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ENCORE: Watergate | The Cancer Within | 4 - American Scandal | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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ENCORE: Watergate | The Cancer Within | 4

American Scandal

Tue Jul 01 2025

Summary

American Scandal: ENCORE: Watergate | The Cancer Within | Episode 4 Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host: Lindsay Graham

Introduction

In this gripping episode of American Scandal, hosted by Lindsay Graham, Wondery delves deep into the intricate web of the Watergate scandal, focusing on the internal turmoil within President Richard Nixon's administration. Titled "The Cancer Within," Episode 4 provides a detailed reenactment of pivotal moments that highlight the betrayal, paranoia, and desperation that ultimately led to the unraveling of one of America's most infamous political scandals.

Patrick Gray's Senate Confirmation Hearing

The episode opens on February 28, 1970, with Patrick Gray, the acting director of the FBI, facing a grueling Senate confirmation hearing amid the burgeoning Watergate investigation.

Patrick Gray's Determination: Gray emphasizes his commitment to an aggressive investigation.

“Told him to go to the hilt, spare no horses. It was my decision to conduct an aggressive investigation.”
[00:45]
Disclosure of FBI Files: In a bold move, Gray declares his willingness to allow the Senate to examine the FBI's Watergate case files, despite conflicting instructions from President Nixon.

“Any member of the US Senate may examine the FBI's file on Watergate. We have nothing to hold back.”
[03:15]
Involvement of White House Counsel John Dean: Gray admits that John Dean was present during FBI interviews, raising suspicions about the FBI's impartiality.

“Mr. Dean was present during the FBI interviews. Is that a normal procedure?”
[04:05]

Gray's candidness hints at deeper connections between the Nixon administration and the Watergate burglars, setting the stage for further revelations.

John Dean's Descent into the Cover-Up

Transitioning to March 21, 1973, the narrative shifts to John Dean, Nixon's White House Counsel, who grapples with the escalating Watergate crisis.

Confrontation with Nixon: Dean informs President Nixon about Howard Hunt's blackmail threats, urging a strategic pivot away from merely paying hush money.

“Watergate and the cover-up has become a cancer on the presidency.”
[10:30]
Meeting with Nixon's Allies: Dean faces pressure from Jeb Magruder and John Mitchell to commit perjury to protect the administration, highlighting the internal paranoia.

“The more he thinks about the aftermath of Watergate, the more he thinks they can all work it out.”
[15:20]
Dean's Moral Struggle: Torn between loyalty and integrity, Dean decides to take a stand, recognizing the need to expose the corruption despite personal risks.

“I have to work harder and do more to make sure this crisis quickly comes to an end.”
[20:45]

Dean's Attempt to Cooperate with Prosecutors

On March 30, 1973, John Dean seeks legal assistance, leading to his pivotal cooperation with federal prosecutors.

Meeting with Defense Lawyer Charles Schaefer: Dean confesses his involvement in the Watergate cover-up, seeking a deal for immunity.

“I want to call cooperation. Deal. I'll tell the truth, but I want some guarantee I won't be prosecuted.”
[18:50]
Revelation of Prior Crimes: Dean discloses the involvement of top officials in illegal activities, including a previously unnoticed burglary targeting Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist.

“Nixon's operatives broke into the office of Ellsberg's psychiatrist.”
[22:10]

This revelation adds another layer to the scandal, linking the Watergate break-in to attempts at discrediting whistleblowers like Ellsberg.

Presidential Reactions and Strategic Maneuvers

The episode explores President Nixon's responses to the mounting pressures and Dean's betrayal.

Nixon's Frustration: Upon learning of Dean's cooperation, Nixon contemplates severe measures but recognizes the potential downfall if he retaliates harshly.

“Revenge is not the best option, at least for now.”
[28:40]
Final Confrontation: In a tense late-night meeting, Dean confronts Nixon, refusing to implicate the President further, solidifying his role as a whistleblower.

“I have not told the prosecutors about your own involvement, and I have no plans to do so.”
[34:15]

Nixon, visibly rattled, acknowledges Dean's loyalty but remains determined to navigate the scandal without conceding control.

Health Decline and Administration Turmoil

By April 15, 1973, the strain of the scandal takes a physical toll on President Nixon, signaling the administration's fragility.

Chief of Staff Alexander Haig's Observation: Haig notes the declining morale and the personal toll on Nixon, underscoring the administration's instability.

“This must be one of the toughest stretches of his entire presidency.”
[40:10]
Nixon's Health Crisis: Nixon experiences a severe coughing fit, raising concerns about his ability to lead effectively amidst the ongoing scandal.

“Nixon is clearly sick. He needs help.”
[44:50]

This physical manifestation of stress highlights the profound impact Watergate has on both the President and the White House team.

