Gerald R. Ford: An Honorable Life

Chapter 11 - Proposition

180 Chapter 11 Proposition Ford, in his EOB office by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, was still studying the CIA morning intelligence report when Haig telephoned. “It is urgent that I see you as soon as possible,” Haig said. “Come over now,” Ford said. Hartmann, who neither liked nor trusted Haig, suggested that either he or Marsh be present as a witness to whatever Haig might tell Ford, or ask of him. Ford agreed. “Okay, Bob. You sit in.” Haig entered Ford’s office prepared to deliver a message directly from the President. Very early that morning Nixon had summoned Haig to the Oval Office. “Al,” he said, “it’s over. We’ve done our best. We haven’t got the votes. I can’t govern. Impeachment would drag on for six months. For the sake of the country, the process must be ended. I will resign on Monday night in a speech to the nation. Tell Ford to be ready. Tell him I am thinking of resigning without indicating when. And impress on him the need for absolute secrecy. This is a decision I must make for and by myself—­ right up to the end.” But when Haig saw Hartmann sitting there with Ford, he held back. Haig neither liked nor trusted Hartmann, often warning White House staff that Hartmann leaked everything to the press. So in Hartmann’s presence Haig said only that the President’s situation was deteriorating. Looking Ford in the eye he added: “You’d better start thinking about a change in your life, for one tape is very damaging.” “How bad is it?” Ford asked. Haig replied that he had not listened to the tape, but St. Clair and Buzhardt had. Both lawyers considered it to be indisputable evidence that would bring about Nixon’s impeachment. Proposition 181 “How is the President holding up?” Ford asked. Conflicted, Haig said. At times, he says he will resign; at others, he resolves to fight for his job, defend himself to the end against impeachment in the House and conviction in the Senate. Haig reiterated that he did not know whether the President would finally decide to resign or fight. Moreover, he said, he believed the President himself did not yet know what he would do. Ford, scheduled for an appointment at the Senate, ended the discussion with the suggestion that he and Haig keep in close touch. As Ford rode to the Capitol with Hartmann, he said nothing more about the Haig meeting. He had just sat down at his desk in his office off the Senate floor when Haig telephoned. Listening, his face grave, he murmured an occasional cryptic response. As he somberly put the phone down, he said: “Al wants to see me this afternoon. Alone. I will meet him at three thirty, in the EOB.” Hartmann suggested there be a witness. “Never mind,” Ford said. “I’ll fill you in.” At the appointed time that afternoon, Ford waited in his EOB office, dreading what Haig might tell him. When Haig arrived, Ford studied him, looking for a clue. It was evident in Haig’s mien and bearing that the news was grim: “Al looked even more beaten and harassed than he had that morning.” As soon as they were seated, Haig looked Ford in the eye. “Are you ready, Mr. Vice President, to assume the Presidency in a short period of time?” “If it happens, Al, I am prepared.” With military briskness, Haig delivered an ominous report: He had now read the transcript of a tape of Nixon and Haldeman scheming to obstruct the FBI investigation of Watergate. The transcript showed that the President was involved in the Watergate cover-­ up only six days after the break-­ in. Tape and transcript must be turned over to Judge Sirica next week. As evidence, it is damning and cannot be explained. When that transcript becomes public, as it will, it will end Nixon’s Presidency. His voice solemn, Haig concluded: “Either the President must resign or face certain impeachment in the House and conviction in the Senate.” Ford said nothing, silenced in part because he was so shocked at learning that Nixon was guilty; in part because he was mentally absorbing the stark reality that he would become President. He never forgot 182 gerald r. ford his reaction at that moment, that turning point in his life: “Number one, I...