BONUS: Why Didn't Nixon Destroy the Watergate Tapes?

BONUS: Why Didn't Nixon Destroy the Watergate Tapes?

Author: Liam Heffernan August 16, 2025 Duration: 10:49
America: The Story of the USA
HistoryCultureNewsPoliticsSocietySociety & Culture

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

President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize

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?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

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Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
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