Conclusion and Implications

Episode 4, "The Cancer Within," paints a vivid picture of the internal decay and ethical compromises within Nixon's administration during the Watergate scandal. Through detailed reenactments and insightful commentary, the episode underscores how ambition, deceit, and the quest for power led to the downfall of a presidency and reshaped American politics.

Notable Quotes:

“Watergate and the cover-up has become a cancer on the presidency.”

John Dean [10:30]
“I have to work harder and do more to make sure this crisis quickly comes to an end.”

John Dean [20:45]
“Revenge is not the best option, at least for now.”

President Nixon [28:40]
“I have not told the prosecutors about your own involvement, and I have no plans to do so.”

John Dean [34:15]

Outro

In "The Cancer Within," American Scandal masterfully chronicles the unraveling of the Nixon administration, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the complex motivations and consequences that shaped one of America's darkest political chapters. Stay tuned for the next episode, where the pressure mounts as Nixon faces increasing scrutiny from special prosecutors, edging closer to a historic reckoning.

Recommended Listening:
For those interested in exploring more about the Watergate scandal, consider reading "All the President's Men" by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, or "The Secret Man: The Story of Watergate's Deep Throat" by Bob Woodward.

Subscribe to Wondery+ for Exclusive Content:
Unlock early access to new episodes, enjoy ad-free listening, and explore exclusive seasons by joining Wondery+.

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Transcript

Lindsey Graham (0:00)

Want to get more from American Scandal? Subscribe to Wondery for early access to new episodes, ad free listening and exclusive content you can't find anywhere else. Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. A Listener Note this episode previously aired in 2022.

Patrick Gray (0:29)

It's February 28, 1970, in Washington, D.C. l. Patrick Gray, the acting director of the FBI, makes his way through a Senate office building on Capitol Hill. He steps inside room 1202, and as he surveys the busy hearing room, Gray smooths his jacket and straightens his tie. In just a few minutes, Gray is going to sit in front of a panel of United States senators and endure what's likely to be a marathon of questions. Gray was nominated by President Nixon to be the permanent director of the FBI. But before he starts the job, he has to receive confirmation from the Senate. And that means surviving a series of public hearings, which are bound to be grueling and will almost certainly focus on the issue of Watergate. It's a story that just won't go away. Months ago, several men were caught breaking into Democratic headquarters at the Watergate complex. When the FBI learned about the crime, their agents began a dogged investigation, trying to understand why the burglars had targeted Democrats. But despite the broad scope of the investigation, the Bureau has still been criticized by lawmakers and journalists. Some have even suggested that Gray downplayed or ignored evidence that could damage the president. The smears have gotten ugly, but Gray doesn't think he's done anything wrong. It's true that he pledged his loyalty to the president and that he's collaborated with the president's allies, but that's the nature of the job. Gray serves at the pleasure of the president. Still, his larger purpose is as clear as it's ever been. Gray is a longtime civil servant. He's dedicated to American democracy and the rule of law, and he believes that's all the Senate needs to hear, that his heart is in the right place and that he has what it takes to be the next permanent director of the FBI. Gray takes a seat in front of the senators, and the committee's chairman calls.

Lindsey Graham (2:19)

The hearing to order.

Patrick Gray (2:21)

The Senate Judiciary Committee is about to begin hearings on the confirmation of Patrick Gray to be director of the FBI. Now, now, Mr. Gray, I want to get to the heart of an important matter talking about Watergate, of course. Tell us about your first instructions to the Bureau after you learned about the break in. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd be happy to answer all your questions to begin with, after I Learned about the burglary. I got on a telephone and called my number two man. We started in right away. What were your instructions? Told him to go to the hilt, spare no horses. It was my decision to conduct an aggressive investigation. And was that done? Yes, sir, that has been done. When I learned the identity of Frank McCord, one of the burglars and a security officer for the President's reelection campaign, I knew we were in a situation that could have all kinds of possibilities. Now, Mr. Gray, there's been a lot of reporting in the press, and by now the FBI investigation must be a large case file. What is your policy if this committee would like to see that file? Gray pauses. This question puts him in a difficult position. On one hand, President Nixon demanded complete loyalty and made it clear that Gray might have to lie to protect the administration. Gray knows that if it's made public, the FBI's case file could damage Nixon. But the President gave conflicting instructions. He also told Gray to be open and forthright during his Senate hearings. So that's what Gray is going to do. Well, Mr. Chairman, even though the following statement could be interpreted to shatter precedent, I feel that this situation is unique. I'm prepared to offer that any member of the US Senate may examine the FBI's file on Watergate. We have nothing to hold back. Thank you, Mr. Gray. Moving on, we have a question from another member of the panel. Thank you. And, Mr. Gray, this is related. The White House has, from time to time, asked for certain files, has it not? That's correct. I've also given John Dean, the White House Counsel, copies of the interview reports. And according to the summary you've provided, Mr. Dean was also present during the FBI interviews at the White House. Gray pauses again. The Senator has just asked whether the FBI allowed a top White House official to get involved in the Bureau's investigation. An investigation looking at potential crimes connected to the White House that could give the appearance that the Bureau's investigation is compromised. Still, Gray is not going to hold back. Not after the President told him to be honest at these hearings. That is correct. Mr. Dean was present during the FBI interviews. Is that a normal procedure? An honest answer to that question has got to be no. That is not normal procedure. The senators break out in quiet murmurs. And as the hearing continues and Gray answers more of the Senators questions, the gravity of his statement suddenly dawns on him. Gray just admitted that the White House is deeply involved in the FBI's investigation. He made clear that he handed over documents to the White House Counsel. And in the spirit of candor, Gray offered the Senate access to those same FBI case files. All of this may have given Gray the appearance of cooperation and honesty, and that may him secure his confirmation. But Gray also knows he might have just planted a bomb, one that could destroy his own career, maybe even the President himself.

