BONUS: Why Didn't Nixon Destroy the Watergate Tapes?
America: The Story of the USA · Liam Heffernan
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Show Notes
In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon, discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation from the White House.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America
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Highlights from this episode:
- Nixon's downfall was significantly influenced by his desire to maintain a favorable legacy, which ironically led to his undoing.
- The investigation into Watergate involved many key figures beyond Woodward and Bernstein, including the FBI and Congress.
- Nixon's reluctance to destroy the incriminating tapes stemmed from his aspirations for greatness and historical legacy.
- The role of the FBI in uncovering the Watergate scandal was crucial, as they were pivotal in tracing the hush money involved.
- Deep Throat's identity remained a secret for over thirty years, revealing the complexities of the investigation into Watergate.
- Ultimately, Nixon's actions during the Watergate scandal overshadowed his significant achievements in foreign policy and environmental protection.
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Additional Resources:
Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan
John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History
Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
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