 02:10:41.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And it was just he just was keeping 02:10:41.933 --> 02:10:44.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% little feelers out there. 02:10:44.500 --> 02:10:49.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And, but I made it pretty clear to all of the... 02:10:49.000 --> 02:10:51.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the word I was putting back to everybody: 02:10:51.033 --> 02:10:52.933 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% I wasn't making any deals. 02:10:52.933 --> 02:10:54.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I wasn't interested in any deals. 02:10:54.566 --> 02:10:58.700 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% I think Nixon hoped that he could make a bargain with Dean 02:10:58.700 --> 02:11:02.800 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and say, in effect, "You have to protect your president." 02:11:02.800 --> 02:11:06.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But the much stronger voice that Dean was hearing 02:11:06.300 --> 02:11:08.100 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% was the prosecutor saying, 02:11:08.100 --> 02:11:10.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "Boy, I'm going to nail you to the wall 02:11:10.866 --> 02:11:13.233 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% unless you give me all the dirt." 02:11:13.233 --> 02:11:15.900 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:11:15.900 --> 02:11:19.633 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: As Dean and other aides scrambled for immunity, 02:11:19.633 --> 02:11:22.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% rumors swirled about the White House, 02:11:22.000 --> 02:11:24.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% coming ever closer to the Oval Office. 02:11:24.533 --> 02:11:28.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% In April, accusations against Haldeman and Ehrlichman 02:11:28.566 --> 02:11:30.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% dominated the headlines. 02:11:30.466 --> 02:11:33.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The two men had protected the president, 02:11:33.800 --> 02:11:37.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% guarded his privacy, shared his ambitions. 02:11:37.200 --> 02:11:42.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% But now, Nixon would sacrifice his closest aides. 02:11:42.833 --> 02:11:48.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The last Sunday in April, he summoned them to Camp David. 02:11:48.266 --> 02:11:50.700 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% The first thing he said to me was, 02:11:50.700 --> 02:11:53.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "When I went to sleep last night, 02:11:53.000 --> 02:11:55.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I prayed that I would not wake up this morning." 02:11:57.833 --> 02:12:03.533 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And he began to really cry. 02:12:03.533 --> 02:12:06.533 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He began to really cry, and I didn't know what to do. 02:12:06.533 --> 02:12:11.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I had just never seen him out of control this way. 02:12:11.333 --> 02:12:14.833 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% He finally said, basically-- 02:12:14.833 --> 02:12:18.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the words have gone, I've forgotten. 02:12:18.066 --> 02:12:20.366 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I went back and made very careful notes 02:12:20.366 --> 02:12:23.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% so that somewhere I have notes of this conversation, 02:12:23.000 --> 02:12:27.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but the gist of it was that the accusations were so serious 02:12:27.933 --> 02:12:30.166 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% that he couldn't keep us on. 02:12:30.166 --> 02:12:33.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He thought maybe we could stay on, Bob and I, 02:12:33.533 --> 02:12:36.600 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% on a leave of absence or some such form. 02:12:36.600 --> 02:12:39.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% But he saw that he had to cut it off, 02:12:39.866 --> 02:12:42.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that he was going to fire Dean at the same time, 02:12:42.966 --> 02:12:44.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% he was going to fire the attorney general 02:12:44.866 --> 02:12:46.033 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% at the same time. 02:12:46.033 --> 02:12:48.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% At some point, he asked me 02:12:48.400 --> 02:12:51.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% if there was anything that he could do for me. 02:12:51.766 --> 02:12:56.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I said, "Yeah, I'd like you to explain this all to my kids 02:12:56.000 --> 02:12:58.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "because I'm having trouble explaining to them 02:12:58.500 --> 02:13:01.433 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% why you would do this." 02:13:01.433 --> 02:13:05.733 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And... he didn't respond to that. 02:13:05.733 --> 02:13:08.233 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% So we ended up in a hug. 02:13:08.233 --> 02:13:10.233 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% We hugged each other, 02:13:10.233 --> 02:13:14.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and I could see that he had said everything that he could 02:13:14.066 --> 02:13:16.433 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and that was the end of it. 02:13:19.933 --> 02:13:25.466 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:13:25.466 --> 02:13:28.700 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (indistinct chatter) 02:13:28.700 --> 02:13:31.900 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: In May, the President and Mrs. Nixon 02:13:31.900 --> 02:13:35.533 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% welcomed the returning P.O.W.s to the White House. 02:13:35.533 --> 02:13:38.966 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% NIXON: It is always the custom at a dinner at the White House 02:13:38.966 --> 02:13:41.600 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% to have a toast to the honored guest. 02:13:41.600 --> 02:13:44.133 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The difficulty tonight is that there are so many honored guests 02:13:44.133 --> 02:13:47.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that we would be drinking all night and into the day. 02:13:47.333 --> 02:13:50.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Somebody just said, "What's wrong with that?" 02:13:50.266 --> 02:13:51.766 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (laughter) 02:13:51.766 --> 02:13:55.033 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: New Watergate charges were erupting daily, 02:13:55.033 --> 02:13:58.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% but the P.O.W.s remained loyal to their commander-in-chief. 02:13:58.966 --> 02:14:02.433 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% And, sir, I would like to state for all of us 02:14:02.433 --> 02:14:06.233 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% that we never lost faith in your integrity or your courage, 02:14:06.233 --> 02:14:09.900 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% and we are proud to be citizens of the United States. 02:14:09.900 --> 02:14:12.400 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% (applause) 02:14:12.400 --> 02:14:14.566 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: But the public's faith in the president 02:14:14.566 --> 02:14:16.566 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% would soon be severely tested. 02:14:16.566 --> 02:14:19.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The Senate Watergate committee began hearings 02:14:19.433 --> 02:14:20.800 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that would keep the nation spellbound 02:14:20.800 --> 02:14:22.433 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% throughout the summer. 02:14:22.433 --> 02:14:27.366 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: The historic caucus room was jammed today with cameras, 02:14:27.366 --> 02:14:30.600 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% newsmen, 200 seated spectators and more standing. 02:14:30.600 --> 02:14:32.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% This room has been the scene... 02:14:32.700 --> 02:14:35.400 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: One of the largest audiences in television history 02:14:35.400 --> 02:14:36.566 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% watched on May 17 02:14:36.566 --> 02:14:38.600 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as Senator Sam Ervin opened the investigation 02:14:38.600 --> 02:14:44.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% of Nixon's reelection campaign and the Watergate break-in. 02:14:44.066 --> 02:14:48.033 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% The committee will come to order. 02:14:48.033 --> 02:14:51.233 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Even the president's staff watched 02:14:51.233 --> 02:14:55.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as a parade of witnesses implicated Haldeman, Ehrlichman, 02:14:55.333 --> 02:14:58.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and others high in the administration 02:14:58.000 --> 02:14:59.733 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and the Nixon campaign. 02:14:59.733 --> 02:15:02.