1.

A PROLOGUE APPEARS on black screen:

This film is an attempt to understand the truth of
Richard Nixon, 37th President of the United
States. It is based on numerous public sources and
on an incomplete historical record.

In consideration of length, events and characters
have been condensed, and some scenes between
protagonists have been conjectured.

On a portable screen, we read the famous words from Matthew:
"What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world
and lose his own soul?" This FADES into:

A BLACK AND WHITE 16mm sales training FILM. At the moment,
the sales manager, BOB, is chatting with EARL, a rookie
salesman.

BOB

Sure you've got a great product Earl. But you have
to remember what you're really selling. (then)
*Yourself*.

1 INT. WATERGATE HOTEL - CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT

1

Seven men in shirts and ties are seated around a table in the
darkened room. They are smoking Cuban cigars, idly watching
the film.

TITLE: "JUNE 17, 1972". Then: "THE WATERGATE HOTEL"

A BUSBOY yawns as he clears away the remains of dinner. A
WAITER starts pouring Margaritas from a pitcher.

A balding man in his early fifties tosses a five onto the
table. He is HOWARD HUNT.

HUNT

Just leave it.

The waiter puts down the pitcher, picks up the five and
follows the busboy out of the room.

The moment the door closes behind them, GORDON LIDDY is on
his feet, locking the door. OTHER MEN are visible, putting on
jackets, securing technical equipment from briefcases and
bags. They are: FRANK STURGIS, BERNARD BARKER, EUGENIO
MARTINEZ, VIRGILIO GONZALES and JAMES MCCORD.

[LC]

2.

LIDDY (checks his watch)

Zero one twenty-one. Mark.

Sturgis rolls his eyes, drains his Margarita. Liddy pulls out
a wad of cash from his pocket, starts passing out hundred
dollar bills to his men.

LIDDY

Just in case you need to buy a cop. But don't
spend it all in one place. We're going to do
McGovern's office later tonight.

McCord shakes his head.

LIDDY

Orders from the White House, partner.

Liddy bypasses Hunt, browsing a folded Spanish language
paper.

LIDDY

Howard... What the hell? What're you doing?

HUNT

Dogs... season starts tomorrow. (off Liddy's look)
It keeps me calm. I don't like going back into the
same building four times.

Liddy mutters something didactic in German.

HUNT

Mein Kampf?

LIDDY (translates into English)

"A warrior with nerves of steel is yet broken by a
thread of silk." Nietzsche.

HUNT

Personally I'd prefer a greyhound with a shot of
speed.

LIDDY (to all)

Remember--listen up! Fire team discipline in
there at all times. Keep your radios on at all
times during the entire penetration. Check
yourselves. Phony ID's, no wallets, no keys. We
rendezvous where? The Watergate, Room 214. When?
At zero three hundred.

STURGIS

Yawohl, mein fartenfuhrer.

[LC]

3.

LIDDY

Anything goes wrong, head for your homes, just sit
tight -- you'll hear from me or Howard.

HUNT (aside)

Personally I'll be calling the President of the
United States.

A nervous chuckle as Hunt follows Liddy out the main door.

The rest exit the door behind the screen.

The FILM is ending. Bob puts a hand on Earl's shoulder.

BOB

And remember, Earl: always look 'em in the eye.
(to the camera) Nothing sells like sincerity.

A BLACK SCREEN as the film rattles out, followed by a RADIO REPORT over the blackened room, the sounds of doors closing.

RADIO REPORT (V.O.)

Five men wearing white surgical gloves, business
suits and carrying camera and electronic
surveillance equipment, were arrested early today
in the headquarters of the Democratic National
Committee in Washington. They were unarmed. Nobody
knows yet why they were there or what they were
looking for...

FADE IN TO:

2

EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT - 1973

2

TITLES RUN -- A raw November night. We are looking through
the black iron bars of the fence towards the facade of the
Executive Mansion. A LIGHT is on in a second floor room.

We move towards it through the bars, across the lawn. Dead
leaves blow past. A SUBTITLE READS: "NOVEMBER, 1973"

A black LIMOUSINE slides up to the White House West Wing. An
armed GUARD with a black DOBERMAN approaches.

The window opens slightly. The Guard peers in. Then, he opens
the door.

GUARD

Good evening, General Haig.

GENERAL ALEXANDER HAIG gets out, walks up the steps. He
carries a manila envelope. As he enters the White House, we

4.

[LC]

hear an AUDIO MONTAGE of NEWS REPORTERS from the last year.
The VOICES fade in and out, overlap:

REPORTERS (V.O.)

Judge John Sirica today sentenced the Watergate
burglars to terms ranging up to forty years... The
White House continues to deny any involvement...

3

INT. THE WHITE HOUSE - VESTIBULE - NIGHT

3

HAIG enters, starts up the stairs. The mansion is dark, silent. Like a tomb.

REPORTERS (V.O.: continues)

Presidential counsel John Dean testified before
the Senate Watergate Committee that the scandal
reaches to the highest levels...

MOVING: A low-angle shot of HAIG's spit-shined shoes moving down the long corridor of the second floor of the Residence.

REPORTERS (V.O.: continues)

Presidential aides Haldeman and Ehrlichman were ordered
to resign today... In a stunning announcement White
House aide Alexander Butterfield revealed the existence
of a secret taping system...

CLOSE: on the manila envelope in Haig's hand.

REPORTERS (V.O.: continues)

The President has fired the Watergate Special
Prosecutor, Archibald Cox, provoking the gravest
Constitutional crisis in American history...

Haig stops at a door, quietly knocks. No answer.

REPORTERS (V.O.: continues)

Judge Sirica has ordered the President to turn
over his tapes...

Haig opens the door.

4

INT. THE WHITE HOUSE - LINCOLN SITTING ROOM - NIGHT

4

The room is small, austere, dominated by a portrait of
LINCOLN over the fireplace. HAIG stands in the doorway,
holding the envelope.

HAIG

These are the tapes you requested, Mister
President.

RICHARD NIXON is in shadow, silhouetted by the fire in the
hearth. The air-conditioning is going full blast. Haig

[LC]

5.

crosses the room, opens the envelope, takes out a reel of
tape.

Nixon sits in the small armchair in a corner. A Uher tape
recorder is on an end table at his elbow, with a headset.
Next to it is a large tumbler of Scotch.

Haig hands the envelope containing the tapes to Nixon.

NIXON

This is June twentieth?

HAIG

It's marked. Also there's June 23rd. And this year
-- March 21. Those are the ones...

Nixon squints at the label in the firelight.

HAIG

...The lawyers feel...will be the basis of
the...proceedings.

Nixon tries to thread the tape.

NIXON

Nixon's never been good with these things.

He drops the tape on the floor.

NIXON

Cocksucker!

Haig picks up the tape. Then steps to the table, reaches for
the lamp.

HAIG

Do you mind?

Nixon gestures awkwardly. Haig turns on the lamp. For the
first time we can see Nixon's face: he hasn't slept in days,
dark circles, sagging jowls, five-o-clock shadow. He hates
the light, slurs a strange growl -- the effect of sleeping
pills.

HAIG

Sorry...

NIXON (gestures)

...go on.

Haig threads the tape. Nixon, looking at it, remembers.

6.

NIXON

...Y'know Al, if Hoover was alive none of this would've happened. He would've protected the President.

HAIG

Mister Hoover was a realist.

NIXON

I trusted Mitchell. It was that damn bigmouth wife of his.

HAIG

At least Mitchell stood up to it.

NIXON

Not like the others -- Dean, McCord, the rest... We never got our side of the story out, Al. People've forgotten. I mean "fuck you, Mr. President, fuck you Tricia, fuck you Julie!" and all that shit, just words, but what violence! The teargassing, the riots, burning the draft cards, Black Panthers--we fixed it, Al, and they hate me for it--the double-dealing bastards, they lionize that traitor Ellsberg for stealing secrets but they jump all over me cause it's Nixon (repeats)...they've always hated Nixon.

Haig finishes threading.

HAIG

May I say something Mr. President?

NIXON

There's no secrets here, Al.

HAIG

You've never been a greater example to the country than you are now sir but... but you need to get out more sir, and talk to people. No one I know feels... *close* to you.

Nixon looks at him, moved by his concern.

