Fact Check: Nixon's Secretary Erased Crucial Watergate Tapes, Taking Full Blame
What We Know
The Watergate scandal, which led to President Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974, involved a significant amount of recorded conversations from the White House, known as the Nixon White House tapes. These tapes were recorded using a sound-activated system installed in the Oval Office and other locations, capturing conversations from 1971 until the system was turned off in 1973 (Nixon White House tapes).
One of the most infamous incidents related to these tapes is the 18.5-minute gap that occurred on one of the recordings. This gap was discovered during the investigation into the Watergate scandal and has been the subject of much speculation and controversy. Nixon's secretary, Rose Mary Woods, claimed responsibility for this erasure, stating that it occurred while she was transcribing the tapes (The missing 18 1/2 minutes: Presidential destruction of ...). However, the exact circumstances surrounding the erasure remain unclear, and the incident has been interpreted in various ways over the years.
Analysis
The claim that Nixon's secretary erased crucial Watergate tapes and took full blame is partially true. While it is accurate that Rose Mary Woods took responsibility for the erasure of the 18.5 minutes of tape, the context is critical. Woods stated that the erasure was accidental, occurring during her transcription work (ABC News). This suggests that while she did take the blame, it may not have been a deliberate act of destruction but rather a mistake.
The credibility of Woods as a source is somewhat reliable, given her close association with Nixon and her role in the administration. However, her testimony must be viewed in light of the political pressures and the chaotic environment surrounding the Watergate scandal. The narrative that she took "full blame" can be misleading, as it implies a level of culpability that may not reflect the true nature of the incident.
Additionally, the broader context of the Watergate scandal involves multiple players and a concerted effort to cover up various activities, including the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters (Watergate scandal). Nixon's administration was characterized by a culture of secrecy and deception, which complicates the interpretation of Woods' actions.
The investigation into the tapes and the subsequent legal battles, including the Supreme Court's ruling that Nixon must release the tapes, further illustrate the complexities of this situation. The tapes were ultimately seen as critical evidence in the impeachment proceedings against Nixon, and the erasure of any part of them raised significant questions about obstruction of justice (Nixon White House tapes).
Conclusion
The claim that Nixon's secretary erased crucial Watergate tapes and took full blame is partially true. While Rose Mary Woods did take responsibility for the erasure of the 18.5 minutes of tape, the circumstances surrounding this event suggest it was an accidental erasure rather than a deliberate act of destruction. The broader context of the Watergate scandal, including the political environment and the actions of multiple individuals, complicates the narrative of blame and responsibility.
