1 00:00:02,920 --> 00:00:04,911 NARRATOR: The President of the United States, 2 00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:07,560 the most powerful human being in the world. 3 00:00:07,640 --> 00:00:09,836 No one could have foreseen the seismic shocks 4 00:00:09,920 --> 00:00:12,514 America would suffer in the 20th century. 5 00:00:12,600 --> 00:00:14,876 The assassination of its youngest-ever leader, 6 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:16,752 John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 7 00:00:16,840 --> 00:00:21,596 and the disgrace of its most successful election-winner, Richard Milhous Nixon. 8 00:00:21,680 --> 00:00:25,594 One man destined to die, the other never to be forgiven. 9 00:00:29,080 --> 00:00:32,198 This is a dramatic reconstruction of events as they happened 10 00:00:32,280 --> 00:00:34,430 on two days that shook the world. 11 00:00:37,000 --> 00:00:40,516 It is the 22nd of November, 1963, 12 00:00:40,760 --> 00:00:45,038 in central Asia, Soviet astronaut Valentina Tereshkova 13 00:00:45,200 --> 00:00:47,714 is the first woman to be launched into space. 14 00:00:48,680 --> 00:00:53,993 In England, the hunt is still on for the perpetrators of the Great Train Robbery. 15 00:00:54,080 --> 00:00:56,913 In Washington DC, Martin Luther King 16 00:00:57,000 --> 00:01:01,073 addresses the Million Man March in front of the Lincoln Memorial 17 00:01:02,280 --> 00:01:08,276 And in Dallas, Texas, preparations are underway for a presidential visit 18 00:01:11,080 --> 00:01:16,359 Dallas, Texas. Thursday, November 22nd, 1963 19 00:01:17,840 --> 00:01:21,470 it's a mild morning, but there are ominous grey clouds in the distance 20 00:01:21,560 --> 00:01:24,757 threatening an overcast day with a chance of rain. 21 00:01:27,360 --> 00:01:31,513 In the Oak Cliff suburb of Dallas, the Newman family are looking forward 22 00:01:31,600 --> 00:01:33,750 to this weekend's Thanksgiving celebrations. 23 00:01:33,840 --> 00:01:36,878 But today, they have made plans for a family day out 24 00:01:37,080 --> 00:01:39,594 Hey, you watch that TV, all right? 25 00:01:39,680 --> 00:01:41,736 What's the matter, little buddy? You aren't ready yet? 26 00:01:41,760 --> 00:01:44,274 NARRATOR: It's 7 a.m., and the Newmans are having breakfast 27 00:01:44,360 --> 00:01:48,672 Bill and Gayle Newman were high school sweethearts and now, both aged 22, 28 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:51,195 they have a young family. 29 00:01:51,280 --> 00:01:54,159 Four-year-old Billy Newman loves cartoons. 30 00:01:54,240 --> 00:01:56,959 Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd are his favourites. 31 00:01:57,040 --> 00:01:59,680 Two-year-old Clayton doesn't care what's on TV, 32 00:01:59,760 --> 00:02:02,274 He's too excited to eat breakfast, either. 33 00:02:02,360 --> 00:02:05,796 Billy, Billy! Come in here and eat! 34 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:08,110 No, I'm watching TV. 35 00:02:08,400 --> 00:02:12,280 Gayle Newman is having her usual breakfast A bottle of Dr Pepper. 36 00:02:12,360 --> 00:02:14,476 Where was that Indian at? You remember? 37 00:02:14,560 --> 00:02:17,279 Her husband Bill has taken the day off. 38 00:02:17,360 --> 00:02:19,829 But he's still thinking about work. 39 00:02:19,920 --> 00:02:22,560 He recently took a professional electricians' exam 40 00:02:22,640 --> 00:02:24,119 and is waiting for the results. 41 00:02:31,920 --> 00:02:36,357 Across town, Dr Malcolm Perry is also having his breakfast 42 00:02:36,440 --> 00:02:40,513 The 34-year-old surgeon has a routine day ahead of him, lecturing, 43 00:02:40,600 --> 00:02:45,117 and doing his patient rounds at Parkland Memorial Hospital in central Dallas. 44 00:02:46,400 --> 00:02:48,710 Perry trained as a doctor in Dallas, 45 00:02:48,800 --> 00:02:52,077 and served in the US Air Force in Washington before returning to Texas 46 00:02:52,160 --> 00:02:55,676 five years ago, to work as a surgeon at Parkland Hospital 47 00:02:57,800 --> 00:03:01,555 The President of the United States. 48 00:03:01,640 --> 00:03:05,156 NARRATOR: Meanwhile, 30 miles away in Fort Worth, Texas, 49 00:03:05,240 --> 00:03:08,312 John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, 50 00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:10,277 is addressing a breakfast conference. 51 00:03:12,480 --> 00:03:15,836 Two years ago, I introduced myself in Paris by saying 52 00:03:15,920 --> 00:03:19,231 that I was the man who had accompanied Mrs Kennedy to Paris. 53 00:03:19,320 --> 00:03:23,359 I'm getting somewhat that same sensation as I travel around Texas. 54 00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:33,389 Nobody wonders what Lyndon and I wear. 55 00:03:36,840 --> 00:03:38,797 NARRATOR: John Kennedy married fashion icon 56 00:03:38,880 --> 00:03:42,157 34-year-old Jacqueline Bouvier 10 years ago. 57 00:03:42,240 --> 00:03:44,117 They now have two young children. 58 00:03:44,200 --> 00:03:47,716 Caroline, aged five, and John-john, aged two. 59 00:03:49,640 --> 00:03:53,031 Jackie Kennedy is looking forward to celebrating the children's birthdays 60 00:03:53,120 --> 00:03:56,590 next week, well away from the hassle of this political trip. 61 00:04:03,440 --> 00:04:08,037 20,000 feet up in the Texas skies, Air Force One, the president's plane, 62 00:04:08,120 --> 00:04:12,478 is making the short flight from Fort Worth to Love Field, Dallas. 63 00:04:12,560 --> 00:04:14,995 On board with John and Jackie Kennedy, 64 00:04:15,080 --> 00:04:18,198 35-year-old Malcolm Kilduff is anxious. 65 00:04:18,280 --> 00:04:23,070 His boss is away in Japan, 50 as Assistant Press Secretary to JFK, 66 00:04:23,160 --> 00:04:25,674 it has been Kilduff's responsibility to organise 67 00:04:25,760 --> 00:04:28,878 the President's tour of Texas, shortly arriving at Dallas. 68 00:04:29,600 --> 00:04:33,389 KILDUFF: The forces of the Republican Party were starting to pick up in '63, 69 00:04:33,480 --> 00:04:36,154 prior to running against Kennedy in '64. 70 00:04:36,240 --> 00:04:38,390 There were a few negative signs. 71 00:04:39,080 --> 00:04:43,711 NARRATOR: Last month, America's United Nations' Ambassador, Adlai Stevenson, 72 00:04:43,800 --> 00:04:46,918 was physically attacked during a visit to Dallas. 73 00:04:47,880 --> 00:04:50,474 The political climate remains tense. 74 00:04:53,120 --> 00:04:57,034 Kilduff is daydreaming about his plans to set up his own PR agency, 75 00:04:57,160 --> 00:05:00,551 well away from the stress and strain of the political world. 76 00:05:06,400 --> 00:05:10,473 The Newman family set off to see the President arrive at Love Field. 77 00:05:10,560 --> 00:05:12,597 -Come on, BILL -Coming, honey. 78 00:05:12,680 --> 00:05:16,913 NARRATOR: Yesterday, Bill bought a new roll of film for his 8mm cine camera, 79 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:20,277 but in all the excitement, he leaves the camera at home. 80 00:05:23,600 --> 00:05:26,831 As Air Force One comes into land at Love Field, 81 00:05:26,920 --> 00:05:31,153 Malcolm Kilduff is steeling himself for the worst. 82 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:34,437 Texas is a traditional Republican stronghold. 83 00:05:34,520 --> 00:05:38,150 Kennedy's progressive approach to domestic issues like civil rights 84 00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:40,675 is unsettling the Republican hardcore. 85 00:05:41,960 --> 00:05:46,352 What's more, his international ambition to act as peacemaker to the world 86 00:05:46,440 --> 00:05:48,636 has angered local right-wingers, 87 00:05:48,720 --> 00:05:52,873 who believe that America is too heavily influenced by the United Nations. 88 00:05:52,960 --> 00:05:57,750 Kilduff anticipates a hostile reception. But so far, so good. 89 00:05:58,120 --> 00:05:59,793 (MARCH PLAYING) 90 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:10,671 As the 46-year-old President and First Lady descend from the aircraft, 91 00:06:10,760 --> 00:06:14,390 the Newman children find it hard to see anything through the mass of people. 92 00:06:20,200 --> 00:06:22,191 John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 93 00:06:22,280 --> 00:06:26,114 the youngest and the first Catholic President of the United States. 94 00:06:26,200 --> 00:06:30,831 Over the past three years, he has overseen the strongest economic upturn 95 00:06:30,920 --> 00:06:33,673 in American history, and has energised the country. 96 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:38,550 Ask not what your country can do for you, 97 00:06:38,640 --> 00:06:41,200 ask what you can do for your country. 98 00:06:42,240 --> 00:06:44,390 (BAND PLAYING THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER) 99 00:06:48,200 --> 00:06:51,113 NARRATOR: The future appears to be Kennedy's to command. 100 00:06:51,200 --> 00:06:55,433 He is the dynamic force behind the Civil Rights Bill of 1963. 