Pod Insights American Scandal ENCORE: Watergate | The President's Decision | 2 About this episode The Washington Post begins investigating a mysterious crime. President Nixon confronts a crisis. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more!
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0:00 Lindsay Graham? Audible subscribers can binge new seasons of American Scandal early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts. A listener note: This episode previously aired in 2022.
0:26 Lindsay Graham? It's June 17th, 1972, in Washington, D.C. It's a Saturday morning and Bob Woodward is lying in bed in his one-room apartment. Morning light begins drifting into his bedroom, but Woodward remains sound asleep. He needs the rest. It was another long and grueling week for the 29-year-old reporter for The Washington Post, and Saturday is one of the few times he can actually catch up on sleep so he can recharge and get back to covering crime and corruption. But this morning Woodward isn't so lucky. He's in the middle of a dream when his phone rings unexpectedly. Woodward's eyes shoot open. He groans and brushes his brown hair from his eyes. Then he sits up and reaches for the receiver.
1:11 Lindsay Graham? This is Woodward. Oh, hey, Bob. Did I wake you up? Woodward suppresses a groan. It's the city editor at The Post, and that can mean only one thing: Woodward is about to get an assignment, one that's gonna get him out of bed and bring him into the office. No, I wasn't sleeping, just waking up a bit. You sure? You sound a little groggy. I can call back. Nah, don't bother. What's going on? Well, I've got something for you. There's been a burglary, and I want you to look into it. A burglary? Is there anywhere else who can take it? Well, sure, Bob, but I think you're the right man for the story. Woodward rubs his eyes as he looks out the window. Look, I know these stories have gotta get covered, but I'm tired of covering local crime. You know I've been trying to do something bigger.
1:54 Lindsay Graham? Look, I get it. You've been assigned your fair share of crooked cops and dirty restaurants, and I know you just finished that series about George Wallace and the assassination attempt, but you gotta listen to me. This burglary is bigger than those. You haven't covered a story like this one. What in the world are you saying? Five men got busted. They had cameras and electronic equipment. They weren't robbing some jewelry store. They hit the Democratic headquarters. A political party's office? They don't have any cash lying around, anything valuable at all. I know, it doesn't make sense. But you think it could be something big? Maybe, maybe not, but we can't say for sure unless we do the work, right? So what do you say, come in, make a few calls, then this afternoon, there's a prelim hearing.
2:37 Lindsay Graham? The suspects are all gonna be down at the courthouse, so get down there and sniff it out. Woodward takes a deep breath. He did want to take the day off, but this lead has piqued his interest. Now wait, you said they had cameras and electronic equipment? That's right. Kind of tools you'd use to spy on someone? That's what I'm thinking. Okay, you sold me. I'm on my way.
3:02 Lindsay Graham? Woodward hangs up and throws the covers off his bed. And as he gets dressed, he mulls over the story. This Watergate caper is unlikely to be a big national story. It's probably just another petty crime. And while Woodward has only been at the post for nine months, he's still ready to move on from these kinds of small stories. He wants bigger and more complex pieces. Still, Woodward has to admit that there is something unusual about this, and that makes it worth looking into. Because while it could be just a matter of some guys looking to score some quick cash, his editor is right. The break-in at the Watergate could be something more. A political stunt, or maybe even political espionage.
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5:17 Lindsay Graham? In the lead up to the 1972 election, President Richard Nixon's reelection committee hatched a plan. They would break into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington. They would gather information on their political enemies, and the burglars would install equipment allowing them to continue spying on Democratic staffers. The plan moved ahead, but it quickly went awry. On June 17, 1972, in the early hours of the morning, five of Nixon's operatives were caught breaking into the DNC's headquarters. For law enforcement, the crime at first seemed inexplicable, but the FBI quickly launched an investigation, attempting to figure out the burglars' motives. But law enforcement officials weren't the only ones looking into the crime.
5:59 Lindsay Graham? Two young journalists at The Washington Post began to report on the Watergate case. They pursued leads and examined every clue, and it wasn't long before they realized that the men behind the break-in all had direct ties to the Nixon administration. As the two reporters pursued the story, they followed a trail of corruption and crime that seemed to lead to the White House and a presidential administration working very hard to cover up its tracks. This is Episode 2: The President's Decision.