Patrick Gray (6:32)

Watch or listen to the official Gilded Age podcast wherever you find podcasts from Wondery, I'm Lindsey Graham and this is American Scandal in the aftermath of the Watergate burglary, President Richard Nixon found himself under siege. Although Nixon himself did not order the break in, senior members of his administration and re election campaign were involved in the crime. The truth began to trickle out as reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein continued digging into Watergate. At the same time, the FBI was pursuing an investigation of the break in too. And despite the President's efforts To limit the FBI's work, federal officials uncovered damning evidence about the burglary and the involvement of some of President Nixon's closest allies. The crisis continued to mount as the United States Senate opened its own investigation. By that point, President Nixon had already ordered a cover up. But with his back now against a wall, Nixon knew he had to take action. To protect himself, the President ordered his aides to come up with a new game plan, a way to beat back the Senate's investigation and to protect his administration from any further attacks. One of the aides tasked with developing this plan was John Dean, the White House Counsel. Dean had long been loyal to the President, but with the crisis growing deeper by the day, Dean soon realized he would have to take bold action on his own. This is episode 4 a cancer within it's March 21, 1973 in Washington, D.C. john Dean steps into the Oval Office, where he finds President Nixon busy at work behind his desk. Nixon lifts a finger and tells his White House counsel that he'll be with him in a moment. He needs to finish reading something first. Dean nods and takes a seat. As he waits, he watches the President, trying to gauge his mood. What he sees is reassuring. President Nixon looks calm. His eyes are wide and alert. And as he flips through the brief he's reading, the Commander in Chief doesn't look troubled or distracted. Even with all the issues stemming from Watergate swirling around him, Dean knows things haven't exactly gone according to plan. Dean himself has had to break the law in order to maintain the COVID up. He's had to funnel hush money to the Watergate burglars, and he's even had to shred incriminating documents. As a lawyer, he knows he put himself in legal jeopardy. But Dean is more than just an attorney. He's a proud American and a proud supporter of the President. And despite everything that's happened, Dean has remained loyal to Nixon and willing to take on difficult tasks as long as they protect the President. Still, that does not mean Dean is going to walk around wearing blinders. Watergate has begun to spin out of control, and if Dean is going to protect the President, the two men need to have a frank talk. So when Nixon looks back up, Dean announces that he needs to share some difficult news. The Watergate cover up seems like it could blow open at any moment. The burglars are awaiting sentencing, but their leader, Howard Hunt, is now blackmailing the President. Hunt, a former CIA officer, is demanding larger hush money payments. And if he doesn't get the money, Hunt says he'll spill the truth about the break in. The President nods gravely as he takes in the news. Dean is glad to see that the President is concerned and that he's got Nixon's attention, because Dean believes it's time to pivot and to take a much different course of action, rather than just continuing to pay off burglars for their silence. But before he can explain his new plan, Nixon asks how much money it would take to keep Hunt and the other burglars happy. Dean shakes his head. He's crunched the numbers and it's not good. They probably need a million dollars over the next two years. Nixon pauses as he considers the high price tag. But Dean is surprised when Nixon says they could get the money and they could get it in cash. They won't have any issue keeping the burglars silent. This is not what Dean wanted to hear. They can't just stay the course. So Dean explains how they've got bigger problems than just money. Everyone involved in the COVID up is starting to get lawyers. They're obviously feeling exposed, and it's no thanks to L. Patrick Gray, who revealed too much when he spoke at his Senate confirmation hearing. People are now spooked and it looks like they're getting ready to save themselves, even if that means damaging the administration. Hearing the reminder about Patrick Gray and the FBI, Nixon scowls and he explains what all of this adds up to. Dean's cover story has been broken. For a moment, Dean stares at the President. That comment didn't sound like a mere observation. It sounded like a warning that Dean is compromised and Nixon is prepared to turn him into a scapegoat. Dean is unsettled as he processes what might be a threat. He knows the President wouldn't hesitate to throw him under the bus. Despite Dean's loyalty and personal sacrifices, it's a