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But in the first month of testimony, 02:15:02.200 --> 02:15:06.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the president himself escaped direct charges of wrongdoing. 02:15:06.466 --> 02:15:10.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Then the committee summoned its star witness: 02:15:10.133 --> 02:15:13.766 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% John Dean. 02:15:13.766 --> 02:15:15.533 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% In a seven-hour opening statement, 02:15:15.533 --> 02:15:18.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Dean described the atmosphere of the Nixon White House. 02:15:18.700 --> 02:15:20.700 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% DEAN: The Watergate matter 02:15:20.700 --> 02:15:25.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% was an inevitable outgrowth of a climate of excessive concern 02:15:25.166 --> 02:15:28.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% over the political impact of demonstrators, 02:15:28.033 --> 02:15:31.033 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% excessive concern over leaks, 02:15:31.033 --> 02:15:34.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% an insatiable appetite for political intelligence, 02:15:34.366 --> 02:15:37.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% all coupled with a do-it- yourself White House staff 02:15:37.933 --> 02:15:40.566 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% regardless of the law. 02:15:40.566 --> 02:15:42.566 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% DASH: He spoke in almost a monotone 02:15:42.566 --> 02:15:45.033 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% as he began to tell some of the most outrageous stories 02:15:45.033 --> 02:15:46.333 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% about what had occurred. 02:15:46.333 --> 02:15:48.066 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And coming from a monotone, 02:15:48.066 --> 02:15:50.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% it was the facts rather than his personality 02:15:50.233 --> 02:15:52.266 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% that came out at the public. 02:15:52.266 --> 02:15:55.900 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Dean described his meeting on March 21 02:15:55.900 --> 02:15:59.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% when he warned Nixon about the burglars' escalating demands. 02:15:59.466 --> 02:16:01.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I told the president about the fact 02:16:01.766 --> 02:16:03.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% there was no money to pay these individuals 02:16:03.666 --> 02:16:05.366 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to meet their demands. 02:16:05.366 --> 02:16:07.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% He asked me how much it would cost. 02:16:07.733 --> 02:16:09.933 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% I told him I could only make an estimate 02:16:09.933 --> 02:16:12.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that it might be as high as a million dollars or more. 02:16:12.866 --> 02:16:15.300 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% He told me that that was no problem. 02:16:15.300 --> 02:16:19.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% He also looked over at Haldeman and repeated the same statement. 02:16:19.000 --> 02:16:20.700 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% That story came out, 02:16:20.700 --> 02:16:22.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% it was the very first time in the hearing-- 02:16:22.533 --> 02:16:25.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% it was the very first time-- any evidence came forward 02:16:25.200 --> 02:16:29.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that really put the president in on the obstruction of justice-- 02:16:29.033 --> 02:16:30.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the president who said he knew nothing about these things, 02:16:30.933 --> 02:16:33.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the president who said he had started an investigation 02:16:33.433 --> 02:16:34.833 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% to find out who was involved. 02:16:34.833 --> 02:16:38.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And here was an eyewitness, a person who was involved, 02:16:38.066 --> 02:16:40.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% who was testifying to the president's 02:16:40.533 --> 02:16:43.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% very deep involvement in the obstruction of justice 02:16:43.500 --> 02:16:45.166 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% and the cover-up. 02:16:47.166 --> 02:16:50.200 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: It was now the word of the president 02:16:50.200 --> 02:16:52.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% against his 34-year-old former counsel. 02:16:52.633 --> 02:16:54.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The White House tried to undermine Dean's testimony 02:16:54.566 --> 02:16:59.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% by spreading rumors about his credibility and character. 02:16:59.100 --> 02:17:02.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% With no way to determine who was telling the truth, 02:17:02.166 --> 02:17:04.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Nixon believed he would prevail. 02:17:04.700 --> 02:17:10.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Then on July 16, everything changed for Richard Nixon. 02:17:10.633 --> 02:17:14.200 align:left position:35% line:77% size:55% BUTTERFIELD: My name is Alexander Porter Butterfield. 02:17:14.200 --> 02:17:15.900 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% SAMUEL DASH: Mr. Butterfield, are you aware 02:17:15.900 --> 02:17:17.600 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% of the installation of any listening devices 02:17:17.600 --> 02:17:19.633 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% in the Oval Office of the president? 02:17:22.266 --> 02:17:26.900 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% I was aware of listening devices, yes, sir. 02:17:26.900 --> 02:17:31.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And so that if either Mr. Dean, Mr. Haldeman, 02:17:31.933 --> 02:17:33.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Mr. Ehrlichman, Mr. Colson 02:17:33.933 --> 02:17:36.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% had particular meetings in the Oval Office 02:17:36.266 --> 02:17:38.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% with the president on the particular dates 02:17:38.233 --> 02:17:40.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that have been testified before this committee, 02:17:40.100 --> 02:17:42.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% there would be a tape recording with the president 02:17:42.733 --> 02:17:46.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% of that full conversation, would there not? 02:17:46.400 --> 02:17:47.733 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% Yes, sir. 02:17:47.733 --> 02:17:49.000 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% One last question. 02:17:49.000 --> 02:17:52.366 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% If one were therefore to reconstruct the conversations 02:17:52.366 --> 02:17:53.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% at any particular date, 02:17:53.966 --> 02:17:55.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% what would be the best way to reconstruct 02:17:55.533 --> 02:17:57.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% those conversations, Mr. Butterfield? 02:18:00.866 --> 02:18:04.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Well, in the obvious manner, Mr. Dash: 02:18:04.733 --> 02:18:09.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to obtain the tape and play it. 02:18:09.100 --> 02:18:11.500 align:left position:45% line:77% size:45% DASH: I have no further questions, Mr. Chairman. 02:18:15.066 --> 02:18:18.066 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon was in the hospital with viral pneumonia 02:18:18.066 --> 02:18:20.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% when he learned about Butterfield's testimony. 02:18:20.933 --> 02:18:23.433 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% He wrote on a bedside pad, 02:18:23.433 --> 02:18:26.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% "Should have destroyed the tapes after April 30." 02:18:30.966 --> 02:18:35.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Nixon knew controlling the tapes was the key to his survival. 02:18:35.166 --> 02:18:37.900 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% He would appeal to historical precedent 02:18:37.900 --> 02:18:40.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and argue that the tapes were like presidential papers-- 02:18:40.700 --> 02:18:44.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% they belonged to the president, not to Congress or the courts. 02:18:44.666 --> 02:18:47.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The president had a right to keep them private. 02:18:50.600 --> 02:18:52.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% The battle for the tapes began 02:18:52.433 --> 02:18:54.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% with the president rallying the White House staff. 02:18:56.000 --> 02:18:57.933 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% NIXON: I was rather amused 02:18:57.933 --> 02:19:01.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% by some very well-intentioned people who thought that, 02:19:01.333 --> 02:19:04.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% you know, some of the rather rough assaults 02:19:04.833 --> 02:19:08.