Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon

Presidential Style

• “Imperial” Presidency– Expanding Presidential Powers– Ex. war, government spending, executive

responsibilities– Impounds– Tight hold on information– Closed circle

• John Mitchell• John Ehrlichman• H.R. Halderman

Domestic Issues and Policies• The Economy

– Inflation -- 1967 = 3%, 1973 = 9%, 1975 = 12%– Unemployment– Weak economic growth– Price and Wage Controls

• Oil Crisis– Price controls– OPEC and the Oil Embargo

• New Federalism– Revenue Sharing

• Civil Rights– “middle course”– “Southern Strategy”

• Supreme Court– Appoints 4 justices

• Moon Landing

Stagflation

Nixon and Elvis

Foreign Affairs

• Henry Kissinger• Realpolitik – practical diplomacy• Détente – easing of tensions• Soviet/Chinese relations cool creating

an opportunity for the US• “Secret Diplomacy”• Improved Relations with China• The Soviet Union and SALT I

Watergate• Illegal Activities

– IRS audits of “enemies”– Wiretaps for “national security” purposes– Burglaries – “Dirty tricks” -

• The Plumbers• CRP (CREEP)

– Bug DNC headquarters in the Watergate Building – “A third rate burglary”– 5 burglars caught with White House Connections– The Cover up

• Hush money• Perjury• FBI vs. CIA• Washington Post and Watergate

– “Saturday Night Massacre”– The Tapes– Resignation– Pardon

Watergate

• The Crime– Bug DNC headquarters at the Watergate

Complex• The Coverup– Discouraging the FBI investigation– hush money– supporting perjury

Watergate

• Vice President Spiro Agnew