scary possibility. But Dean won't let that happen. So he again hammers home a message to the President. Watergate and the COVID up has become a cancer on the presidency. And if Nixon wants to protect himself, the problems have to be carved away. Nixon leans back in his chair and furrows his brows. He asks for suggestions. What should they do? Dean is relieved to see the President still looking to him for advice. Their relationship might be salvageable, so Dean says they should cut their losses and admit a cover up did take place, but at the lowest level possible. Doing so would cause some damage, but ultimately it would insulate the President, protecting him from any association with the crimes. Dean finishes laying out his proposal and to his surprise, Nixon says he's on board. Dean and the others should go ahead and hash out the details. They should find a way to pin blame at a lower level and end this fiasco once and for all. Dean nods. He now has his orders and it's time to take action. So Dean rises and exits the Oval Office. But as he steps back into the corridor of the West Wing, he notices he's sweating and his heart is pounding. The President did make the right decision. It is the smartest plan moving forward. But Dean is shaken. He's been deeply loyal to the President, committing any number of crimes on behalf of his administration. But Dean cannot let go of the President's subtle threat that Dean will be turned into a fall guy if the situation calls for it. Dean knows there's no way he can defend himself if he's up against President Nixon. It's an unfair fight. So Dean has only one option. He has to work harder and do more to make sure this crisis quickly comes to an end. A week later, White House counsel John Dean knocks on a wooden door in the west wing of the White House. A few moments pass, then the door opens a crack, revealing a sliver of a man's face. He has bloodshot eyes and stubble on his chin, and for a moment he pauses, squinting back at Dean. When the man finally opens the door, Dean realizes who he was looking at. Jeb Magruder, the Deputy director of President Nixon's re election campaign and one of the men who authorized the Watergate burglary. Magruder normally looks clean cut, with short brown hair and expensive suits, but gazing at him now, Dean can tell there's something off. Magruder looks like he hasn't slept for days. He's worn thin and there's something menacing about him. Magruder orders Dean into the room, and as he steps into the small office, Dean quickly takes in the surroundings. The room is messy and dim. All of the blinds are closed tight, and sitting behind a desk is John Mitchell, the former Attorney General and former head of the President's re election campaign. Mitchell is sitting, smoking a wooden pipe and avoiding eye contact with Dean. Suddenly, Dean gets a bad feeling, like he just stepped in front of a firing squad. Dean starts to speak, but Magruder tells him to take a seat and he reminds Dean why they called this meeting. Days ago, the Watergate burglar, James McCord, decided to start talking. McCord revealed that he and his fellow defendants had committed perjury during their trial. He also claimed that the burglars had been directed to lie under oath by President Nixon's allies, including Magruder and Dean. The news was devastating, and the statements threw Dean's plans into disarray. McCord made clear that top officials were involved in a cover up. Dean could no longer pin it on just lower level employees. McCord's statements also set in motion another possibility, that Dean may be called to testify in front of a federal grand jury. And if that happens, Dean may be forced to contradict previous statements by other Nixon officials, potentially implicating them for crimes. Mitchell, the former Attorney General, takes a puff from his pipe and locks eyes with Dean. He says he's heard rumors that Dean is planning to spill the truth. Dean is about to respond, but Magruder beats him to it, saying there's no way Dean can tell the truth. Magruder already lied in front of a grand jury about his involvement in Watergate, and if Dean speaks honestly, he'll expose Magruder to charges of perjury. Dean has to stick to the COVID story. He should be willing to make any sacrifice that's necessary for the good of the administration. Mitchell takes another slow drag from his pipe, and as Dean looks back and forth at the two men, he realizes that his worst fears have come true. Nixon's allies have grown paranoid. They know this entire scheme is starting to unravel and they're asking Dean to take a huge risk to commit perjury in order to protect everyone else. The room goes quiet as the men wait for Dean's response. It's a frightening still moment, and Dean knows that with one wrong move, he could earn himself some powerful enemies. Dean says yes. The more he thinks about the aftermath of Watergate, the more he thinks they can all work it out. Magruder asks if that means he's willing to play ball and Dean