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Nixon & Agnew 1972. Behind the scenes. Nixon administration pursued political enemies with Legal means Illegal means “dirty tricks” campaign against Vietnam war opponents Break-in at Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist office (Pentagon papers case). The Plumbers.
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Behind the scenes Nixon administration pursued political enemies with • Legal means • Illegal means • “dirty tricks” campaign against Vietnam war opponents • Break-in at Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist office (Pentagon papers case)
The Plumbers • Nickname for secret White House/CREEP group paid from “slush fund” • May 1972: bugged Democratic Campaign headquarters.
1972-06-12 Arrests at the Watergate • Arrested for breakin at Watergate Hotel headquarters of Democratic Party • James McCord • Frank Sturgis • Eugenio R. Martinez • Virgilio R. Gonzales • Bernard L. Barker
James McCord G. Gordon Liddy 6 Convictions Link b/t Nixon & Burglars RNC security 4 other burglars also convicted
E Howard Hunt Charles Colson The “evil genius” Nixon Aids: Doing Time
John Ehrlichman: domestic advisor HR Haldeman: Chief of staff More Convictions!
Whoa! • John Mitchell: Nixon law partner, Atty General, campaign director • John Dean: WH legal counsel
1973-10-10 Agnew Resigned • Corruption in State of Maryland • Separate Scandal From Watergate • Replaced by Mich. Senator Gerald Ford (under provisions of the new 25th amendment)
Ongoing Court & Congressional Inquiry 1973-4 Pivotal Event: • Supreme Court orders Nixon to hand over audio tapes of Oval Office meetings • Tapes reveal widespread conspiracy & coverup in WH
Nixon Resigns 1974-08-09 To my disgust, Pres. Ford pardoned him
Watergate • Exposed dangers of Presidential ambition and abuse of power • Nixon eventually forced out • Democrats control Congress 1976 • Legal reforms • Campaign finance reform • Special Prosecutor Law • CIA & Domestic Spying Reform