NIXON

I was never the buddy-buddy type, Al. You know, "Oh I couldn't sleep last night, I was thinking of my mother who beat me" -- all that kinda crap, you know the psychoanalysis bag... My mother... (then) The more I'd spill my guts, the more they'd hate me. I'd be what... *pathetic*! If I'd bugged out of Vietnam when they wanted, do you think Watergate would've ever *happened*? You think the establishment would've given a shit about a third rate burglary? But did I? Quit? Did I pull out? (he stares, waits)

[LC]

7.

HAIG

No sir, you did not.

NIXON

Damn right. An' there's still a helluva lotta
people out there who wanna believe... that's the
point isn't it? They wanna believe in the
President.

He suddenly tires of talking, rubs his hands over his face.

HAIG

You're all set sir. Just push this button. Good
night, Mr. President.

NIXON

Night, Al...

Haig quietly closes the door. Nixon takes a generous slug of Scotch. Then he looks down at the tape recorder. He puts a pair of eyeglasses and the UHER headset on, and hits the fast forward button: high speed VOICES.

NIXON

Goddamn!

He hits "stop", studies the recorder a moment. Pushes the "play" button. He puts his eyeglasses on to see better. VOICES. Barely audible at first. Nixon leans closer, listening.

NIXON (on tape)

They did what! I don't understand. Why'd they go
into O'Brien's office *in the first place*?

HALDEMAN (on tape)

Evidently to install bugs and photograph
documents.

FLASHBACK TO:

5

INT. EXECUTIVE OFFICE BLDG-PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY (1972)

5

SUBTITLE READS: "JUNE 1972".

NIXON'S hideaway office. BOB HALDEMAN, his crewcut, hard-edged Chief Of Staff, sits across the desk, a folder open on his lap. Nixon, at his desk, seems a healthier man than in the previous scene. Also there are JOHN EHRLICHMAN, portly domestic advisor, and JOHN DEAN, blond, gentrified legal counsel.

*

*

8.

NIXON (cont.)

But O'Brien doesn't even use that office! The Democrats've moved to Miami. There's nothing there!

HALDEMAN

It was just a fishing expedition. Apparently it was their fourth attempt at the DNC. (Nixon: "Their fourth!") It's possible they were looking for evidence of an illegal Howard Hughes donation to the Democrats, so the Democrats couldn't make an issue of your Hughes money.

NIXON

Contribution! It was a legal contribution. Who the hell authorized this? Colson?

EHRLICHMAN (shakes his head)

Colson doesn't know a thing about it. He's pure as virgin on this one. It's just not clear the burglars knew what they were looking for. They were heading McGovern's office later that night.

NIXON

Jesus! Did Mitchell know?

EHRLICHMAN

Mitchell's out of his mind right now. Martha just put her head through a plate-glass window.

NIXON

Jesus! Through a window?

EHRLICHMAN

They had to take her to Bellevue. Maybe she'll stay this time.

A beat.

NIXON

Martha's an idiot, she'll do anything to get John's attention. If Mitchell'd been minding the store instead of that *nut* Martha, we wouldn't have that kid Magruder runnin' some third rate burglary! Was he smoking pot?

EHRLICHMAN

Mitchell?

NIXON

No! Magruder! That sonufabitch tests my Quaker patience to the breaking point.

[LC]

10.

Nixon stops, stunned.

NIXON

Hunt? Howard Hunt?

EHRLICHMAN

He left his phone number at the White House in the hotel.

HALDEMAN

He works for Colson. He used him on the Pentagon Papers. After the arrest he dumped his wiretapping stuff into his White House safe. We're trying to figure out when he officially stopped being a White House consultant.

NIXON (incredulous)

Howard Hunt is working for the White House? No shit! This is goddamn Disneyland! Since when?

EHRLICHMAN

Chappaquiddick. You wanted some dirt on Kennedy. Colson brought him in.

DEAN

You know Hunt, sir?

NIXON (perturbed)

On the list of horribles, I know what he is. And I know what he tracks back to. (then) You say he was involved in the Plumbers?

HALDEMAN

Definately. Colson had him trying to break in Bremer's apartment after Bremer shot Wallace, to plant McGovern's campaign literature.

NIXON

I had nothing to do with that. Was he... in the Ellsberg thing?

HALDEMAN

Yes, you approved it, sir.

NIXON

I did?

HALDEMAN

It was right after the Pentagon Papers broke. They went in to get his psychiatric records.

NIXON

Fucking hell.

[LC]

10A.

HALDEMAN

We were working on China...

Nixon has taken a seat, shaken. He stares right at us as we:

SHARP CUT BACK TO:

6 INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY - (1971)

6

The PRESIDENT'S MEN are gathered in somber silence, sharing front page copies of the "New York Times". SUBTITLE READS: "JUNE, 1971 -- A YEAR EARLIER"

INSERT HEADLINE: "Secret Pentagon Study Details Descent Into Vietnam"; "Pentagon Papers Expose Government Lies".

The technique we've established of an AUDIO MONTAGE of REPORTERS' VOICES continues over the scene.

REPORTERS (V.O.)

The New York Times began publishing today the first in a series of *forty seven* volumes of top secret Pentagon Papers relating to the war in Vietnam. The papers reveal a systematic pattern of

[LC]

11.

REPORTERS (cont'd)

Government lies about American involvement in the war...

NIXON throws down the paper in disgust and attempts to feed his Irish Setter, KING TIMAHOE, a biscuit, as HENRY KISSINGER paces the room, the most upset of all.

KISSINGER

Mr. President we are in a revolutionary situation. We are under siege -- Black Panthers, Weathermen, the State Department under Rogers is leaking like a sieve. And now this insignificant little shit Ellsberg publishing all the diplomatic secrets of this country will destroy our ability to conduct foreign policy!

NIXON (feeding the dog)

Here Tim... Tim. I'm as frustrated as you Henry, but don't you think this one's a Democrat problem. They started the war. It makes them look bad.

Kissinger lowers his voice for effect, pounds the desk.

KISSINGER

Mr. President how can we look the Soviets or the Chinese in the eye now and have any credibility when any traitor can leak! Even the Vietnamese -- tawdry little shits that they are -- will never -- never -- agree to secret negotiations with us. This makes you look like a weakling, Mister President.

HALDEMAN

He's right about one thing, sir. I spoke with Lyndon. This Pentagon Papers thing has knocked the shit out of him. Complete collapse, massive depression. He feels the country is lost, that you as President can't govern anymore.

Nixon is bent from the waist, stiffly extending the biscuit, but the dog still won't come.

NIXON (irritated)

Goddamn! How long have we had this fucking dog! Two years he still doesn't come! We need a dog that looks happy when the press is around.

EHRLICHMAN

Well, he's photogenic. Let's try dog bones?

[LC]

12.

KISSINGER (end of his patience)
Mr. President, the Vietnamese, the Russians...

Nixon finally throws the biscuit at the dog, glares at Kissinger.

NIXON (to Ehrlichman)
Fuck it! He doesn't like me, John! (to Kissinger) It's your fault Henry.

KISSINGER
I beg your pardon --

NIXON
It's your people who are leaking to the Times. Wasn't this Ellsberg a student of yours at Harvard? He was your idea, why are you suddenly running for cover?

KISSINGER
He was. He was. We taught a class together at Harvard but you know these back-stabbing Ivy League intellectuals, they can't...

NIXON (cold)
No, Henry, I don't.

KISSINGER
He's turned into a drug fiend, he shot people from helicopters in Vietnam, he has sexual relations with his wife in front of their children. He sees a shrink in L.A. He's all fucked up. Now he's trying to be a hero to the liberals... If he gets away with it, everybody'll follow his lead. He must be stopped at all costs.

COLSON
Sir, if might?

NIXON
Go, Chuck.

COLSON
...for three years now I've watched people in this government promote themselves, ignoring your orders, embarrassing your Administration. It makes me sick! We've played by the rules and it doesn't work!

MITCHELL (to Nixon)
We can prosecute The New York Times, go for an injunction..

[LC]

13.

### KISSINGER

To protect you, Mr. President.

### COLSON (interjects)

...to protect yourself is more... the pot calling the kettle...

Kissinger throws COLSON a vicious look, while Nixon ignores it.

### KISSINGER (aside)

Who you talking to like this, you insignificant shit...

