1 00:00:07,000 --> 00:00:09,000 [click, whirring] 2 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:16,000 [dramatic musical flourish] 3 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:20,000 - It all started in the early morning hours of June 17th 4 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:23,000 when, on the sixth floor of the building behind me, 5 00:00:23,000 --> 00:00:27,000 five men with electronic gear were caught in the offices 6 00:00:27,000 --> 00:00:30,000 of the Democratic National Committee. 7 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:34,000 The building is called The Watergate. 8 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:35,000 - Arrested at gunpoint, 9 00:00:35,000 --> 00:00:40,000 the five suspects had with them bugs and microphones. 10 00:00:40,000 --> 00:00:42,000 Just who wanted to listen in to the chit-chat 11 00:00:42,000 --> 00:00:47,000 of the Democratic National Committee remains a mystery. 12 00:00:47,000 --> 00:00:49,000 - Richard Nixon, 13 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:52,000 the man America needs now more than ever. 14 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:54,000 [cheers and applause] 15 00:00:55,000 --> 00:00:57,000 all: Four more years! Four more years! 16 00:00:57,000 --> 00:01:00,000 - The shadowy trail of the Watergate papers veers 17 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:02,000 closer to the White House today. 18 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:05,000 [dramatic music] 19 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:07,000 "The Washington Post" said the Watergate break in 20 00:01:07,000 --> 00:01:09,000 was no isolated event, 21 00:01:09,000 --> 00:01:13,000 but part of a broader effort to spy on democrats 22 00:01:13,000 --> 00:01:16,000 and sabotage their presidential campaign. 23 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:19,000 - No reporter from "The Washington Post" 24 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:21,000 should ever be in the White House again. 25 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:23,000 ♪ 26 00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:24,000 Do you understand? 27 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:28,000 - The White House denied, and continues to deny, 28 00:01:28,000 --> 00:01:30,000 involvement in any wrongdoing. 29 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:34,000 - There are few signs that Watergate 30 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:36,000 is turning any concerns in the electorate. 31 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:38,000 - Does a thing like the Watergate affair 32 00:01:38,000 --> 00:01:40,000 give you any second thoughts? 33 00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:43,000 - No, no. It doesn't bother me at all. 34 00:01:43,000 --> 00:01:46,000 - He is the most qualified mn for the job. 35 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:48,000 I'm gonna vote for Nixon. 36 00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:52,000 - This is your vote, 37 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:54,000 and years from now, 38 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:57,000 I just hope you can all look back 39 00:01:57,000 --> 00:01:59,000 and say it was one of your best votes. 40 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:02,000 Thank you. 41 00:02:02,000 --> 00:02:06,000 all: Four more years, four more years, four more years. 42 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:09,000 - President Nixon will be reelected in a landslide. 43 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:18,000 ♪ 44 00:02:29,000 --> 00:02:34,000 ♪ 45 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:37,000 - I, Richard Nixon, 46 00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:41,000 do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute 47 00:02:41,000 --> 00:02:43,000 the office of President of the United States, 48 00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:45,000 so help me God... 49 00:02:45,000 --> 00:02:47,000 - So help me God. 50 00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:52,000 - And President Nixon sits in the Oval Office 51 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:54,000 for his second term. 52 00:02:55,000 --> 00:02:58,000 - Well, it's turned out to be a rather cold, blustery day 53 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:00,000 here in Washington. The wind chill factor 54 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:05,000 is pretty low coming in from the north as that wind is. 55 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:07,000 - Here comes the president's car. 56 00:03:09,000 --> 00:03:14,000 The president being preceded by a fife and drum corps. 57 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:18,000 - All the bandsmen in their colonial uniforms. 58 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:21,000 If the weather were just a bit warmer, 59 00:03:21,000 --> 00:03:23,000 I suppose this would be a somewhat more 60 00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:26,000 festive occasion. 61 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:28,000 - Perhaps it's been the weather, 62 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:31,000 but the crowds have been very, very light, 63 00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:34,000 somewhat sparse. 64 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:37,000 Not the kind of crowd that one would have hoped for 65 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:39,000 on a day like today. 66 00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:41,000 - Here is a president who has just received 67 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:43,000 the greatest popular election victory 68 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:45,000 in the history of the country. 69 00:03:45,000 --> 00:03:48,000 This is his great moment. His great day. 70 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:54,000 It must indicate, I suppose, what Vietnam has done to us. 71 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:58,000 ♪ 72 00:03:58,000 --> 00:03:59,000 - Good evening. 73 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:02,000 President Nixon is about to address the nation 74 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:05,000 on the status of the peace negotiations on Vietnam. 75 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:08,000 That is the phrase the White House used 76 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:09,000 when it announced the president's 77 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:11,000 intention to speak. 78 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:14,000 Now, here is the president. 79 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:16,000 - We rolling, gentlemen? - All set. 80 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:19,000 - All right. 81 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:20,000 - Good evening. 