6:32 Lindsay Graham? It's the morning of June 17, 1972, and G. Gordon Liddy is standing in the basement of the White House's West Wing. He's nervous and sweaty, and any minute, he's going to deliver news that's certain to spiral into a heated conflict. Liddy was the architect of the Watergate burglary, and right now, he's standing inside the Intelligence Command Center, known as the Situation Room. It was the only place he was certain he could find a secure phone line. And security and a guarantee of privacy are what Liddy needs more than anything right now. Just earlier this morning, the Watergate burglary collapsed into chaos. Lyddie can't stop replaying all the confusion, the shriek of walkie-talkie feedback, the moment that he learned police were arresting his men, and Lyddie's own frantic escape
7:17 Lindsay Graham? from the Watergate Hotel. There wasn't a chance he'd catch even a minute of sleep, especially knowing he'd have to recount the disaster to senior members of the President's reelection committee. So Lyddie paces around the Situation Room, waiting for the phone to ring. When it finally does, Lyddie answers to the voice of Jeb McGruder, Deputy Director of the Committee to Reelect the President. McGruder sounds gruff and demands to know why Lyddie called from a secure line. What happened with the break-in? Lyddie runs a hand across his head and tells McGruder the grim news. All the burglars are now in police custody. McGruder is silent for a moment, but then he barks at Lyddie, asking what the hell happened? How did the operation go so wrong?
8:01 Lindsay Graham? Lyddie says he's not sure. Someone must have told the police. They sent in officers in civilian clothes, and that's what confused the lookout. But Lyddie says there is some good news. So far, there's no indication that the police are looking for him or E. Howard Hunt, the other senior member of the operation. On top of that, the burglars are mostly Cuban-Americans with no direct ties to the White House. They'll likely keep quiet when they face questioning. McGruder breathes a sigh of relief and says that's all good to hear. But then Lyddie tells him the bad news. One of the burglars was James McCord, a former CIA agent and a current head of security for the Committee to Reelect the President. He poses a serious risk.
8:45 Lindsay Graham? Hearing this news, McGruder unloads again, saying he can't believe it. What was Lyddie thinking getting McCord involved? He's on the payroll for the reelection committee. He is directly linked to the Nixon administration. That was a colossal mistake. Lyddie is stung by the insults, and he doesn't think they're completely fair. He reminds McGruder that he's the one who insisted on a tight timetable for the whole operation. Lyddie needed a bugging expert, and McCord was the only one he could find on short notice. So if McGruder needs someone to blame, he should take a look in the mirror. Hearing this, McGruder yells that the conversation is over. He has to go make another call. It's time to speak with their boss, John Mitchell, and give him an update on this nightmare.
9:30 Lindsay Graham? McGruder hangs up. Lyddie sets down the phone, dazed. It's not only that he disappointed his colleagues and exposed the president to harm, but Lyddie himself could very well go to prison. Lyddie tries to calm himself by remembering that this mission was undertaken for the right reason. He was trying to get President Nixon re-elected. That's essential for the future of the country, something Lyddie will never apologize for. Still, Lyddie is in no hurry to go to jail. He has to get home as soon as possible and prepare to go into hiding.
10:05 Lindsay Graham? Several hours later, Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward enters the Washington DC Superior Courthouse. He steps into a courtroom with worn wooden tables and fluorescent lights overhead. It's a courthouse he knows well, and if everything goes as expected, soon the Watergate burglars will go through their pre-trial motions. Nothing useful will come out of it, and Woodward will have to return to the newsroom and keep trying to figure out how this story adds up. Woodward surveys the courtroom, seeing if anything stands out. And it's then he notices something. In the middle row is a young man, wearing an expensive suit. His eyes are also darting all across the room. He seems a little uncomfortable and out of place.
10:47 Lindsay Graham? Woodward needs to know more, so he takes a seat next to the man and strikes up a conversation. After some initial questions, he learns that the man is an attorney, but he's not representing the Watergate burglars. So Woodward asks what seems to be the next natural question. What's the attorney doing here, then? But the man remains cagey, saying, "Please don't take it personally. I just don't have anything to say." Woodward squints at the attorney. There's something off about him, something hiding behind this evasive response. So Woodward presses again, asking the lawyer about his clients. The man repeats that the Watergate burglars are not his clients, and he's unwilling to speak any further.
11:29 Lindsay Graham? Hearing this, Woodward is now convinced there's more to this story than just a burglary. Something's going on. So he keeps pestering the attorney, asking questions, until finally the man admits he does know one of the defendants. He got a call in the middle of the night from the defendant's wife, and she told him about her husband's legal troubles. But that's all he's gonna say. Woodward nods. He can tell the attorney is clamming up. So he turns back to the front of the courtroom and waits.