nods. He'll corroborate their false testimony and protect them from charges of perjury because they're partners. Magruder steals a glance at Mitchell. Then he grins and reaches out with a firm handshake. That's great news. It's all they needed to hear. Dean nods, enforcing a grin. He wishes the men well, promising that they're going to get through this, that they'll be okay soon. The meeting ends and Dean steps back into the hallway, trying to look easy and calm. But when the door closes, he takes a deep breath. Then, as fast as he can, he hurries away. Dean just lied. He is not going to play ball and he is not going to commit perjury just to save the other men involved in Watergate. He didn't think it could ever come to this, that Watergate could spin so far out of control. But it's become a worst case scenario and Dean knows it's time to change course to protect himself. Even if that means sacrificing some of the President's men. It's the evening of March 30, 1973. Two days later, John Dean enters a five story apartment building just outside Rockville, Maryland. He presses a button for the elevator, but as he waits for the elevator to arrive, suddenly he starts to panic. He asks himself, what is he doing here? Dean knows he shouldn't be here. He should go. He should leave right away and get back to D.C. but then the elevator door opens and Dean shakes his head. He might be scared, but it is too late to turn back now. A minute later, Dean steps out of the elevator and approaches an apartment on the left side of the hall. When the door opens, he comes face to face with criminal defense lawyer Named Charles Schaefer, a lean man with graying hair. John, come on in. We've got a lot to talk about. Dean follows Schaefer into a room that's almost completely empty. Charlie, this. This place is a little creepy. Why are we meeting here? I use this space when I have a client who doesn't want to be seen at my office, and I figure you might meet that description. Am I right? Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Well, take a seat and let's get to it. You're in pretty deep with the whole Watergate situation, aren't you? I am. Yeah. It's true. And you're looking for help. That's also true. But now that I'm here, I don't. I don't know if I can speak openly. It's. It's a lot, John. Telling the truth can be a cathartic experience. I think you know that. You'll feel better. I'm not looking for psychotherapy, Charlie. Trying to find a way out of my bad situation. Well, if that's the case, you're in the right place. But first you have to talk to me. Just start from the beginning. Dean runs a hand through his hair and he thinks back to the early days of Watergate. Well, I'll start by saying White House officials, myself included, were involved in the Watergate cover up. Okay, let's talk specifics. Dean pauses. Look, there's a lot. I came here because I want to it call cooperation. Deal. I'll tell the truth, but I want some guarantee I won't be prosecuted. Do you think you can get me that? Well, like everything, it depends. You might get a deal, but I can't make any promises until you tell me more of the facts. Well, fine. I was in the room when Gordon Liddy first suggested breaking into the dnc. It was all part of a bigger plan. Crazy stuff, espionage. Now, we all know the break in went south, but the burglars aren't talking for a reason. And that's because I've been sending them money. A bunch of us, Ehrlichman, Mitchell, Magruder, among others. We've done a lot to conceal the truth. Well, that's interesting. So after all that effort, why now? Why are you ready to talk now? Because the COVID up is falling apart. The investigation is. The press people are running scared. And it seems like people close to the President and maybe, maybe even the President himself, they may be trying to pin everything on me. They're just trying to save themselves. And that's why I'm here. I need to protect myself. I need to know if you can help me. Well, of course, John, I will help you. But it sounds like you're guilty of some pretty serious crimes. Still. If we're smart and careful, we might be able to negotiate a path forward, one that involves minimal jail time. Dean puts his head in his hands. I did everything thinking I was one of the good guys. And I still can't shake the feeling that betraying people who trust me might make me one of the bad guys. Yeah, that's tough. And it's not for me to say. But I'll tell you this. I think you made the right choice coming here. It is the right move to come clean. Dean has been carrying a heavy burden for months. Schaefer is only echoing Dean's own feelings. It is the right move to come clean. Telling the truth felt liberating. But Dean knows that honesty only goes so far. Soon he'll have to tell his story to prosecutors, maybe even Congress. His life could be turned upside down. And even if he's praised for exposing Watergate, there's no doubt Dean will face the wrath of the President of the United States. Foreign.