82 00:04:20,000 --> 00:04:24,000 I have asked for this radio and television time tonight 83 00:04:24,000 --> 00:04:28,000 for the purpose of announcing that we, today, 84 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:30,000 have concluded an agreement to end the war 85 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:33,000 and bring peace with honor in Vietnam 86 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:35,000 and in Southeast Asia. 87 00:04:37,000 --> 00:04:41,000 The ceasefire will take effet at 2400 Greenwich Mean Time, 88 00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:45,000 January 27, 1973. 89 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:47,000 Within 60 days, 90 00:04:47,000 --> 00:04:52,000 all American forces will be withdrawn from South Vietnam. 91 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:57,000 - It's over now. We're gonna be reunited again. 92 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:02,000 President Nixon said we got out of it with honor, 93 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:04,000 and I'm happy with that. 94 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:09,000 [cheers and applause] 95 00:06:09,000 --> 00:06:11,000 - Seven men went on trial today, charged with the break-in 96 00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:14,000 and burglary of Democratic National Headquarters 97 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:17,000 in the Watergate building last June. 98 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:19,000 - Far more is involved here than the guilt or innocence 99 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:21,000 of the seven defendants. 100 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:24,000 If they are guilty, why did they do it? 101 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:26,000 Then, who put them up to it? 102 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:35,000 ♪ 103 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:37,000 - Good evening. The jury in the Watergate case 104 00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:40,000 reached a quick verdict late today. 105 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:43,000 Guilty on all counts, 106 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:45,000 of the break in and bugging 107 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:47,000 of National Democratic Committee Headquarters. 108 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:51,000 ♪ 109 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:53,000 - This was supposed to be the finale for the seven 110 00:06:54,000 --> 00:06:57,000 Watergate defendants, the day of sentencing. 111 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:02,000 Instead, the case broke wide open again. 112 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:05,000 - James W. McCord, the one-time security directr 113 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:07,000 for the Nixon reelection campaign, 114 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:10,000 one of the men convicted in the Watergate affair, 115 00:07:10,000 --> 00:07:14,000 has apparently decided to tell what he knows about Watergate. 116 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:16,000 - Is your client doing this in hopes of getting 117 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:19,000 a lighter sentence, or precisely why? 118 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:21,000 - I've advised Mr. McCord to be guided 119 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:24,000 solely by his own conscience and conviction. 120 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:25,000 He'll do just that. 121 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:27,000 - McCord says that the trial was marred 122 00:07:27,000 --> 00:07:30,000 by political pressure, by perjury, 123 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:34,000 and that people not on trial were involved. 124 00:07:38,000 --> 00:07:45,000 ♪ 125 00:08:10,000 --> 00:08:17,000 ♪ 126 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:40,000 [crow cawing] 127 00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:50,000 ♪ 128 00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:53,000 - Today, James McCord Jr. 129 00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:55,000 headed for his appointment at the capital, 130 00:08:55,000 --> 00:08:58,000 now ready to testify against his co-conspirators 131 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:00,000 and those who hired him 132 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:02,000 in the politically explosive Watergate conspiracy. 133 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:08,000 ♪ 134 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:11,000 - "The Los Angeles Times" reporting today McCord 135 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:15,000 implicated two Nixon aides, and White House Counsel 136 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:18,000 John Dean had prior knowledge of the break in. 137 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:24,000 - It's hard to put events of this magnitude in perspectiv. 138 00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:27,000 Nevertheless, the scandal has now moved right 139 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:30,000 to the doorway of the Oval Office in the White House. 140 00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:37,000 ♪ 141 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:48,000 - The president has asked me to announce that he is today 142 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:52,000 receiving-- 143 00:09:52,000 --> 00:09:55,000 Sorry. 144 00:09:55,000 --> 00:09:56,000 The president today has requested 145 00:09:57,000 --> 00:09:59,000 and accepted the resignation of John Dean 146 00:09:59,000 --> 00:10:03,000 from his position of the White House counsel. 147 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:05,000 Okay. 148 00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:13,000 ♪ 149 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:16,000 - Good evening. 150 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:18,000 In recent months, 151 00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:21,000 members of my administration and officials of the committee 152 00:10:21,000 --> 00:10:24,000 for the reelection of the President, 153 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:29,000 including some of my closest friends and most trusted aides, 154 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:30,000 have been charged with involvement 155 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:34,000 in what has come to be known as The Watergate Affair. 156 00:10:36,000 --> 00:10:38,000 In any organization, 157 00:10:38,000 --> 00:10:42,000 the men at the top must bear the responsibility. 158 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:50,000 That responsibility, therefore, belongs here, in this office. 159 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:56,000 I accept it, and I pledge to you tonight, from this office, 160 00:10:56,000 --> 00:10:58,000 that I will do everything in my power 161 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:01,000 to ensure that the guilty are brought to justice, 162 00:11:01,000 --> 00:11:06,000 and that such abuses are purged from our political processes 163 00:11:06,000 --> 00:11:08,000 in the years to come, 164 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:11,000 long after I have left this office. 