11:59 Lindsay Graham? Soon the five suspects are let in. They're wearing dark suits and maintain grim expressions as the prosecutor reads out the official charges. He adds that this isn't an everyday crime. The suspects seem to have a clandestine purpose, and for that reason, they should not be released on bond. When the prosecutor finishes, the judge turns to the suspects and asks the men to describe their professions. One says that they're anti-communists, the others not in agreement. The judge seems unconvinced and points at one of the suspects. The man has a square jaw and a weary look in his eyes. The judge asks this suspect his name. Looking down, the man says his name is James McCord. The judge then asks McCord what he does for a living, and McCord replies that he's a
12:43 Lindsay Graham? security consultant who recently retired from government service. Staring at McCord, the judge asks for specifics. Where did he work in government? McCord mumbles, and the judge orders him to speak up, and in a voice barely louder than a whisper, McCord replies that he was formerly employed by the CIA. Out in the spectator seating area, Bob Woodward gasps and mutters a curse. The CIA. Those three letters change everything about this case, because if McCord used to be part of the CIA, there's a possibility that the agency or other federal officials were involved in this burglary. That could point to something with huge implications. Maybe that's the reason high-powered attorneys have shown up in the courtroom.
13:28 Lindsay Graham? Woodward's heart begins to pound. As soon as the hearing wraps up, he rushes out into the busy streets of downtown and grabs a taxi. He has to get back to the Washington Post newsroom and start making calls. He doesn't yet know what any of this adds up to, but if his gut tells him anything, it's that he just landed a big story.
13:51 Lindsay Graham? The next day, President Richard Nixon takes a seat in his sprawling waterfront compound in Key Biscayne, Florida, a vacation home where Nixon comes to get away from everything. Earlier this morning, Nixon woke up feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the sunshine. That changed when he picked up a copy of the Miami Herald. There, on the front page, was a short article describing a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington. Right away, Nixon felt uneasy. He wondered if this might somehow come back to hurt him. Nixon reminded himself that he's probably overreacting, getting worked up about nothing. There's still a lot that's unknown about the burglary. Still, Nixon isn't going to sit back and wait for the reporters to dig up dirt.
14:34 Lindsay Graham? He has to get ahead of the story, and that means calling staff members who might know more about the break-in. Nixon picks up a phone and dials his special counsel, Charles Coulson. Coulson speaking. Hello, Chuck. Mr. President, how are you, sir? Ah, I've been better. I picked up the newspaper and did not like what I saw. You're referring to the events at the Watergate? That's the one. Well, Mr. President, I didn't like what I saw either. I was going to call you to discuss this, but only at the appropriate time. The appropriate time is right now. So give it to me straight. I mean, what's going on here? A bunch of men running around in surgical gloves trying to bug the DNC? What the hell is that? Some kind of prank? I'm afraid not, sir.
15:18 Lindsay Graham? Tell me that none of our people are that dumb. I need to hear that, Chuck. I need to hear that right now. Coulson lets out a sigh, and it's in that moment that Nixon realizes he has a serious problem. Sir, I'll have to get back to you on that. Now, you listen to me. I know we've deployed people on occasion to get things done for us, but this Watergate thing, I would never, never have approved anything like that. I know, and believe me, sir, we're getting our arms around this. Ah, fine. If you have any updates, you come to me. You don't keep me in the dark. Am I clear? Yes, sir. Entirely clear.
15:58 Lindsay Graham? Nixon hangs up with a sour taste in his mouth. He can already imagine the attacks he'll face if any of his men are implicated in the break-in. It'll be savage, and the timing couldn't be worse. The election is less than five months away. Nixon wishes he could get back to the Florida sunshine and enjoy himself, but he can't stay here dawdling by the seashore. It's time to get back to Washington. He needs to huddle with his top men, figure out how to keep this wild scheme from ruining his political future. It's June 19th, 1972, in Washington DC. The newsroom of the Washington Post is bustling with phones ringing and reporters shouting to each other across the room.
16:40 Lindsay Graham? It's not the easiest place to focus, but reporter Bob Woodward is trying to tune out the distractions and concentrate on the deluge of information coming out about the Watergate burglary, especially with the incredible details that have just emerged. The Associated Press reported that James McCord, one of the burglars and the former agent for the CIA, was also the security coordinator for President Nixon's reelection committee. This connection doesn't directly implicate any high-level officials in government, but Woodward can sense that somehow it's going to prove significant. And it's not the only detail that has Woodward looking at the White House. Last night, he got a call from a Post reporter who covers the DC police. That reporter said that police had recovered address books from two of the Watergate burglars.
17:25 Lindsay Graham? Inside was the name of Howard Hunt. Next to Hunt's name were the notations WH and W House, clear references to the White House. It was yet another stunning piece of information that tied the Nixon administration to the Watergate burglars, so Woodward dug deeper. He made some phone calls, hoping to learn more about Howard Hunt, the name listed in the burglar's address book. From these conversations, Woodward learned that Hunt himself was a consultant to the White House. This fact itself isn't enough to justify a story. It could even be grounds for a libel suit, but with all the connections emerging between the burglary and the White House, Woodward knows he can't stop now.
18:06 Lindsay Graham? He needs to keep assembling the puzzle pieces, and he needs to keep reporting, so he can share the full picture with the American public.