Patrick Gray (24:36)

It's April 15, 1973, in Rockville, Maryland. White House counsel John Dean takes a seat at a long table and nods at his attorney. It's been a long day and the questions have been tough, but Dean is ready to get back to it, to keep trading information with prosecutors with the hope that he may be able to earn a cooperation deal. Dean's lawyer heads to the door and calls back in a pair of federal prosecutors. As the men take their seats at the conference table, they review everything Dean has admitted over the past few days. How he and fellow officials orchestrated a cover up of Watergate. How they've been paying off the burglars in exchange for their silence. Dean nods, but it's difficult to hear that prosecutors lay out the crimes like this. But in some way, it's also a relief. He's done hiding. Now he's speaking openly. He may be able to earn legal immunity and avoid a long prison sentence. The prosecutors finish summarizing Dean's admissions and look up from their notes. Dean gets a small sliver of hope. This might be it. They might be ready to offer a deal. But the prosecutors have bad news. Dean has not given them enough. They want more. And if they don't get it, there's no deal for immunity. Dean is crestfallen. He doesn't know what to do. He could potentially implicate President Nixon and admit his role in the COVID up, but that's a line he's not willing to cross. At least not yet. Dean turns to his attorney with a look of desperation, but he can see in his attorney's eyes that the prosecutors aren't fooling around. Dean will not get any kind of deal unless he speaks up and gives them more. Dean racks his memory, trying to dig up something useful, and it's at that moment that Dean remembers a White House secret that could change the entire conversation, his heart pounding, Dean tells the prosecutors that he has information about another major criminal case. On its surface, it appears unrelated to Watergate, but it reveals a lot about the men behind the break in and the kind of crimes they're willing to commit. The prosecutors lean forward and nod. They are listening. Dean begins a story about the Watergate criminals, men like G. Gordon Liddy and E. Howard Hunt. The group was involved in another burglary which took place in the summer of 1971. It was in Los Angeles, California, and the group broke into the office of a psychiatrist named Dr. Lewis Fielding. One of the prosecutors raises an eyebrow. He doesn't see what a shrink has to do with political espionage, but Dean explains, this wasn't an ordinary doctor. One of his clients was a man named Daniel Ellsberg. At the mention of Daniel Ellsberg, Ellsberg, the lead prosecutor, sits back with a look of shock. Everyone knows Ellsberg. He's the former government consultant who leaked a classified study on the Vietnam War, a series of documents now known as the Pentagon Papers. The leak was an international sensation, and it fueled public criticism of the war and hurt the public's trust in government. Ellsberg quickly became one of Nixon's most reviled enemies. And that's why, Dean explains, Nixon's operatives broke into the office of Ellsberg psychiatrist. They were looking for embarrassing information about the whistleblower material they could use to damage Ellsberg's credibility. In the end, the burglars walked away empty handed. But that doesn't change the fact that they committed a felony. And it offers further proof that the President's allies have a history of committing politically motivated crimes. The lead prosecutor, Lee, leans forward and tells Dean that this story is incredible, but they can't offer any deals unless Dean has proof. Dean smiles, saying that that won't be hard to get. The Justice Department already has the proof. It's inside their Watergate files. There are photos of Liddy and Hunt as the two men cased the psychiatrist's office. Before the break in, the two prosecutors glance at each other, and Dean tries to suppress a grin. He can tell that they weren't aware of the photos, and he knows he just alerted them to evidence that they already had. A moment later, the prosecutors pack up their bags and thank Dean for his time. As they make their way out, they tell him that they may soon have some good news. The lead about the psychiatrist is exactly the kind of information they're after, and it could very much help Dean's case for immunity. But Dean knows this is not the end of the conversation. He's going to have to keep talking. And someday soon he may have to tell the full truth about the President and Nixon's role in the COVID up. That afternoon, President Richard Nixon climbed the gray steps of the Executive Office Building across from the White House. It's one of the oldest buildings in Washington with large columns and an imposing granite facade. Nixon has always thought it was a beautiful structure. But what Nixon especially likes about the building building is that it houses his private office. A place where he can host secret meetings with his associates. Meetings that have grown more regular and more intense in recent days. With the COVID up unraveling, Nixon's top aides have begun to panic. It's clear they see Watergate as a full blown crisis. But the President isn't panicking. He still thinks he can get control of the situation. And that's why he's meeting with Richard KLEINDIENST, the current U.S. attorney General and a helpful ally. Kleindiens called Nixon