165 00:11:13,000 --> 00:11:16,000 ♪ 166 00:11:16,000 --> 00:11:19,000 - I don't think that he had anything to do with it. 167 00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:21,000 I really don't. 168 00:11:21,000 --> 00:11:23,000 - Well, I don't blame the president. 169 00:11:23,000 --> 00:11:25,000 You know, I think that his associates 170 00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:27,000 fooled him quite a bit. 171 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:30,000 - Many more things are bothering America 172 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:33,000 than Watergate, like the high price of meat, 173 00:11:33,000 --> 00:11:36,000 you know, and the high cost of living. 174 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:38,000 - As of now, we do not know 175 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:41,000 many of the details in the Watergate story. 176 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:43,000 Perhaps the answers will come in the Senate hearings, 177 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:45,000 which start this week with witnesses 178 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:49,000 telling what they know, under oath, before the public. 179 00:11:57,000 --> 00:11:59,000 ♪ 180 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:01,000 - Good morning. 181 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:04,000 This is the Senate Caucus rom in Washington D.C., 182 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:06,000 as the senate opens what is likely to become 183 00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:10,000 the most serious investigatin it has ever made, 184 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:14,000 an investigation of the American political system 185 00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:15,000 and the presidency itself. 186 00:12:18,000 --> 00:12:20,000 - The questions that have been raised in the wake 187 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:21,000 of the June 17th break in, 188 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:25,000 strike at the very undergirding of our democracy. 189 00:12:25,000 --> 00:12:26,000 My colleagues on the committee 190 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:27,000 and I are determined to uncover 191 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:31,000 all the relevant facts surrounding these matters. 192 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:34,000 The nation's history itself are watching us. 193 00:12:34,000 --> 00:12:36,000 We cannot fail our mission. 194 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:37,000 ♪ 195 00:12:37,000 --> 00:12:38,000 - These, of course, are days 196 00:12:38,000 --> 00:12:40,000 where there's no shortage of controversy 197 00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:43,000 with the Watergate Committee on Capitol Hill, 198 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:46,000 but for a few hours tonight, attention will be shifted awy 199 00:12:46,000 --> 00:12:48,000 from those problems here at the White House. 200 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:51,000 ♪ 201 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:53,000 - It isn't that we're trying to keep anything 202 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:54,000 from the American people 203 00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:57,000 that the American people should know, 204 00:12:57,000 --> 00:13:02,000 but had we not had secrecy, 205 00:13:02,000 --> 00:13:04,000 you men would still be in Hanoi 206 00:13:04,000 --> 00:13:06,000 rather than in Washington today. 207 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:09,000 [cheers and applause] 208 00:14:12,000 --> 00:14:13,000 - Good morning. 209 00:14:14,000 --> 00:14:16,000 Although this is not ABC's scheduled day 210 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:18,000 to provide live continuous coverage, 211 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:20,000 we are going on now with the hearings 212 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:22,000 because the witness will be John Dean. 213 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:27,000 You see him here with his wife at his right. 214 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:30,000 - The Committee will come to order. 215 00:14:30,000 --> 00:14:32,000 - I met Mr. Dean. 216 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:34,000 - Could you please take the microphone 217 00:14:34,000 --> 00:14:35,000 and put it closer to you so we could all hear it. 218 00:14:35,000 --> 00:14:37,000 - Certainly. 219 00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:40,000 The Watergate matter was an inevitable outgrowth 220 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:44,000 of a climate of excessive concern over leaks, 221 00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:48,000 an insatiable appetite for political intelligence, 222 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:49,000 all coupled with 223 00:14:49,000 --> 00:14:51,000 a do-it-yourself White House staff, 224 00:14:51,000 --> 00:14:53,000 regardless of the law. 225 00:14:53,000 --> 00:14:57,000 These elements culminated with the creation 226 00:14:57,000 --> 00:14:59,000 of a covert intelligence operation 227 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:03,000 as part of the president's reelection committee. 228 00:15:04,000 --> 00:15:06,000 I shall now turn to meetings I had with the president 229 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:09,000 in February and March of this year 230 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:13,000 on Watergate matters specifically. 231 00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:16,000 I told the president about the fact that there were money 232 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:20,000 demands being made by the seven convicted defendants. 233 00:15:20,000 --> 00:15:22,000 He asked me how much it would cost. 234 00:15:22,000 --> 00:15:25,000 I told him that it might be as high as a million dollars 235 00:15:25,000 --> 00:15:26,000 or more. 236 00:15:26,000 --> 00:15:30,000 He told me that that was no problem. 237 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:34,000 I concluded by saying this is going to take continued perjury 238 00:15:34,000 --> 00:15:37,000 and continued support of these individuals 239 00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:38,000 to perpetuate the cover-up, 240 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:42,000 and I did not believe it was possible to so continue it. 241 00:15:42,000 --> 00:15:44,000 I told him 242 00:15:44,000 --> 00:15:48,000 that there was a cancer growing on the presidency, 243 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,000 and if the cancer was not removed, 244 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:53,000 the president himself would be killed by it, 245 00:15:53,000 --> 00:15:56,000 and he said that it would be handled properly. 246 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:00,000 - Now, it is on the public record. 