### NIXON

... and what do we get for it? Gobs and gobs of bullshit, gossip, nothing! Someone is leaking. We've got to stop the leaks, Henry, at any cost, do you hear me? Then we can go for the big play -- China, Russia.

### COLSON

Mr. President, we can do this ourselves! The CIA and the FBI aren't doing the job! But we can create our own intelligence unit -- right here, inside the White House.

A slow move in on Nixon as he thinks about it.

### NIXON

Well, why not?

### HALDEMAN

Our own intelligence capability -- to fix the leaks?

### COLSON

Yeah, like plumbers.

Nixon smiles.

### NIXON

I like it. I like the idea.

### EHRLICHMAN

Is it legal? (a beat) I mean has anyone ever done it before?

### NIXON

Sure. Lyndon, JFK, FDR -- I mean Truman cut the shit out of my investigation of Hiss back in '48.

13A.

MITCHELL

...it was illegal what he did.

NIXON

You know this kinda thing you gotta be brutal. A leak happens, the whole damn place should be fired. Really. You do it like the Germans in World War II. If they went through these towns and a sniper hit one of them, they'd line the whole goddamned town up and say "until you talk you're all getting shot." I really think that's what has to be done. I don't think you can be Mr. Nice Guy anymore...

COLSON

Just whisper the word to me, sir, and I'll shoot Ellsberg myself.

EHRLICHMAN

We're not German, sir...

NIXON

Ellsberg's not the issue. The Pentagon Papers aren't the issue. (almost to himself) It's the lie.

[LC]

14.

A pause. Everyone in the room chews on this for a moment.
MITCHELL, the oldest in the group, smokes on his pipe,
stoned-faced.

MITCHELL
The lie?

NIXON
You remember, John, in '48 -- no one believed
Alger Hiss was a Communist. Except me. They loved
Hiss just like they love this Ellsberg character.
East Coast. Ivy league. He was their kind. I was
dirt to them. Nothing.

A6 As they talk, a MONTAGE arises of ALGER HISS and the days of old -- the photographs of the notorious 1948 Hiss case: HISS, CHAMBERS, the YOUNGER NIXON with the microfilm; a headline reading "HISS FOUND GUILTY"; TRUMAN, ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, a beaming EISENHOWER shaking Nixon's hand.

MITCHELL (to the room)
... And Dick beat the shit out of them.

NIXON
But I wouldn't have if Hiss hadn't lied about knowing
Chambers. The documents were old and out of date, like
these Pentagon Papers. The key thing we proved was that
Hiss was a liar. Then people bought that he was a spy.
(then) It's the lie that gets you.

MITCHELL (to the room)
Hiss was protecting his wife. I've always believed
that.

NIXON (cryptically)
When they know you've got something to protect,
that's when they fuck you!

HALDEMAN
What's this faggot Ellsberg protecting?

COLSON
His liberal elitist friends. His Harvard Ph.D. I -
shit - holier - than - thou attitude.

Kissinger waits. Nixon acknowledges him. Camera moving
tighter and tighter on the President. His expression is
furious, his words violent.

NIXON (cont'd)
Alright Henry -- we're gonna go your way. Crush
this Ellsberg character the same way we did Hiss!

[LC]

15.

NIXON (cont'd)

KISSINGER (interjects)

There's no other choice.

NIXON

We're gonna hit him so hard he looks like everything that's sick and evil about the Eastern Establishment. (to Colson) You and your "plumbers" are gonna find the dirt on this guy -- let's see him going to the bathroom in front of the American public! And when we finish with him, they'll crucify him!

*

*

*

FLASH CUT TO:

7 INT. FIELDING PSYCHIATRIST OFFICE - NIGHT (1971)

7

SUBTITLE READS: "ELLSBERG PYSCHIATRIST'S OFFICE - 1971"

ANOTHER BREAK-IN is in effect. LIDDY in wig, thick glasses, false teeth and THREE CUBANS (Barker, Martinez from Watergate, and Diego *not* at Watergate) are visible, moving through, smashing up the office. In CLOSEUPS, we see hands jerking open filing cabinets, pulling the drawers out of desk.

REPORTERS (V.O. cont)

The Nixon Administration responded by filing an injunction against the New York Times to prevent further publication... President Nixon condemned the Pentagon Papers as the worst breach of national security in U.S. history...Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the papers, was charged today in Federal Court...

While this is going on, a powerful FLASHBULB keeps popping. The photographer looking for evidence, suddenly catches his partner in the light, his startled face buried beneath a 70's wig -- HOWARD HUNT. Hunt is pissed, "fuck you -- gimme that fucking film!"

*

*

BACK TO:

8 INT. EXECUTIVE OFFICE BLDG-PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - DAY (1972)

8

RESUME -- CLOSE on NIXON remembering Howard Hunt, as HALDEMAN looks on.

NIXON

Howard Hunt?... Jesus Christ, you open up that scab... and you uncover a lot of pus.

HALDEMAN

What do you mean, sir?

[LC]

16.

EHRLICHMAN

In hiding. He sent Liddy to talk to me.

NIXON

And?

EHRLICHMAN

He wants money.

NIXON

Pay him.

EHRLICHMAN

Pay him? I told him to get out of the country.
It's crazy to start...

NIXON

What the hell are you doing, Ehrlichman. --
screwing with the CIA! I don't care how much he
wants -- pay him.

HALDEMAN

But what are we paying him for?

NIXON

Silence!

HALDEMAN

But sir, you're covered -- no one here gave orders
to break in the damned Watergate. We're clean.
It's only the Ellsberg thing and if that comes
out, it's "national security".

NIXON

"Security" is not strong enough.

HALDEMAN

How 'bout a COMINT classification. We put it on
the Huston plan. Even the designation is
classified.

NIXON

"National Priority".

EHRLICHMAN

"Priority?" How about "secret, top secret"?

DEAN

I was thinking "sensitive".

NIXON

"National security priority restricted and controlled secret."

[LC]

17.

NIXON (a beat, looks out at the Rose Garden) *
It's more than that. It could be more than that. I
want Hunt paid.

EHRLICHMAN *
Uh, We've never done this before, sir... How do we
pay? In... hundreds? (smirks) Do you fill a
black bag full of unmarked bills?

NIXON (snaps)
This is not a joke, John!

EHRLICHMAN
No, sir.

NIXON *
We should set up a Cuban defense fund on this,
take care of all of them.

HALDEMAN *
Should we talk to Bebe about paying these guys? Or
maybe Chotiner?

NIXON *
No, keep Bebe out of this. Chotiner's too old. And
for god's sake, keep Colson out. (including Dean)
It's time to baptize our young counsel. That means
Dean can never talk about it. Attorney - client
privilege. Get to it. And Dean -- you stay close
to this.

DEAN *
Yes, sir, don't worry --

Prompted, Ehrlichman and Dean leave. When the door closes:

NIXON *
Bob, did I approve the Ellsberg thing? You know
I'm glad we tape all these conversations
because... I never approved that break-in at
Ellsberg's. Or maybe I approved it after the fact?
Someday we've got to start transcribing the
tapes...

HALDEMAN *
You approved that before the fact because I went
over it with you. But...

NIXON *
Uh, no one, of course, is going to see these
tapes, but...

[LC]

17A.

### HALDEMAN

That's right, and it's more a problem for
Ehrlichman. He fixed Hunt up with the phony CIA
ID's, but... what else does Hunt have on us?

Again, Nixon chooses not to answer.

### NIXON

We've got to turn off the FBI. You just go to the
CIA, Bob, and tell Helms that Howard Hunt is
blackmailing the President. Tell him Hunt, and his
Cuban friends, know too damn much, and if he goes
public, it would be a fiasco for the CIA. He'll
know what I'm talking about.

HALDEMAN (still confused)

All right.

### NIXON

Play it tough. That's the way they play it and
that's the way we're going to play it. Don't lie
to Helms and say there's no involvement, but just
say this is sort of a comedy of errors, bizarre,
without getting into it. Say the President
believes it's going to open up the whole Bay of
Pigs thing again. Tell Helms he should call the
FBI, call Pat Gray, and say that we wish for the
sake of the country -- don't go any further into
this hanky-panky, period!

### HALDEMAN

The Bay of Pigs?... that was Kennedy's screw up.
How does that threaten us?

[LC]

18.

NIXON

Just do what I say, Bob.

HALDEMAN

Yes sir, but... do you think Gray'll go for it?