101 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:58,717 The man who has made racial segregation illegal 102 00:07:01,680 --> 00:07:04,069 One hundred years of delay have passed 103 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:07,551 since President Lincoln freed the slaves, 104 00:07:07,640 --> 00:07:11,793 yet their heirs, their grandsons, are not fully free. 105 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:15,313 They are not yet freed from the bonds of injustice. 106 00:07:15,720 --> 00:07:20,430 They are not yet freed from social and economic oppression. 107 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:25,597 And this nation, for all its hopes, and all its boasts, 108 00:07:26,120 --> 00:07:29,795 will not be fully free until all its citizens are free. 109 00:07:34,960 --> 00:07:38,157 NARRATOR: Malcolm Kilduff steps into the press car, 110 00:07:38,240 --> 00:07:40,800 three cars behind the President's Lincoln, 111 00:07:40,880 --> 00:07:44,077 part of a motorcade that will travel the five miles 112 00:07:44,160 --> 00:07:47,312 through the city to the Dallas Trade Mart. 113 00:07:47,400 --> 00:07:50,233 Kilduff has helped plan the route. 114 00:07:51,880 --> 00:07:54,599 This morning, the President ordered the removal 115 00:07:54,680 --> 00:07:57,274 of the protective bubble on his car, 116 00:07:57,360 --> 00:08:00,034 in order to be closer and more visible to the crowds. 117 00:08:01,640 --> 00:08:05,554 The journey will take approximately 35 minutes through downtown Dallas. 118 00:08:06,480 --> 00:08:11,077 Crowds swarm to the pavements along the main streets of Kennedy's route. 119 00:08:14,840 --> 00:08:18,276 Bill and Gayle Newman leave the airport with Billy and Clayton 120 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:22,035 to get to Elm Street as quickly as possible ahead of the presidential show. 121 00:08:23,240 --> 00:08:26,312 Bill was too young to vote for Kennedy in 1966, 122 00:08:26,400 --> 00:08:29,791 but he's desperate to see the President, any president. 123 00:08:30,800 --> 00:08:34,111 John F. Kennedy is ending the near of a tough tour of Texas. 124 00:08:34,200 --> 00:08:39,957 San Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas and finally, Austin this evening. 125 00:08:40,880 --> 00:08:43,110 Texas is a difficult state. 126 00:08:43,200 --> 00:08:46,795 Very right-wing, very Republican, very vocal 127 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:50,875 But the President is a political fighter 128 00:08:50,960 --> 00:08:53,156 well used to facing down his critics. 129 00:08:53,960 --> 00:08:57,794 Two weeks from today, you have to make your decision 130 00:08:57,880 --> 00:09:00,235 of what you want this country to be. 131 00:09:00,320 --> 00:09:02,675 What you want Illinois to be. 132 00:09:02,760 --> 00:09:05,912 How ready you are to move this country forward. 133 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:08,992 That is the question which separates Mr Nixon and myself. 134 00:09:18,240 --> 00:09:21,915 JFK narrowly beats Republican Vice-President Richard Nixon 135 00:09:22,000 --> 00:09:24,310 to the Presidency in 1960 136 00:09:25,320 --> 00:09:28,199 To all Americans, I say that 137 00:09:28,280 --> 00:09:30,999 the next four years are going to be difficult 138 00:09:31,080 --> 00:09:33,435 and challenging years for us all 139 00:09:33,520 --> 00:09:35,750 NARRATOR: But despite his popularity, 140 00:09:35,840 --> 00:09:38,673 he does not yet have total support across America. 141 00:09:39,960 --> 00:09:41,997 In April 1961, 142 00:09:42,080 --> 00:09:46,313 Kennedy unsuccessfully attempted to oust the socialist liberator of Cuba, 143 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:48,118 Fidel Castro. 144 00:09:48,200 --> 00:09:49,634 Then, last year, 145 00:09:49,720 --> 00:09:53,395 the Soviet Union sent an arsenal of nuclear weapons to Cuba. 146 00:09:53,480 --> 00:09:57,678 Kennedy ordered a blockade of the island and forced the USSR to back down. 147 00:09:58,360 --> 00:10:02,513 The President's foreign policy is dividing supporters within America. 148 00:10:05,880 --> 00:10:09,794 Okay, if we increase pressure here, and here... 149 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:14,676 NARRATOR: Noon in Dallas. Assistant Professor of Surgery Malcolm Perry 150 00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:19,470 delivers his last lecture of the morning at the Southwestern Medical School 151 00:10:19,560 --> 00:10:21,517 Perry is keen to finish on time. 152 00:10:21,600 --> 00:10:25,719 He has a lunch appointment with a friend over at Parkland Hospital 153 00:10:29,080 --> 00:10:32,675 Meanwhile, Malcolm Kilduff is following the President 154 00:10:32,760 --> 00:10:36,469 Lemon Avenue, Turtle Creek Boulevard, Cedar Springs Road, 155 00:10:36,560 --> 00:10:40,997 right onto Main, round Dealey Plaza and onto Stemmons Freeway North. 156 00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:43,711 Kilduff knows the route well 157 00:10:43,800 --> 00:10:46,918 And so he should, since he helped plan it 158 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:50,994 The crowds are out in force. Press interest in the Kennedy family 159 00:10:51,080 --> 00:10:55,074 is as intense in Dallas as it is across America. 160 00:10:55,160 --> 00:10:59,393 A thousand days into his presidency, John F. Kennedy is a celebrity. 161 00:10:59,480 --> 00:11:02,040 Camelot, as the White House is now nicknamed, 162 00:11:02,120 --> 00:11:05,715 enjoys a constant influx of glamorous intellectuals. 163 00:11:05,800 --> 00:11:09,475 After the old-world flavour of Presidents Truman and Eisenhower, 164 00:11:09,560 --> 00:11:12,996 JFK is the herald of a new age. 165 00:11:13,400 --> 00:11:19,840 Let the word go forth, from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, 166 00:11:20,960 --> 00:11:26,273 that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans. 167 00:11:31,840 --> 00:11:34,229 The Newmans arrive at Dealey Plaza, 168 00:11:34,320 --> 00:11:38,314 only five minutes from JFK's destination, the Dallas Trade Mart. 169 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:42,314 They find a prime position near the corner of Houston Street and Elm Street, 170 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:46,234 on a grass bank, only four yards back from the road. 171 00:11:46,320 --> 00:11:49,631 The crowd has thinned out on the Plaza next to the underpass. 172 00:11:49,720 --> 00:11:52,872 Bill Newman is reminded that he left his own camera at home. 173 00:11:59,240 --> 00:12:01,834 Shocking when Babe died before the record. 174 00:12:01,920 --> 00:12:04,150 He never got to see it be broke. 175 00:12:04,680 --> 00:12:06,830 NARRATOR: Malcolm Perry is having lunch with Dr Jones 176 00:12:06,920 --> 00:12:09,070 at Parkland Memorial Hospital, 177 00:12:09,160 --> 00:12:12,391 before his afternoon surgical rounds begin at one o'clock. 178 00:12:17,720 --> 00:12:21,076 The Dallas Trade Mart is awaiting the arrival of the President. 179 00:12:22,040 --> 00:12:24,759 As part of his speech, in an hour's time, 180 00:12:24,840 --> 00:12:28,515 he plans to talk about international strength and security. 181 00:12:28,600 --> 00:12:32,833 Reassuring his audience that the United States is a peaceful nation. 182 00:12:32,920 --> 00:12:38,438 But right-wing Republicans have already made JFK uncomfortable in Texas. 183 00:12:39,280 --> 00:12:42,033 Even a front-page welcome in today's newspaper 184 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:45,556 is actually a list of challenges to the young president. 185 00:12:49,960 --> 00:12:52,998 The Kennedy motorcade moves through central Dallas, 186 00:12:53,080 --> 00:12:57,438 Main Street, onto Dealey Plaza towards Houston Street. 187 00:12:57,520 --> 00:13:00,672 The crowds on the main part of the route are surprisingly large 188 00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:04,196 and enthusiastic and the weather has stayed bright 189 00:13:05,320 --> 00:13:08,711 The motorcade begins the drive around the Plaza's north corner, 190 00:13:08,800 --> 00:13:11,155 by the old School Book Depository. 191 00:13:12,920 --> 00:13:16,834 The President is relieved at the positive reaction to his visit 192 00:13:17,600 --> 00:13:22,310 As the motorcade turns into Elm Street, Billy Newman glimpses the President. 193 00:13:27,600 --> 00:13:32,720 Misreading the sign behind him, Press Secretary Malcolm Kilduff asks, 194 00:13:33,840 --> 00:13:35,877 "what the hell is a book repository?" 195 00:13:35,960 --> 00:13:39,351 (GUNSHOTS) 196 00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:52,357 Three shots have been fired. 197 00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:56,911 After the first, Bill and Gall think someone is letting off firecrackers. 