247 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:03,000 John Dean's damning, if largely unsubstantiated, 248 00:16:03,000 --> 00:16:07,000 testimony that the president knowingly participated 249 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:09,000 in the Watergate cover-up. 250 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:12,000 Nothing less than Richard Nixon's presidency 251 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:15,000 may ride on whether the public believes John Dean or not. 252 00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:22,000 [camera shutters clicking] 253 00:16:22,000 --> 00:16:27,000 - Today, John Dean ended five days of testimony, 254 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:28,000 still insisting that the president 255 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:31,000 knew of the Watergate cover-up last year. 256 00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:36,000 Not in this century has anyone made such accusations 257 00:16:36,000 --> 00:16:38,000 under oath against a president. 258 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:42,000 - The White House is seeking protection from 259 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:45,000 the Dean testimony behind a wall of silence. 260 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:47,000 The president's spokesman would not reply 261 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:50,000 except with "No comment" to any of the charges. 262 00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:55,000 - You know, there has been talk of your father being-- 263 00:16:55,000 --> 00:16:58,000 a great deal of talk-- being very secluded that 264 00:16:58,000 --> 00:17:01,000 when he is faced with a problem like some of the Watergate 265 00:17:01,000 --> 00:17:05,000 developments that there is this wall. 266 00:17:05,000 --> 00:17:11,000 - Well, I think that there have been a lot of secondhand 267 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:12,000 hear--you know, hearsay 268 00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:14,000 and it's been printed as if it's fact, 269 00:17:14,000 --> 00:17:16,000 and he hasn't done any wrong. 270 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:18,000 - You know, I feel like almost uncomfortable 271 00:17:18,000 --> 00:17:22,000 asking you these questions, and yet, one must at this time. 272 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:23,000 How is your father, Mrs. Eisenhower? 273 00:17:23,000 --> 00:17:29,000 Some people have said that he's aged 10 to 15 years. 274 00:17:29,000 --> 00:17:31,000 - I haven't seen a dramatic change, 275 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:34,000 but I think he, you know, he-- 276 00:17:34,000 --> 00:17:36,000 you know, gets more gray hair every day, that's for sure. 277 00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:41,000 ♪ 278 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:42,000 - President Nixon is resting tonight 279 00:17:42,000 --> 00:17:45,000 at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. 280 00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:49,000 - My appraisal of President Nixon 281 00:17:49,000 --> 00:17:53,000 is that he has a very severe illness, with pneumonia, 282 00:17:53,000 --> 00:17:55,000 and has the kind of illness 283 00:17:56,000 --> 00:17:58,000 that ought to be treated in the hospital. 284 00:17:58,000 --> 00:18:00,000 - Asked if the recent stress of his office 285 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:02,000 may have contributed to the illness, 286 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:04,000 the doctor responded, 287 00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:06,000 "Maybe yes. Maybe no." 288 00:18:06,000 --> 00:18:11,000 ♪ 289 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:13,000 [indistinct chatter] 290 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:19,000 - Okay. 291 00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:21,000 - Programs regularly scheduld for this time 292 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:24,000 will not be seen today in order that we might bring you 293 00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:26,000 the following special report. 294 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:28,000 Watergate: Senate Hearings. 295 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:34,000 ♪ 296 00:18:38,000 --> 00:18:40,000 - State your name. 297 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:45,000 - My name is Alexander Porter Butterfield. 298 00:18:45,000 --> 00:18:50,000 - What were your duties at the White House, Mr. Butterfield? 299 00:18:50,000 --> 00:18:55,000 - I was responsible for the management 300 00:18:55,000 --> 00:19:01,000 and ultimate supervision of the office of special files. 301 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:04,000 - Mr. Butterfield, are you aware of the installation 302 00:19:04,000 --> 00:19:06,000 of any devices, 303 00:19:06,000 --> 00:19:09,000 listening devices, in the Oval Office of the president? 304 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:18,000 - I was aware of listening devices; 305 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:19,000 yes, sir. 306 00:19:23,000 --> 00:19:28,000 - On whose authority were they installed, Mr. Butterfield? 307 00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:31,000 - On the president's authority for posterity. 308 00:19:31,000 --> 00:19:33,000 - All right. Mr. Butterfield, 309 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:36,000 as far as you know from your own personal knowledge, 310 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:41,000 all of the president's conversations were recorded, 311 00:19:41,000 --> 00:19:42,000 as far as you know? 312 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:44,000 - That's correct. 313 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:46,000 - Mr. Butterfield, in one word, 314 00:19:46,000 --> 00:19:49,000 to reconstruct the conversations, 315 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:51,000 what would be the best way to reconstruct 316 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:53,000 those conversations? 317 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:56,000 - Well, in the obvious manner, Mr. Dash, 318 00:19:56,000 --> 00:20:00,000 to obtain the tape and play it. 319 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:04,000 - Thank you very much, sir. 320 00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:06,000 - A startling development, 321 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:11,000 certainly critical in regard to Dean's testimony and, 322 00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:13,000 in essence, the case against the President 323 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:14,000 of the United States. 324 00:20:17,000 --> 00:20:21,000 - Mr. Ron, can you tell us how the president was informed 325 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:23,000 about Mr. Butterfield's testimony 326 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:26,000 and what his reaction to it was? 327 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:30,000 - Well, he was informed by members of his staff 328 00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:32,000 when we were informed about it. 329 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:34,000 I won't give you his reaction to it. 330 00:20:35,000 --> 00:20:38,000 - Is the president going to release the tapes? 