NIXON TAPES: Nixon Drunk over Watergate (Haldeman)

April 30, 1973
White House Telephone

President Richard Nixon, distraught, slurring his words, and likely drunk, talks with Bob Haldeman. Earlier that night, Nixon had announced the resignations of his closest aides, his Chief of Staff H. R. (Bob) Haldeman and his Chief Domestic Advisor John Ehrlichman, for their involvement in the brewing Watergate scandal. Nixon tells Haldeman to keep the faith and that he loves him like his brother. Watergate is clearly weighing heavily on Nixon by this point, although it will be over another year before it causes him to resign too.

Nixon later likened the firings to cutting off his right arm and his left arm. In a conversation soon after this one, Nixon told his Secretary of State Bill Rogers that he "broke down" after the broadcast even though he's "not that kind of man."

This conversation is featured in the documentary, "Our Nixon."

(Photo: President Richard Nixon and Bob Haldeman walking together.)