18:15 Lindsay Graham? Woodward taps his pen against his notebook, trying to figure out next steps. It's then he remembers one of his sources, a contact in government he reaches out to from time to time. He's not the easiest source, because while he is willing to discuss classified information, he's only willing to do so on the condition that it remains off the record. The source also won't allow Woodward to share his identity with anyone else at the post, and he's made clear that he should be considered an option of last resort. But Woodward believes this is one of those times. So taking a deep breath, Woodward picks up the phone and dials his secret government contact.
18:53 Lindsay Graham? The man picks up, his voice low and gravelly. He asks why Woodward is calling. Woodward says he needs to talk about Watergate, and wants to know if there's any significant link to the White House. There's a long pause, and then the source says he will confirm that Howard Hunt, consultant to the White House, is a prime suspect in connection with burglary. The FBI is looking at him closely, and not just because his name was in the address books of the burglars. Woodward's eyes light up. He's about to ask for more information, when his source reminds him that this is all off the record. Then he hangs up.
19:30 Lindsay Graham? Woodward sets down his phone, his heart beating fast. He just confirmed that a White House associate is under investigation in connection with a Watergate break-in. That information is enough to justify a story. Woodward feeds a sheet of paper into his typewriter, begins pounding out the headline and opening paragraphs. The first few sentences are clunky, but Woodward knows they'll get smoothed out. He can rely on the other reporter who's going to be working alongside him as a partner. Carl Bernstein is a great writer and editor, and he'll help reshape the article till it's ready for the front page. As Woodward pounds away at the typewriter, he gets the intoxicating feeling of forward movement and momentum. He has no doubt that he and Bernstein are going to have many front-page stories in the weeks to come.
20:13 Lindsay Graham? There's so much to learn about this Watergate break-in, Woodward can feel it in his gut. And if this story keeps progressing the way it already has, it's going to quickly turn from a small-scale burglary to a serious political scandal.
20:31 Speaker 02 Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia spent her life exposing powerful people. Then, in 2017, she was killed in a car bombing. I'm Stephen Gray, and for the past nine years, I've been trying to find out who wanted her dead. That search took me to Malta through secret companies, organised crime, and eventually to one of the island's richest and most powerful men. Now, after years of waiting, his trial has finally happened. But when the verdict came in, the case took a turn that almost no one had expected. In a brand-new update to the multi-award-winning podcast Who Killed Daphne?, I'm returning to Malta to find out how we got there and where the search for the truth goes next.
21:13 Speaker 02 Listen to the new episode of Who Killed Daphne? wherever you get your podcasts, and you can hear the full six-part investigation from the beginning, ad-free, with Audible. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app and by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.
21:31 Speaker 03 There are books that change how you see the world, and there are books that change how you see yourself. In a new podcast series, A Great Book with Barack Obama, President Obama sits down with a series of surprising and sharp guests to explore six books that have shaped his life and perspective on the world. From Song of Solomon and The Fire Next Time, to All the Pretty Horses and Gilead, the president is joined by guests like Tom Hanks and Ta-Nehisi Coates to reflect on how these timeless stories shaped his thinking on everything from fatherhood to leadership, and discover together what they tell us about the world we live in and the world we want to create.
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22:38 Lindsay Graham? It's June 21st, 1972, in Washington DC. A vicious storm lashes the nation's capital. And President Richard Nixon is sitting in the Oval Office, watching the rain pelt the windows. There's a knock on the door, and Nixon turns to find his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. With his navy blue suit and short cropped hair, Haldeman normally gives off an air of control and stability. But today, he looks unsettled. And that can mean only one thing: This is going to be yet another brutal meeting. Days ago, Haldeman confirmed the President's worst fears. He revealed that Nixon's operatives were responsible for the break-in at the Watergate. And the five burglars who were caught weren't the only ones involved.
23:19 Lindsay Graham? Two White House operatives, E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy, also took part, planning the break-in. The implications were immediately apparent to the President. Nixon realized that the break-in could be traced back to the White House. And if that happens, his entire administration will be subject to scrutiny. It could be a Pandora's Box, revealing any number of White House secrets that should never see the light of day. And the threat is not just hypothetical. FBI investigators are already prying into the Watergate burglary. They're getting too close for comfort, and if federal agents uncover the full truth, Nixon's administration could suffer major legal consequences, not to mention the public
23:59 Lindsay Graham? fallout, which could cost Nixon and the Republicans the upcoming election. Nixon has to find a way through this mess, to protect himself and his allies. So, sitting across from his Chief of Staff, Nixon asks Haldeman for updates on the situation, as well as any potential solutions he's identified. Haldeman clears his throat, and tells the President that he's been discussing the situation with John Ehrlichman, the President's Assistant for Domestic Affairs. They agree that the most pressing issue is the FBI's investigation. They can't allow federal agents to follow the evidence any further, because Nixon could suffer the consequences. With a grim expression, Nixon nods. It's clear that his Chief of Staff is just as worried as he is.