331 00:20:38,000 --> 00:20:42,000 - Gentlemen, I understand your interest in this subject, 332 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:46,000 but this is not the time. Questions on another subject, 333 00:20:46,000 --> 00:20:47,000 I'll take those. If not-- 334 00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:49,000 - Tell us this, whether those tapes 335 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:51,000 are considered presidential documents? 336 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:54,000 - I've already told you that I'm not prepared 337 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:57,000 to talk about this beyond this. 338 00:20:57,000 --> 00:21:01,000 - Ron, can you assure us that the tapes are safe? 339 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:03,000 - Where are they physically? 340 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:06,000 - I thought I had been quite clear earlier when I said 341 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:08,000 that I had nothing further to say 342 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:10,000 on this particular matter at this point. 343 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:12,000 - At some point, are you ever going to be able 344 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:13,000 to talk about it? 345 00:21:14,000 --> 00:21:16,000 - Well, we haven't determined that yet. 346 00:21:17,000 --> 00:21:18,000 Thank you. 347 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:24,000 [indistinct chatter] 348 00:21:26,000 --> 00:21:32,000 ♪ 349 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:40,000 [cheers and applause] 350 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:50,000 - Thank you very much for your very warm welcome. 351 00:21:50,000 --> 00:21:54,000 I do want you to know that there is one bit of advice 352 00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:55,000 that I am not going to take, 353 00:21:56,000 --> 00:22:01,000 and it will be of interest to our friends in the press. 354 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:02,000 [tense music] 355 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:05,000 Some people thought that, perhaps, 356 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:09,000 the burdens of the office and the rather rough assaults 357 00:22:10,000 --> 00:22:12,000 this office gets from time to time, 358 00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:16,000 brings on an illness, 359 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:18,000 and that I might get so tired 360 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:20,000 that I might consider either slowing down 361 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:24,000 or, even some suggested, resigning. 362 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:31,000 Well, now, just so we set that to rest, 363 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:33,000 any suggestion 364 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:36,000 that this president's ever gonna slow down 365 00:22:36,000 --> 00:22:40,000 while he's president or is ever gonna leave this office 366 00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:44,000 until he finishes the job he was elected to do, 367 00:22:44,000 --> 00:22:47,000 anyone who suggests that, 368 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:48,000 that's just plain poppycock. 369 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:53,000 Let others wallow in Watergate. We're gonna do our job. 370 00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:55,000 [ominous music] 371 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:59,000 ♪ 372 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:06,000 [buzzer blaring] 373 00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:13,000 - It seems a lot longer, but it was only last week 374 00:23:13,000 --> 00:23:14,000 that the Senate Watergate Committee 375 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:17,000 learned of the existence of tape recordings 376 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:19,000 of President Nixon's conversations, 377 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:21,000 including conversations bearing on Watergate. 378 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:27,000 ♪ 379 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:29,000 - I would urge that the tapes be furnished for use 380 00:23:29,000 --> 00:23:32,000 in my investigation without restriction. 381 00:23:40,000 --> 00:23:42,000 The request is part of an investigation 382 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:44,000 into serious criminal misconduct, 383 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:47,000 the obstruction of justice. 384 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:50,000 Therefore, it becomes my duty promptly to seek subpoenas. 385 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:53,000 The tapes are material and important evidence 386 00:23:53,000 --> 00:23:58,000 pursuant to a conspiracy and as part of a cover-up. 387 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:05,000 ♪ 388 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:10,000 - Good evening. The time has come for me 389 00:24:10,000 --> 00:24:12,000 to speak out about the charges made 390 00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:15,000 and to provide a perspective on the issue 391 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:17,000 for the American people. 392 00:24:17,000 --> 00:24:22,000 I had no prior knowledge of the Watergate break-in. 393 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:24,000 I neither took part in nor knew 394 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:28,000 about any of the subsequent cover up activities. 395 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:34,000 That was and that is the simple truth. 396 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:37,000 Many have urged that in order to help prove the truth 397 00:24:37,000 --> 00:24:39,000 of what I have said, 398 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:42,000 I should turn over to the special prosecutor recordings 399 00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:45,000 of conversations that I held in my office 400 00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:47,000 or on my telephone. 401 00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:51,000 However, these conversations are privileged, 402 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:56,000 and their disclosure cannot be compelled. 403 00:24:56,000 --> 00:25:00,000 I pledge to you tonight that those who would exploit 404 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:02,000 Watergate in order to keep us from doing 405 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:06,000 what we were elected to do, will not succeed. 406 00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:10,000 - This is Virginia Sherwood at a Ford Motor Company 407 00:25:10,000 --> 00:25:12,000 plant near Detroit. 408 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:15,000 The factory workers here had their own reaction 409 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:17,000 to the president's Watergate speech. 410 00:25:17,000 --> 00:25:20,000 - Well, I thought the president was kind of evasive 411 00:25:20,000 --> 00:25:24,000 in some of the matters that he said. 412 00:25:24,000 --> 00:25:25,000 - You want a real literal answer? 