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that any man in this office gets from time to time 02:19:08.300 --> 02:19:09.966 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% brings on an illness, 02:19:09.966 --> 02:19:12.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and that after going through such an illness, 02:19:12.966 --> 02:19:14.800 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% that I might get so tired 02:19:14.800 --> 02:19:17.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that I would consider either slowing down or... 02:19:17.366 --> 02:19:18.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% (laughs incredulously) 02:19:18.533 --> 02:19:21.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Even some suggested resigning. 02:19:21.333 --> 02:19:23.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Well, now, just so we set that to rest, 02:19:23.900 --> 02:19:28.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I'm going to use a phrase that my Ohio father used to use. 02:19:28.500 --> 02:19:30.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% "That's just plain poppycock." 02:19:30.533 --> 02:19:33.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% We're going to stay on this job till we get the job done. 02:19:33.166 --> 02:19:35.366 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 02:19:35.366 --> 02:19:37.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And let others wallow in Watergate-- 02:19:37.033 --> 02:19:38.600 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% we're going to do our job. 02:19:38.600 --> 02:19:40.633 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 02:19:47.800 --> 02:19:50.166 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: The continuing investigations 02:19:50.166 --> 02:19:52.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% placed new pressures on the White House. 02:19:52.333 --> 02:19:53.566 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% The Watergate committee 02:19:53.566 --> 02:19:56.000 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% issued a subpoena for the president's tapes. 02:19:56.000 --> 02:19:57.666 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Nixon refused to comply 02:19:57.666 --> 02:20:01.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and risked being found in contempt of Congress. 02:20:01.733 --> 02:20:04.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But even that was not his biggest concern. 02:20:04.866 --> 02:20:07.733 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Pressured by Congress, 02:20:07.733 --> 02:20:09.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% attorney general Elliot Richardson agreed 02:20:09.333 --> 02:20:12.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to appoint an independent special prosecutor. 02:20:12.333 --> 02:20:15.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He chose Archibald Cox, and gave him sweeping powers 02:20:15.800 --> 02:20:18.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% to investigate the Nixon White House. 02:20:18.866 --> 02:20:21.000 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% REPORTER: What if this trail leads 02:20:21.000 --> 02:20:23.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% into the Oval Office of the White House? 02:20:23.666 --> 02:20:25.033 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% As I replied then, 02:20:25.033 --> 02:20:27.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the trail should be followed wherever it leads. 02:20:27.933 --> 02:20:30.133 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon later described Cox 02:20:30.133 --> 02:20:34.500 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% as "the partisan viper we had planted in our bosom." 02:20:34.500 --> 02:20:39.133 align:left position:42.5% line:5% size:47.5% PRICE: We saw Archie Cox in political rather than legal terms. 02:20:39.133 --> 02:20:40.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% He was sort of the high guru 02:20:40.500 --> 02:20:43.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% of the Kennedy government- in-waiting in Cambridge. 02:20:43.533 --> 02:20:47.900 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% The idea that these Kennedy and McGovern political operatives 02:20:47.900 --> 02:20:50.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% were going to be demanding to run barefoot 02:20:50.633 --> 02:20:54.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% through all the most private files of the Nixon White House 02:20:54.166 --> 02:20:57.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% was utterly appalling and absolutely outrageous. 02:20:57.666 --> 02:21:02.100 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Cox and his staff requested sensitive White House files. 02:21:02.100 --> 02:21:03.966 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Nixon reluctantly complied. 02:21:03.966 --> 02:21:07.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Cox also demanded nine of the president's tapes. 02:21:07.266 --> 02:21:08.500 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Nixon refused. 02:21:08.500 --> 02:21:11.266 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Cox took his case to court. 02:21:11.266 --> 02:21:13.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% As I've said before, I am sure that 02:21:13.400 --> 02:21:17.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the president's legal position is presented in good faith. 02:21:17.233 --> 02:21:18.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I think it's quite wrong. 02:21:18.633 --> 02:21:21.133 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:21:21.133 --> 02:21:23.066 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: By the end of summer, 02:21:23.066 --> 02:21:25.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Nixon's refusal to turn over the tapes 02:21:25.633 --> 02:21:27.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and John Dean's testimony 02:21:27.300 --> 02:21:31.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% had badly eroded the public's support for the president. 02:21:31.100 --> 02:21:34.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% But after months of unrelenting press coverage, 02:21:34.300 --> 02:21:37.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Nixon sensed that Americans were growing weary of Watergate. 02:21:37.400 --> 02:21:40.566 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% He moved to take the offensive. 02:21:40.566 --> 02:21:42.533 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% REPORTERS: Mr. President! 02:21:42.533 --> 02:21:45.333 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: For the first time in 14 months, 02:21:45.333 --> 02:21:47.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Nixon held a televised news conference 02:21:47.766 --> 02:21:50.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and tried to turn the persistent questioning to his advantage. 02:21:50.800 --> 02:21:52.966 align:left position:67.5% line:77% size:22.5% REPORTER: At any time during the Watergate crisis, 02:21:52.966 --> 02:21:55.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% did you ever consider resigning, 02:21:55.333 --> 02:21:57.066 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% and would you consider resigning 02:21:57.066 --> 02:21:58.800 align:left position:50% line:83% size:40% if you felt that your capacity to govern 02:21:58.800 --> 02:22:00.600 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% had been seriously weakened, 02:22:00.600 --> 02:22:02.333 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and in that connection, how much do you think 02:22:02.333 --> 02:22:04.266 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% your capacity to govern has been weakened? 02:22:04.266 --> 02:22:06.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The answer to the first two questions is no. 02:22:06.633 --> 02:22:10.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The answer to the third question is that it is true 02:22:10.500 --> 02:22:15.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that as far as the capacity to govern is concerned, 02:22:15.466 --> 02:22:20.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that to be under a constant barrage 12 to 15 minutes a night 02:22:20.900 --> 02:22:25.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% on each of the three major networks for four months 02:22:25.033 --> 02:22:28.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% tends to raise some questions in the people's mind 02:22:28.900 --> 02:22:31.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% with regard to the president, and it may raise some questions 02:22:31.766 --> 02:22:34.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% with regard to the capacity to govern. 02:22:34.100 --> 02:22:36.233 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% The point that I make now is 02:22:36.233 --> 02:22:38.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that we are proceeding as best we know how 02:22:38.966 --> 02:22:42.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to get all those guilty brought to justice in Watergate. 02:22:42.933 --> 02:22:45.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But now we must move on from Watergate 02:22:45.333 --> 02:22:47.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to the business of the people, 02:22:47.400 --> 02:22:49.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and the business of the people is continuing 02:22:49.433 --> 02:22:51.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% with the initiatives we began in the first administration. 02:22:51.100 --> 02:22:52.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Mr. President... 02:22:52.266 --> 02:22:53.566 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Just a moment. 02:22:53.566 --> 02:22:55.