24:42 Lindsay Graham? But Haldeman says that he and the President's Assistant have a plan. A simple one. Pin all the responsibility for the burglary on G. Gordon Liddy, the General Counsel for Nixon's reelection committee.
24:54 Lindsay Graham? Nixon raises an eyebrow. He asks how a single scapegoat could possibly fix the entire situation. Haldeman reminds the president that Lydi is, in fact, the person most responsible for the break-in. The administration can use this fact to their advantage. They can say that Lydi was a rogue agent, the mastermind of an operation that he kept secret from all his bosses. And the best part, Haldeman adds, is that Lydi is doggedly loyal. He'll cooperate with the cover story, and he'll plead guilty. That'll put a stop to the FBI's investigation. There won't be a trial, and it'll bring a quick end to a civil lawsuit recently filed by the DNC. Then Haldeman leans forward on the couch. He says all he needs now is Nixon's authorization to move forward with the plan.
25:39 Lindsay Graham? Nixon looks out again at the pouring rain as he mulls the options in front of him. The solution does sound elegant, and one that could work. But Nixon has a concern. He wants to know if this cover story will protect John Mitchell, the former Attorney General, and the man currently running his reelection campaign. Mitchell is an old friend, and Nixon can't allow him to become collateral damage. Haldeman tells the president that he's nearly certain Mitchell would be safe if they make Lydi the fall guy, but he can't offer a complete guarantee. It's a difficult possibility for Nixon to absorb. He knows he has to prioritize his own survival, and this sounds like a good plan, at least on a strategic level. But it's hard to believe he might have to sacrifice a longtime friend like Mitchell.
26:23 Lindsay Graham? And beyond any personal betrayal, the plan is still fraught with peril. If Nixon gives a go-ahead from this moment forward, he'll be complicit in a cover-up. This kind of conspiracy is no small proposition, and Nixon needs a few moments to make up his mind. Thunder peels out like a gunshot from somewhere in the distance. Finally Nixon looks back at his chief of staff. He's made a decision. The White House has to remain insulated from Watergate. Haldeman should move forward with the plan, pin the blame on G. Gordon Lydi, and put an end to this fiasco. But then Nixon says, there's one more thing. They also have to get control of the FBI. Someone has to visit the FBI's acting director and get assurances that he'll play ball.
27:08 Lindsay Graham? Haldeman nods and says he can get someone to handle that mission. Then he rises and exits the Oval Office.
27:17 Lindsay Graham? Alone, Nixon loosens the collar of his shirt. Once again, he's been forced to make the best choice among a series of bad options. It's the nature of the job, and he'll have plenty more hard choices ahead of him if he wins reelection. So there's no time to get wrapped up in any moral debates, because right now only one thing matters: Nixon has to protect himself and his administration, doing whatever it takes to put Watergate behind them. Later that day, White House Counsel John Dean stepped into FBI headquarters in Washington. As one of the top lawyers for the President, Dean is no stranger to conflict or high-stakes situations, but the mission today has left him feeling especially nervous.
28:01 Lindsay Graham? In just a few minutes, Dean is going to sit down with L. Patrick Gray, the Acting Director of the FBI. Dean is supposed to ask Gray to pledge his loyalty to Richard Nixon and have the FBI bend the rules on behalf of the President. Dean rounds a corner as he nears the office of the Acting FBI Director. He feels ill, physically uncomfortable. He never thought something like this would be part of his job as Counsel to the President. But while Dean is a true believer in President Nixon, he wants to see the President win the upcoming election. This mission feels compromised. It even feels dirty. Dean reaches the office of L. Patrick Gray and knocks on the door. Come on in.
28:45 Lindsay Graham? Dean steps into the office and finds the Acting FBI Director behind his desk. His face is pale and looks like he's been sweating. Dean knows that he's only had this job for a month. Maybe he's feeling overwhelmed, and that might work to the President's advantage. Dean closes the door and takes a seat. Patrick, thanks for seeing me on such short notice. Well, it's no problem. If the President needs something, I'm always here. I'm glad to hear you say that. It's good to know we're on the same team. Of course, but what can I do for you? Well, I'll be candid. I need you to get control over this Watergate investigation. Watergate? What's the issue? Well, the issue is the President is worried. He thinks this break-in could wind up being a distraction for the American people.
29:28 Lindsay Graham? It's coming at a time when they should be thinking about the election. That might be, but we are just doing our job like we always do. Oh, let me be clear: I'm not saying the FBI shouldn't investigate the burglary. We just want to make sure you're investigating it the right way. The right way? Yes, the right way. If you and your agents get any leads in the case, hold on to them for the time being. Don't share them with any lawyers prosecuting burglars. That'll just make the distraction worse. Gray shifts in his seat. Dean can tell that this request made the FBI's leader uncomfortable. But Dean has orders and can't back down. And Patrick, there's another thing. No more re-interviews of White House staff. Put a hold on that too until further notice. Well, I hear you, but I understand.