413 00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:27,000 - Yes sir. 414 00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:29,000 - I thought it was a bunch of bananas. 415 00:25:29,000 --> 00:25:31,000 - Well, I think he's wrong. He should-- 416 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:32,000 - What do you mean? 417 00:25:32,000 --> 00:25:33,000 - Well, he should bring them tapes out 418 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:35,000 and let the public see what's going on. 419 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:41,000 [crickets chirping] 420 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:54,000 - The number for United Press International, please. 421 00:25:54,000 --> 00:25:58,000 This is Jim Doyle from Archibald Cox's office. 422 00:25:58,000 --> 00:26:00,000 I have a statement that I'm gonna read as fast 423 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:02,000 as you can take it. 424 00:26:02,000 --> 00:26:04,000 It's from Special Prosecutor Cox. 425 00:26:04,000 --> 00:26:07,000 Are you ready? 426 00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:13,000 "The president is refusing to comply with the court decrees 427 00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:18,000 "to turn over tapes, and other documents. 428 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:21,000 I shall bring this to the attention of the court." 429 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:27,000 [indistinct chatter] 430 00:26:36,000 --> 00:26:39,000 - Ladies and gentlemen, 431 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:45,000 some things I feel very deeply about are at stake. 432 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:52,000 There has been and is evidence of serious wrongdoing 433 00:26:52,000 --> 00:26:56,000 on the part of the President of the United States. 434 00:26:56,000 --> 00:27:02,000 Wrongdoing involving an effort to cover up other wrongdoings. 435 00:27:05,000 --> 00:27:07,000 - --Will not be seen tonight 436 00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:09,000 so that we may bring you the following special report. 437 00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:11,000 - Roll one. Take one. 438 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:14,000 - President Nixon has discharged 439 00:27:14,000 --> 00:27:19,000 Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox. 440 00:27:20,000 --> 00:27:23,000 ♪ 441 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:27,000 [indistinct chatter] 442 00:27:27,000 --> 00:27:29,000 - What, are they kicking you out? 443 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:30,000 - What can I say, guys? 444 00:27:30,000 --> 00:27:32,000 - Oh, shit. - Are they seizing files? 445 00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:35,000 - I can make no further comment now other than our offices 446 00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:37,000 have been sealed by the FBI. 447 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:38,000 - This is nuts. 448 00:27:38,000 --> 00:27:39,000 - Good evening. 449 00:27:39,000 --> 00:27:42,000 The president has abolished Special Watergate 450 00:27:42,000 --> 00:27:46,000 Prosecutor Cox's office and duties. 451 00:27:46,000 --> 00:27:48,000 In my career as a correspondent, 452 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:52,000 I never thought I'd be announcing these things. 453 00:27:52,000 --> 00:27:53,000 Because of the president's actions, 454 00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:56,000 the Attorney General has resigned. 455 00:27:56,000 --> 00:27:59,000 At the same time, the Deputy Attorney General 456 00:27:59,000 --> 00:28:01,000 has been fired. 457 00:28:01,000 --> 00:28:03,000 ♪ 458 00:28:03,000 --> 00:28:04,000 All of this adds up 459 00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:07,000 to a totally unprecedented situation, 460 00:28:07,000 --> 00:28:10,000 a grave and profound crisis in which the president 461 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:12,000 has set himself against 462 00:28:12,000 --> 00:28:15,000 his own Attorney General of the Department of Justice. 463 00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:18,000 - Is everybody ready? - Yeah, hold on. 464 00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:25,000 - Mr. Cox's comment when he was about to be fired was, 465 00:28:25,000 --> 00:28:28,000 "Whether ours shall continue to be a government of laws 466 00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:32,000 "and not of men is now for congress, 467 00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:34,000 and ultimately the American people." 468 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:39,000 ♪ 469 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:46,000 [traffic honking and rumbling] 470 00:28:53,000 --> 00:28:55,000 - In firing the Special Prosecutor 471 00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:59,000 and abolishing his entire office, 472 00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:02,000 Mr. Nixon has made it abundantly clear 473 00:29:02,000 --> 00:29:05,000 that he does not intend to obey the law of the land. 474 00:29:06,000 --> 00:29:08,000 The people are beginning to respond. 475 00:29:09,000 --> 00:29:11,000 The anger and outrage reflected in these telegrams, 476 00:29:12,000 --> 00:29:14,000 all of them demanding that the congress act 477 00:29:14,000 --> 00:29:16,000 and impeach the president. 478 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:20,000 all: Impeach Nixon now, impeach Nixon now, 479 00:29:20,000 --> 00:29:21,000 impeach Nixon now. 480 00:29:21,000 --> 00:29:24,000 - Good evening. The president has agreed to o 481 00:29:24,000 --> 00:29:28,000 just what he had always said he would not do: 482 00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:30,000 turn over certain tape recordings 483 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:32,000 of his conversations about Watergate. 484 00:29:32,000 --> 00:29:36,000 ♪ 485 00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:38,000 - Mr. President! Mr. President! 486 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:40,000 - Wondering if you could shae with us your thoughts 487 00:29:40,000 --> 00:29:42,000 when you hear people 488 00:29:42,000 --> 00:29:47,000 saying perhaps you should resign or be impeached. 489 00:29:47,000 --> 00:29:48,000 - Well, I'm glad we don't take the vote 490 00:29:48,000 --> 00:29:50,000 in this room, let me say. 491 00:29:52,000 --> 00:29:57,000 [indistinct chatter] 492 00:29:57,000 --> 00:30:00,000 - At the risk of reopening an obvious wound, 493 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:02,000 what is it about the television coverage 494 00:30:02,000 --> 00:30:06,000 of you that has so aroused your anger? 495 00:30:06,000 --> 00:30:09,000 - Gentlemen of the press, 496 00:30:09,000 --> 00:30:12,000 one can only be angry with those he respects. 497 00:30:12,000 --> 00:30:13,000 [crowd murmurs] 498 00:30:13,000 --> 00:30:17,000 As a matter of fact, I have never heard such outrageous, 499 00:30:18,000 --> 00:30:23,000 vicious reporting in 27 years of public life, 500 00:30:23,000 --> 00:30:26,000 but regardless of what people see and hear 501 00:30:26,000 --> 00:30:28,000 on television, night after night, 502 00:30:28,000 --> 00:30:31,000 the tougher it gets, the cooler I get. 503 00:30:31,000 --> 00:30:33,000 I have what it takes. 