Fact Check: "Nixon's secretary erased crucial Watergate tapes, altering history."
What We Know
The claim that Nixon's secretary erased crucial Watergate tapes is rooted in the historical context of the Watergate scandal, which involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up efforts by the Nixon administration. One of the most infamous aspects of this scandal is the 18.5-minute gap in the White House tapes, which were recorded during Nixon's presidency. This gap is often attributed to an accidental erasure by Nixon's personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. According to the Nixon Library, Woods claimed that she inadvertently erased the tape while attempting to transcribe it. This incident has been a focal point in discussions about the Watergate scandal and has led to speculation regarding its implications for historical accuracy.
The tapes themselves were part of a recording system installed in the White House at Nixon's request, which aimed to document his conversations for historical record-keeping. The system was operational from 1971 until it was shut down in 1973, shortly after the Watergate scandal became public knowledge (Nixon White House tapes).
Analysis
The assertion that Woods' actions "altered history" is misleading. While it is true that the erasure of the 18.5 minutes of tape has significant implications for the Watergate investigation, the claim implies a deliberate intent to obscure critical information. The Watergate Files indicate that Woods and other White House staff provided conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances of the erasure. This inconsistency raises questions about the reliability of their testimonies but does not necessarily support the notion of a calculated effort to alter historical events.
Moreover, the narrative surrounding the tapes has been sensationalized over the years. The ABC News article highlights that Woods was responsible for transcribing the tapes before they were handed over to prosecutors, which adds context to her involvement in the situation. However, the claim lacks evidence of intentional wrongdoing on her part, as she maintained that the erasure was accidental.
The credibility of sources discussing this topic varies. The Nixon Library is a primary source, providing direct information about the tapes and their context, while media outlets like ABC News and NPR offer interpretations and analyses that may include editorial bias. It is essential to differentiate between factual recounting and speculative commentary when evaluating the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that Nixon's secretary erased crucial Watergate tapes with the intent to alter history is misleading. While Rose Mary Woods did erase a significant portion of tape, the evidence suggests that it was an accident rather than a deliberate act to conceal information. The sensationalization of this incident has contributed to misconceptions about its implications for the Watergate scandal and historical accuracy.