30:12 Lindsay Graham? I also have to consider the FBI's reputation. I don't want to do anything that could turn out to be an embarrassment for the Bureau. I don't want to do anything illegal. You wouldn't be, but you would be acting in the interest of the country. Are we on the same page? Gray nods. Good. Now, I'm gonna get back to the White House, but I'm gonna tell the President that he can count on you. Dean exits the office and steps back into the hallway. But as he makes his way out of the FBI headquarters, he suddenly feels very exhausted. He stops and takes a moment to breathe and compose himself. Dean knows he was just following orders. He was only trying to help the President. Still, it does not feel right.
30:55 Lindsay Graham? And Dean has the sinking feeling that this troubling conversation was only the first of many more to come. It's June 23rd, 1972, two days later, inside the Oval Office. Richard Nixon paces in circles, scowling, as he takes in the latest in a string of terrible news. Sitting across from him, Nixon's Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman, is explaining how the White House has failed to control the FBI. The Bureau's Acting Director, L. Patrick Gray, promised to follow orders. He assured the White House that he'd place limits on the investigation into Watergate. But those assurances have already proven to be hollow. Federal agents have just uncovered the money trail connecting Watergate and the President's reelection committee.
31:40 Lindsay Graham? That means any attempt to pin the blame on G. Gordon Liddy will fall flat.
31:47 Lindsay Graham? Nixon shakes his head in disbelief. Lyddie was at the center of their plan. He was supposed to be the fall guy, the one who would take all the blame and protect the administration. But with this new FBI discovery, that plan's off the table. Nixon continues pacing the Oval Office, furious. With this failure, his political future is once again on the line, and he can't see a way to remedy it. The FBI is going to keep digging, and soon they'll discover how senior members of Nixon's reelection committee were responsible for the burglary. It's a disaster. Nixon's chief of staff takes a deep breath and says there is a Plan B. It comes from John Mitchell, the head of the reelection committee, Nixon's close confidant. Nixon stops pacing.
32:31 Lindsay Graham? He trusts Mitchell, and if his longtime friend has an idea, it's worth pursuing. So Haldeman explains the details. They'll get in contact with the CIA and ask for a favor. That agency's deputy director will need to speak with Patrick Gray, the head of the FBI. He'll imply that the FBI needs to call off its investigation of Watergate, that there are highly classified details relevant to the CIA which need to remain secret. That kind of warning is likely to stop the FBI's investigation in its tracks. Nixon gazes at his chief of staff as he thinks over this new plan. It does make sense. It's not pretty. It's not clean. So it seems like a way forward. So Nixon nods and tells Haldeman, "Get moving with the new plan.
33:15 Lindsay Graham? They'll bring in the CIA, and with the help of that agency, they'll shut down any investigation into Watergate."
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34:09 Speaker 04 It's a world of wonderful words, big imaginations and plenty of heart for the whole family. Listen to the Cat in the Hat podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all 20 episodes early and ad free right now.
34:26 Speaker 05 A trucker merges onto the I-10 in New Orleans. He checks his mirrors. The lane is clear and then boom, impact. A pickup truck seemingly out of nowhere scrapes down the side of his 18 wheeler. Multiple passengers inside. One man flees the scene and the driver of the pickup? He doesn't seem all that upset. It didn't feel like a regular accident because it wasn't. Across the city, truckers are getting sideswiped, all on the same stretch of the same freeway. And behind many of the cases is one person, a Hollywood stunt woman turned personal injury lawyer named Vanessa Moda. This podcast is a story about fake accidents that lead to real consequences and a scheme that ends in betrayal and murder.
35:11 Speaker 05 Listen to Over My Dead Body, Operation Sideswipe wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes early and ad free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
35:35 Lindsay Graham? It's the evening of September 14th, 1972. Carl Bernstein walks down a tree-lined street in a suburban neighborhood of Washington, DC. The night is getting late and Bernstein is making his way past a series of middle-class homes, cars in the driveways and TVs lighting up the living rooms. Soon Bernstein reaches a tract house. He glances down at his notebook, double checking the address. This is the home he's been looking for. Bernstein tucks away the notebook. Then he begins walking up the driveway, approaching the front door and preparing for a conversation that could turn volatile.
