Ryan Lunt- The President Calling

I listened to President Richard Nixon's First Watergate Speech on April 30, 1973. At the start, he addresses how most of his Administration, Re-election Committee, and Presidential Committee have been involved in the infamous Watergate Scandal. I find it evident that Nixon is overall shocked at the outbreaks of the news and immediately works to find out the whole truth from those possibly involved. My initial reactions of hearing how he accepts the resignations of  Bob Haldeman and John Ehrlichman were composed of thinking as a viewer and as Nixon himself. As a viewer, I can see how the two gentleman resigned for the "integrity" of the office. Maybe they felt that having such reputation on there hands was not fit for the duty of their positions. Or, they could have resigned only to conceal more private information in order to not face a gamble with a much severe consequence. Whatever the case, the two men made a decision that will be left in their minds for the rest of their lives, their families' lives, and associates' lives. Yet, with more inquiry, I can depict the resignations through Nixon's point of view. These were two of his most trustworthy officials, and closest friends. It is not difficult to think that Nixon would not in some sense feel guilty for the loss of the men. This is the breaking point from the beginning of the address. He also accepts the resignation of Attorney General Kleindienst and Counsel of the President John Dean. Both of these men were close with Nixon, so in the event of a grand jury it would only be fitting that they were replaced. President Nixon subsequently accepts the overall responsibility of the entire case. He, as Head of State, admirably takes the initiative to take the blame. This, in my opinion can have several reactions. One being that of saving future job positions of his subordinates. Another, one being of Nixon acting under peer pressure, if you will. In a way, he could have took the blame because most of his trustees did as well. No matter how evident or how clearly he stated his case, the overall message is obvious. There was a surfeit of illegal acts, justice should have the highest authority. The responsibility of Watergate does lie in the hands of the federal government. Therefore, Nixon, his subordinates, and the whole justice system feel that action should be taken to act towards reform, which he lays out later on during his address. If it calls for resignation, so it shall be for the position holders of those responsible. Nixon ensured that the scandal will be handled in the most professional way possible.