NIXON

Pat Gray'll do anything we ask him. That's why I
appointed him.

HALDEMAN

He'll need a pretext. He'll never figure one out
for himself.

NIXON (sighs)

Christ you're right -- Gray makes Jerry Ford look
like Einstein. (then) Just have Helms call him.
Helms can scare anybody.

HALDEMAN

The only problem with that, sir -- it gets us into
obstruction of justice.

NIXON

It's got nothing to do with justice. It's national
security.

HALDEMAN

How is this national security?

NIXON

Because the President says it is. My job is to
protect this country from its enemies and its
enemies are inside the walls.

Pause. Haldeman is perplexed.

NIXON

I suppose you thought the Presidency was above
this sort of thing.

HALDEMAN

Sir?

NIXON

This isn't a "moral" issue Bob. We have to keep
our enemies at bay or our whole program is gonna
go down the tubes. The FBI is filled with people
pissed I put Grey in and not one of their own.
Vietnam, China, the Soviet Union. When you look at
the big picture, Bob you'll see we're doing a hell
of a lotta good in this world. Let's not screw it
up with some shit-ass, third-rate burglary.

19.

HALDEMAN

I'll talk to Helms (looks at his watch). Oh, Mrs.
Nixon asked if you're coming to the residence for
dinner tonight?

NIXON

Oh no, not tonight. Don't let her in here, I have
too much to do.

HALDEMAN

Yes sir, I'll talk to Helms and uh...what's our
press position on this Watergate thing? What do I
tell Ziegler to tell them?

9

INT. THE WHITE HOUSE - LINCOLN SITTING ROOM - NIGHT (1973)

9

RESUME SCENE -- NIXON takes another drink, looks up at
Lincoln's portrait.

NIXON (on the tape, yelling)

Tell 'em what we've always told 'em! Tell 'em
anything but the goddamn truth!

As the tape grinds on with hard-to-hear DIALOGUE, Nixon
searches through a drawer in the rolltop desk next to the
fireplace. He finds a small vial of pills, fumbling with the
cap. He rips the cap off, the pills scattering clumsily on
the desk.

NIXON

Shit!

He begins scooping them back into the bottle. His hands
trembling with the effort.

NIXON (mumbles)

Put me in this position... Expose me like this.

He downs a couple of pills with the Scotch.

NIXON

Why don't they just fucking shoot me?

Nixon takes another drink, looks down.

SHARP CUT BACK TO:

10

INT. TV STUDIO - NIGHT - (1960)

10

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- JOHN F. KENNEDY looking straight at
the camera. Tanned, impeccable, confident.

19A.

KENNEDY

I do not think the world can exist in the long run
half-slave and half-free. The real issue before us
is how we can prevent the balance of power from
turning against us... if we sleep too long in the
sixties, Mr. Khrushchev will "bury" us yet... I
think it's time America started moving again.

DISSOLVE TO:

NIXON does not look well. His clothes are baggy, and he has a
slight sheen of perspiration around his lower lip. He seems

20.

uncomfortable in his movements, robotic, falsely aggressive with his raised eyebrow and glaring demeanor. (The following essences are taken from four debates and various campaign material; in using a "documentary JFK", we will be cutting around him when off-debate material is used).

### NIXON

...when it comes to experience, I want you to remember I've had 173 meetings with President Eisenhower, and 217 times with the National Security Council. I've attended 163 Cabinet meetings. I've visited 54 countries and had discussions with 35 presidents, 9 Prime Ministers, 2 Emperors and the Shah of Iran...

11 INT. TV STUDIO - CONTROL ROOM - NIGHT

PAT NIXON, a year older than Dick, watches her champion through the glass booth. The "Mona Lisa" of American politics, she projects deep admiration and pride in her husband. But now she appears perturbed by what she's seeing.

A younger HALDEMAN sits watching the debates on monitors with HERB KLEIN, Press Secretary, and OTHERS in the Nixon circle. Through the glass we see the CANDIDATES.

MURRAY CHOTINER, campaign manager, overweight and bow-tied, moves down the row of monitors holding a cigar. He manages to drop ashes on an attractive KENNEDY STAFFER.

### CHOTINER

Excuse me, sweetheart.

As he sits next to Haldeman, Nixon drones on.

### NIXON (on TV monitor)

Let's take hydroelectric power. In our Administration, we've built more...

### CHOTINER (privately)

Jesus Christ, has he told them how many pushups he can do yet? What the hell happened to him?

### HALDEMAN

He just got out of the hospital Murray and he hasn't taken an hour off during the campaign, thanks to you.

### CHOTINER

You could've at least gotten him a suit that fit for chrissake and slapped some make-up on him. He looks like a frigging corpse!

[LC]

21.

### HALDEMAN

He wouldn't do the makeup. Said it was for queers.

JFK's face is on the monitors now.

### CHOTINER

Kennedy doesn't look like a queer, does he?
(then) He looks like a god.

### HALDEMAN

Murray, it's not a beauty contest.

### CHOTINER

We better hope not.

### PAT (upset)

What are you doing to him, Murray! Look at him--
he's not well. He doesn't have to debate John
Kennedy.

### HALDEMAN

Mrs. Nixon, we didn't...

### CHOTINER

Pat, baby, listen, when it comes to...

### PAT

He can win without doing this.

### KENNEDY (TV)

... in attacking my resolve, Mister Nixon has
carefully avoided mentioning my position on
Cuba...

### HALDEMAN

Oh shoot! He's going to do it! Here it comes.

### KENNEDY (TV)

...As a result of administration policies, we have
seen Cuba go to the Communists... eight jet
minutes from the coast of Florida! Castro's
influence will spread through all of Latin
America. We must attempt to strengthen the
democratic anti-Castro forces in exile. These
fighters have had virtually no support from our
Government!

### HALDEMAN (whispers to Klein, Chotiner)

Sonufabitch! He was briefed last week by the CIA.
He's using it against us! He knows we can't
respond.

[LC]

21A.

CHOTINER

It's a disgrace.

MODERATOR

Mister Nixon?

NIXON looks, astounded, at JFK. He fumbles his response.

NIXON

I think...I think...that's the sort of very
dangerous and irresponsible suggestion
that...helping the Cuban exiles who oppose Castro
would uh... not only be a violation of
international law, it would be...

HALDEMAN (closes his eyes)

He's treading water. Don't mention Khrushchev.

[LC]

22.

### NIXON

...an open invitation for Mister Khrushchev to become involved in Latin America. We would lose all our friends in Latin America.

### KLEIN

He just violated national security, Dick! Attack the bastard!

### KENNEDY

I for one have never believed the foreign policy of the United States should be dictated by the Kremlin. As long as...

Klein hangs his head; Chotiner shares a look with Haldeman.

The young Kennedy staffers applaud gleefully.

### NIXON (V.O.)

The sonufabitch stole it!

12 INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - SUITE - LOS ANGELES - DAWN (1960) 12

NIXON stands at the center of a room crowded with his MEN. He is despondent, astounded. PAT NIXON watches silently, bitter, nearly in tears.

### CHOTINER

He carried every cemetery in Chicago! And Texas -- they had the goddamned cattle voting!

The final ELECTION FIGURES are coming in over the television. They show Kennedy with a 120,000 voter margin -- 34.2 to 34.1 million, and run down the electoral college votes.

### CHOTINER

Closest election in history, Dick, and they stole it. Sonufabitch!

### NIXON

He outspent us and he still cheated. A guy who's got everything. I can't believe it. We came to Congress together. I went to his wedding. We were like brothers, for Christ's sake.

Pat leaves abruptly. She can't take it anymore. Chotiner looks at Dick as if he were incredibly naive. HALDEMAN and KLEIN are at a table, reams of returns before them.

### KLEIN

We've got the figures, Dick! The fraud is obvious -- we call for a recount.

[LC]

24.

Nixon looks at him, broken-hearted. He controls his reaction, and exits the room.

CHOTINER
We'll get 'em next time, Dick.

KLEIN
What makes you think there's gonna be a next time Murray?

Chotiner picks up the corner of a campaign poster with Nixon's face, the name in bold below.

CHOTINER
Because if he's not President Nixon, he's nobody.

13 INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - CORRIDOR & SUITE - DAWN 13

NIXON crosses the corridor, subdued in the morning light. He hesitates at the door, knocks softly.

