American Scandal: ENCORE: Watergate | The President's Daughter | Episode 2 Summary

Hosted by Lindsay Graham and produced by Wondery, "American Scandal" delves deep into the intricate web of deceit and corruption that culminated in the infamous Watergate scandal. This episode meticulously traces the unfolding events of June 1972, highlighting the pivotal roles played by journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, key White House operatives, and the consequential decisions made within the Nixon administration.

1. The Watergate Break-In and Initial Response

June 17, 1972, Washington D.C.

The episode opens with Bob Woodward, a 29-year-old reporter for the Washington Post, waking abruptly from a dream by a call from his editor. Despite his exhaustion and desire to cover more substantial stories, he is tasked with investigating a recent burglary at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters—later identified as the Watergate complex.

Woodward: "Five men got busted. They had cameras and electronic equipment...It could be something big."

Timestamp: [00:13]

Woodward initially considers the break-in a minor event but is intrigued by the sophisticated equipment used, hinting at a deeper, possibly political motive.

2. The Rising Complexity of the Investigation

As Woodward attends the preliminary hearing, he observes one of the suspects, James McCord, revealing his CIA background on the witness stand. This revelation raises immediate red flags about potential ties between the burglars and higher governmental authorities.

Judge: "Where did he work in government?"

McCord: "I was formerly employed by the CIA."

Timestamp: [05:00]

Bob Woodward's discovery of McCord's CIA ties leads him to suspect possible government involvement, prompting him to consult his secretive source, Deep Throat.

3. The First Major Lead

June 18, 1972

Woodward contacts Deep Throat, who critiques their initial reporting strategy, suggesting that the story is "too soft" and that Watergate's implications extend far deeper than previously thought.

Deep Throat: "Watergate wasn't the only espionage operation funded by Nixon's reelection committee."

Timestamp: [21:15]

This conversation underscores the magnitude of the scandal, indicating that multiple layers of Nixon's administration might be entangled in the conspiracy.

4. Carl Bernstein's Breakthrough

September 14, 1972

Carl Bernstein uncovers a crucial lead when a bookkeeper from Nixon's re-election committee reveals irregularities in the handling of funds, implicating top officials like G. Gordon Liddy and Jeb Magruder.

Bookkeeper: "A and M and P. That's all I'm going to give you."

Timestamp: [35:56]

This breakthrough provides Woodward and Bernstein with concrete evidence linking the burglary to senior members of the Nixon campaign, intensifying their investigation.

5. The Administration's Countermoves

June 21-23, 1972

Inside the Oval Office, President Richard Nixon and his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman, grapple with the fallout as connections between the burglars and the re-election committee become undeniable.

Haldeman: "We can pin all the responsibility for the burglary on G. Gordon Liddy."

Timestamp: [23:05]

Nixon contemplates a cover-up strategy to protect his administration, including efforts to control the FBI's investigation by leveraging higher authorities like the CIA.

Nixon: "We also have to get control of the FBI."

Timestamp: [33:56]

Simultaneously, John Dean, White House counsel, attempts to coerce the acting FBI Director, L. Patrick Gray, to limit the investigation, revealing the administration's desperate measures to obscure the truth.

Dean: "I'm not saying the FBI shouldn't investigate the burglary. We just want to make sure you're investigating it the right way."

Timestamp: [33:56]

6. Escalation and Realization of Depth

As the investigation progresses, Woodward and Bernstein realize the scandal's extensive reach, involving not just minor officials but potentially implicating the highest levels of the Nixon administration.

Deep Throat: "Watergate involves enormous stakes for the White House...People who want to stay in power."

Timestamp: [33:56]

This acknowledgment from Deep Throat signifies that the journalistic pursuit is now threatening deeply entrenched power structures, necessitating greater caution and determination from the reporters.

7. The Decision to Pursue the Truth

September 14, 1972

Bernstein's encounter with the bookkeeper solidifies the reporters' resolve to expose the truth, despite mounting pressures and potential dangers.

Bernstein: "It's a huge development. This is a much bigger story than we could ever have imagined."

Timestamp: [35:56]

Meanwhile, Woodward receives further confirmation from Deep Throat that the conspiracy extends beyond mere burglary, urging them to expand their investigative lens.

Deep Throat: "They thought the agents didn't ask her hard enough questions."

Timestamp: [35:56]

8. Preparing for the Unraveling

As Woodward and Bernstein prepare to publish their findings, the administration's attempts to stifle the investigation become more aggressive, setting the stage for the eventual unraveling of the Nixon presidency.

Woodward: "Watergate must run very deep. It must involve senior members of Nixon's administration, maybe even the President himself."

Timestamp: [35:56]

The episode concludes with the reporters poised on the brink of exposing one of America's most significant political scandals, highlighting their pivotal role in the quest for truth and accountability.

Notable Quotes

• Bob Woodward: "Five men got busted. They had cameras and electronic equipment...It could be something big."
  [00:13]

• James McCord: "I was formerly employed by the CIA."
  [05:00]

• Deep Throat: "Watergate wasn't the only espionage operation funded by Nixon's reelection committee."
  [21:15]

• John Dean: "I'm not saying the FBI shouldn't investigate the burglary. We just want to make sure you're investigating it the right way."
  [33:56]

• Deep Throat: "They thought the agents didn't ask her hard enough questions."
  [35:56]

• Bob Woodward: "Watergate must run very deep. It must involve senior members of Nixon's administration, maybe even the President himself."
  [35:56]

Conclusion

Episode 2 of "American Scandal" offers a gripping portrayal of the early days of the Watergate investigation, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of truth by journalists facing formidable obstacles. Through detailed reenactments and insightful narration, the episode illuminates the complex interplay between power, secrecy, and the press, ultimately setting the stage for the dramatic unraveling of one of the most significant political scandals in American history.