504 00:30:33,000 --> 00:30:35,000 [indistinct chatter] - Mr. President! Mr. President! 505 00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:37,000 - Most interesting. 506 00:30:37,000 --> 00:30:38,000 Well, as you can see, the president has decided 507 00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:41,000 to end his news conference himself. 508 00:30:41,000 --> 00:30:43,000 ♪ 509 00:30:43,000 --> 00:30:44,000 - Good evening. 510 00:30:45,000 --> 00:30:48,000 The matter of the president's White House tape recordings 511 00:30:48,000 --> 00:30:50,000 took an unexpected turn today. 512 00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:53,000 It is now said by the president's lawyer 513 00:30:53,000 --> 00:30:57,000 that two of the requested tape recordings do not exist. 514 00:30:57,000 --> 00:31:01,000 - Do you think the public will believe this story? 515 00:31:01,000 --> 00:31:03,000 - I don't know. 516 00:31:03,000 --> 00:31:05,000 ♪ 517 00:31:05,000 --> 00:31:07,000 - Last night I read a thing on the air 518 00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:09,000 about the tapes vanishing, 519 00:31:09,000 --> 00:31:12,000 and the audience thought it was a sick joke. 520 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:14,000 - Can't you hear the dialogue in the White House. 521 00:31:14,000 --> 00:31:17,000 "Pat, now, you know I put those tapes in that drawer." 522 00:31:17,000 --> 00:31:19,000 [laughter] 523 00:31:19,000 --> 00:31:21,000 Just every day he does something that interests-- 524 00:31:21,000 --> 00:31:22,000 it's sort of like a rat going around, 525 00:31:23,000 --> 00:31:25,000 you keep trying to kill it and he gets away. 526 00:31:25,000 --> 00:31:27,000 [cheers and applause] 527 00:31:27,000 --> 00:31:29,000 I have to have my Watergate fix 528 00:31:29,000 --> 00:31:32,000 every single morning in the paper. 529 00:31:32,000 --> 00:31:34,000 I get like this if I haven't gotten it. 530 00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:37,000 - Ladies and gentlemen, 531 00:31:37,000 --> 00:31:41,000 the President of the United States. 532 00:31:42,000 --> 00:31:44,000 - Mr. President, when did you discover 533 00:31:44,000 --> 00:31:47,000 that two of the subpoenaed White House tapes 534 00:31:47,000 --> 00:31:48,000 did not exist? 535 00:31:48,000 --> 00:31:50,000 - Let me just respond, if I could, sir, 536 00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:52,000 before going to your question. 537 00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:54,000 I turn left and then come back to the right. 538 00:31:54,000 --> 00:31:56,000 I don't want to tilt either way at the moment, 539 00:31:56,000 --> 00:31:57,000 as you can be sure. 540 00:31:57,000 --> 00:31:59,000 [mischievous music] 541 00:31:59,000 --> 00:32:02,000 - Well, today, another bomb exploded, 542 00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:04,000 more trouble about those subpoenaed tapes. 543 00:32:05,000 --> 00:32:07,000 ♪ 544 00:32:07,000 --> 00:32:10,000 - The 18-minute segment of another of the subpoenaed 545 00:32:10,000 --> 00:32:13,000 Watergate tapes is missing. 546 00:32:13,000 --> 00:32:15,000 - You can be sure that this kind of a subject 547 00:32:15,000 --> 00:32:20,000 is one that is a difficult one to explain. 548 00:32:20,000 --> 00:32:23,000 - Technical experts report that the 18-minute gap 549 00:32:23,000 --> 00:32:26,000 was caused by erasing and re-recording. 550 00:32:26,000 --> 00:32:28,000 - Impeach him now! 551 00:32:29,000 --> 00:32:30,000 all: Impeach Nixon now! 552 00:32:30,000 --> 00:32:32,000 Impeach Nixon now! 553 00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:34,000 - Let me just say this, I want to say 554 00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:36,000 this to the television audience, 555 00:32:36,000 --> 00:32:38,000 because people have got to know 556 00:32:38,000 --> 00:32:40,000 whether or not their president's a crook. 557 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:42,000 Well, I'm not a crook. 558 00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:43,000 all: Nixon is a crook! 559 00:32:43,000 --> 00:32:45,000 Nixon is a crook! 560 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:46,000 Nixon is a crook! 561 00:32:46,000 --> 00:32:48,000 Nixon is a crook! 562 00:32:48,000 --> 00:32:51,000 ♪ 563 00:32:51,000 --> 00:32:54,000 - Well, now, there's another battle for White House tapes. 564 00:32:55,000 --> 00:32:57,000 - Today's subpoena is for 64 conversations 565 00:32:57,000 --> 00:33:00,000 covering more than 45 hours. 566 00:33:00,000 --> 00:33:02,000 ♪ 567 00:33:02,000 --> 00:33:07,000 - The president and his lawyers pursue their hard lie 568 00:33:07,000 --> 00:33:11,000 on not giving another inch on the Watergate scandal. 569 00:33:11,000 --> 00:33:14,000 - It was like trench warfare, 570 00:33:14,000 --> 00:33:16,000 charge after charge over the top. 571 00:33:16,000 --> 00:33:19,000 - President Nixon will fight the case all the way 572 00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:20,000 to the Supreme Court. 573 00:33:20,000 --> 00:33:24,000 - Only a few yards gained and then lost. 574 00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:25,000 ♪ 575 00:33:25,000 --> 00:33:27,000 There wasn't going to be a miracle. 576 00:33:27,000 --> 00:33:30,000 We couldn't make one happen. 577 00:33:30,000 --> 00:33:32,000 - History was made today 578 00:33:32,000 --> 00:33:34,000 as a unanimous Supreme Court 579 00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:37,000 told the president of the United States 580 00:33:37,000 --> 00:33:40,000 that he has no right to withhold White House tapes 581 00:33:40,000 --> 00:33:43,000 subpoenaed for the Watergate cover-up trial. 582 00:33:44,000 --> 00:33:51,000 ♪ 583 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:56,000 - The meeting will come to order. 584 00:33:56,000 --> 00:34:00,000 Make no mistake about it, 585 00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:04,000 this is a turning point, 586 00:34:04,000 --> 00:34:08,000 whatever we decide. 587 00:34:08,000 --> 00:34:10,000 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 588 00:34:11,000 --> 00:34:13,000 The president has engaged in a series of actions 589 00:34:13,000 --> 00:34:16,000 designed to thwart the lawful investigation 590 00:34:16,000 --> 00:34:19,000 by government prosecutors, 591 00:34:19,000 --> 00:34:21,000 and I am not going to sit here 592 00:34:21,000 --> 00:34:25,000 and be an idle spectator to the subversion, 593 00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:30,000 the destruction of the Constitution. 594 00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:33,000 - Ladies and gentlemen, 595 00:34:33,000 --> 00:34:37,000 the law requires that we decide the case on the evidence. 596 00:34:37,000 --> 00:34:41,000 Nobody doubts that. On the evidence. 597 00:34:43,000 --> 00:34:45,000 ♪ 598 00:34:45,000 --> 00:34:50,000 There's not a word of presidential knowledge, 599 00:34:50,000 --> 00:34:56,000 or awareness, or involvement in obstruction of justice. 