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% We've had 30 minutes of this press conference. 02:22:55.700 --> 02:22:57.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I have yet to have, for example, 02:22:57.266 --> 02:22:59.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% one question on the business of the people, 02:22:59.233 --> 02:23:01.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% which shows you how we're consumed by this. 02:23:01.633 --> 02:23:05.633 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: But events overwhelmed the president's counteroffensive. 02:23:05.633 --> 02:23:08.100 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% In a scandal unrelated to Watergate, 02:23:08.100 --> 02:23:12.400 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Nixon's vice president, Spiro Agnew, was under investigation 02:23:12.400 --> 02:23:15.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for bribery, tax evasion, and extortion. 02:23:15.166 --> 02:23:18.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Gentlemen, I believe you've all received copies 02:23:18.633 --> 02:23:22.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of the prepared statement that I read to the court. 02:23:22.533 --> 02:23:26.433 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: On October 10, Agnew pled "no contest" to tax evasion 02:23:26.433 --> 02:23:27.700 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% and resigned. 02:23:27.700 --> 02:23:31.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Agnew's departure made Nixon more vulnerable. 02:23:31.366 --> 02:23:34.366 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Unlike Agnew, his new vice president 02:23:34.366 --> 02:23:36.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and potential successor 02:23:36.266 --> 02:23:40.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% was popular with Republicans and Democrats alike. 02:23:40.300 --> 02:23:44.233 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Our distinguished guests and my fellow Americans, 02:23:44.233 --> 02:23:48.966 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% I proudly present to you the man whose name I will submit 02:23:48.966 --> 02:23:53.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to the Congress of the United States for confirmation 02:23:53.600 --> 02:23:57.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as the vice president of the United States: 02:23:57.066 --> 02:24:00.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Congressman Gerald Ford of Michigan. 02:24:00.100 --> 02:24:03.233 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (cheers and applause) 02:24:03.233 --> 02:24:07.033 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: On Capitol Hill, Gerald Ford was already seen 02:24:07.033 --> 02:24:10.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as a viable alternative to the president himself. 02:24:12.333 --> 02:24:14.333 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% That same day, the Court of Appeals ruled 02:24:14.333 --> 02:24:16.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% that Nixon must yield the tapes 02:24:16.833 --> 02:24:20.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to special prosecutor Archibald Cox. 02:24:20.066 --> 02:24:21.966 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% But Nixon saw the ruling 02:24:21.966 --> 02:24:25.266 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% as an opportunity for a showdown with Cox. 02:24:25.266 --> 02:24:26.566 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% He made an offer 02:24:26.566 --> 02:24:29.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% he thought would sound reasonable to the public, 02:24:29.000 --> 02:24:31.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but that he was certain Cox would reject. 02:24:31.666 --> 02:24:34.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Nixon would turn over summaries of the tapes, 02:24:34.666 --> 02:24:37.000 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% but not the tapes themselves, 02:24:37.000 --> 02:24:40.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and he ordered Cox not to ask for any more material. 02:24:40.833 --> 02:24:45.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% As Nixon expected, Cox refused. 02:24:45.033 --> 02:24:47.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% This is Jim Doyle from Archibald Cox's office. 02:24:47.300 --> 02:24:48.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I have a long statement. 02:24:48.566 --> 02:24:50.233 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Are you ready? 02:24:50.233 --> 02:24:55.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "In my judgment, the president is refusing... 02:24:55.166 --> 02:25:00.766 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% to comply... with the court decrees." 02:25:00.766 --> 02:25:03.033 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% COX: I think it is my duty 02:25:03.033 --> 02:25:06.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to bring to the court's attention 02:25:06.066 --> 02:25:08.266 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% what seems to me 02:25:08.266 --> 02:25:11.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to be noncompliance with the court's order. 02:25:11.566 --> 02:25:15.066 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Within hours, Nixon ordered Elliot Richardson 02:25:15.066 --> 02:25:17.566 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to fire Archibald Cox. 02:25:17.566 --> 02:25:20.833 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% But Nixon had miscalculated. 02:25:20.833 --> 02:25:23.100 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Richardson refused. 02:25:24.600 --> 02:25:27.500 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% RICHARDSON: And he said, "Do you realize, Elliot, 02:25:27.500 --> 02:25:30.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% "that Brezhnev may conclude 02:25:30.400 --> 02:25:33.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that I'm losing control of my own administration?" 02:25:33.733 --> 02:25:37.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But I said, "Mr. President, I am committed 02:25:37.300 --> 02:25:41.900 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% "to the independence of the special prosecutor. 02:25:41.900 --> 02:25:46.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "For me to have acquiesced in his being fired 02:25:46.633 --> 02:25:50.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% would be a total betrayal of that commitment." 02:25:50.666 --> 02:25:55.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% He said, "I'm sorry that you choose 02:25:55.066 --> 02:25:58.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "to prefer your purely personal commitments 02:25:58.233 --> 02:26:00.900 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% to the national interest." 02:26:00.900 --> 02:26:05.000 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Mustering all my self-control, 02:26:05.000 --> 02:26:09.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I said in as level a voice as I could, 02:26:09.500 --> 02:26:14.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% "Mr. President, it would appear 02:26:14.633 --> 02:26:17.600 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% "that we have a different assessment 02:26:17.600 --> 02:26:21.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of the national interest." 02:26:21.333 --> 02:26:22.833 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: The events that followed 02:26:22.833 --> 02:26:25.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% became known as "The Saturday Night Massacre." 02:26:25.633 --> 02:26:26.966 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% Good evening. 02:26:26.966 --> 02:26:30.033 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% The country tonight is in the midst of what may be 02:26:30.033 --> 02:26:33.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the most serious constitutional crisis in its history. 02:26:33.400 --> 02:26:35.066 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% The president has fired 02:26:35.066 --> 02:26:38.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% special Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox. 02:26:38.233 --> 02:26:40.233 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% Because of the president's action, 02:26:40.233 --> 02:26:42.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the attorney general has resigned. 02:26:42.333 --> 02:26:44.066 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% Elliot Richardson has quit, 02:26:44.066 --> 02:26:47.266 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% saying he cannot carry out Mr. Nixon's instructions. 02:26:47.266 --> 02:26:51.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Richardson's deputy, William Ruckelshaus, has been fired. 02:26:51.300 --> 02:26:55.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Ruckelshaus refused, in a moment of constitutional drama, 02:26:55.266 --> 02:26:57.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% to obey a presidential order 02:26:57.300 --> 02:27:00.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to fire the special Watergate prosecutor. 02:27:00.133 --> 02:27:03.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And half an hour after the special Watergate prosecutor 02:27:03.200 --> 02:27:06.266 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% had been fired, agents of the FBI, 02:27:06.266 --> 02:27:08.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% acting at the direction of the White House, 02:27:08.700 --> 02:27:12.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% sealed off the offices of the special prosecutor, 02:27:12.166 --> 02:27:13.533 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% the offices of the attorney general, 02:27:13.533 --> 02:27:16.