Breaking into Watergate

Part 1: Breaking into Watergate

Introduction

Chapter 16 “Breaking into Watergate” focuses on the historical evidence, primarily the White House tape recordings, of the disreputable Nixon scandal. The authors James West Davidson and Mark Lytle present comprehensive analysis of these tapes and beyond doubt let the readers enjoy a close view of the Oval Office. The main defense of Richard Nixon for his incorruptibility in the Watergate scandal was that he was not well-versed of the events bringing about the crack in the Democratic headquarters (Davidson & Lytle, 2009). However, tape recordings confirmed the opposite. Nixon was acquainted with the fact that the break in was about to happen and he also participated as a complicated part in the preparation and setting up of the operation. However, the authors also center much of this chapter on the fact that the White House tape recording system was set up by none other than the President Richard Nixon (Davidson & Lytle, 2009).

Critique of the Chapter

In my opinion “Breaking into Watergate” is one of the most interesting chapters to read since the writers elucidate the Watergate scandal in a very engaging and tempting way. I believe the issue about the tape recorders remarkably explained; it wind up being shocking for Nixon however good for the people of the United States that he taped all of his meetings since the recorders provide clear verification that he played a leading role in the scandal of Watergate (Davidson & Lytle, 2009).

After reading this chapter, my viewpoint about President Nixon has changed completely. Usually, a president is seen as an intelligent, humble and a daring leader who not just leads the country but also represents it. However, the manner Davidson and Lytle depicted this scandal opposes this perspective. Even though Nixon tried a lot to hide White House links to Watergate scandal, he messed up. I believe the writers exposed an unusual element of Nixon's personality by explaining how furiously he tried to hide his recordings from being heard and also by dismissing his cabinet members. Paradoxically, the device he installed turned out to be more injurious than advantageous (Davidson & Lytle, 2009). Richard Nixon over and over again sought out to show his best look for history, however in its place he presented his nastiest. The writers are being humorous when they explained that according to Sanders, Nixon would by no means have said anything accountable on the record, however honestly Nixon said a number of incriminating things (Davidson & Lytle, 2009). This chapter lets the reader know a lot of uncommon things about Nixon that was not known to him/her before. After going through this chapter knowing what was recorded in the tapes, anybody would think that Nixon should in no way have been elected as the President of America as he was not worthy of it. And so, I agree with the writers that although Richard Nixon may also be good at times during his term, he will forever and a day be remembered ...