From the archives: Nixon tells reporters "I'm not a crook" at Disney World in 1973

Key Concepts

Watergate Scandal: The political scandal involving the Nixon administration, stemming from a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
Missing Tapes: Two White House tape recordings related to conversations about Watergate that could not be found.
Executive Privilege: The principle that the President can withhold information from Congress or the courts to protect national security or the functioning of the executive branch.
Campaign Finance: The rules and practices surrounding the funding of political campaigns, including the legality of corporate contributions.
Energy Crisis: The looming shortage of oil and other energy sources, and the administration's response.
Milk Fund: Allegations of a quid pro quo between the administration and milk producers regarding price supports and campaign contributions.
Shield Laws: Legislation designed to protect reporters' confidential sources.

President Nixon's Q&A Session with AP Managing Editors

This CBS News special report details President Richard Nixon's question-and-answer session with members of the Associated Press Managing Editors Association at Disney World, Florida. The event was framed as an effort by the President to "meet Watergate head-on" and address concerns about his administration.

Main Topics and Key Points

1. The Missing White House Tapes:

Discovery of Non-Existence: President Nixon stated he was first informed that two subpoenaed White House tapes might not exist around September 29th or 30th. He learned definitively on October 26th after directing White House Counsel Mr. Bazard to question Secret Service operatives.
Reasons for Non-Existence:
- June 20th Conversation (with John Mitchell): This was a five-minute phone call not recorded because it was made from the family quarters, where no telephones are recorded. Nixon stated he had a dictabelt recording of his personal diary entry for that day, which he offered to the court. The diary entry indicated he called Mitchell to cheer him up and Mitchell expressed chagrin about his organization getting out of hand.
- April 15th Conversation (with John Dean): This conversation occurred late Sunday night. The tape machines had a six-hour limit, and over the weekend, Nixon was in the EOB office for extended conversations with Dr. Kissinger and others. The tape ran out before the conversation with Dean. Nixon provided handwritten notes from that conversation and a subsequent recorded conversation with Dean the next morning (April 16th) which referenced the previous night's discussion.
Technical Aspects of Recording System: Nixon described the system as a "little Sony" with lapel mics, not a sophisticated "Apollo system." Only conversations in the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and EOB were recorded. He noted the system was not sophisticated and sometimes difficult to hear.
Presidential Assurance: Nixon assured the audience that the tapes, when presented, would prove he had no knowledge of the Watergate break-in before it occurred, never authorized clemency, and was first told about blackmail money demands on March 13th (not March 25th as some testimony suggested), recalling Mr. Dean telling him on March 21st that there were things he hadn't told the President.
Personal Reaction: Nixon expressed "very great disappointment" upon learning the tapes didn't exist, acknowledging the impression it would create. He contrasted this with the importance of the tapes requested by the Senate committee and special prosecutor, which were available.

2. Watergate Investigation and Special Prosecutor:

Completion of Investigation: Nixon stated that the investigation was not yet complete but expressed a desire for it to conclude, noting that the case was reported 90% ready six months prior.
New Special Prosecutor (Leon Jaworski): Nixon highlighted that Jaworski is a Democrat, highly respected, and independent, with a removal process requiring consensus from top congressional leadership. He emphasized his refusal to speak with Jaworski to ensure independence.
Role of Congress: Nixon suggested Congress should focus on the energy crisis rather than "diversions."

3. Executive Privilege and Confidentiality:

Waiver of Privilege: Nixon stated he had waived executive privilege for staff members involved in Watergate and voluntarily turned over tapes to avoid a confrontation with the Supreme Court that could damage the principle of confidentiality for future presidencies.
Jefferson Rule: He invoked the "Jefferson Rule," where a president provides summaries of information rather than the full documents to protect the presidency, citing the Aaron Burr case. He emphasized this is to protect the office, not the individual president, ensuring a free flow of conversation for decision-making.
Absolute vs. Qualified Executive Privilege: Nixon stated he does not believe executive privilege is absolute.

4. Campaign Finance and Legality:

Corporate Contributions: Nixon implied that businessmen and those accepting corporate contributions in 1972 may not have known they were illegal due to recent law changes. However, Fred Graham pointed out that the statute making corporate contributions illegal was passed in 1927.
Campaign Finance Reform: Nixon expressed a desire for a commission to establish new rules for campaign contributions and procedures, stating he would work towards this after leaving office.