198 00:13:57,000 --> 00:13:58,320 (GUNSHOT) 199 00:13:58,400 --> 00:14:01,597 Billy Newman sees a spurt of blood across the car. 200 00:14:01,680 --> 00:14:02,954 (GUNSHOT) 201 00:14:05,200 --> 00:14:06,235 (GUNSHOT) 202 00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:11,319 The third and final shot brings a spray of blood from the President's head. 203 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:16,871 Billy ls pulled to the ground beneath his father, 204 00:14:16,960 --> 00:14:19,600 who is now terrified of further random shooting. 205 00:14:27,240 --> 00:14:30,073 "Some son of a bitch just shot the President," he screams, 206 00:14:30,160 --> 00:14:32,436 pounding the ground with his fists. 207 00:14:39,080 --> 00:14:41,435 Billy hears Jackie shout, "Oh no," 208 00:14:41,520 --> 00:14:45,275 as the crowd panics and her husband slumps into her lap. 209 00:14:46,120 --> 00:14:49,317 Immediately, an agent jumps onto the Kennedy car 210 00:14:49,400 --> 00:14:51,914 to protect the President and First Lady. 211 00:14:52,000 --> 00:14:56,039 Special Agent William Greer, driving the Kennedy car, accelerates. 212 00:14:58,360 --> 00:15:01,830 Press Secretary Malcolm Kilduff is uncertain what's happened, 213 00:15:01,920 --> 00:15:04,116 or where the motorcade is heading. 214 00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:08,512 Nearby, a 24-year-old man called Lee Harvey Oswald 215 00:15:08,600 --> 00:15:11,069 is seen running away from the Book Depository. 216 00:15:12,760 --> 00:15:16,151 In Dealey Plaza, there is chaos and confusion. 217 00:15:16,240 --> 00:15:19,073 People rush towards the prone Newman family. 218 00:15:19,160 --> 00:15:23,119 Some even take pictures, wondering why they have hit the ground, 219 00:15:23,200 --> 00:15:25,191 or if they have been caught in the cross-fire. 220 00:15:25,280 --> 00:15:26,395 (GUNSHOT) 221 00:15:27,040 --> 00:15:28,917 Kilduff is confused. 222 00:15:29,000 --> 00:15:30,911 KILDUFF: The motorcade pulled off fast 223 00:15:31,000 --> 00:15:33,037 but none of us thought that was unusual 224 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:36,715 because, in any sort of emergency, we knew that the conditioned reflex 225 00:15:36,800 --> 00:15:39,838 was to get out of there if there was trouble. 226 00:15:39,920 --> 00:15:42,196 NARRATOR: There is no communication with the press car, 227 00:15:42,280 --> 00:15:44,635 only 25 metres behind the President's car, 228 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:46,552 as they speed through the streets. 229 00:15:54,480 --> 00:15:57,757 In the Parkland's café, Dr Perry hears a pager message 230 00:15:57,840 --> 00:16:01,390 for the head of emergency services, Dr Tom Shires. 231 00:16:01,480 --> 00:16:03,869 Perry knows his boss is away in Galveston, 232 00:16:03,960 --> 00:16:06,520 so he responds to the emergency call 233 00:16:12,120 --> 00:16:14,555 journalists begin filing stories 234 00:16:14,640 --> 00:16:17,951 as soon as they realise the firecrackers were actually gunshots. 235 00:16:18,040 --> 00:16:20,509 But still they have no idea what's really happened. 236 00:16:21,640 --> 00:16:24,234 KILDUFF: There was nothing in those bulletins that will indicate 237 00:16:24,320 --> 00:16:27,995 that anyone had the slightest idea that the President had been shot 238 00:16:28,080 --> 00:16:31,152 until after we got to Parkland Hospital 239 00:16:32,080 --> 00:16:35,869 NARRATOR: Immediately pursued by TV journalists following the shooting, 240 00:16:35,960 --> 00:16:38,793 the Newman family are quickly picked up by police officers 241 00:16:38,880 --> 00:16:42,111 and taken to the sheriff's office to make a witness statement. 242 00:16:42,200 --> 00:16:44,714 They are shocked and very scared. 243 00:16:48,200 --> 00:16:52,353 Dr Perry discovers the emergency patient is the President. 244 00:16:52,440 --> 00:16:54,256 - Talk to me. - WOMAN: Get the blood pressure... 245 00:16:54,280 --> 00:16:55,953 NARRATOR: He rushes into Trauma Room 1, 246 00:16:56,040 --> 00:17:00,955 where has been JFK has been taken, case number 24740. 247 00:17:04,600 --> 00:17:06,637 PERRY: I did not detect a heartbeat, 248 00:17:06,720 --> 00:17:09,314 and was told there was no blood pressure obtainable. 249 00:17:09,400 --> 00:17:11,391 MAN: What's the EKG look like? 250 00:17:12,080 --> 00:17:15,914 The President's clothing is removed as part of emergency procedure. 251 00:17:16,000 --> 00:17:18,230 The trauma team notice an amateur bandage 252 00:17:18,320 --> 00:17:20,152 around President Kennedy's thigh. 253 00:17:20,240 --> 00:17:23,278 They have no idea to this day what it was for. 254 00:17:24,640 --> 00:17:26,119 (TELEPHONE RINGING) 255 00:17:26,440 --> 00:17:29,000 You mean to tell me that in a service area the size of Dallas 256 00:17:29,080 --> 00:17:31,993 I can't get at least 12 phones? Lady, I have an emergency... 257 00:17:32,080 --> 00:17:33,878 NARRATOR: Now operating on autopilot, 258 00:17:33,960 --> 00:17:36,759 Malcolm Kilduff is on the phone to Southern Bell, 259 00:17:36,840 --> 00:17:40,595 ordering more phone lines for the press and government agents. 260 00:17:40,680 --> 00:17:43,069 Southern Bell are quickly onto the case. 261 00:17:44,160 --> 00:17:47,073 Kennedy's body is making what doctor's call 262 00:17:47,160 --> 00:17:52,155 ineffective spasmodic respiratory efforts. He is trying to breathe. 263 00:17:52,920 --> 00:17:55,480 Dr Perry makes a quick diagnosis. 264 00:17:56,000 --> 00:17:58,833 PERRY: I noted the presence of lacerated brain tissue. 265 00:17:58,920 --> 00:18:01,434 In the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's apple, 266 00:18:01,520 --> 00:18:05,753 was a small, roughly circular wound from which blood was exuding slowly. 267 00:18:06,520 --> 00:18:09,797 NARRATOR: Malcolm Perry attempts to ease the President's breathing. 268 00:18:09,880 --> 00:18:12,190 He quickly performs an emergency tracheotomy 269 00:18:12,280 --> 00:18:15,716 by inserting a tube through the wound in Kennedy's neck. 270 00:18:15,800 --> 00:18:18,030 Meanwhile, the neurosurgeons prepare 271 00:18:18,120 --> 00:18:21,351 to take readings of electrical activity in the President's brain. 272 00:18:24,840 --> 00:18:27,275 Kilduff waits for news in the corridor. 273 00:18:29,360 --> 00:18:31,351 He already fears the worst 274 00:18:32,440 --> 00:18:35,398 There is a five-inch hole in the back of Kennedy's skull 275 00:18:35,480 --> 00:18:37,869 From his vantage point of the President's head, 276 00:18:37,960 --> 00:18:42,955 Dr McClellen sees that half the right side of his brain has been destroyed. 277 00:18:43,040 --> 00:18:47,352 Fearing a coup d'etat, the security services decided it's too dangerous 278 00:18:47,440 --> 00:18:50,717 to allow Vice President Johnson to remain so close. 279 00:18:50,800 --> 00:18:53,713 He is moved away from Parkland Hospital 280 00:18:58,720 --> 00:19:03,237 Dr Malcolm Perry already fears it is a hopeless situation. 281 00:19:03,320 --> 00:19:07,996 PERRY: The President's eyes were dim and dilated and he was unresponsive. 282 00:19:08,080 --> 00:19:10,117 We were breathing for him. 283 00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:14,199 I had begun external cardiac massage. 284 00:19:14,280 --> 00:19:18,956 We had been unable to detect a heartbeat, blood pressure, or a pulse. 285 00:19:23,160 --> 00:19:24,514 (TELEPHONES RINGING) 286 00:19:24,600 --> 00:19:26,876 NARRATOR: Kilduff has set up an emergency press office 287 00:19:26,960 --> 00:19:30,430 in a nearby classroom to cope with the growing media interest 288 00:19:30,520 --> 00:19:33,911 News of the shooting is starting to hit the airwaves. 289 00:19:34,000 --> 00:19:37,311 ANNOUNCER: Here is a bulletin from CBS News. 290 00:19:37,400 --> 00:19:41,553 In Dallas, Texas, three shots were fired at President Kennedy's motorcade 291 00:19:41,640 --> 00:19:43,199 in downtown Dallas. 292 00:19:43,280 --> 00:19:44,714 The first reports say that 293 00:19:44,800 --> 00:19:48,839 President Kennedy has been seriously wounded by this shooting. 294 00:19:49,440 --> 00:19:52,000 Stay tuned to CBS News for further details. 295 00:19:54,640 --> 00:19:58,076 As quickly as possible, I need you down there to find as many witnesses... 296 00:19:58,160 --> 00:20:01,278 NARRATOR: Malcolm Kilduff realises that Kennedy's spattered Lincoln 297 00:20:01,360 --> 00:20:04,637 is now vulnerable to prying eyes, and immediately orders agents 298 00:20:04,720 --> 00:20:08,759 to replace the bubble fixture previously removed from the car. 299 00:20:13,160 --> 00:20:17,040 At some point before one o'clock, the Lincoln is also thoroughly cleaned 300 00:20:17,120 --> 00:20:18,918 of all forensic material, 301 00:20:19,000 --> 00:20:20,832 apparently on orders from the FBI 302 00:20:29,440 --> 00:20:34,150 At 12:58, Dr Perry leaves Trauma Room 1 to wash up. 303 00:20:34,240 --> 00:20:36,436 There is nothing more he can do. 304 00:20:39,240 --> 00:20:41,550 Perry remembers he has left his jacket behind, 305 00:20:41,640 --> 00:20:44,837 and slips back into the trauma room to retrieve it. 306 00:20:47,320 --> 00:20:49,994 1:00 p.m., 30 minutes after the shooting, 307 00:20:50,680 --> 00:20:53,559 John F. Kennedy is pronounced dead. 308 00:20:54,840 --> 00:20:59,869 He is the youngest president ever elected. And the youngest to die. 309 00:21:00,720 --> 00:21:04,156 Exactly 100 years to the week since the Battle of Gettysburg, 310 00:21:04,240 --> 00:21:06,277 Abraham Lincoln's finest moment. 