36:10 Lindsay Graham? Bernstein is hoping it won't come to that, and that this meeting will prove to be a big break. The 28-year-old is an investigative journalist with The Washington Post. He covers major stories involving corruption, and recently, nothing's been a bigger story than the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Bernstein has been teaming up with Bob Woodward, another reporter at The Post, and together the two have been feverishly covering the twists and turns of the burglary. They've written about John Mitchell's surprise resignation as the head of the President's reelection committee. They reported on another sensational arrest, with law enforcement booking E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy, the suspected leaders of the team of burglars. And then just days ago, Bernstein made a new and exciting discovery.
36:52 Lindsay Graham? He learned from a source about a strange back-and-forth involving the FBI and a bookkeeper from Nixon's reelection committee. Apparently, the bookkeeper was questioned by federal agents investigating Watergate. But the bookkeeper wasn't satisfied with her interrogation. She thought the agents didn't ask her hard enough questions. So she went back to the FBI and volunteered to be questioned a second time. Apparently, she sincerely wanted to help the Bureau and expose corruption inside the President's reelection committee. It's an incredible lead for a story, and it's why Bernstein is approaching this suburban house right now. He's going to surprise the bookkeeper with a visit, and if she's willing to open up, Bernstein and Woodward will have another piece on the front page.
37:42 Lindsay Graham? The woman opening the door has a weary look on her face. "Ah, someone else. You must be here for my sister. Come on in." Bernstein nods and follows her into the living room. A moment later, a young woman with brown hair and glasses emerges from the kitchen. This must be the bookkeeper. "Good evening, ma'am. My name's Carl Bernstein. I'm a reporter." "Oh, my God, you're from The Washington Post?" "That's right. The newspaper." "Yes, ma'am." "You'll have to go, I'm sorry, but it's late. Now's not the time." "Well, I promise I'll be fast. I only need a couple of minutes." "No, I'm sorry, I can't, I can't talk with you." "You can't talk? Or you don't feel comfortable talking?" The bookkeeper sighs as she looks off into the distance. "Ma'am, look, I need your help, and I think you want to help.
38:27 Lindsay Graham? That's why you went back to the FBI, right? That's why you asked for a second interview." Maybe you don't trust them. Maybe you don't think they've got the right intentions. But I promise you, I'm only concerned with one thing. That's getting to the truth. The truth. Where do you reporters get your information anyhow? That's what nobody at the committee can figure out. It's my job to know things. Well, somebody is certainly giving you good information if you knew I went back to the prosecutors. Well, if you wouldn't mind, can you tell me more? Look, I counted the money at the reelection committee. My boss, Mr. Stantz, he kept a bunch of cash in the safe. It was a lot. That would be Maurice Stantz, CRP Finance Chairman? Yeah, that's right. And at first, I thought, all this cash must be some kind of all-purpose political fund, like to take people out to dinner.
39:13 Lindsay Graham? But that's not what it was. Some kind of slush fund, huh? Secret? Yeah, it was secret. I saw who got the money, though. And then after Watergate, I realized they must have used that cash to fund the bugging operation. And who were they? Who got the money? They were the top officials. The same people working alongside John Mitchell. But I can't give you names. What about initials? Give me their initials, and you can truthfully say that you never named names. The bookkeeper hesitates for a moment. L and M and P. And that's all I'm gonna give you. It's time for you to go. Bernstein is vibrating with excitement. He wants to ask for more, but he can see that he's already outstayed his welcome.
39:57 Lindsay Graham? So he nods, and the bookkeeper leads him to the door.
40:03 Lindsay Graham? As he hurries down the walkway, Bernstein feels his heart is about to leap into his throat. He's just confirmed that the president's reelection committee played a role in funding the Watergate break-in, a burglary that appears to have targeted their political opponents. And with the bookkeeper's clues, he now knows the names of two people who received the money. G. Gordon Liddy, the counsel for the reelection committee, and Jeb McGruder, the committee's deputy director. It's a huge development. And so on his way back to Washington, Bernstein stops at a payphone. He wants to tell Woodward everything he just learned from the bookkeeper. But after Woodward picks up the phone, reality begins to sink in. The two reporters are now in dangerous territory. They need to be more careful.
40:46 Lindsay Graham? So Bernstein decides not to say everything over the phone. Instead, he tells Woodward that he's coming over so they can talk in person. He learned something big, and they may be one step closer to identifying the top officials behind Watergate.
41:03 Lindsay Graham? Two days later, Bob Woodward picks up his phone in the Washington Post newsroom. He's getting ready to make a call, one that should allow him and Carl Bernstein to publish a shocking story. It's coming on the heels of a troubling announcement from the US Department of Justice. Yesterday, the DOJ charged the five Watergate burglars with federal crimes. Prosecutors also charged the two supposed architects of the burglary, E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy. President Nixon's Attorney General made clear that the indictments were the result of a thorough and objective investigation. But there weren't any more charges, and that left Woodward and Bernstein in shock. After speaking with the bookkeeper from the President's reelection committee, Bernstein learned that higher-up officials working to reelect the President were responsible
41:48 Lindsay Graham? for the burglary. Those men should have been charged, but they weren't, and the two reporters were outraged. They were all but ready to publish their story about the bookkeeper and her meetings with the FBI, but first Woodward knew he had to do his due diligence. He had to speak with his secretive source inside the government, someone who can confirm that their reporting is accurate. So Woodward dials his phone and cradles the handset against his ear. Phone rings and keeps ringing. Woodward is about to hang up when suddenly he hears the gravelly voice of his confidential government contact, a man who Woodward and his new editor now call "Deep Throat." The nickname is a bit of wordplay. The source won't let himself be identified or quoted in print, even anonymously.