and sounded upset, but Nixon knows whatever the issue, it's not insurmountable. He just needs to calm his Attorney General and make sure the FBI's Watergate investigation is under control. Nixon climbs a flight of stairs and as he approaches his private office, he sees Kleindings, a man who's middle aged and a bit stocky. Mr. President, I'm so glad we could meet. Now I need to start to tell you. Hang on, Richard. Don't say a word until we have a little privacy. The Attorney General nods as Nixon unlocks the door and the two enter the office. All right. Now we can talk. What's going on? Well, Mr. President, I have some bad news. Your counsel, John Dean has been meeting with the Watergate prosecutors. I'd heard the prosecution wanted to meet with him. But Dean knows what to do. He'll steer them away. Watergate went no higher than Jed Magruder. Well, sir, that would be all well and good, but Dean has been talking about what happened after the break in. He's implicating your men in a cover up. Nixon stares. No, no, no. Dean wouldn't do that to me, Sir. I'm under the impression that he feels he has to. He's trying to gain immunity. What the hell does that mean, immunity? What's he telling them? Well, if my sources are correct, he's pointing the finger at some of your closest associates. Ehrlichman, Haldeman. He's saying that they helped facilitate the COVID up. That puts you in a tough position. Oh God. He's turned on me. He's trying to destroy my administration. You can see why I wanted to meet with you. So what comes next? It's time for me to have a talk with Dean. Well, Mr. President, what are you planning to do? I'll tell you one thing. We're gonna have to take care of business. Nixon dismisses the Attorney General. And sitting alone once again in his private office, the President begins to bristle with anger. His ally, his confidant, John Dean, just committed an act of betrayal. That kind of backstabbing is unthinkable and unforgivable. For a moment, Nixon feels the impulse to go after Dean, to crush him with the full weight of his executive power. But the more he thinks about it, the more Nixon realizes he can't strike back. Dean is linked too closely with the presidency. If Dean goes down, he could take Nixon down with him. Revenge is not the best option, at least for now. Nixon realizes he'll have to temper his anger. He has to remain focused on the most effective strategy. And when he does speak with Dean, he'll have to strongly persuade his counsel not to make any rash decisions. Later that evening, John Dean takes a seat across from the President of the United States. It's 9:20 at night and the two men are meeting in the President's private suite in the Executive Office building. As Dean gazes at the President, a tremor of fear shoots up his spine. Nixon is sitting in the shadows with only a pale lamp casting a dim glow on one side of his face. There's something alarming, dangerous, volatile rage that the President is barely concealing. Nixon begins by saying he knows the truth. He knows that Dean, his own counsel, has implicated his chief of staff, Bob Haldeman, and his top domestic policy advisor, John Ehrlichman. And Nixon knows that Dean committed this betrayal while lying to the administration, making everyone think he was trustworthy. Nixon leans forward with a scowl. He wants to know what Dean has to say for himself. Taking a deep breath, Dean tries to compose his thoughts. He can imagine that the President is furious and feels hurt. And his first impulse is to try to make things right, to appease the President and make him happy. But Dean knows he has to be honest. He reminds the President that nothing has changed since they spoke a few weeks ago. Dean still believes that the Watergate conspiracy has to be brought to an end. It still has the potential to destroy Nixon. But it was clear that Nixon wasn't ready to put an end to the COVID up. So Dean decided to do it for him. He began naming the officials involved in the conspiracy, and he even admitted to his own crimes. Dean is willing to make a personal sacrifice if it saves the presidency. But he wants to be clear. Dean refuses to be made the scapegoat for the entire scandal. Nixon narrows his eyes and for a moment sits just staring at Dean. And then the President asks the question Dean knows has been hovering in the background this entire time. Nixon wants to know if Dean implicated him, the President for any crimes. Dean tells the truth. He has not told the prosecutors about Nixon's own involvement, and he has no plans to do so. He is still loyal to the President. Hearing this, Nixon exhales in relief, and he speaks quietly as he admits he knows he could have done a better job handling the Watergate problem. He's gotten too involved and he exposed himself to legal risks. But Nixon appreciates Dean's honesty and loyalty. That's what a White House counsel is for. And so, unless Dean has anything else to say, he can leave. Dean pauses. There's a lot he could tell the President, and a lot his conscience is begging him to admit. But that's a conversation for another time. Right now, all that matters is that President Nixon seems to have forgiven Dean. It does not appear that he's about to face any kind of retribution. So Dean rises and shakes the President's hand, and together the two make a vow. They're going to get through this, and even if things get ugly, Watergate is not going to sink this presidency.