311 00:21:35,040 --> 00:21:37,873 (GUNSHOTS) 312 00:21:42,600 --> 00:21:46,833 Only Dr McClellen remains as Father Oscar Huber arrives 313 00:21:46,920 --> 00:21:51,437 to administer the last rites to America's first Catholic President. 314 00:21:51,960 --> 00:21:53,075 If thou livest... 315 00:21:53,680 --> 00:21:56,957 His first words are "If thou livest". 316 00:21:57,040 --> 00:21:59,395 In accordance with strict Catholic protocol, 317 00:21:59,480 --> 00:22:03,678 he is only able to grant conditional salvation to a dead man. 318 00:22:05,640 --> 00:22:09,474 soul, body and... 319 00:22:14,240 --> 00:22:16,038 ANNOUNCER: Late information just in: 320 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:18,840 Acting White House Secretary Malcolm Kilduff 321 00:22:18,920 --> 00:22:23,915 was asked whether the President was dead, and he said "I have no word now". 322 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:25,559 The President... 323 00:22:25,640 --> 00:22:28,359 NARRATOR: In the temporary press centre at Parkland Hospital, 324 00:22:28,440 --> 00:22:30,511 Malcolm Kilduff has been asked to wait 325 00:22:30,600 --> 00:22:34,150 until Vice President Johnson is back on board Air Force One 326 00:22:34,240 --> 00:22:37,198 before he formally announces the President's death. 327 00:22:42,960 --> 00:22:45,190 Jackie Kennedy enters the trauma room. 328 00:22:46,120 --> 00:22:49,192 Her husband has been dead for just over 10 minutes. 329 00:22:49,280 --> 00:22:51,749 The last remaining doctor watches at a distance 330 00:22:51,840 --> 00:22:55,913 as she removes her wedding ring and places it next to her husband's. 331 00:22:56,760 --> 00:23:01,470 Only three months ago, Jackie gave birth to their fourth child, Patrick. 332 00:23:01,560 --> 00:23:04,120 The boy died after only three days. 333 00:23:04,200 --> 00:23:07,238 The trauma now brings nothing but silence. 334 00:23:11,840 --> 00:23:15,674 The Vice President boards Air Force One and Malcolm Kilduff 335 00:23:15,760 --> 00:23:19,719 is finally allowed to make the most important press statement of his life. 336 00:23:22,360 --> 00:23:26,513 KILDUFF: President John F. Kennedy died at approximately 1 p.m. 337 00:23:26,600 --> 00:23:28,716 Central Standard Time here in Dallas. 338 00:23:29,560 --> 00:23:34,077 He died from a gunshot wound to the brain. 339 00:23:35,560 --> 00:23:38,029 I have no further details at this time. 340 00:23:39,520 --> 00:23:42,876 NARRATOR: The American public are stunned by the announcement. 341 00:23:46,600 --> 00:23:49,558 No one is left unaffected by the shock news. 342 00:23:54,040 --> 00:23:57,476 From Dallas, Texas, the flash apparently official, 343 00:23:57,560 --> 00:24:03,192 President Kennedy died at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time, 344 00:24:03,280 --> 00:24:08,559 2:00 Eastern Standard Time, some 38 minutes ago. 345 00:24:13,600 --> 00:24:17,958 Vice President Johnson has left the hospital in Dallas, 346 00:24:18,040 --> 00:24:21,670 but we do not know to where he has proceeded. 347 00:24:21,760 --> 00:24:25,549 NARRATOR: Former teacher and Texas senator Lyndon Baines Johnson 348 00:24:25,640 --> 00:24:29,315 has served under Kennedy as Vice President for almost three years. 349 00:24:29,400 --> 00:24:31,311 Now, in tragic circumstances, 350 00:24:31,400 --> 00:24:35,109 the 55-year-old will succeed JFK as President 351 00:24:38,120 --> 00:24:42,318 Ten miles away, 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald 352 00:24:42,400 --> 00:24:45,756 is arrested in a cinema following the shooting of a police officer. 353 00:24:45,840 --> 00:24:49,276 He is later charged with the murder of President Kennedy. 354 00:24:52,520 --> 00:24:55,399 As Malcolm Kilduff reaches Air Force One, 355 00:24:55,480 --> 00:24:58,279 Vice President Johnson phones the Attorney General 356 00:24:58,360 --> 00:25:01,955 and is instructed to take the oath of office immediately. 357 00:25:02,040 --> 00:25:06,830 He reluctantly calls the only local judge available, Sarah Hughes. 358 00:25:06,960 --> 00:25:09,679 Johnson vetoed her appointment to the federal bench, 359 00:25:09,760 --> 00:25:12,912 but now he must ask her to swear him in as president. 360 00:25:17,840 --> 00:25:21,071 Johnson personally phones three lawyers in Dallas. 361 00:25:21,160 --> 00:25:25,279 No one has the text of the Presidential oath to hand. 362 00:25:25,360 --> 00:25:29,513 There are also no sound and motion cameras to record the moment. 363 00:25:29,600 --> 00:25:31,671 One of Kilduff's press agents 364 00:25:31,760 --> 00:25:34,718 finds a Dictaphone with one spare recording belt 365 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:38,191 A professional stills camera is also brought on board. 366 00:25:38,280 --> 00:25:41,352 Two very basic machines will immortalise 367 00:25:41,440 --> 00:25:44,398 one of the most important events in American history. 368 00:25:47,720 --> 00:25:50,030 Finally, the Attorney General dictates 369 00:25:50,120 --> 00:25:52,919 the words of the ceremony over the telephone from Washington. 370 00:25:54,040 --> 00:25:58,910 President Kennedy's body is loaded onto Air Force One as Judge Hughes arrives. 371 00:25:59,600 --> 00:26:00,635 Five minutes later, 372 00:26:00,720 --> 00:26:04,509 Lyndon Johnson begins the ceremony that will make him President 373 00:26:04,600 --> 00:26:09,674 Malcolm Kilduff, crouched at Johnson's feet, operates the Dictaphone. 374 00:26:12,320 --> 00:26:15,312 Still, silent, and in shock, 375 00:26:15,400 --> 00:26:18,233 Jackie Kennedy acts as witness to the event. 376 00:26:21,800 --> 00:26:23,677 HUGHES: I do solemnly swear... 377 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:26,176 JOHNSON: I do solemnly swear... 378 00:26:26,200 --> 00:26:28,191 that I will faithfully execute... 379 00:26:28,280 --> 00:26:29,998 that I will faithfully execute... 380 00:26:30,080 --> 00:26:33,357 the office of President of the United States... 381 00:26:33,440 --> 00:26:36,080 the office of President of the United States... 382 00:26:36,160 --> 00:26:37,840 and will, to the best of my abilities... 383 00:26:37,880 --> 00:26:39,951 and will, to the best of my abilities... 384 00:26:42,160 --> 00:26:44,549 NARRATOR: With the new President Johnson on board, 385 00:26:44,640 --> 00:26:47,871 Air Force One takes off from Love Field, Dallas. 386 00:26:51,720 --> 00:26:53,597 Two and a half hours later, 387 00:26:53,680 --> 00:26:56,957 the plane lands at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, 388 00:26:57,040 --> 00:27:01,432 where President Kennedy took off for Texas yesterday morning. 389 00:27:01,520 --> 00:27:04,160 The casket is removed from the plane 390 00:27:04,240 --> 00:27:06,754 and Jackie rides with it into Washington. 391 00:27:06,840 --> 00:27:10,435 She is still wearing the pink, blood-soaked dress and stockings, 392 00:27:10,520 --> 00:27:12,750 caked in her husband's blood. 393 00:27:13,400 --> 00:27:19,476 At 6:15 p.m., President Lyndon Johnson addresses the world for the first time. 394 00:27:19,600 --> 00:27:23,116 JOHNSON: This is a sad time for all people. 395 00:27:24,240 --> 00:27:28,313 We have suffered a loss that cannot be waived. 396 00:27:29,400 --> 00:27:33,598 For me, it is a deep, personal tragedy. 397 00:27:34,920 --> 00:27:38,993 I know that the world shares the sorrow 398 00:27:39,080 --> 00:27:42,311 that Mrs Kennedy and her family bear. 399 00:27:44,000 --> 00:27:49,712 I will do my best, that is all I can do. 400 00:27:51,200 --> 00:27:53,191 NARRATOR: On Monday, next week, 401 00:27:53,280 --> 00:27:56,591 John Kennedy Junior will mark his third birthday 402 00:27:56,680 --> 00:28:00,674 and, on Wednesday, his sister Caroline will be six. 403 00:28:01,800 --> 00:28:04,872 Deeply shaken by their experiences of the day, 404 00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:07,759 the Newman brothers will sleep on the floor of their parents' room 405 00:28:07,840 --> 00:28:09,592 for days afterwards. 406 00:28:09,680 --> 00:28:12,638 The family will never return to Dealey Plaza. 407 00:28:13,760 --> 00:28:18,516 Dr Malcolm Perry will later move to Washington DC as Professor of Surgery. 408 00:28:18,600 --> 00:28:22,798 He returned to Southwestern Medical School in 1996. 409 00:28:22,880 --> 00:28:26,077 Two years after President Kennedy's death, 410 00:28:26,160 --> 00:28:29,994 Malcolm Kilduff left the White House to set up his own news agency. 411 00:28:30,080 --> 00:28:34,836 He later edited a local newspaper, and died in March, 2003. 