PAT NIXON stirs quietly as her husband walks to her bed. They * occupy separate beds.

NIXON
We lost...

PAT (bitterly)
I know...

NIXON
It's hard to lose...

She reaches out to touch him. He allows himself to be touched. It seems, between them, that intimacy is difficult.

PAT
It makes us human...

NIXON
It's not fair, Buddy. I can take the insults. I can take the name-calling. But I can't take the losing. I hate it.

PAT
We don't have to put ourselves through this again, Dick.

NIXON
What do you mean? We worked for it. We earned it. It's ours.

[Lc]

24A.

PAT

It is. We know that. (then) And it's enough that we know. Just think of the girls. They're still young. We never see them. My parents died when I was young. I don't want them to grow up without a mother and father...

NIXON

Yeah... you know I keep thinking of my old man tonight. He was a failure too.

PAT

You're not a failure, Dick.

NIXON

You know how much money he had in the bank when he died? (beat) Nothing. He was so damned honest... (then) But I miss him. I miss him a hell of a lot.

[LC]

25.

He seems like he is about to cry. Pat reaches out and cradles
his head on her shoulder. On his eyes we:

*

CUT TO:

14 EXT. NIXON GROCERY STORE - DUSK (1925)

14

A few gas pumps in front, overlooking a dry western Edward
Hopper landscape, a rundown residence at the back. A large
man in a bloody butcher's apron, FRANK NIXON (46), crosses.

15 INT. NIXON GROCERY STORE - DUSK

15

HAROLD (16), tall, handsome, walks in whistling. He winks at
RICHARD (12) who is sorting the fruit in the bins. HANNAH
(39), a dour but gracious Quaker woman, is behind the counter
with a CUSTOMER.

RICHARD (whispers)
What'd he say?

HAROLD
What do you think? He said in life there's no free
ride.

RICHARD
What'd you say?

HAROLD
I said I didn't need a ride. (flashes a smile)
I need a suit.

Richard buries his face in his hands.

RICHARD
Oh no, Harold. He doesn't respond well to humor.
(looks at his Mother worried)...if you talk to
mother, she can...

HAROLD
I'd rather get a whipping than have another talk
with her. Anything but a talk with her.

Richard is terrified Mom might overhear:

RICHARD
Shhhh!

But too late. Hannah looks over, very sharp, as her customer
departs:

[LC]

26.

HANNAH
Richard... come with me, would you...

RICHARD (surprised, aloud)
Why me?

16 INT. NIXON HOUSE - KITCHEN - DUSK

RICHARD, obediently seated, pays his Mother heed. He seems
like a gloomy, unsmiling child in her presence. We sense
this is familiar territory for both. HANNAH very quiet,
penetrating with her gaze.

HANNAH
... because Harold tests thy father's will is no
reason to admire him. Let Harold's worldliness be
a warning to thee, *not* an example.

RICHARD
Yes mother...

HANNAH
Harold may have lost touch with his Bible, but thou
must never lapse.

Then, she extends her hand.

HANNAH
Now, give it to me...

Richard is about to plead ignorance.

HANNAH
Do not tell a lie, Richard... the cornsilk
cigarette Harold gave thee behind the store this
morning.

RICHARD (lying)
I don't... have them. Mother... I swear I... didn't
smoke.

HANNAH (withdrawing)
I see... well then Richard, we have nothing more to
talk about, do we?

RICHARD (fearful, blurts out)
Please, Mother, it... it was just one time, mother
I'm... I'm sorry.

HANNAH
So am I. Thy father will have to know of thy lying.

28.

### FRANK (cont'd)

in Eden is true in Whittier, California. So we ask
you now to remind certain of our young
people...(glares at Harold) That the only way to
get a new suit to go to the promenade with
Margaret O'Herlihy, who happens to be a Catholic
by the way, is to work for it. (then) Amen.

Little cute-faced Arthur looks up.

### ARTHUR

I like Margaret O'Herlihy too. She's very pretty.
Can we pray now?

The boys start giggling.

### HANNAH

Arthur!

### FRANK

You think this is funny? (then) Pretty soon you
boys are gonna have to get out there and scratch,
'cause you're not gonna get anywhere on your good
looks. Just ask those fellas...

Frank waves to the Hobos, now squatting and wolfging down the
food. They look up, embarrassed.

### FRANK

Charity only is gonna get you so far--even with
saints like your mother around. Struggle's what
gives life meaning, not victory, struggle. When
you quit struggling, they've beaten you, and then
you end up in the street with your hand out.

Frank begins eating; the rest follow.

### NIXON (V.O.)

My mother was a saint, but my old man struggled
his whole life. You could call him a little man,
a poor man, but they never beat him. I always
tried to remember that when things didn't go my
way...

18 EXT. WHITTIER FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY (1932)

18

FOOTBALL MONTAGE: RICHARD (19), 150 pounds, is on the defensive line as the ball is hiked. ("Let's get fired up!") He gets creamed by a 200-pound offensive tackle. He jumps up, no face guard, hurting, and resets. AD LIB football chatter. We can tell from Richard's cheap uniform he is a substitute. But:

We go *again*. And *again*. Building a special RHYTHM of JUMP CUTS showing Nixon getting mauled each time. He doesn't have

29.

a *chance*, this kid, but he has pluck. And he comes back for
more. And more.

This image of *pain* and *humiliation* should weave itself in and
out of the film in repetitive currents. As we CUT TO:

<table><tr><td>19</td><td>OMIT #19</td><td>19</td></tr><tr><td>20</td><td>INT. HILTON HOTEL - BALLROOM - NIGHT (1962)</td><td>20</td></tr></table>

We move down past a blizzard of balloons and confetti blown
by a hotel air-conditioner to a huge "NIXON FOR GOVERNOR"
banner.

NIXON thrusts his arms in the air -- the twin V salute. The
CROWD cheers wildly. SUBTITLE READS: "CALIFORNIA
GOVERNORSHIP, 1962"

[LC]

30.

21 INT. HILTON HOTEL - SUITE - NIGHT

21

NIXON is slumped in an armchair, feet on a coffee table, holding a drink, again going through defeat once again.

HALDEMAN stands staring glumly at the TV. PAT sits across the room in grim silence.

ON TV -- a NEWSCASTER stands in front of a tally board with the network logo: "Decision '62".

NEWSCASTER

President Kennedy has called Governor Pat Brown to congratulate him...

HALDEMAN

Are we making a statement?

NEWSCASTER

ABC is now projecting that Brown will defeat Richard Nixon by more than a quarter of a million votes.

NIXON holds up his drink to the screen. Moves to a piano.

NIXON

Thank you, Fidel Castro.

PAT

You're not going to blame this on Castro, are you?

NIXON

I sure am. The goddamned missile crisis united the whole country behind Kennedy. And he was supporting Brown. People were scared, that's why.

PAT

I suppose Castro staged the whole thing just to beat you.

NIXON

Buddy, before you join the jubilation at my being beaten again, you should remember people vote not out of love, but fear. They don't teach that at Sunday School or the Whittier Community Playhouse!

HALDEMAN (interjects)

I should go down and check in with our people.

Haldeman leaves quickly.

ON TV: GOVERNOR BROWN steps to the podium. A band plays "Happy Days Are Here Again".

32.

He moves towards her awkwardly. Pat struggles. She goes to a window, her back to him. She is not one to enjoy "scenes". She tends to accommodate to others to preserve an aura of happiness.

NIXON (confused)
What are you saying? What are you talking about?

PAT
I want a divorce.

NIXON
My God, divorce?
(beat)
...what about the girls?

PAT
The girls will grow up. They only know you from television anyway.

NIXON
It would ruin us, Buddy, our family.

PAT
You're ruining us. If we stay with you, you'll take us down with you. (beat) This isn't political, Dick. This is our life.

NIXON
Everything's political, for Christ's sake! I'm political. And you're political too!

PAT
No, I'm not! I'm finished.

She is very serious. He sees it. It terrifies him. The same withdrawal he experienced from his mother..

[LC]

33.

NIXON

This is just what they want Buddy. Don't you see?
They want to drive us apart. To beat us. We can't
let them do it. We've been through too much
together, Buddy... we belong together.

PAT (ironic)

That's what you said the first time we met. You
didn't even know me.

