Word: pardoner
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...some undisclosed reason that made him shift so abruptly and free Nixon from prosecution? "I had no secret reason," Ford replied. But wasn't Nixon guilty of an impeachable offense? Ford found the unanimous report of the House Judiciary Committee "very persuasive" and conceded that acceptance of a pardon "can be construed ... as an admission of guilt." Ford thought it was sufficient that Nixon had been "shamed and disgraced...
...health were not a major factor ("I was more anxious to heal the nation"). He conceded that new negotiations were under way with Special Prosecutor Leon Jaworski on the controversial arrangement under which Nixon would retain effective control of his tapes and presidential papers. As for the pardon, however, "there was no understanding, no deal, between me and the former President." Ford admitted that "the decision has created more antagonism than I anticipated...
Inevitably, Ford was asked why he gave a full pardon to Nixon and only conditional amnesty to Viet Nam War evaders. Ford said that he saw no real connection between the two-hardly a convincing reply. Overall, it was a gutsy performance under fire, although Ford's explanation of the timing of the pardon remained thoroughly unsatisfying...
Haig sat last week in the luxurious office that Haldeman had crafted so carefully for himself. Almost by the hour there were new accusations hurled at him-he had got Nixon his pardon, he had subverted the Ford transition with his secrecy and obsession to protect the Nixon record. He was being blamed for more than he had ever done. But he has never admitted just how much he did do. "I may write it some day when I'm 60," he mused (he is now 49). He saw the destruction of a President at closer range than anyone...
Haig retains admiration for Nixon in that dark hour. "There was every idea imaginable around," he declared, "including the idea that Nixon should pardon himself and everybody else." There were only two options seriously considered. The first was to resign unconditionally, as he did, or see it through and let the system work to the end. He knew the outcome. He felt an obligation to the country...