412 00:28:36,720 --> 00:28:39,917 Two days after Kennedy's death, the accused assassin, 413 00:28:40,000 --> 00:28:44,517 Lee Harvey Oswald, is himself gunned down in a Dallas city jail 414 00:28:45,200 --> 00:28:48,556 He dies the day before JFK's funeral 415 00:28:50,400 --> 00:28:53,313 KENNEDY: If a beachhead of cooperation 416 00:28:53,400 --> 00:28:56,677 may push back the jungle of suspicion, 417 00:28:56,760 --> 00:29:01,277 let both sides join in creating a new endeavour, 418 00:29:02,120 --> 00:29:08,275 where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved. 419 00:29:09,680 --> 00:29:14,277 All this will not be finished in the first 100 days, 420 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:19,550 nor in the life of this administration, 421 00:29:19,640 --> 00:29:23,759 nor even, perhaps, in our lifetime on this planet. 422 00:29:23,840 --> 00:29:25,877 But let us begin. 423 00:29:45,000 --> 00:29:47,514 NARRATOR: It ls the 8th of August, 1974. 424 00:29:49,080 --> 00:29:51,071 At the Geneva Peace Conference, 425 00:29:51,160 --> 00:29:53,470 negotiations continue on the future of Cyprus. 426 00:29:58,120 --> 00:30:02,079 In Belfast, Northern Ireland, vehicles are set alight in protest 427 00:30:02,160 --> 00:30:04,720 at the British Government's internment policy. 428 00:30:06,040 --> 00:30:11,399 In Buenos Aires, Eva Peron is sworn in as interim leader of Argentina. 429 00:30:13,200 --> 00:30:16,397 And in Washington DC President Richard Nixon 430 00:30:16,480 --> 00:30:19,598 is to be impeached following his role in the Watergate break-in. 431 00:30:23,280 --> 00:30:26,955 10:45 a.m. The White House, Washington. 432 00:30:28,560 --> 00:30:31,279 51-year-old Ollie Atkins loads his cameras 433 00:30:31,360 --> 00:30:33,636 with two rolls of black-and-white film. 434 00:30:35,280 --> 00:30:38,955 Ollie has been ordered to get over to the Oval Office as quickly as possible. 435 00:30:39,040 --> 00:30:42,351 A meeting will take place at 11:00 between the Vice President 436 00:30:42,440 --> 00:30:46,673 and the President, Richard Milhous Nixon. 437 00:30:46,760 --> 00:30:49,274 Thirty seventh President of the United States. 438 00:30:51,040 --> 00:30:54,158 Ollie is the White House chief photographer. 439 00:30:55,080 --> 00:30:57,959 Today will be the biggest day of his career. 440 00:31:02,560 --> 00:31:05,632 This morning, the White House ls under siege. 441 00:31:05,720 --> 00:31:09,031 Political aids and party workers face a major crisis. 442 00:31:09,120 --> 00:31:11,475 The press are camped out everywhere. 443 00:31:11,560 --> 00:31:15,599 Yesterday it was announced that President Nixon is to be impeached. 444 00:31:15,680 --> 00:31:19,958 He will be tried by the US Senate for high crimes and misdemeanours 445 00:31:20,040 --> 00:31:24,511 The charges stem from his involvement in a political scandal known as Watergate. 446 00:31:24,600 --> 00:31:27,194 At stake, the presidency itself, 447 00:31:27,280 --> 00:31:30,193 his political career and even his freedom. 448 00:31:33,960 --> 00:31:37,874 Ollie gets to the Oval Office early and arranges for a White House assistant 449 00:31:37,960 --> 00:31:39,871 to turn the lights up on a signal from him 450 00:31:39,960 --> 00:31:41,997 when the Vice President arrives. 451 00:31:42,080 --> 00:31:43,832 "These will be the most historic photographs 452 00:31:43,920 --> 00:31:45,831 "you will ever take", he has been told. 453 00:31:48,640 --> 00:31:50,916 Meanwhile, on the other side of the White House, 454 00:31:51,000 --> 00:31:55,870 in the Nixon family residence, Manolo Sanchez is emptying drawers. 455 00:31:55,960 --> 00:31:59,476 He has been valet to Richard Nixon for 13 years. 456 00:31:59,560 --> 00:32:04,111 His wife, Fina, is the personal maid to First Lady Pat Nixon. 457 00:32:09,480 --> 00:32:11,630 Vice President Gerald Ford arrives 458 00:32:11,720 --> 00:32:14,758 and Ollie waits with him outside the Oval Office. 459 00:32:14,840 --> 00:32:18,834 He follows him in a minute later and the President turns to him. 460 00:32:18,920 --> 00:32:23,118 "How do you want us, Ollie?" he asks. The President is smiling. 461 00:32:23,200 --> 00:32:25,350 Ollie asks him to be more serious. 462 00:32:26,360 --> 00:32:30,797 Nixon and Ford discuss how to respond to the current impeachment crisis. 463 00:32:31,880 --> 00:32:35,157 The President's career has been something of a roller coaster ride, 464 00:32:35,240 --> 00:32:37,800 but, right now, his prospects look bleak. 465 00:32:40,280 --> 00:32:44,831 Richard Nixon launched his bid for the presidency way back in 1960, 466 00:32:44,920 --> 00:32:48,231 But he lost a close-run race to the emerging John F. Kennedy. 467 00:32:49,480 --> 00:32:52,313 He then proclaimed the end of his political ambitions, 468 00:32:52,400 --> 00:32:55,950 when he lost the election for Governor of California, two years later. 469 00:32:56,760 --> 00:32:58,717 I leave you gentlemen now, 470 00:32:59,760 --> 00:33:03,355 and you will now write it You will interpret it. That's your right 471 00:33:03,840 --> 00:33:06,400 But as I leave you, I want you to know, 472 00:33:07,600 --> 00:33:09,557 just think how much you're gonna be missing. 473 00:33:10,000 --> 00:33:11,760 You don't have Nixon to kick around any more. 474 00:33:16,840 --> 00:33:19,434 NARRATOR: But, ever the political opportunist, 475 00:33:19,520 --> 00:33:22,433 Nixon bounced back in 1968 476 00:33:22,520 --> 00:33:25,911 when he won the presidency on the pledge of ending the war in Vietnam. 477 00:33:27,160 --> 00:33:30,198 The greatest honour history can bestow 478 00:33:30,280 --> 00:33:33,193 is the title of peacemaker. 479 00:33:33,840 --> 00:33:36,116 This honour now beckons America. 480 00:33:40,120 --> 00:33:44,591 NARRATOR: 11:30 a.m. And Nixon continues his meeting with Ford. 481 00:33:44,680 --> 00:33:47,149 The President still believes he can salvage his reputation 482 00:33:47,240 --> 00:33:48,594 despite his pending impeachment 483 00:33:48,680 --> 00:33:52,514 Others disagree, including some of his oldest friends 484 00:33:52,600 --> 00:33:56,150 and political allies who now begin to publicly desert him. 485 00:33:56,240 --> 00:33:58,436 I am prepared to conclude 486 00:33:58,520 --> 00:34:04,232 that the magnificent public career of Richard Nixon 487 00:34:04,320 --> 00:34:07,312 must be terminated involuntarily. 488 00:34:08,160 --> 00:34:10,595 NARRATOR: It seems Nixon's luck has run out. 489 00:34:10,680 --> 00:34:11,954 He has been a President 490 00:34:12,040 --> 00:34:14,839 with the knack of being in the right place at the right time. 491 00:34:14,920 --> 00:34:16,319 In his first term, 492 00:34:16,400 --> 00:34:19,153 he welcomed home America's first men on the moon, 493 00:34:19,240 --> 00:34:22,756 though it had been Presidents Kennedy and Johnson who had put them there. 494 00:34:23,520 --> 00:34:25,272 But Nixon was also the architect 495 00:34:25,360 --> 00:34:29,035 of significant milestones in Cold War diplomacy. 496 00:34:29,120 --> 00:34:31,999 In 1972, he was the first American president 497 00:34:32,080 --> 00:34:34,594 to ever visit China and Moscow. 498 00:34:34,680 --> 00:34:38,639 At the very moment Nixon was enjoying his greatest political achievement, 499 00:34:38,720 --> 00:34:41,758 the seeds of his eventual downfall were being sown. 500 00:34:41,840 --> 00:34:43,194 Reports were emerging 501 00:34:43,280 --> 00:34:47,399 of a seemingly insignificant break-in at the Watergate building in Washington. 502 00:34:50,600 --> 00:34:56,073 On June the 17th, 1972, five men were caught installing bugging devices 503 00:34:56,160 --> 00:34:59,551 in the offices of the Democratic Party in the Watergate complex. 504 00:35:00,800 --> 00:35:03,553 Two of the men had CIA connections. 505 00:35:03,640 --> 00:35:07,759 Another was James McCord, Nixon's Republican security chief. 506 00:35:08,760 --> 00:35:12,594 Justice will be pursued fairly, 507 00:35:13,080 --> 00:35:16,516 fully and impartially, 508 00:35:16,600 --> 00:35:18,034 no matter who is involved. 509 00:35:21,120 --> 00:35:25,751 NARRATOR: 77:45 a.m., and Vice President Ford leaves the Oval Office. 510 00:35:25,840 --> 00:35:27,797 He has a momentous day ahead of him. 511 00:35:27,880 --> 00:35:32,272 If Nixon is forced out of power, then Ford will assume the presidency. 512 00:35:33,000 --> 00:35:35,116 But Richard Nixon has proved his ability 513 00:35:35,200 --> 00:35:39,034 to fight his way back when the political odds seem stacked against him. 514 00:35:39,120 --> 00:35:40,599 Twenty two years ago, 515 00:35:40,680 --> 00:35:43,991 he fought a charge of embezzlement while standing for election. 516 00:35:44,960 --> 00:35:49,352 I don't believe that I ought to quit Because I'm not a quitter. 517 00:35:49,880 --> 00:35:53,032 NARRATOR: £ncouraged by intense coverage by The Washington Post, 518 00:35:53,120 --> 00:35:57,591 the FBI began to investigate following the Watergate burglary in 1972. 