A21 MARRIAGE MONTAGE: During this scene we have a series of SHOTs of their courtship -- the Whittier College Campus, 1930's Los Angeles; driving in a car together; the wedding; the FIRST CHILD; the Pacific NAVAL CAPTAIN underneath a palm tree; running as a first-time CONGRESSMAN with Pat; the EISENHOWER years...

NIXON (very tender)

Oh yes I did. I told you I was gonna marry you,      *
didn't I? On the first date...I said it because I      *
knew...I knew you were the one...so solid and so      *
strong...and so beautiful. You were the most      *
beautiful thing I'd ever seen...I don't want to      *
lose you, Buddy, ever...      *

INTERCUT WITH:

NIXON seeking tenderness. He puts a hand on her arm. He tries
gently to pull her towards him, to kiss her.

PAT

Dick, don't....

NIXON

Buddy, look at me...just look at me. Do you      *
really want me to quit?      *

She stares out the window. A long moment.

PAT

We can be happy. We really can. We love you,
Dick. The girls and I...

NIXON

If I stop...there'll be no more talk of divorce?

A long moment. She finally turns her eyes to him, assenting

[lc]

34.

NIXON
I'll do it. (waves his hand) No more.

PAT
Are you serious?

NIXON
Yeah...I'm out.

PAT
Is that the truth?

NIXON
I'll never run again. I promise.

SHARP CUT TO:

22 INT. HILTON HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

22

NIXON stalks down the hallway, angry. HALDEMAN walks alongside.

NIXON
Where are they?

HALDEMAN (worried, points to a door)
Dick, you don't have to make a statement. Herb covered it for you.

NIXON
No!

He bursts through the door into:

23 INT. HILTON HOTEL - PRESS CONFERENCE - BALLROOM - NIGHT

23

A noisy CROWD of REPORTERS react, excitedly, to NIXON'S fast entry. The smell of blood in the air.

TIME CUT TO:

NIXON at the podium.

NIXON

...I believe Governor Brown has a heart, even though he believes I do not. I believe he is a good American, even though he feels I am not. I am proud of the fact that I defended my opponent's patriotism; you gentlemen didn't report it but I am proud I did that. And I would appreciate it, for once gentlemen, if you would write what I say.

(time dissolve)

[LC]

35.

NIXON (cont'd)

...For sixteen years, ever since the Hiss case, you've had a lot of fun -- a lot of fun -- but recognize you have a responsibility, if you're against a candidate, to give him the shaft, but if you do that at least put one lonely reporter on the campaign who will report what the candidate says now and then...

HALDEMAN glances at KLEIN.

NIXON

...I think all in all I've given as good as I've taken. But as I leave you I want you to know -- just think how much you're going to be missing: you won't have Nixon to kick around anymore because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference...

A FEW REPORTERS shout questions. There is a loud confusion, but Nixon has vanished.

KLEIN

What the hell was that?

HALDEMAN (beat)

Suicide.

CUT TO:

A23 NIXON HISTORICAL MONTAGE:

A23

A grainy "NEWSREEL" treats NIXON as political history, now over. The ANONYMOUS REPORTERS return -- YOUNG NIXON, in his Navy uniform, is campaigning in California in the 1940's against Voorhis and Douglas.

REPORTER 1 (V.O.)

We can now officially write the political obituary of Richard Milhous Nixon...He came into being as part of the big post-war 1946 Republican sweep of the elections. People were weary of the New Deal and FDR's Big Government...

Images of FDR and TRUMAN and ACHESON, early Cold War imagery - the Soviets, Berlin.

REPORTER 1 (V.O.)

...The United States had been a strong ally of the Soviet Union which lost more than 20 million people in its fight against Nazism. But Nixon, coming from the South Pacific war, won his first term in the House by freely associating his liberal opponent Jerry Voorhis with Communism.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

36.

Images of Voorhis, Hoover...NIXON working a CROWD, standing on the tailgate of a station-wagon, debating Voorhis.

REPORTER 2 (V.O.)

...for Nixon, politics was war. He didn't have opponents, he had enemies. He didn't run against people, he ruined them...He won his California seat in the U.S. Senate in 1950 in a vicious campaign against liberal congresswoman and movie actress, Helen Gahagan Douglas...

B23 NEWSFILM of NIXON and CHOTINER at a rally with PAT. Images of DOUGLAS follow. CAMPAIGN WORKERS handing out smear literature.

NIXON ("newsfilm look")

How can Helen Douglas, capable actress that she is, take up so strange a role as a foe of communism? Why, she's pink right down to her underwear...

REPORTER 3 (V.O.)

...Nixon quickly became the Republicans' attack dog. He tore into Truman for losing Mainland China in 1949, and blamed the war in Korea on a weak foreign policy...His speeches, if more subtle than those of his Republican ally, Joe McCarthy, were just as aggressive..

C23 NIXON at another rally with PAT. C23 *

NIXON ("newsfilm look")

...I promise to continue to expose the people that have sold this country down the river! Until we have driven all the crooks and Communists and those that have helped them out of office!!

Images of Truman, the Hydrogen Bomb, the Rosenbergs, Klaus Fuchs, Oppenheimer, the Chinese taking over in 1949...Mao.

NIXON ("newsfilm look")

The direct result of Truman's decisions is that China has gone Communist! Mao is a monster! Why! Why Mr. Acheson! Who in the State Department is watching over American interests! Who has given the Russians the atomic bomb!... today the issue is slavery! The Soviet Union is an example of the slave state in the ultimate development. Great Britain is halfway down the same road; powerful interests are striving to impose the British socialist system upon the people of the United States!

37.

REPORTER 2 (V.O.)

...Nixon became one of the leading lights on the notorious House Un-American Activities Committee, questioning labor leaders, Spanish Civil War veterans, Hollywood celebrities...

NIXON (questioning WITNESS)

Can you tell me today the names of any pictures which Hollywood has made in the last five years showing the evils of totalitarian Communism?

D23 NIXON surrounded by REPORTERS outside the HUAC Hearing RoomD23

REPORTER 4 (V.O.)

...but it was the Alger Hiss case that made Nixon a household name...

IMAGES of Alger Hiss' career: clerking for Oliver Wendell Holmes; with FDR at Yalta, with Churchill, with Stalin.

REPORTER 4 (V.O.)

...One of the architects of the United Nations, intimate of FDR and Oliver Wendell Holmes, Alger Hiss was a darling of the liberals. (then) But Whittaker Chambers, a former freelance journalist, said he was a Communist.

WHITTAKER CHAMBERS testifying before HUAC.

CHAMBERS (TV interview)

...if the American people understood the real character of Alger Hiss, they would boil him in oil...

REPORTER 4 (V.O.)

...Hiss claimed he was being set up by Nixon and J. Edgar Hoover to discredit the New Deal's policies. The case came down to an Underwood typewriter and a roll of film hidden in a pumpkin patch.

DOCUMENTARY IMAGE -- A DETECTIVE TYPE reaches into a hollowed-out pumpkin and pulls out microfilm...in his Congressional office, NIXON examines the film with a magnifying glass, playing to the cameras with a deadly serious mien...shots of MRS. HISS, the Underwood typewriter.

REPORTER 4 (V.O.)

...Years later the Freedom of Information Act revealed the film showed a report on business conditions in Manchuria and fire extinguishers on a U.S. Destroyer -

*

*

*

38.

REPORTER 4 (cont'd)

None of these documents was classified. Were they
planted by Chambers, who seemed to have a strange,
almost psychotic fixture with Alger Hiss?

NIXON ("newsfilm")

I asked Hiss if he'd ever known Chambers before.
When he said 'no', that's when I knew he was
lying. That's when I knew I had him...he was
twisting, turning, evading, changing his story to
fit the evidence he knew we had...but I tell you
this, I vow that we're going to go after everyone
responsible for selling this country down the
river...

NIXON points to a headline -- "Hiss Convicted"

REPORTER 1 (V.O.)

After two confusing trials, Hiss went to jail for
perjury. To the right wing, Nixon was a hero and a
patriot. To the liberals he was a shameless self-
promoter who had vengefully destroyed a fine man.
Eleanor Roosevelt angrily condemn him. It was to
become a pattern: you either loved Richard Nixon or
you hated him.

A brief IMAGE here that will re-occur through the film. An
image of evil -- call it "The Beast".

REPORTER 2 (V.O.)