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and the offices of the deputy attorney general. 02:27:16.000 --> 02:27:18.000 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Six FBI agents present 02:27:18.000 --> 02:27:20.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% impeding our operations right now. 02:27:20.200 --> 02:27:24.466 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% NEWSCASTER: All of this adds up to a totally unprecedented situation, 02:27:24.466 --> 02:27:26.266 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% a grave and profound crisis 02:27:26.266 --> 02:27:28.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% in which the president has set himself 02:27:28.600 --> 02:27:32.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% against his own attorney general and the Department of Justice. 02:27:32.533 --> 02:27:35.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Nothing like this has ever happened before. 02:27:35.233 --> 02:27:40.600 align:left position:37.5% line:77% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: More than 50,000 telegrams poured in on Capitol Hill today, 02:27:40.600 --> 02:27:42.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% so many, Western Union was swamped. 02:27:42.466 --> 02:27:44.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Most of them demanded impeaching Mr. Nixon. 02:27:44.666 --> 02:27:48.300 align:left position:42.5% line:77% size:47.5% UDALL: These come from Republicans and businessmen and people, 02:27:48.300 --> 02:27:51.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% most of whom begin their statement by saying, 02:27:51.200 --> 02:27:53.200 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% "I've supported the president, 02:27:53.200 --> 02:27:55.066 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% "I've never believed in impeachment, 02:27:55.066 --> 02:27:57.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "but he's now gone too far and we're going to have to... 02:27:57.400 --> 02:27:59.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we want the Congress to take strong action." 02:27:59.166 --> 02:28:03.066 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% In my three district offices in one Republican area, 02:28:03.066 --> 02:28:05.566 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% my phone calls were 100 to one 02:28:05.566 --> 02:28:08.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in favor of pursuing the path of impeachment, 02:28:08.466 --> 02:28:10.333 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% which was rather shocking to me. 02:28:10.333 --> 02:28:13.800 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I was terribly surprised, 02:28:13.800 --> 02:28:20.733 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% which says something about that very weird thing that happens 02:28:20.733 --> 02:28:24.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% when you're in the middle of a cocoon, of a crisis 02:28:24.533 --> 02:28:27.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% within a protected environment, 02:28:27.166 --> 02:28:31.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and you have a great desire for things to happen 02:28:31.766 --> 02:28:34.000 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% as you want them to happen. 02:28:35.966 --> 02:28:38.333 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: On Tuesday, Nixon learned 02:28:38.333 --> 02:28:41.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that 21 resolutions calling for his impeachment 02:28:41.666 --> 02:28:44.333 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% had been introduced on Capitol Hill. 02:28:45.800 --> 02:28:48.300 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% Stunned by the ferocity of the public reaction, 02:28:48.300 --> 02:28:50.300 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% Nixon retreated. 02:28:50.300 --> 02:28:54.233 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% He appointed a new special prosecutor, Leon Jaworski, 02:28:54.233 --> 02:28:56.766 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% and agreed to release the nine subpoenaed tapes. 02:29:00.166 --> 02:29:03.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But two tapes turned out to be missing. 02:29:03.066 --> 02:29:06.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The White House said they never existed. 02:29:06.066 --> 02:29:09.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% A third tape contained an 18-and-a-half minute gap. 02:29:09.133 --> 02:29:11.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The erased section was a conversation 02:29:11.900 --> 02:29:14.833 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% between the president and H.R. Haldeman 02:29:14.833 --> 02:29:17.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% three days after the break-in. 02:29:17.100 --> 02:29:20.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The president's counsel, Fred Buzhardt, 02:29:20.300 --> 02:29:23.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% explained the gap to a skeptical press. 02:29:23.633 --> 02:29:24.633 align:left position:52.5% line:83% size:37.5% You now believe it could be accidental? 02:29:24.633 --> 02:29:26.400 align:left position:45% line:77% size:45% Yes. How? 02:29:26.400 --> 02:29:28.233 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: The White House claimed 02:29:28.233 --> 02:29:31.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that the president's secretary, Rosemary Woods, 02:29:31.066 --> 02:29:34.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% had accidentally erased the tape while transcribing it. 02:29:34.066 --> 02:29:35.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Is that logical 02:29:35.500 --> 02:29:37.433 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% for that to happen accidentally? 02:29:37.433 --> 02:29:39.033 align:left position:45% line:89% size:45% Uh... 02:29:39.033 --> 02:29:40.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I mean, is that believable? 02:29:40.866 --> 02:29:42.133 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% Well, yes. 02:29:42.133 --> 02:29:44.266 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Questions now arose 02:29:44.266 --> 02:29:47.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% about every aspect of the president's life. 02:29:47.300 --> 02:29:51.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Campaign contributions, taxes, friendships, vacation homes-- 02:29:51.666 --> 02:29:53.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% everything seemed fair game. 02:29:53.733 --> 02:29:56.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The president struggled to defend himself 02:29:56.700 --> 02:29:59.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% against assaults that came from all sides. 02:29:59.733 --> 02:30:01.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And I want to say this to the television audience. 02:30:01.966 --> 02:30:03.500 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% I've made my mistakes, 02:30:03.500 --> 02:30:06.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but in all of my years of public life, 02:30:06.500 --> 02:30:09.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I have never profited-- never profited-- 02:30:09.766 --> 02:30:11.300 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% from public service. 02:30:11.300 --> 02:30:13.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I have earned every cent. 02:30:13.000 --> 02:30:15.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And in all of my years of public life, 02:30:15.200 --> 02:30:18.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I have never obstructed justice. 02:30:18.433 --> 02:30:22.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And I think, too, that I can say that in my years of public life 02:30:22.866 --> 02:30:25.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% that I welcome this kind of examination, 02:30:25.766 --> 02:30:27.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% because people have got to know 02:30:27.533 --> 02:30:29.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% whether or not their president is a crook. 02:30:29.366 --> 02:30:30.966 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Well, I am not a crook. 02:30:30.966 --> 02:30:33.900 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I've earned everything I've got. 02:30:33.900 --> 02:30:38.933 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:30:42.966 --> 02:30:48.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (applause, band playing) 02:30:51.500 --> 02:30:55.433 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: In March 1974, Nixon went to the Grand Ole Opry-- 02:30:55.433 --> 02:30:59.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% to the South, where his support remained the strongest. 02:30:59.066 --> 02:31:00.733 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (music ends) 02:31:00.733 --> 02:31:02.866 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% "In the end," he later wrote, 02:31:02.866 --> 02:31:05.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "it would come down to a campaign, 02:31:05.433 --> 02:31:07.933 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% "but this time, I would be campaigning 02:31:07.933 --> 02:31:09.966 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% for my political life." 02:31:09.966 --> 02:31:12.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% If you'll join us in this song, 02:31:12.633 --> 02:31:15.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I think you'll recognize it when I start it. 02:31:19.200 --> 02:31:21.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Just let me get a chord. 