519 00:35:58,560 --> 00:36:01,154 But Nixon, himself, seemed untouched by it 520 00:36:01,240 --> 00:36:05,552 He was re-elected the same year with the biggest landslide in US history. 521 00:36:07,600 --> 00:36:10,638 Just days after Nixon celebrated his re-election, 522 00:36:10,720 --> 00:36:13,553 the five Watergate burglars and two accomplices 523 00:36:13,640 --> 00:36:17,190 went to trial and to prison in January, 1973, 524 00:36:20,800 --> 00:36:22,837 Nixon was still at a safe distance, 525 00:36:22,920 --> 00:36:26,914 the hero of the hour for negotiating a ceasefire in Vietnam. 526 00:36:30,000 --> 00:36:34,233 12:15 p.m., Ollie Atkins races ahead of the President, 527 00:36:34,320 --> 00:36:36,630 to the Executive Office Building. 528 00:36:36,720 --> 00:36:39,109 Nixon walks across five minutes later. 529 00:36:39,200 --> 00:36:42,750 He's due to meet with his personal lawyer to discuss his options. 530 00:36:44,560 --> 00:36:46,995 The crowd's are building up outside the White House. 531 00:36:47,080 --> 00:36:49,390 Following yesterday's impeachment announcement, 532 00:36:49,480 --> 00:36:53,872 the media are campaigning for, and anticipating, Nixon's resignation. 533 00:36:56,760 --> 00:36:59,274 The political climate remains tense. 534 00:37:00,840 --> 00:37:06,916 Last October, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned over charges of tax evasion. 535 00:37:07,000 --> 00:37:09,913 His was not the only resignation of 1973. 536 00:37:10,760 --> 00:37:13,434 Domestic affairs assistant John Erlichman, 537 00:37:13,520 --> 00:37:16,751 resigned pending trial for obstruction of justice. 538 00:37:16,840 --> 00:37:20,595 And most damaging of all, the Attorney General John Mitchell, 539 00:37:20,680 --> 00:37:23,274 apparently the ring leader of the Watergate bugging team, 540 00:37:23,360 --> 00:37:25,033 was forced to quit 541 00:37:25,120 --> 00:37:27,396 We have faced other crises in our history and 542 00:37:27,480 --> 00:37:31,360 we have become stronger by rejecting the easy way out 543 00:37:31,440 --> 00:37:34,592 and taking the right way in meeting our challenges. 544 00:37:35,320 --> 00:37:40,713 Our greatness as a nation has been our capacity to do what has to be done 545 00:37:40,800 --> 00:37:42,996 when we knew our course was right. 546 00:37:44,880 --> 00:37:48,555 NARRATOR: Newspaper investigations have revealed trails of dirty money 547 00:37:48,640 --> 00:37:52,554 and espionage linking the Watergate burglars to the White House. 548 00:37:52,640 --> 00:37:56,599 Nixon himself has been implicated. The noose is tightening. 549 00:37:59,840 --> 00:38:02,559 Ollie waits outside the President's office. 550 00:38:03,640 --> 00:38:05,711 He's not invited in. 551 00:38:05,800 --> 00:38:08,269 The President is meeting his personal lawyer. 552 00:38:10,680 --> 00:38:14,310 For two years, Nixon has claimed there had been no attempt 553 00:38:14,400 --> 00:38:18,234 to prevent the FBI's investigation of the Watergate break-in. 554 00:38:18,320 --> 00:38:22,757 NIXON: We must maintain the integrity of the white House. 555 00:38:24,280 --> 00:38:29,229 And that integrity must be real, not transparent. 556 00:38:31,520 --> 00:38:35,559 There can be no whitewash at the White House. 557 00:38:38,840 --> 00:38:42,720 NARRATOR: But a taped conversation has revealed that there was a whitewash. 558 00:38:42,800 --> 00:38:44,677 Only a week after the break in, 559 00:38:44,760 --> 00:38:47,195 Nixon and Chief of Staff Bob Haldeman 560 00:38:47,280 --> 00:38:50,477 colluded to block the FBI investigation of Watergate. 561 00:38:51,800 --> 00:38:54,918 This taped conversation is the smoking gun 562 00:38:55,000 --> 00:38:58,755 that finally proves Nixon's direct involvement in the Watergate cover-up. 563 00:39:03,280 --> 00:39:05,840 Richard Nixon is now considering his position. 564 00:39:09,560 --> 00:39:12,074 The President leaves the Executive Building. 565 00:39:12,160 --> 00:39:15,869 Already facing impeachment and the threat of legal action, 566 00:39:15,960 --> 00:39:18,918 Richard Nixon has decided to resign. 567 00:39:19,000 --> 00:39:22,516 He will be the first American President to resign from office. 568 00:39:23,800 --> 00:39:26,360 White House staff are briefed in the White House Theatre 569 00:39:26,440 --> 00:39:28,317 by the Chief of Staff, Alexander Haig. 570 00:39:30,800 --> 00:39:32,234 (TELEPHONE RINGING) 571 00:39:34,240 --> 00:39:37,517 The President walks through the corridors of the White House. 572 00:39:38,640 --> 00:39:41,280 NIXON: The West Wing was strangely quiet 573 00:39:41,360 --> 00:39:44,512 Desks that had never been uncluttered were cleared. 574 00:39:44,600 --> 00:39:46,637 Only the steady ringing of the phones 575 00:39:46,720 --> 00:39:50,679 gave the place a sense of purpose, of life. 576 00:39:50,760 --> 00:39:52,512 Everything else seemed frozen. 577 00:39:55,080 --> 00:39:58,710 NARRATOR: Manolo Sanchez is preparing the President's lunch. 578 00:39:58,800 --> 00:40:01,360 He takes a special pride in it today. 579 00:40:01,440 --> 00:40:05,320 Cottage cheese and pineapple and a glass of milk. 580 00:40:05,400 --> 00:40:09,075 He insists on taking it across to the President personally. 581 00:40:18,280 --> 00:40:22,114 The President is taking a nap. He skips Manolo's lunch. 582 00:40:22,200 --> 00:40:23,918 Ollie takes a snap of it, 583 00:40:24,000 --> 00:40:27,834 feeling that every moment, every detail, is now historic. 584 00:40:27,920 --> 00:40:31,231 Richard Nixon's last White House meal 585 00:40:36,280 --> 00:40:39,352 Ollie shares a club sandwich with Manolo at lunchtime. 586 00:40:39,440 --> 00:40:41,351 The valet makes his anguish clear. 587 00:40:41,440 --> 00:40:44,990 Richard Nixon had endorsed the Sanchez couple's naturalization 588 00:40:45,080 --> 00:40:47,117 in 1968 down in Florida. 589 00:40:47,200 --> 00:40:49,589 They are still proud to serve the President. 590 00:40:49,680 --> 00:40:52,354 OLLIE: When he gets worked up, he keeps lapsing into Spanish 591 00:40:52,440 --> 00:40:54,192 and nobody knows what he's talking about 592 00:40:54,280 --> 00:40:57,716 And he kept on going in a marathon English-Spanish talking jag. 593 00:41:00,080 --> 00:41:01,434 (TELEPHONE RINGING) 594 00:41:01,520 --> 00:41:05,229 NARRATOR: Nixon spends the afternoon locked away, writing his speech, 595 00:41:05,320 --> 00:41:06,958 the resignation speech. 596 00:41:07,040 --> 00:41:10,476 He will broadcast live to the nation at nine this evening. 597 00:41:15,880 --> 00:41:20,397 Raymond K. Price Junior is also working on the President's speech. 598 00:41:20,480 --> 00:41:22,756 He's been on the staff for seven years 599 00:41:22,840 --> 00:41:26,151 and wrote Nixon's inaugural speech in 1969. 600 00:41:26,240 --> 00:41:29,437 Tonight's address will be typed in large-print letters 601 00:41:29,520 --> 00:41:32,239 so the President can read it on television without glasses. 602 00:41:35,840 --> 00:41:38,673 Nixon takes a walk in the white House Rose Garden. 603 00:41:38,760 --> 00:41:41,798 He did the same thing yesterday afternoon with his daughter, Tricia. 604 00:41:42,560 --> 00:41:45,074 She had been married here, three years ago. 605 00:41:46,640 --> 00:41:49,200 Today Nixon has instructed the Press Secretary 606 00:41:49,280 --> 00:41:51,351 to keep everyone away from him. 607 00:41:51,440 --> 00:41:54,398 Snappers grab illicit photographs anyway. 608 00:41:55,640 --> 00:42:00,032 Nixon shaves and takes a shower as Manolo lays out his suit 609 00:42:00,120 --> 00:42:02,794 It's the same one he wore in Moscow in 1972, 610 00:42:02,880 --> 00:42:04,917 when speaking on Russian television. 611 00:42:05,000 --> 00:42:07,674 Slate blue with light texture. 612 00:42:07,760 --> 00:42:11,469 Cooler, he thinks, for wearing under hot TV lights. 613 00:42:11,560 --> 00:42:15,235 The full significance of this choice is only revealed later. 614 00:42:19,440 --> 00:42:23,399 Nixon leaves Manolo and the White House family quarters. 615 00:42:23,480 --> 00:42:27,030 Outside the nearby gates, the public throng has grown. 616 00:42:27,160 --> 00:42:29,276 Most are angry at the President. 617 00:42:29,360 --> 00:42:32,273 Some are apparently singing America, in support of him. 618 00:42:34,880 --> 00:42:38,555 He walks on to the Executive Building without acknowledging anyone. 619 00:42:40,160 --> 00:42:42,310 The countdown to the speech has begun. 620 00:42:43,600 --> 00:42:45,591 An hour and a half to go. 621 00:42:51,920 --> 00:42:56,437 Official business. Nixon meets the five congressional leaders to inform them 622 00:42:56,800 --> 00:42:58,473 that he has decided to resign. 623 00:42:59,240 --> 00:43:01,390 NIXON: I took a look around the office. 624 00:43:01,480 --> 00:43:06,156 My eyes ran over the familiar elephants, the gavels, the framed cartoons, 625 00:43:06,240 --> 00:43:09,870 and the pictures of Pat and Tricia and Julie. 