600 00:34:56,000 --> 00:34:57,000 Now, ladies and gentlemen, 601 00:34:57,000 --> 00:35:00,000 I do ask you to judge the proof, 602 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:01,000 which is the law of this case. 603 00:35:02,000 --> 00:35:03,000 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 604 00:35:05,000 --> 00:35:12,000 ♪ 605 00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:23,000 [static clicking] 606 00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:55,000 ♪ 607 00:35:55,000 --> 00:36:00,000 - With great reluctance and deep personal sorrow, 608 00:36:00,000 --> 00:36:05,000 I am prepared to support those portions of article 1 609 00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:06,000 of the Bill of Impeachment. 610 00:36:09,000 --> 00:36:14,000 The magnificent career of Richard Nixon 611 00:36:14,000 --> 00:36:16,000 must be terminated. 612 00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:23,000 ♪ 613 00:36:26,000 --> 00:36:27,000 - Well, thank you very much for calling. 614 00:36:27,000 --> 00:36:29,000 [phones ringing] 615 00:36:29,000 --> 00:36:31,000 - White House, may I help you? 616 00:36:31,000 --> 00:36:32,000 - Yes? 617 00:36:33,000 --> 00:36:36,000 - Yes, well, it's so good to you to call 618 00:36:36,000 --> 00:36:38,000 so many times, sir, 619 00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:41,000 to make certain that the president will not resign. 620 00:36:41,000 --> 00:36:44,000 - Although resignation appears certain, 621 00:36:44,000 --> 00:36:47,000 the staff assistant in charge of the phone bank said, 622 00:36:47,000 --> 00:36:48,000 "We're refusing to believe it 623 00:36:48,000 --> 00:36:51,000 until we hear it with our own ears." 624 00:36:51,000 --> 00:36:52,000 ♪ 625 00:36:52,000 --> 00:36:55,000 - According to United Press International, 626 00:36:55,000 --> 00:36:57,000 President Nixon will go on the air 627 00:36:57,000 --> 00:36:59,000 to address the nation tonight 628 00:36:59,000 --> 00:37:03,000 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. 629 00:37:04,000 --> 00:37:06,000 - It's been a day of incredible suspense, 630 00:37:06,000 --> 00:37:08,000 but the hard fact is that no one 631 00:37:08,000 --> 00:37:10,000 really knows what is going on in the president's mind. 632 00:37:11,000 --> 00:37:16,000 ♪ 633 00:37:16,000 --> 00:37:18,000 - It was a painful day. 634 00:37:18,000 --> 00:37:22,000 Tears were brimming in virtually everybody's eye. 635 00:37:25,000 --> 00:37:29,000 But the essence of every great leader I have known 636 00:37:29,000 --> 00:37:31,000 is that he was a lonely man. 637 00:37:36,000 --> 00:37:39,000 ♪ 638 00:37:39,000 --> 00:37:41,000 What? Okay. 639 00:37:41,000 --> 00:37:44,000 Only the CBS crew now is gonna be in this room. 640 00:37:44,000 --> 00:37:47,000 Only the crew. That's it. 641 00:37:47,000 --> 00:37:50,000 You got it? Now, all Secret Service, 642 00:37:50,000 --> 00:37:51,000 are there any Secret Service in the room? 643 00:37:51,000 --> 00:37:53,000 - Just one agent, Mr. President. 644 00:37:53,000 --> 00:37:54,000 - Out. 645 00:37:55,000 --> 00:37:57,000 - 15 seconds to air, please. 646 00:38:00,000 --> 00:38:02,000 - President Richard Milhous Nixon. 647 00:38:05,000 --> 00:38:07,000 - Good evening. 648 00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:10,000 This is the 37th time I have spoken to you 649 00:38:10,000 --> 00:38:12,000 from this office. 650 00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:15,000 Throughout the long and difficult period of Watergat, 651 00:38:15,000 --> 00:38:19,000 I have felt it was my duty to persevere. 652 00:38:19,000 --> 00:38:23,000 I have never been a quitter. 653 00:38:23,000 --> 00:38:25,000 To leave office before my tem is completed 654 00:38:25,000 --> 00:38:30,000 is abhorrent to every instint in my body, 655 00:38:30,000 --> 00:38:33,000 but as president, I must put the interests 656 00:38:33,000 --> 00:38:35,000 of America first. 657 00:38:38,000 --> 00:38:42,000 Therefore, I shall resign the presidency 658 00:38:42,000 --> 00:38:46,000 effective at noon tomorrow. 659 00:38:46,000 --> 00:38:49,000 I do so with this prayer: 660 00:38:49,000 --> 00:38:53,000 May God's grace be with you 661 00:38:53,000 --> 00:38:56,000 in all the days ahead. 662 00:38:58,000 --> 00:39:01,000 [soft music] 663 00:39:01,000 --> 00:39:05,000 - This is the culminating act, 664 00:39:05,000 --> 00:39:08,000 the final act of his administration, of course. 665 00:39:11,000 --> 00:39:13,000 - The first president in American history 666 00:39:13,000 --> 00:39:16,000 to be forced to leave office before the end of his term. 667 00:39:18,000 --> 00:39:22,000 Mr. Nixon resigning effective at noon tomorrow. 668 00:39:23,000 --> 00:39:25,000 [whirring] 669 00:39:28,000 --> 00:39:30,000 - This is the south side of the White House 670 00:39:31,000 --> 00:39:32,000 where, later this morning, 671 00:39:33,000 --> 00:39:36,000 President Nixon and his famiy will be leaving. 672 00:39:38,000 --> 00:39:40,000 Mr. Nixon will make farewell remarks 673 00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:44,000 to members of the White House staff, personal friends, 674 00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:47,000 all of whom have gathered here this morning. 675 00:39:47,000 --> 00:39:49,000 [applause] 676 00:39:49,000 --> 00:39:50,000 - Now, the president and Mrs. Nixon 677 00:39:50,000 --> 00:39:52,000 coming into the East Room. 678 00:39:55,000 --> 00:39:57,000 This will be the last time that he will do it 679 00:39:57,000 --> 00:40:00,000 as President of the United States. 680 00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:01,000 - Thank you. 681 00:40:05,000 --> 00:40:06,000 We think, sometimes, 682 00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:11,000 when things happen that don't go the right way, 683 00:40:11,000 --> 00:40:15,000 we think that when we lose an election, 684 00:40:15,000 --> 00:40:21,000 we think that when we suffer a defeat, 685 00:40:21,000 --> 00:40:23,000 that all has ended. 686 00:40:23,000 --> 00:40:26,000 Not true. 687 00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:29,000 It's only a beginning. Always. 688 00:40:29,000 --> 00:40:31,000 And so I say to you on this occasion, 689 00:40:31,000 --> 00:40:35,000 never get discouraged, never be petty, 690 00:40:35,000 --> 00:40:40,000 always remember, others may hate you, 691 00:40:40,000 --> 00:40:46,000 but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, 692 00:40:46,000 --> 00:40:48,000 and then you destroy yourself. 693 00:40:52,000 --> 00:40:54,000 - We come to the end of the Nixon years, 694 00:40:55,000 --> 00:41:00,000 years which saw America's greatest political comeback 695 00:41:00,000 --> 00:41:04,000 turn into America's greatest political disgrace. 696 00:41:04,000 --> 00:41:09,000 - To those who say, "Will you apologize? Are you sorry?" 697 00:41:11,000 --> 00:41:16,000 There's no way that you could apologize... 698 00:41:18,000 --> 00:41:20,000 Which would exceed 699 00:41:20,000 --> 00:41:22,000 resigning the Presidency of the United States. 700 00:41:23,000 --> 00:41:26,000 That said it all, and I don't intend to say any more. 701 00:41:28,000 --> 00:41:30,000 [whirring] 702 00:41:32,000 --> 00:41:36,000 - This will be viewed as a great watersheds of history. 703 00:41:36,000 --> 00:41:40,000 - Sometimes these watersheds last for about a generation. 704 00:41:40,000 --> 00:41:42,000 Do you think that as the lessons of, say, 705 00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:44,000 Watergate are forgotten 706 00:41:44,000 --> 00:41:46,000 we might have to go through something like this again? 707 00:41:46,000 --> 00:41:53,000 ♪ 708 00:42:06,000 --> 00:42:13,000 ♪