02:31:21.200 --> 02:31:24.233 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% (plays introductory chords) 02:31:24.233 --> 02:31:26.633 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% (plays "My Wild Irish Rose") 02:31:26.633 --> 02:31:29.533 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% ♪ Irish rose... ♪ 02:31:29.533 --> 02:31:31.700 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: But seven of Nixon's closest aides 02:31:31.700 --> 02:31:34.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% had been indicted by the Watergate grand jury. 02:31:40.233 --> 02:31:43.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And the aftershocks of the Saturday Night Massacre 02:31:43.600 --> 02:31:47.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% continued to reverberate in the courts and in Congress. 02:31:47.166 --> 02:31:49.900 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% ("My Wild Irish Rose" ends) 02:31:51.366 --> 02:31:52.866 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: On Capitol Hill, 02:31:52.866 --> 02:31:54.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the House Judiciary Committee was debating 02:31:54.866 --> 02:31:56.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Nixon's impeachment, investigating charges 02:31:56.933 --> 02:32:00.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% ranging from illegal wiretaps and break-ins 02:32:00.166 --> 02:32:03.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to abuse of power and obstruction of justice. 02:32:03.966 --> 02:32:08.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Pursuing their investigations, they demanded more tapes 02:32:08.200 --> 02:32:10.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and set a deadline of April 30. 02:32:10.666 --> 02:32:15.200 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% On April 29, with less than 24 hours to go, 02:32:15.200 --> 02:32:18.400 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% facing a citation for contempt of Congress, 02:32:18.400 --> 02:32:20.333 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Nixon tried to do again 02:32:20.333 --> 02:32:23.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% what had worked so well for him in the past-- 02:32:23.200 --> 02:32:27.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% bypass his opponents and appeal directly to the public. 02:32:29.200 --> 02:32:30.366 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% Good evening. 02:32:30.366 --> 02:32:32.566 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% I have asked for this time tonight 02:32:32.566 --> 02:32:34.600 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% in order to announce my answer 02:32:34.600 --> 02:32:37.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to the House Judiciary Committee subpoena 02:32:37.300 --> 02:32:39.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% for additional Watergate tapes. 02:32:39.400 --> 02:32:43.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% In these folders that you see over here on my left 02:32:43.266 --> 02:32:46.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% are more than 1,200 pages of transcripts 02:32:46.333 --> 02:32:48.433 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of private conversations... 02:32:48.433 --> 02:32:53.266 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon announced he was releasing edited transcripts of the tapes 02:32:53.266 --> 02:32:56.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to the committee and the public simultaneously. 02:32:56.433 --> 02:32:59.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The president himself had supervised the editing. 02:32:59.633 --> 02:33:03.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% In giving you these records, blemishes and all, 02:33:03.900 --> 02:33:06.533 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% I am placing my trust 02:33:06.533 --> 02:33:10.800 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in the basic fairness of the American people. 02:33:13.000 --> 02:33:16.633 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon had gambled and lost. 02:33:16.633 --> 02:33:19.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% He badly misjudged the public reaction. 02:33:19.466 --> 02:33:22.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "The transcripts," said "Time" magazine, 02:33:22.066 --> 02:33:24.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "showed a president creating an environment 02:33:24.533 --> 02:33:28.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of deceit and dishonesty, of evasion and cover-up." 02:33:28.366 --> 02:33:31.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Even Republican leaders denounced them 02:33:31.066 --> 02:33:33.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% as "shabby," "disgusting," "immoral." 02:33:33.766 --> 02:33:36.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% A majority of Americans now thought 02:33:36.366 --> 02:33:39.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the president should resign or face impeachment. 02:33:39.833 --> 02:33:44.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Soon after the transcripts were delivered to Capitol Hill, 02:33:44.133 --> 02:33:46.333 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% the Judiciary Committee voted 02:33:46.333 --> 02:33:50.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that the president had failed to comply with their subpoena. 02:33:50.133 --> 02:33:51.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% They continued to demand the tapes. 02:33:53.933 --> 02:33:57.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% (tapes of conversations playing faintly) 02:33:57.566 --> 02:34:01.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% In the White House, Nixon secluded himself, 02:34:01.066 --> 02:34:03.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% listening to the recordings over and over. 02:34:03.733 --> 02:34:07.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% (tapes of conversations playing faintly) 02:34:07.600 --> 02:34:10.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Not only was Congress demanding the tapes, 02:34:10.166 --> 02:34:12.833 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% so was the new special prosecutor. 02:34:12.833 --> 02:34:16.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Nixon had exhausted all his legal appeals but one. 02:34:16.466 --> 02:34:19.866 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% He took his case to the Supreme Court. 02:34:19.866 --> 02:34:21.800 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% It would become known 02:34:21.800 --> 02:34:25.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as "The United States v. Richard Nixon." 02:34:28.266 --> 02:34:31.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% As his lawyers prepared to argue his case, 02:34:31.133 --> 02:34:33.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the president took his campaign abroad, 02:34:33.766 --> 02:34:38.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% hoping to build on the diplomatic triumphs of the past. 02:34:38.266 --> 02:34:39.900 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (crowd chanting) 02:34:42.333 --> 02:34:45.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% First to the Middle East, where just months before, 02:34:45.700 --> 02:34:48.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% his persistent diplomacy had helped bring about 02:34:48.966 --> 02:34:52.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% a fragile peace between Arabs and Israelis. 02:34:52.866 --> 02:34:56.133 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Then to the Soviet Union, 02:34:56.133 --> 02:34:58.366 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% where the glittering ceremonies mirrored 02:34:58.366 --> 02:35:00.633 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% the president's past success. 02:35:00.633 --> 02:35:03.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% But the summit achieved little. 02:35:03.333 --> 02:35:08.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Leonid Brezhnev sensed that Nixon's power was eroding fast. 02:35:08.533 --> 02:35:14.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% ("Stars and Stripes Forever" playing) 02:35:14.600 --> 02:35:16.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Returning home, Nixon landed 02:35:16.766 --> 02:35:19.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% at a small Air Force base in Maine, 02:35:19.033 --> 02:35:21.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% where the military crowd gave him a warm welcome. 02:35:23.633 --> 02:35:27.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But the extraordinary journey that had taken Richard Nixon 02:35:27.466 --> 02:35:30.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% all the way from Yorba Linda to the White House, 02:35:30.500 --> 02:35:31.933 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% to Peking and Moscow, 02:35:31.933 --> 02:35:36.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% from humiliating defeats to the pinnacle of world power 02:35:36.600 --> 02:35:40.233 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% seemed to be coming to an end. 02:35:40.233 --> 02:35:43.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Most Americans had lost faith in the president. 02:35:43.700 --> 02:35:46.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% They saw a man who had repeatedly lied 02:35:46.366 --> 02:35:48.000 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to cover up his crimes, 02:35:48.000 --> 02:35:51.200 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% had subverted the political process 02:35:51.200 --> 02:35:54.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and undermined the Constitution. 02:35:54.466 --> 02:35:56.800 align:left position:45% line:77% size:45% MAN: There are frightening implications 02:35:56.800 --> 02:35:58.