626 00:43:09,960 --> 00:43:13,271 I walked out and closed the door behind me. 627 00:43:13,360 --> 00:43:16,273 I knew that I would not be back there again. 628 00:43:19,520 --> 00:43:23,070 NARRATOR: Half an hour later, an hour until airtime, 629 00:43:23,160 --> 00:43:26,755 Nixon meets 46 friends and supporters in the Cabinet Room. 630 00:43:26,840 --> 00:43:29,753 Nixon mentions that he will fly home to California tomorrow, 631 00:43:29,840 --> 00:43:31,478 and will have the black briefcase 632 00:43:31,560 --> 00:43:34,393 with the Presidential nuclear launch codes with him 633 00:43:34,480 --> 00:43:37,199 until Air Force One lands in California. 634 00:43:37,280 --> 00:43:41,751 The President is unaware that Defense Secretary James R Schlesinger, 635 00:43:41,840 --> 00:43:46,073 a so-called supporter, will have removed the briefcase from the aircraft. 636 00:43:46,160 --> 00:43:48,754 He has also instructed the Joint Chiefs of Staff 637 00:43:48,840 --> 00:43:51,434 that any order for military movement from the White House 638 00:43:51,520 --> 00:43:53,875 must be counter-signed by him. 639 00:43:53,960 --> 00:43:55,678 The Schlesinger protectorate 640 00:43:55,760 --> 00:44:00,277 is intended to impede any last-minute military coup by President Nixon. 641 00:44:02,960 --> 00:44:06,476 Ollie Atkins is preparing to photograph the President's speech. 642 00:44:06,560 --> 00:44:09,393 Two rolls, colour and black and white. 643 00:44:09,480 --> 00:44:12,279 He is standing in the corridor as Nixon leaves the Cabinet Room, 644 00:44:12,360 --> 00:44:16,035 "saying to his friends, I just hope I haven't let you down" 645 00:44:18,920 --> 00:44:20,797 Outside the white House gates, 646 00:44:20,880 --> 00:44:23,554 the public are anticipating the President's address. 647 00:44:27,040 --> 00:44:30,954 Inside the white House, the staff gather around television sets, 648 00:44:31,040 --> 00:44:33,998 as they await the President's speech. 649 00:44:41,120 --> 00:44:45,000 The President is taken to a room adjacent to the Oval Office for make-up 650 00:44:45,080 --> 00:44:47,196 prior to the broadcast at 9:00. 651 00:44:47,280 --> 00:44:50,432 He remembers refusing make-up for the Presidential Candidate's Debate 652 00:44:50,520 --> 00:44:52,989 with Kennedy back in '60. 653 00:44:53,080 --> 00:44:55,276 He looked terrible. 654 00:44:55,360 --> 00:44:58,910 Some still say that is why he lost that year. 655 00:44:59,520 --> 00:45:01,989 We know what peace demands. 656 00:45:02,080 --> 00:45:05,357 We will keep America the strongest nation in the world. 657 00:45:05,440 --> 00:45:09,035 And we will couple that strength with firm diplomacy. 658 00:45:10,880 --> 00:45:14,191 NARRATOR: The President knows he has destroyed himself. 659 00:45:14,280 --> 00:45:16,635 He installed the secret White House taping system 660 00:45:16,720 --> 00:45:19,678 that revealed his complicity in the Watergate cover-up. 661 00:45:19,760 --> 00:45:23,310 He had recorded himself planning it with his Chief of Staff 662 00:45:23,400 --> 00:45:25,630 a week after the 1972 break-in. 663 00:45:29,280 --> 00:45:32,796 (HALDEMAN ON TAPE) 664 00:45:34,560 --> 00:45:37,518 (NIXON ON TAPE) 665 00:45:54,240 --> 00:45:57,136 NARRATOR: The President was forced to release the tape of this conversation 666 00:45:57,160 --> 00:45:58,798 only two weeks ago. 667 00:45:58,880 --> 00:46:02,794 It's evidence that he led and it could yet send him to prison. 668 00:46:04,120 --> 00:46:05,838 Those acts cannot be defended. 669 00:46:05,920 --> 00:46:08,958 Those who are guilty of abuses must be punished. 670 00:46:11,920 --> 00:46:13,752 NARRATOR: Chief of Staff Bob Haldeman 671 00:46:13,840 --> 00:46:16,309 resigned last autumn over Watergate 672 00:46:16,400 --> 00:46:20,234 and now stands to go to jail for obstruction of justice and perjury. 673 00:46:21,920 --> 00:46:23,672 Nixon could face the same fate 674 00:46:23,760 --> 00:46:26,912 at the hands of special prosecutor Leon Jaworski. 675 00:46:28,080 --> 00:46:30,071 "Some of the best writing has been done in jail" 676 00:46:30,160 --> 00:46:31,912 Nixon quips to his lawyer, 677 00:46:32,000 --> 00:46:34,469 masking a real fear of prison. 678 00:46:36,880 --> 00:46:39,474 To most of us, Watergate has come 679 00:46:39,560 --> 00:46:43,440 to mean not just a burglary and a bugging of party headquarters, 680 00:46:43,520 --> 00:46:47,718 but a whole series of acts that either represent or appear to represent 681 00:46:47,800 --> 00:46:49,074 an abuse of trust. 682 00:46:50,280 --> 00:46:51,679 NARRATOR: Nixon is overwrought, 683 00:46:51,760 --> 00:46:55,037 and the make-up girl is asked to leave while he regains his composure. 684 00:46:59,600 --> 00:47:01,352 8:58 p.m. 685 00:47:01,440 --> 00:47:04,717 The President sits down behind the desk in the Oval Office. 686 00:47:04,800 --> 00:47:08,191 Ollie usually takes snaps before or after a speech, 687 00:47:08,280 --> 00:47:10,669 but wants it real and live this time. 688 00:47:10,760 --> 00:47:13,070 The President reluctantly agrees. 689 00:47:13,160 --> 00:47:15,231 As the shutter clicks repeatedly, 690 00:47:15,320 --> 00:47:19,837 Nixon is very nervous and makes jokes and comments which no one reacts to. 691 00:47:21,000 --> 00:47:24,994 Without realising it, he is wearing the same suit and tie that he was wearing 692 00:47:25,080 --> 00:47:28,755 when the Watergate burglary took place in June, 1972. 693 00:47:33,960 --> 00:47:37,271 Manolo is in the kitchen with the staff watching television. 694 00:47:37,360 --> 00:47:40,796 All over the White House, staff gather around television sets 695 00:47:40,880 --> 00:47:44,236 to witness the President's historic address. 696 00:47:47,000 --> 00:47:49,196 At exactly 9:01 p.m., 697 00:47:49,280 --> 00:47:52,511 President Nixon addresses the nation for the last time. 698 00:47:54,400 --> 00:47:57,153 In all the decisions I have made in my public life, 699 00:47:57,240 --> 00:48:01,313 I have always tried to do what was best for the nation. 700 00:48:01,680 --> 00:48:05,310 NARRATOR: 110 million people across America are watching. 701 00:48:05,560 --> 00:48:08,518 Forty million are listening to the radio. 702 00:48:08,600 --> 00:48:12,195 NIXON: Throughout the speech I looked down at the pages of the text, 703 00:48:12,280 --> 00:48:14,396 but I did not really read it 704 00:48:14,480 --> 00:48:16,994 That speech was truly in my heart. 705 00:48:18,200 --> 00:48:21,636 I have never been a quitter. 706 00:48:22,000 --> 00:48:24,435 To leave office before my term is completed 707 00:48:24,520 --> 00:48:27,034 is abhorrent to every instinct in my body. 708 00:48:29,040 --> 00:48:30,792 NARRATOR: Ollie shifts onto the porch 709 00:48:30,880 --> 00:48:34,635 and photographs the President through the window in the middle of the speech. 710 00:48:36,600 --> 00:48:40,434 Nixon does not acknowledge any guilt over Watergate, 711 00:48:40,520 --> 00:48:44,309 but says he would be too distracted by the scandal to be an effective leader. 712 00:48:45,640 --> 00:48:49,156 Therefore, I shall resign the presidency, 713 00:48:49,240 --> 00:48:51,356 effective at noon tomorrow. 714 00:48:52,400 --> 00:48:55,552 Vice President Ford shall be sworn in as President.. 715 00:48:55,640 --> 00:48:58,871 NARRATOR: 9:76 p.m. Nixon finishes the speech without breaking down. 716 00:48:58,960 --> 00:49:03,875 He is sweating profusely, so much so that his suit is wringing wet 717 00:49:03,960 --> 00:49:07,919 He jokes with the TV crew who stand respectfully silent around him. 718 00:49:08,960 --> 00:49:13,272 The President hands out old election souvenirs to the camera operators. 719 00:49:13,360 --> 00:49:16,034 "Well, that's what's left, boys", he says. 720 00:49:17,920 --> 00:49:21,754 The President makes his way over to the Family Residence to be with his family. 721 00:49:21,840 --> 00:49:25,037 There were pictures yesterday evening of a similar emotional gathering. 722 00:49:25,120 --> 00:49:27,714 Tonight Ollie has not been invited. 723 00:49:27,800 --> 00:49:31,111 Outside, the crowd chants, all to the Chief... 724 00:49:35,240 --> 00:49:36,799 The family departs, 725 00:49:36,880 --> 00:49:41,556 and Manolo brings the President bacon and eggs in the Lincoln Sitting Room. 726 00:49:41,640 --> 00:49:45,474 He leaves the room, but hovers near in case the President needs him. 727 00:49:45,680 --> 00:49:47,876 Nixon starts making phone calls. 728 00:49:48,920 --> 00:49:51,912 Meanwhile, two of the Watergate prosecution team 729 00:49:52,000 --> 00:49:54,958 are preparing a formal recommendation for Nixon's arrest 730 00:49:55,040 --> 00:49:57,077 following his departure tomorrow. 731 00:49:57,160 --> 00:49:58,559 NIXON: In any organisation, 732 00:49:58,640 --> 00:50:02,759 the man at the top must bear the responsibility. 733 00:50:04,320 --> 00:50:09,235 That responsibility, therefore, belongs here, in this office. 734 00:50:12,360 --> 00:50:13,998 I accept it. 735 00:50:33,640 --> 00:50:37,156 NARRATOR: Nixon awakes, thinking H's 4:30. 