Driven by demons that seemed more personal than
political, his rise was meteoric. Congressman at 33,
Senator at 35, Eisenhower's Vice-Presidential candidate
at 39. Then came the Checkers Crisis...Nixon was
accused of hiding a secret slush fund. About to be
kicked off the ticket by Ike, he went on national
television in an unprecedented appearance...

E23 INTERCUT CHECKERS SPEECH -- NIXON,

E23

looking and sounding like Uriah Heep, pleads with the
American people on TV, as PAT sits uncomfortably in an
armchair nearby.

NIXON (on TV)

...so now what I am going to do is to give this
audience a complete financial history. Everything
I've earned, everything I've spent, everything I
owe...

Nixon forces a smile. Pat is clearly in pain, mortified.

39.

REPORTER 2 (V.O.)

The list included their house, their Oldsmobile, Pat's Republican cloth coat, and lastly in what was to become history -- a sentimental gift from a Texas businessman...

NIXON (on TV)

You know what it was? It was a little cocker spaniel dog. Black and white spotted. And...our little girl Tricia, the six-year-old, named it "Checkers". And you know, the kids love that dog and we're going to keep it...

REPORTER 4 (V.O.)

Fifty-eight million people saw it. It was shameless. It was manipulative. (then) It was a huge success!

F23 DOCUMENTARY REPLACEMENT -- NIXON with IKE in triumph. F23
A clip of Eisenhower praising Nixon. NIXON and PAT standing up to rock-throwing STUDENTS in Venezuela. Pointing his finger at KHRUSHCHEV in the kitchen debate.

Reporter 3 (V.O.)

Eisenhower put Nixon back on the ticket... Responding to attacks on Truman, Acheson, and the entire Democratic Party for betraying American principles in China, Korea and elsewhere--it was two-time Democratic Presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson who perhaps best summed up the national unease with Richard Nixon...

DOCUMENTARY -- SHOTS of ADLAI STEVENSON campaigning in '52 and '56 against IKE. Images of JOE MCCARTHY precede. The HERBLOCK CARTOON of Nixon crawling out of the sewer system. Others of his cartoons follow.

STEVENSON (Radio V.O.)

...This is a man of many masks. Who can say they have seen his real face?.. He is on an ill-will tour, representing McCarthyism in a white collar. Nixonland has no standard of truth but convenience and no standard of morality except the sly innuendo, the poison pen, the anonymous phone call; the land of smash and grab and anything to win...What ultimately shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Ending with more recent SHOTS of Nixon campaigning in '60 and in '62. As the IMAGES spot out in newsreel style.

[LC]

41.

MARTHA (cont'd)

Fifth Avenue, and you were looking straight ahead and everyone else was looking the other way like you'd just farted or something. (laughs) It said "Who Remembers Dick Nixon?" I was screaming. It was so funny!

NIXON

Yeah, that was hilarious Martha. (for the others) They were all looking the other way 'cause they were waiting for the light to change. I called AP on that-- typical of the press in this country, they wouldn't correct it. That or they print the retraction right next to the girdle ads.

LAWYER

Oh, I've read some very nice things about you.

MARTHA (puts her hand on Nixon's arm)

Maybe where you come from, but where I come from, Dick Nixon is as misunderstood as a fox in a henhouse. And you know why? (they all wait) Because, honey, they all think your smile and your face are never in the same place at the same time (nervous laughter). You and me--we gotta work on that, sweetie...

MITCHELL (guiding Dick away)

Someone freshen Martha's drink. I think she's down a quart.

MARTHA

Well, zippety-fucking-doo-dah!

Mitchell moving Nixon away towards the Rockefeller GROUP.

MITCHELL

Sorry, Dick. She's a little tipsy.

NIXON

You mean *smashed*! She called up at *midnight* last week. Talking a bunch of *crap*! Pat can't stand her.

MITCHELL

It's a thing she does. She talks at night.

NIXON

Talks all day too! How the hell can you put up with her, John.

MITCHELL (sheepishly)

What the hell -- I love her. And she's great in bed.

*

*

[LC]

43.

ROCKEFELLER

To what?

NIXON

Write. You know, a book. I'm calling it "Six
Crises". It's a good thing, Rocky -- take some
time off and write.

ROCKEFELLER (busy shaking another hand),
Hiya fellow... What were they?

NIXON

What?

ROCKEFELLER

The "crises?"

NIXON

"Checkers" of course, Hiss, Ike's heart attack,
Venezuela, the Kitchen Debate, and Kennedy.

ROCKEFELLER

Sounds like you got a crisis syndrome. Aren't you
exaggerating a bit, Dick? Call it three and a
half, maybe four...

NIXON (laughs awkwardly)

Let's wait and see how you survive your first
crisis, Rocky...

ROCKEFELLER

Whatcha mean by that?

NIXON

You know, how the voters are gonna play your
divorce.

Rockefeller, who still clutches the visibly uncomfortable
Nixon, gives him a squeeze before finally releasing him.

ROCKEFELLER

Don't you worry about it fellah, and I won't.
(about to rejoin his wife)

NIXON (smiling)

Well in any case, Rocky, I'll send you my book.
"Six Crises."

ROCKEFELLER (pauses, aside)

Whatcha predicting -- your boy Goldwater's going
to split the party?

[LC]

44.

NIXON

Some say you are Rocky.

ROCKEFELLER

The Republican Party was never a home to fascists. You should know better. This guy's as stupid as McCarthy, and McCarthy never did you any good in the long run, now did he?

A pause. It lands home on Dick. Rockefeller turns to Kissinger who's been listening.

ROCKEFELLER

Hey, you know Henry Kissinger -- he's down from Harvard. On my staff, foreign policy whiz...

NIXON (shakes hands)

No, but I liked your book on nuclear weapons. We have similar views on the balance of power...

ROCKEFELLER

Well, that's wonderful. So get me this "crisis thing" Dick, I'll be glad to take a look at it.

He raps Nixon one more time on the shoulder and moves off into a waiting GROUP.

NIXON

...as the old alliances crumble.

KISSINGER

Finally someone who's noticed! I'm a great admirer of yours too, Mister Nixon. You are an unusual politician. We share a mutual idol -- "Six Crises" sounds like a page from Churchill.

NIXON

Churchill, DeGaulle, Disraeli. They all went through the pain of losing power.

KISSINGER (smiles)

But they all got it back again, didn't they? (proferring a card) We should have lunch sometime.

TIME CUT:

NIXON and MITCHELL move to the edges of the PARTY which is now diminishing; they bypass PAT who is absently staring off in conversation with MARTHA and SEVERAL OTHER LADIES who lunch...Nixon looks back at ROCKEFELLER leaving--KISSINGER hovering near him.

45.

MITCHELL

Goes to show you all the moolah in the world can't
buy you a brain.

NIXON (snags a drink from a passing tray)

Well, he seems to have bought Kissinger.

MITCHELL

The Jewboy's a Harvard whore with the morals of an eel
-- sells himself to the highest bidder.

NIXON (brays loudly)

You're the one who should be in politics, John.
You're tougher than I am. You never crack

MITCHELL

That'll be the day.

NIXON

Let's get out of here, it's too painful. I hate
it. (then) We went bowling last weekend. Next
weekend we're going to the zoo. Whoever said there
was life after politics was full of fucking shit.

MITCHELL

Make some money, Dick, prove yourself to the Wall
Street crowd and let Goldwater and Rockefeller
take the fall against Kennedy.

Nixon looks at him.

NIXON

Yeah. John, I'm in hell. (then) I'll be mentally dead
in two years and physically dead in four. I miss--I
don't know--making love to the people. I miss--entering
a room. I miss--the pure "acting" of it. John. I've got
to get back in the arena.

On Pat glancing over.

25

INT. DALLAS CONVENTION SITE - DAY (1963)

25

SPOTLIGHT on a sexy "Studebaker" car of the era. A DRUM ROLL and suddenly out of the various apertures of the car pop six half-naked HOSTESSES doing the twist. Wild cheers.

The ANNOUNCER describes the new gimmicks on the car (AD LIB)
as we swing to reveal NIXON, looking uncomfortable in a
Stetson cowboy hat shaking hands with AUTOGRAPH SEEKERS and
car buffs, posing for cheesecake photographs. A banner
behind him reveals: "Dallas Welcomes Studebaker Dealers".

46.