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% for the future of our country 02:35:58.733 --> 02:36:02.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% if we do not impeach the president of the United States. 02:36:02.466 --> 02:36:04.100 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% If we fail to impeach, 02:36:04.100 --> 02:36:06.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% we have condoned and left unpunished 02:36:06.433 --> 02:36:08.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% a course of conduct totally inconsistent 02:36:08.766 --> 02:36:11.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% with the reasonable expectations of the American people. 02:36:11.200 --> 02:36:15.966 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: On Capitol Hill, the Judiciary Committee prepared 02:36:15.966 --> 02:36:18.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to vote on three articles of impeachment: 02:36:18.766 --> 02:36:21.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% they charged the president with obstruction of justice, 02:36:21.466 --> 02:36:25.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. 02:36:25.466 --> 02:36:27.866 align:left position:45% line:77% size:45% MAN: The thing that's so appalling to me 02:36:27.866 --> 02:36:29.766 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% is that the president, 02:36:29.766 --> 02:36:33.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% when this whole idea was suggested to him, 02:36:33.166 --> 02:36:34.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% didn't, in righteous indignation, 02:36:34.500 --> 02:36:36.566 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% rise up and say, "Get out of here. 02:36:36.566 --> 02:36:38.000 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% "You're in the office 02:36:38.000 --> 02:36:39.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "of the president of the United States. 02:36:39.666 --> 02:36:41.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "How can you talk about blackmail and bribery 02:36:41.600 --> 02:36:43.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% "and keeping witnesses silent? 02:36:43.433 --> 02:36:45.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% This is the presidency of the United States!" 02:36:47.766 --> 02:36:49.700 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% But my president didn't do that. 02:36:49.700 --> 02:36:51.100 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% He sat there, 02:36:51.100 --> 02:36:53.133 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% and he worked and worked to try to cover this thing up 02:36:53.133 --> 02:36:55.133 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% so it wouldn't come to light. 02:36:55.133 --> 02:36:59.633 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: The committee took its first vote July 27. 02:36:59.633 --> 02:37:01.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Nixon was swimming at San Clemente 02:37:01.700 --> 02:37:03.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% as they rendered their verdict. 02:37:03.666 --> 02:37:05.666 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% CLERK: ...signify by saying aye. 02:37:05.666 --> 02:37:07.200 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% All those opposed, no. 02:37:07.200 --> 02:37:08.433 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CLERK: Mr. Flowers. 02:37:08.433 --> 02:37:09.433 align:left position:45% line:89% size:45% Aye. 02:37:09.433 --> 02:37:10.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Mr. Mann. 02:37:10.566 --> 02:37:11.566 align:left position:45% line:89% size:45% Aye. 02:37:11.566 --> 02:37:12.733 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Mr. Drinan. 02:37:12.733 --> 02:37:13.800 align:left position:45% line:89% size:45% Aye. 02:37:13.800 --> 02:37:15.433 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon later wrote, 02:37:15.433 --> 02:37:18.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "I was getting dressed in the beach trailer 02:37:18.066 --> 02:37:21.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "when the phone rang and Zeigler gave me the news. 02:37:21.166 --> 02:37:23.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "That was how I learned that I was the first president 02:37:23.933 --> 02:37:28.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "in 106 years to be recommended for impeachment-- 02:37:28.566 --> 02:37:31.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "standing in the beach trailer, barefoot, 02:37:31.400 --> 02:37:34.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "wearing old trousers, a Banlon shirt, 02:37:34.033 --> 02:37:35.800 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "and a blue windbreaker 02:37:35.800 --> 02:37:38.666 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% emblazoned with the presidential seal." 02:37:38.666 --> 02:37:40.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CLERK: Mr. Rodino. 02:37:40.833 --> 02:37:41.866 align:left position:45% line:89% size:45% Aye. 02:37:44.966 --> 02:37:46.700 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% 27 members have voted aye. 02:37:46.700 --> 02:37:49.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% 11 members have voted no. 02:37:49.266 --> 02:37:52.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And pursuant to the resolution article one, 02:37:52.466 --> 02:37:57.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that resolution is adopted and will be reported to the House. 02:37:57.200 --> 02:38:00.966 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:38:00.966 --> 02:38:03.300 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: Just days before, 02:38:03.300 --> 02:38:05.233 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% the Supreme Court had ruled 02:38:05.233 --> 02:38:08.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% in the case of "the United States v. Richard Nixon"-- 02:38:08.233 --> 02:38:10.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the president must turn over the tapes 02:38:10.600 --> 02:38:12.433 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% to the special prosecutor. 02:38:12.433 --> 02:38:14.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "Not even a president," said the court, 02:38:14.900 --> 02:38:17.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% "could withhold evidence in a criminal trial." 02:38:21.133 --> 02:38:24.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Nixon returned to Washington still calculating the odds. 02:38:24.700 --> 02:38:26.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% He knew the House of Representatives 02:38:26.966 --> 02:38:28.866 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% would vote to indict him. 02:38:28.866 --> 02:38:32.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% There was a chance he might survive a trial in the Senate 02:38:32.766 --> 02:38:35.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as long as there was no irrefutable evidence 02:38:35.766 --> 02:38:38.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that he had personally committed a crime. 02:38:40.833 --> 02:38:44.133 align:left position:45% line:77% size:45% TAPE: ...under investigation of the Democratic break-in... 02:38:44.133 --> 02:38:45.666 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (recording inaudible) 02:38:45.666 --> 02:38:49.166 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: But Nixon himself possessed that evidence, 02:38:49.166 --> 02:38:53.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% a tape that plainly showed he'd obstructed justice: 02:38:53.600 --> 02:38:58.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% his conversation with H.R. Haldeman on June 23, 1972, 02:38:58.200 --> 02:39:01.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% when Nixon ordered his aides to divert the FBI. 02:39:04.000 --> 02:39:05.600 align:left position:42.5% line:5% size:47.5% NIXON: They should call the FBI in 02:39:05.600 --> 02:39:07.300 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% and say that we wish for the country, 02:39:07.300 --> 02:39:10.366 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% don't go any further into this case, period. 02:39:12.333 --> 02:39:14.233 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: Nixon would soon have to release this tape, 02:39:14.233 --> 02:39:17.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% along with others covered by the Supreme Court ruling. 02:39:17.800 --> 02:39:20.133 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% With nothing left to lose, 02:39:20.133 --> 02:39:24.600 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% he decided to release a transcript of the tape. 02:39:24.600 --> 02:39:28.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It became known as "the smoking gun." 02:39:33.600 --> 02:39:36.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The night following the release of the transcript, 02:39:36.833 --> 02:39:39.933 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Nixon sat alone in the Lincoln sitting room, 02:39:39.933 --> 02:39:42.900 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% then retired to bed. 02:39:42.900 --> 02:39:46.100 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% His daughter Julie had left a note on his pillow: 02:39:46.100 --> 02:39:48.066 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% "The White House, August 6. 02:39:48.066 --> 02:39:52.433 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% "Dear Daddy, I love you. 02:39:52.433 --> 02:39:55.733 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% "Whatever you do, I will support. 02:39:55.733 --> 02:39:58.133 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "I'm very proud of you. 02:39:58.133 --> 02:40:02.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "Go through the fire just a little bit longer. 