5. Personal Finances and Tax Payments:

1970 & 1971 Taxes: Nixon confirmed reports that he paid $792 in 1970 and $878 in 1971 in federal income tax, but stated he had not looked at his returns. He attributed this to a deduction for his vice presidential papers, appraised at $500,000, which he turned over to the government as advised by Lyndon Johnson.
Property Investments: He addressed questions about his real estate investments in San Clemente and Florida, stating these were his only significant assets and that he was the first president since Harry Truman not to own stocks or have a blind trust.
Source of Wealth: Nixon explained that he was not a "popper" when he became president. He detailed earning significant income from his book and law practice during the eight years he was out of office, accumulating funds to invest in real estate. He asserted he had never profited from public service and had earned every cent.
"Crook" Statement: In response to a question about his credibility, Nixon declared, "Well, I'm not a crook. I earned everything I've got."

6. The "Milk Fund" Case:

Presidential Initiative: Nixon insisted on asking himself a question about the milk fund, stating that "awful nice people" were getting a "bad rap." He explained that in spring 1971, the Department of Agriculture recommended against raising milk support prices.
Congressional Pressure: He claimed that within three weeks, Congress, with petitions signed by 102 members of Congress and 28 Senators (including McGovern), demanded a higher support price (90% of parity).
Decision Rationale: Nixon stated that his legislative leaders informed him that Congress would override any veto, forcing a higher price. Therefore, they settled on 85% to avoid a greater price increase for consumers. He denied any quid pro quo for campaign contributions.
Contradiction Highlighted: Dan Shore noted that this explanation did not account for visits by milk producers to the White House where campaign contributions were discussed, nor did it align with Nixon's stated policy of not yielding to congressional pressure on principle.

7. Energy Crisis and Gas Rationing:

Anticipation of Crisis: Nixon claimed he sent the first energy message to Congress over two years prior, foreseeing the crisis due to a richer world with increased energy demand.
Congressional Inaction: He criticized Congress for not acting on his energy proposals, stating only the Alaska pipeline bill had reached his desk.
Rationing Stance: Nixon expressed opposition to rationing in peacetime, citing the complexity and potential resentment. He stated that short of another major foreign crisis, he is against rationing.
Project Independence 1980: He outlined a goal for the U.S. to become self-sufficient in energy by 1980, emphasizing the need to develop coal, shale oil, deregulate natural gas, and expand nuclear power. He stressed the importance of not depending on foreign countries for energy.

8. Surveillance of Donald Nixon:

Security Reasons: Nixon confirmed that the Secret Service maintained surveillance on his brother, Donald Nixon, for security reasons, stating his brother was aware of and approved of it. He implied the surveillance was to monitor others who might try to use improper influence on his brother.

9. Future Plans:

Post-Presidency: Nixon stated he would be 63 upon leaving office. He plans to do some writing and contribute to bettering the political process. He explicitly stated he would not practice law or serve on any board of directors.

Important Examples, Case Studies, or Real-World Applications

Benjamin Franklin Quote: John Quinn recalled Benjamin Franklin's response to being asked what form of government was given to the people: "A republic, sir, if you can keep it." This was used to frame the question of whether the republic could survive the prevailing pessimism surrounding Watergate.
Pentagon Papers: Mentioned in the context of leaks damaging national security, which was the reason for the "plumbers" operation.
Aaron Burr Trial: Cited as an example of the "Jefferson Rule" regarding executive privilege and the protection of the presidency.
President Johnson's Advice: Used to justify the tax deduction for vice presidential papers.
Energy Crisis Response: The discussion of Project Independence 1980 serves as a framework for the administration's long-term energy strategy.

Step-by-Step Processes, Methodologies, or Frameworks

Tape Discovery Process:
1. Initial notification of potential non-existence (Sept 29/30).
2. Search initiated, but not prioritized due to Senate committee requests.
3. Definitive determination of non-existence (Oct 26) after White House Counsel questioned Secret Service.
4. White House Counsel reported to Judge Sirica with reasons.
5. Judge Sirica ordered reasons made public and involved parties questioned.
Presidential Response to Energy Crisis:
1. Sent first energy message to Congress over two years prior.
2. Followed up with seven pieces of legislation in April.
3. Signed the Alaska pipeline bill.
4. Urged Congress to act on the remaining six bills.
5. Proposed "Project Independence 1980" for energy self-sufficiency.
6. Advocated for increased use of coal, shale oil, deregulation of natural gas, and nuclear power.

Key Arguments or Perspectives Presented

Nixon's Defense: Nixon consistently argued that he had no prior knowledge of the Watergate break-in, did not authorize illegal activities, and acted to protect the presidency and national security. He presented his actions regarding the tapes and finances as transparent and legal, albeit sometimes complex.
Media Scrutiny: The questions from the AP editors demonstrate a critical and probing perspective, seeking to uncover contradictions and hold the President accountable.
CBS News Analysis: Dan Shore and Fred Graham provided a counter-narrative, highlighting inconsistencies and potential misrepresentations in Nixon's statements, particularly concerning the tapes, campaign finance laws, and the milk fund. They emphasized the importance of factual accuracy and the potential for manipulation of press conferences.