42:32 Lindsay Graham? He'll only confirm information that Woodward has acquired elsewhere. Reporters refer to these kind of conversations as "taking place on deep background." Woodward's managing editor spun that into the nickname "Deep Throat," also a play on the title of a recent adult film. Ever since, Woodward, Bernstein, and their editors have used the nickname for the source.
42:55 Lindsay Graham? So now, having him on the phone, Woodward launches into a conversation with Deep Throat, saying that he and Bernstein are writing an article about a secret slush fund at the President's reelection committee. They got the information from a bookkeeper. Woodward continues explaining the gist of their upcoming article. They'll claim that Nixon campaign workers spoke to federal investigators looking into Watergate. And these campaign employees made a big accusation that the Watergate burglars received financial backing from top officials in Nixon's reelection committee. Woodward then picks up a draft of the story and begins reading it out loud to Deep Throat. When he finishes, he waits for his source to respond and confirm whether the story is accurate. Right away, Deep Throat offers a stinging assessment.
43:40 Lindsay Graham? But it's not about accuracy. Deep Throat says the story is too soft. Woodward and Bernstein can hit the reelection campaign much harder. Woodward sits up, excited. He'd love to be more aggressive, but he wants to know what Deep Throat has in mind. Deep Throat says they're thinking too narrowly. Watergate wasn't the only espionage operation funded by Nixon's reelection committee. And there were more people approving payments than just the associates of John Mitchell, former Attorney General and the former head of the committee. All of this runs much deeper. Woodward scribbles down notes, his heart beating quickly. This is a huge break. If Deep Throat is right, this is a much bigger story than they could ever have imagined. Woodward pauses to thank his source for the help.
44:25 Lindsay Graham? Then he asks if there's anything else he can reveal. Deep Throat pauses before admitting that there is more. He doesn't want to continue talking over the phone, though. Woodward and Bernstein are entering dangerous territory. From now on, they should only meet in person. Woodward tenses up. He asks Deep Throat what he means. How are they in dangerous territory? Deep Throat responds that Watergate involves enormous stakes for the White House, much bigger than anyone on the outside realizes. Their investigation poses a real threat to people in power, people who want to stay in power. And with that, Woodward hears a click, and the phone line goes dead.
45:05 Lindsay Graham? For a moment Woodward sits completely still, his hand trembling. He's doing his job as a journalist, a profession that's protected by the United States Constitution. And yet, it's clear that someone in the Nixon administration does not want him and Bernstein to pursue the story. Watergate must run very deep. It must involve senior members of Nixon's administration. Maybe even the President of the United States himself.
45:34 Lindsay Graham? From Wondery, this is episode two of Watergate: From American Scandal. In our next episode, President Nixon doubles down in his attempt to control the FBI. And taking aim at the White House, Woodward and Bernstein make a costly mistake.
45:50 Lindsay Graham? American Scandal is only possible because of listeners like you, so thank you. And don't miss an episode. Be sure to follow American Scandal on Audible or wherever you get your podcasts. And Audible subscribers can binge new seasons of American Scandal early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts. And to find out more about me, including my other podcasts, my live show, the history tours I'm arranging, and all sorts of other things, go to historyishuman.com. That's historyishuman.com. If you'd like to learn more about Watergate, we recommend the books Watergate by Fred Emory and All the President's Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. This episode contains reenactments and dramatized details.
46:35 Lindsay Graham? And while in most cases we can't know exactly what was said, all our dramatizations are based on historical research. American Scandal is hosted, edited, and executive produced by me, Lindsay Graham, for Airship. Audio editing by Molly Bach. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Music by Lindsay Graham. This episode is written by Hannibal Diaz, edited by Christina Mallsberger. Our senior producer is Gabe Riven. Executive producers are Stephanie Jens, Jenny Lauer-Beckman, and Marshall Louie for Wondery.
47:07 Lindsay Graham? Journalist Tristan Redmond goes where no son-in-law should ever go. Deep into his wife's family history, digging up the cold case of who murdered her great-grandmother. Because, I should mention, he thinks the murderer might actually be the beloved family patriarch. For the best bingeable series like Ghost Story, listen to the Audible True Crime Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
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