02:40:02.066 --> 02:40:04.233 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% "You're so strong. 02:40:04.233 --> 02:40:05.833 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% "I love you. 02:40:05.833 --> 02:40:09.300 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "Millions support you. 02:40:09.300 --> 02:40:11.166 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% Julie." 02:40:11.166 --> 02:40:16.200 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:40:19.566 --> 02:40:23.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% On August 8, Nixon announced he would address the nation. 02:40:23.766 --> 02:40:28.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Outside the White House, crowds gathered, watching, waiting. 02:40:34.500 --> 02:40:37.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% I have never been a quitter. 02:40:37.400 --> 02:40:41.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% To leave office before my term is completed 02:40:41.766 --> 02:40:45.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% is abhorrent to every instinct in my body. 02:40:45.966 --> 02:40:51.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But as president, I must put the interests of America first. 02:40:58.966 --> 02:41:02.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Therefore, I shall resign the presidency 02:41:02.966 --> 02:41:05.666 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% effective at noon tomorrow. 02:41:05.666 --> 02:41:10.733 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Vice President Ford will be sworn in as president 02:41:10.733 --> 02:41:12.700 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% at that hour in this office. 02:41:16.166 --> 02:41:21.200 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 02:41:21.200 --> 02:41:24.933 align:left position:40% line:77% size:50% NARRATOR: On August 9, the president bid farewell 02:41:24.933 --> 02:41:26.066 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% to the White House staff. 02:41:26.066 --> 02:41:28.400 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% (applause) 02:41:28.400 --> 02:41:29.433 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (applause ends) 02:41:30.966 --> 02:41:35.600 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% You are here to say goodbye to us, 02:41:35.600 --> 02:41:42.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and we don't have a good word for it in English. 02:41:42.166 --> 02:41:48.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The best is "au revoir"-- we'll see you again. 02:41:48.000 --> 02:41:52.600 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (thunderous applause) 02:41:55.466 --> 02:42:00.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Had a little quote in the speech last night from T.R. 02:42:00.200 --> 02:42:04.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% As you know, I kind of like to read books-- 02:42:04.000 --> 02:42:07.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I'm not educated, but I do read books. 02:42:10.233 --> 02:42:14.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And here's another one that I found as I was reading... 02:42:14.933 --> 02:42:17.933 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% my last night in the White House. 02:42:21.633 --> 02:42:24.933 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And this quote is about a young man. 02:42:24.933 --> 02:42:28.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% He was a young lawyer in New York. 02:42:29.733 --> 02:42:36.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% He'd married a beautiful girl, and they had a lovely daughter. 02:42:36.000 --> 02:42:37.600 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% And then suddenly... 02:42:39.366 --> 02:42:40.733 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% ...she died. 02:42:42.366 --> 02:42:43.733 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And this is what he wrote. 02:42:53.266 --> 02:42:56.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% This was in his diary. 02:42:56.266 --> 02:43:01.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% He said, "She was beautiful in face and form 02:43:01.900 --> 02:43:05.800 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% "and lovelier still in spirit. 02:43:05.800 --> 02:43:09.066 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "As a flower, she grew, 02:43:09.066 --> 02:43:13.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "and as a fair young flower, she died. 02:43:13.466 --> 02:43:17.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "And when my heart's dearest died... 02:43:17.566 --> 02:43:19.266 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% (clears his throat) 02:43:21.800 --> 02:43:27.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% ...the light went from my life forever." 02:43:27.333 --> 02:43:28.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% (paper rustling) 02:43:28.666 --> 02:43:32.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% (clearing throat): That was T.R. in his 20s. 02:43:34.366 --> 02:43:37.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% He thought the light had gone from his life forever. 02:43:37.766 --> 02:43:39.366 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% But he went on. 02:43:41.800 --> 02:43:45.300 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And he not only became president, 02:43:45.300 --> 02:43:50.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but as an ex-president, he served his country 02:43:50.200 --> 02:43:54.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% always in the arena, tempestuous, strong, 02:43:54.733 --> 02:43:58.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% sometimes wrong, sometimes right. 02:43:58.133 --> 02:44:00.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% But he was a man. 02:44:00.700 --> 02:44:04.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% It's only a beginning, always. 02:44:04.533 --> 02:44:08.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The young must know it, the old must know it, 02:44:08.066 --> 02:44:10.066 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% because the greatness comes 02:44:10.066 --> 02:44:13.833 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% not when things go always good for you, 02:44:13.833 --> 02:44:17.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but the greatness comes when you're really tested, 02:44:17.200 --> 02:44:19.800 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% when you take... 02:44:19.800 --> 02:44:21.933 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% some knocks, 02:44:21.933 --> 02:44:24.166 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% some disappointments, 02:44:24.166 --> 02:44:26.866 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% when sadness comes. 02:44:26.866 --> 02:44:31.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Because only if you've been in the deepest valley 02:44:31.100 --> 02:44:35.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% can you ever know how magnificent it is 02:44:35.233 --> 02:44:39.266 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to be on the highest mountain. 02:44:41.100 --> 02:44:43.466 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Always give your best. 02:44:43.466 --> 02:44:46.033 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Never get discouraged. 02:44:46.033 --> 02:44:47.833 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Never be petty. 02:44:47.833 --> 02:44:51.366 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Always remember: 02:44:51.366 --> 02:44:54.866 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% others may hate you. 02:44:54.866 --> 02:44:58.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. 02:45:01.033 --> 02:45:04.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% And then, you destroy yourself. 02:45:06.400 --> 02:45:09.500 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% (rotor blades whirring) 02:45:16.066 --> 02:45:18.600 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% NARRATOR: On September 8, 1974, 02:45:18.600 --> 02:45:22.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% president Gerald Ford granted Richard Nixon 02:45:22.266 --> 02:45:24.633 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% a full and absolute pardon. 02:45:24.633 --> 02:45:28.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Over 70 others were found guilty of criminal acts, and punished. 02:45:30.166 --> 02:45:33.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The contradictions of Nixon's career, 02:45:33.200 --> 02:45:35.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% his triumphs and defeats, 02:45:35.333 --> 02:45:38.133 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% grand vision and petty grievances 02:45:38.133 --> 02:45:41.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% have left their imprint on America, 02:45:41.000 --> 02:45:43.800 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% but his legacy remains ambiguous. 02:45:43.800 --> 02:45:47.266 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "The judgment of history," Nixon has said, 02:45:47.266 --> 02:45:49.966 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% "depends on who writes it." 02:46:06.266 --> 02:46:10.333 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:46:25.666 --> 02:46:28.633 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:46:28.633 --> 02:46:30.900 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% ANNOUNCER: "American Experience: Nixon" 02:46:30.900 --> 02:46:35.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% is available with PBS Passport and on Amazon Prime Video. 02:46:35.833 --> 02:46:38.733 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:46:53.733 --> 02:46:58.066 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