Notable Quotes or Significant Statements

John Quinn: "A republic, sir, if you can keep it."
President Nixon: "I would certainly not be standing here answering these questions unless I had a firm belief that we could keep the republic, that we must keep it, not only for ourselves but for the whole world."
President Nixon: "I have done everything that I possibly can to provide the evidence that would have existed had we founded that had we found the tapes."
President Nixon: "I can assure you that as long as I am physically able to handle the position to which I was elected and then reelected last November, I am going to work for the cause of peace in the world, for the cause of prosperity without war and without inflation at home. and also to the best of my ability to restore confidence in the White House and in the president himself."
President Nixon: "Well, I'm not a crook. I earned everything I've got."
President Nixon: "The man at the top's got to take the heat for all of them."
Dan Shore (on tapes): "So that uh those are some facts there." (referring to discrepancies in Nixon's timeline).
Fred Graham (on Nixon's legal knowledge): "Those are exact words that his attorney Sam Powers used last week."

Technical Terms, Concepts, or Specialized Vocabulary

Dictabelt: A type of recording medium used for dictation.
EOB Office: Executive Office Building office.
Parity: In the context of milk support prices, referring to the ratio of prices received by farmers to prices paid by farmers.
Quid Pro Quo: A favor or advantage granted or expected in return for something.
Shield Law: A law that protects journalists from being compelled to reveal confidential sources.
Executive Privilege: The President's right to withhold information from other branches of government.

Logical Connections Between Different Sections and Ideas

The entire session is logically connected by the overarching theme of the Watergate scandal and its implications for the Nixon administration's credibility and the functioning of government. The discussion of the missing tapes directly addresses a key element of the scandal. The questions about campaign finance, the milk fund, and personal finances are all aimed at assessing the President's integrity and the legality of his administration's actions. The discussion on executive privilege and the energy crisis, while seemingly separate, are framed within the context of the President's responsibilities and his ability to govern effectively amidst scrutiny. The CBS analysis at the end directly links back to the President's statements, highlighting potential contradictions and providing a critical perspective on the information presented.

Data, Research Findings, or Statistics Mentioned

400 editors from AP member newspapers in 43 states.
Two missing tapes out of nine subpoenaed.
June 20th conversation: 5-minute telephone call.
April 15th conversation: 9:00 PM Sunday night.
Tape machine limit: 6 hours of conversation on weekends.
$2500 cost of the recording system.
$792 income tax paid in 1970.
$878 income tax paid in 1971.
$79,000 income tax paid in 1969.
$500,000 appraised value of vice presidential papers.
$47,000 net worth after 14 years of government service (prior to vice presidency).
$250,000 earned from a book and serial rights.
$100,000 to $250,000 earned annually during the eight years out of office.
$300,000 from selling stock.
$300,000 from selling New York apartment.
$100,000 owed from law firm.
62% of Americans favor a confidential news source law (Gallup poll).
7% of the world's people using 30% of the world's energy.
4.5% unemployment rate (lowest in 18 years).
$36 million raised by one party in 1972 campaign.
$100,000 to $2 million to $10 million alleged campaign contribution range for milk producers.
85% of parity for milk support price.
90% of parity demanded by Congress.
102 members of Congress signed petition for higher milk support.
28 Senators signed bill for higher milk support.

Clear Section Headings

Introduction and Setting
The Missing Tapes: Discovery and Explanation
Technical Aspects of White House Recording
Presidential Assurances on Watergate
Watergate Investigation and Special Prosecutor
Executive Privilege and Presidential Confidentiality
Campaign Finance and Legality
Personal Finances and Tax Disclosures
The "Milk Fund" Controversy
Energy Crisis and Gas Rationing
Surveillance of Donald Nixon
Future Plans and Legacy
CBS News Analysis: Contradictions and Inconsistencies

Brief Synthesis/Conclusion

President Nixon's Q&A session with the AP Managing Editors was a critical attempt to regain public trust amidst the Watergate scandal. He addressed the missing tapes by providing detailed, albeit complex, explanations of their non-existence and offered assurances of his innocence. He defended his financial dealings and tax payments, attributing them to legitimate earnings and deductions. Nixon also outlined his administration's proactive stance on the energy crisis and his commitment to protecting the presidency through executive privilege. However, the CBS News analysis highlighted significant discrepancies and potential misrepresentations in his statements, particularly concerning the timeline of the tape discovery, the legality of campaign finance, and the rationale behind the milk fund decision. The session underscored the deep divisions between the administration's narrative and the emerging facts, leaving the question of the President's credibility largely unresolved for the public.