Patrick Gray (37:36)

It's April 16, 1973, in Washington, D.C. pale Morning Light streams into Richard Nixon's private office as the President paces anxiously around the room. Nixon knows he shouldn't be upset. He's the most powerful man in the world. Yet he has to admit that right now he feels exposed. All last night he kept coming back to his conversation with John Dean, the White House counsel. Nixon isn't convinced that Dean is trustworthy, and that's why Nixon is looking for more intelligence. He needs to figure out whether it was the right move letting John Dean off the hook or whether it's time to take a more drastic step. Nixon stops pacing. Henry, is that you? Yes, Mr. President. Well, come on in. The door opens and Henry Peterson, an assistant Attorney General, enters the room. Peterson is a no nonsense kind of man and one of Nixon's closest allies in the Justice Department. He often provides inside information that helps the President stay one step ahead of the Watergate investigation. And normally Peterson is unflappable, but today he looks flustered. Mr. President, there's been some developments. We're learning that John Dean is becoming a significant problem. Dean promised he wouldn't say anything to incriminate me. Well, sir, I'm afraid things might have changed. Dean's lawyer is now saying that he wants immunity and he wants it now. And he's made it clear that he's willing to play hardball to get it. Well, is he only making vague threats, or is the man actually promising to do something? Dean says that if he's not granted immunity, he's going to put your whole administration on trial. And what exactly does that mean? It means that if he's put on the stand, he'll say he was just following orders from your men and from you. Now hold On a second. Not just Holloman or Ehrlichman. He brought me into this. He did, sir. That son of a. I can't win. Can't win. If he gets immunity, he could spill everything. But if he doesn't get immunity, he might be bitter and try to drag me down with him. It does seem like a bit of a poker game, sir. Nixon leans against a chair, trying to figure out a way forward. This seems like a lose lose situation, but suddenly Nixon gets an idea. No, no, no. There's a way to stay a step ahead. I could come out publicly and say Dean will not get immunity. I can influence decisions at the Department of Justice. Dean knows that. But what does that accomplish? You don't see it? If Dean knows a cooperation deal is off the table, he can't go on and point his finger at other people. He'd only incriminate himself. But like you said, he. He could grow bitter. He could try to drag you down with him out of spite. Not if he thinks there's a chance somewhere down the line that I'll give him a pardon. Ah, sir, that's a big risk. You think it'll work? I don't know. You tell me. What other options are there? The Assistant Attorney General remains silent. And for Nixon, it's a sign that he's right. Backing John Dean into a corner is the only way he can win this battle. Dean has always maintained that he's a man of principle, but like everyone else, at the end of the day, he's only motivated by self interest. Luckily, President Nixon is still the one in power. He can single handedly shape the policy of the Justice Department. And if Peterson is right, if this is a game of poker, then Nixon is the House and he can deal the cards any way he wants. Foreign It's July 12, 1973. Three months later it's early in the morning as Alexander Haig strides through the White House carrying today's briefing for the President. Haig is the new Chief of Staff, and having served in the army as a general, he likes to start the day early and get going on the pressing issues facing the White House. Haig checks his watch. The President should be up by now, but for some reason he still hasn't gotten notice that the President is even out of bed. So Haig turns on his heels and heads for the staircase leading to the second floor. He's going to peer in to see if Nixon is awake, and if he is, they'll get going with today's briefing. But as Haig walks through The White House. He can't help but notice the downcast look on some of the staffers faces. And while he is relatively new on the job, Haig has no illusion why people look so unhappy. The last few months have been turbulent for this administration. Haig's predecessor, Bob Halderman, resigned after White House counsel John Dean implicated him for crimes related to Watergate. But it didn't stop with Halderman. John Ehrlichman, the President's top domestic policy advisor, also resigned. And so did the Attorney General, Richard Kleindienst, who cited his close ties to men currently under investigation. And the turmoil continued to grow more intense when John Dean, the White House counsel, was fired. Dean had offered shocking revelations to the Watergate prosecutors. He'd hoped that doing so would earn him a cooperation deal with the Department of Justice. But the President made sure Dean wouldn't get off so easy. Nixon made a public statement saying that Dean and others involved in Watergate would not receive immunity. This move appeared to be an attack against Dean, an effort to cut off his leverage so he would stay silent. But Nixon's plan faced a setback. Dean still testified in front of the Senate committee investigating Watergate, making allegations against his former colleagues and implicating the President in the COVID up. It was a blockbuster event, one that Americans across the country watched on tv. Dean's shocking testimony also opened up another wound in the Nixon administration, which had already been damaged by the ongoing scandal. And looking around at the White House now, Haig can see that morale has sunk to a new low. Even Nixon himself seems tired and haggard. This must be one of the toughest stretches of his entire presidency. But as Chief of Staff, Haig knows he can make a difference. He can help clean up this mess from Watergate and cut down on the sense of chaos that's spreading through the ranks. And he can help the President get his agenda back on track. Soon, Haig arrives on the second floor of the White House. He heads down a narrow carpeted hallway. As he approaches the President's bedroom, Haig hears muffled but violent coughing. He picks up his pace, and when he arrives at the President's door, he knocks loudly. There's the sound of more coughing, and then Nixon calls out, saying Haig can enter. But when he opens the door, Haig is startled by the sight in front of him. Nixon is lying in bed, gasping for air. The President hacks out another cough. Haig asks if he's okay. Nixon grumbles, saying he's fine. He just woke up feeling a little sick. But Haig stares in shock. The President does not seem well, certainly worse than feeling a little sick. And then Nixon turns over, coughing even louder than before. That's when Haig sees the blood trickling out of Nixon's mouth and landing on the white sheets of his bed. Haig springs forward, alarmed. He tells the President that he has to see a doctor right away. Nixon pushes back, repeating that he's fine, it's just a cold. But Haig won't hear it. The President is clearly sick. He needs help. So Haig runs to call a doctor, saying the President needs emergency care. Haig then waits beside Nixon's bed, watching the President cough like a man who's dying. Haig knew the administration was crumbling under the pressure from Watergate, but now the scandal is clearly taking a physical toll on the President himself, a man whose job is to lead the free world. Haig knows it can't go on like this. Something has to change. Because if it doesn't, if the Watergate scandal gets any bigger, the President and the country could be in mortal danger from wondering. This is episode four of Watergate from American Scandal. In our next episode, President Nixon comes under scrutiny from a special prosecutor, and with evidence of a crime adding up, the President faces a day of reckoning.