736 00:50:40,360 --> 00:50:43,990 Two hours early, he gets up anyway to fix himself a snack. 737 00:50:49,680 --> 00:50:52,320 He is surprised to find Manolo already up, 738 00:50:53,480 --> 00:50:55,994 and the two men quickly discover that the President's watch 739 00:50:56,080 --> 00:50:58,390 must have stopped during the night 740 00:51:00,960 --> 00:51:03,918 Time is still ticking for Richard Nixon. 741 00:51:14,160 --> 00:51:17,994 Nixon is working on the morning address to the White House staff. 742 00:51:18,080 --> 00:51:20,356 Chief of Staff, General Al Haig 743 00:51:20,440 --> 00:51:24,035 enters the Lincoln Room with the President's resignation letter. 744 00:51:24,120 --> 00:51:28,193 Surrounded with the memoirs of past presidents, Nixon signs his name. 745 00:51:28,280 --> 00:51:31,796 He has been President for just over 2,000 days. 746 00:51:35,280 --> 00:51:37,669 While Nixon completes his final duties, 747 00:51:37,760 --> 00:51:40,400 his fate is about to be determined. 748 00:51:41,400 --> 00:51:45,951 Special prosecutor Leon Jaworski receives a memo detailing the reasons 749 00:51:46,040 --> 00:51:48,316 to prosecute the President. 750 00:51:48,400 --> 00:51:51,358 "To preserve the integrity of the criminal justice system," 751 00:51:51,480 --> 00:51:55,030 "a person should not be permitted to trade-in the abused office" 752 00:51:55,120 --> 00:51:57,031 in return for immunity.” 753 00:51:57,120 --> 00:52:01,114 Mr Nixon's aides are to be prosecuted for the same of fences. 754 00:52:01,880 --> 00:52:05,236 Leon Jaworski agrees to consider prosecuting Nixon. 755 00:52:10,800 --> 00:52:13,997 Manolo fights back the tears as the First Family arrive in the lift 756 00:52:14,080 --> 00:52:17,516 by the East Room where the President will speak. 757 00:52:18,360 --> 00:52:22,194 When the Marine band strikes up with Oklahoma in the Grand Hall, 758 00:52:22,280 --> 00:52:25,591 Pat Nixon is upset to learn that TV cameras are present. 759 00:52:25,680 --> 00:52:29,150 Her husband says he authorised it 760 00:52:29,240 --> 00:52:31,959 Manolo remains at the back of the room. 761 00:52:38,640 --> 00:52:40,677 Ollie Atkins and his team 762 00:52:40,760 --> 00:52:44,594 photograph the President's farewell remarks to the White House staff. 763 00:52:44,680 --> 00:52:46,956 NIXON: The emotion in the room was overpowering. 764 00:52:47,040 --> 00:52:49,634 For several minutes, I could not quiet the applause. 765 00:52:49,720 --> 00:52:52,838 After I started to talk, I began to look around. 766 00:52:54,120 --> 00:53:00,150 I think the record should show that this is one of those spontaneous things 767 00:53:00,240 --> 00:53:03,870 that we always arrange whenever the President comes in to speak. 768 00:53:05,440 --> 00:53:09,434 NIXON: By now, I was fighting back a flood tide of emotions. 769 00:53:09,520 --> 00:53:13,400 Last night had been the formal speech for history. 770 00:53:13,480 --> 00:53:18,077 But now I had the chance to speak personally and intimately 771 00:53:18,160 --> 00:53:22,119 to these people who had worked so hard for me, 772 00:53:22,200 --> 00:53:24,999 and whom I had let down so badly. 773 00:53:25,080 --> 00:53:27,799 NARRATOR: There is no mention of Watergate. 774 00:53:27,880 --> 00:53:32,033 For the first time, Nixon wears his glasses in front of the public. 775 00:53:32,120 --> 00:53:35,909 He quotes his hero, Theodore Roosevelt, directly from the page. 776 00:53:36,000 --> 00:53:37,559 "She was beautiful in face..." 777 00:53:37,640 --> 00:53:40,393 NARRATOR: Nixon uses the example of Roosevelt's resilience 778 00:53:40,520 --> 00:53:44,070 after losing his wife as an encouragement to his own followers. 779 00:53:44,880 --> 00:53:49,750 This was in his diary. He said, 780 00:53:49,840 --> 00:53:53,993 "And when my heart's dearest died," 781 00:53:56,960 --> 00:54:01,670 "the light went from my life forever." 782 00:54:04,800 --> 00:54:09,112 Always remember, others may hate you. 783 00:54:09,960 --> 00:54:14,033 But those who hate you don't win, until you hate them. 784 00:54:15,960 --> 00:54:18,270 And then you destroy yourself. 785 00:54:20,040 --> 00:54:22,600 I want to say for each and every one of you, 786 00:54:22,680 --> 00:54:25,035 not only will we always remember you, 787 00:54:26,200 --> 00:54:28,919 not only will we always be grateful to you, 788 00:54:30,720 --> 00:54:35,635 but always you will be in our hearts 789 00:54:37,440 --> 00:54:42,469 and you will be in our prayers. Thank you very much. 790 00:54:47,640 --> 00:54:49,756 MAN: Everybody else was fighting back tears 791 00:54:49,840 --> 00:54:52,036 and trying to keep from breaking down. 792 00:54:52,120 --> 00:54:55,238 But at the end of it? When he made the thumbs-up signal, 793 00:54:55,320 --> 00:54:58,551 he looked remarkably like he did when he was on the campaign trail 794 00:55:04,120 --> 00:55:05,776 NARRATOR: Ollie hurries to where the helicopter 795 00:55:05,800 --> 00:55:07,871 is waiting in front of the crowds. 796 00:55:07,960 --> 00:55:10,031 When he takes off with the President, 797 00:55:10,120 --> 00:55:12,350 his staff will take pictures on the ground. 798 00:55:12,440 --> 00:55:16,991 Richard and Pat Nixon are escorted to the Presidential helicopter, Marine One, 799 00:55:17,080 --> 00:55:19,071 by Gerald and Betty Ford. 800 00:55:22,920 --> 00:55:26,834 NIXON: The memory of that scene for me is like a frame of film, 801 00:55:26,920 --> 00:55:29,434 forever frozen at that moment. 802 00:55:30,360 --> 00:55:35,070 The red carpet, the green lawn, the white House, 803 00:55:35,800 --> 00:55:40,590 the leaden sky, the starched uniforms 804 00:55:40,680 --> 00:55:43,479 and polished shoes of the Honor Guard. 805 00:55:48,880 --> 00:55:53,272 NARRATOR: Nixon gives his characteristic victory salute to the press and staff 806 00:55:53,360 --> 00:55:56,591 and the helicopter takes them to Andrews Air Force Base, 807 00:55:56,680 --> 00:55:59,991 where the President boards Air Force One for the last time. 808 00:56:16,160 --> 00:56:19,710 The one-line resignation letter is presented to Henry Kissinger, 809 00:56:19,800 --> 00:56:21,791 who formally counter-signs it 810 00:56:28,520 --> 00:56:32,559 Noon. Nixon is in Air Force One, sipping a martini. 811 00:56:32,640 --> 00:56:36,190 His resignation is now effective. He is no longer president 812 00:56:40,160 --> 00:56:44,393 Back in Washington, his chair is removed from the Oval Office 813 00:56:44,480 --> 00:56:47,757 as all traces of Richard Nixon are erased. 814 00:56:50,000 --> 00:56:52,560 The office is prepared for the new President 815 00:56:56,400 --> 00:56:58,357 Exactly three minutes later, 816 00:56:58,440 --> 00:57:01,558 Gerald Ford takes the oath in the White House 817 00:57:01,640 --> 00:57:05,429 and becomes the 38th President of the United States. 818 00:57:07,160 --> 00:57:11,631 Simultaneously, Air Force One loses its Presidential name 819 00:57:11,720 --> 00:57:15,395 and officially becomes simply Spirit of '76. 820 00:57:15,640 --> 00:57:17,756 Congratulations, Mr President. 821 00:57:19,320 --> 00:57:23,359 Richard Nixon's plane heads for California and exile. 822 00:57:23,440 --> 00:57:26,751 Awaiting him is a roomful of flowers sent by well-wishers. 823 00:57:26,840 --> 00:57:28,911 Ollie Atkins takes a picture, 824 00:57:29,000 --> 00:57:31,879 his last as official photographer to Richard Nixon. 825 00:57:32,320 --> 00:57:37,235 Almost immediately, Gerald Ford replaced Ollie Atkins with his own photographer. 826 00:57:37,320 --> 00:57:39,675 Ollie left the White House a few weeks later, 827 00:57:39,760 --> 00:57:42,479 to become vice president of a publishing company. 828 00:57:44,120 --> 00:57:46,509 Manolo Sanchez remained with the Nixons 829 00:57:46,600 --> 00:57:51,834 until they left California in 1980, Soon after, he returned to Spain. 830 00:57:53,160 --> 00:57:56,994 In February, 1975, Bob Haldeman went to prison. 831 00:57:57,080 --> 00:58:02,598 In total, almost 30 people were imprisoned in connection with Watergate. 832 00:58:02,680 --> 00:58:06,036 Richard Nixon remained in California with his family. 833 00:58:06,120 --> 00:58:08,919 Jaworski did not act on the prosecution memo, 834 00:58:09,000 --> 00:58:12,072 but many still demanded that Nixon should be jailed. 835 00:58:12,160 --> 00:58:14,310 In September 1974, 836 00:58:14,400 --> 00:58:18,598 President Ford used his position to publicly pardon the former President 837 00:58:18,680 --> 00:58:21,957 for all of fences against the United States. 838 00:58:22,040 --> 00:58:26,318 In accepting his pardon, Nixon finally accepted his guilt. 839 00:58:26,400 --> 00:58:32,032 NIXON: To have served in this office, is to have felt a very personal sense 840 00:58:32,120 --> 00:58:38,514 of kinship with each and every American. 841 00:58:41,040 --> 00:58:45,432 And leaving it, I do so with this prayer. 842 00:58:47,960 --> 00:58:50,634 May God's grace be with you 843 00:58:52,200 --> 00:58:54,589 in all the days ahead.