The Studebaker GIRLS are fanning through the sales booths, whistling, swinging whips, as a large man in a Stetson, JACK JONES, accompanied by a suave looking Cuban-born businessman, BEBE REBOZO, break through the autograph hounds to rescue Nixon.

JONES

That's enough now, let him be. He's just like you and me, folks, just another lawyer...let's go, let's go, break it up...

Moving Nixon out of there.

NIXON

Thanks Jack, you sure throw a helluva party.

JONES

Party ain't started yet, Dick! Got these gals coming over to the ranch later for a little private "thing," y'know... There's some fellows I want you to meet.

NIXON

Well, uh, Bebe and I got an early plane. We were hoping to get back to New York in time for...

BEBE

It'll be okay, Dick, these guys are interesting...real quiet. And the girls are too.

JONES

Y'know, it's not everyday we Texans get to entertain the future President of the United States.

NIXON

Like you said Jack, I'm just a New York lawyer now.

JONES (chuckles, with a look to Bebe)

We'll see about that.

New FANS circle up, their WIVES giggling.

FANS

Oh Mister Nixon, could you sign...? My wife and I think you are just the greatest. Please run again...

More fans flood in, encircling him. On Bebe and Jack watching this.

48.

27 INT. JONES RANCH - DAY

27

A walk-in stone fireplace dominates the room; the heavy beams hung with black, wrought-iron candelabras. Heavy cigar smoke impregnates the air, and the crowd has substantially thinned to the heaviest hitters. The MEN, now in shirtsleeves, drink bottles of Bourbon...

A man -- MITCH -- emerges from one of the siderooms with a DANCER.

Off to the side in a semi-private alcove, SANDY, the dancer tries to make conversation, but NIXON is showing her a picture of his kids.

NIXON

That's Julie...and that's Tricia, she uh reminds me a little bit of you...

SANDY ("interested")

Oh yeah...she really is...wholesome.

Bebe interjects, trying to help out.

BEBE

So what's up?...uh, I get the feeling Sandy really likes you Dick.

SANDY

I like that name, Dick.

BEBE

Why don't you two disappear in the bedroom there.
Come back in half an hour...

NIXON

Uh...Bebe.

Bebe smiles and leaving Dick the playing field, vanishes.
Sandy, feeling the vacuum, holds Nixon's hand.

SANDY

What do you say? Do you like me, Mister Vice President?

Nixon swallows hard, blushing now. He sweats, very uncomfortable with this intimacy.

NIXON (croaks)

Yes, of course. But...uh...

A brief IMAGE flashes by -- beastlike, offensive, unworthy.

49.

NIXON

But...uh I don't really know you yet, Sandy...what
do you like? I mean what kind of clothes do you
like? Do you like blue...red?

SANDY

Oh, I like satin, I like pink...

NIXON

What kind of uh...music do you like?

SANDY

I like jazz...

NIXON

Yeah...Guy Lombardo...

SANDY

Elvis I like too.

NIXON

Oh yeah, he's good. You know I gave him a medal
for his strong anti-drug position with the kids.

Sandy puts her hand on his face and head.

SANDY

...but it depends what I'm doing to the music,
Dick...

NIXON

Uh, is your mother...still alive?

SANDY

Yeah, she lives in Dallas...

NIXON

She must be very attractive. Would she like an
autograph? She might remember me...Where's Bebe?
(looking around desperately)

TIME CUT TO:

28 Later. The CROWD has thinned further to a hardcore DOZEN. The last man -- MITCH -- comes from the inner bedrooms, zipping up; the SERVANTS chasing out the straggling GIRLS. Another round of drinks is served. The cigars are out.

JONES

Hell, Kennedy's pissed Cuba away to the Russians.
And he don't know what the hell he's doing in
Vietnam. These are dangerous times, Dick,
especially for business...

49A.

NIXON

Agreed.

A CUBAN in an Italian suit, one part sleazy, another part dangerous, steps from the shadows.

CUBAN

We know what you tried to do for Cuba, Mister Nixon. If you'd been elected in '60, we know Castro'd be dead by now.

NIXON shares a look with BEBE.

NIXON

Gentlemen, I tried. I told Kennedy to go into Cuba. He heard me and he made his decision. I appreciate your sentiments, I've heard them from many fine Cuban patriots, but it's nothing I can do anything about. Now it's a long drive back to Dallas tonight, and Bebe and I have got an early flight tomorrow to New York...

JONES (interrupting)

Dick, these boys want you to run. (The "boys" mutter in unison.) They're serious They can deliver the South and they can put Texas in your column. That would've done it in '60.

[lc]

50.

NIXON

Only if Kennedy dumps Johnson.

JONES

That sonufabitch Kennedy is coming back down here tomorrow. Dick, we're willing to put up a shitpot fulla money to get rid of him -- more money'n you ever dreamed of.

*

*

*

NIXON

Nobody's gonna beat Kennedy in '64 with all the money in the world.

A beat.

CUBAN

Suppose Kennedy don't run in '64?

Nixon looks at him. A subconscious IMAGE again -- something slimy, reptilian.

NIXON

Not a chance.

CUBAN

These are dangerous times, Mister Nixon. Anything can happen.

Another pause. Nixon gathers together his briefcase.

NIXON

Yes, well...gentlemen I promised my wife. I'm out of politics.

MITCH (insolent smile)

You just came down here for the weather, right
Mister Nixon?

NIXON

I came down here to close a deal for Studebaker.

BEBE

What about '68 Dick?

NIXON

Five years, Bebe? In politics, that's an
eternity.

JONES

Your country needs you, Dick.

Nixon shakes his hand, departs.

51.

29 EXT. LOVE FIELD - DAY (1963)

A CROWD is waiting for Air Force One. People hold banners, signs: "Dallas Loves JFK", "We Love You Jackie".

A Cadillac pulls up at the far corner of the tarmac. NIXON gets out with REBOZO. They walk toward a small executive PLANE.

Nixon pauses, looks up. He feels something ominous in the air.

NIXON

Bebe, let's get out of here fast, go check on the pilot, or they'll hold us up till he's out of the airport.

As Bebe hurries off to the plane, Nixon takes one last look up at his fate written in the soft white clouds over Dallas. As we:

CUT TO:

30 DOCUMENTARY -- JOHN KENNEDY coming off the plane at Love Field with JACKIE, waving to the crowd. The sound of a rushing, monstrous engine. Then wind.

CUT TO:

31 INT. NIXON'S FIFTH AVENUE APARTMENT - DAY (1963)

NIXON sits, subdued in an armchair in a small study, caught between the fire in the gate, the TELEVISION images of the assassination, and the phone call he's on.

NIXON (low-key)

Look, Edgar, these guys were really strange, I mean y'know...extremists, right-wing stuff, Birchers,...yeah? (listens several beats)

PAT, smoking nervously, watches from another chair. Newspapers are strewn all around.

DOCUMENTARY IMAGES on the TV show a grieving JACKIE, BOBBY, TEDDY, and the TWO CHILDREN.

NIXON

I see...Oswald's got a Cuba connection...to Castro? I see. A real communist. That makes sense. Thank you, Edgar.

He hangs up. It's evident he's still puzzled, but wants to believe.

52.

NIXON

Hoover says this Oswald checks out as a beatnik type, a real bum, pro-Castro...

TV images of BOBBY KENNEDY.

PAT

Dick, you should call Bobby.

NIXON

He doesn't want me at the funeral.

PAT

You don't have to go.

NIXON (glances at TV)

DeGaulle's gonna be there. And Macmillan. And Adenauer. Nixon can't *not* be there.

PAT

Then call him. I'm sure it was an oversight.

NIXON

No. It's his way. He hates me. Him and Teddy. They always hated me.

PAT

They've lost their brother. You know what that means, Dick.

Nixon sighs, watches the TV -- images of a touch football game in Hyannis Port.

SHARP CUT BACK TO:

32 INT. NIXON HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY (1925)

32

ARTHUR NIXON (7) cries in pain. RICHARD (12) helps FRANK, his father, hold him on the bed as a DOCTOR twists a long needle into the base of Arthur's spine.

ARTHUR

Daddy! Please! Make it STOP!!!

Arthur's eyes roll onto Richard for help, Richard can't bear it, pulls away.

33 INT. NIXON HOUSE - PARLOR - DAY (1925)

33

FRANK comes down the narrow stairs, shocked, fighting tears. HANNAH sits reading her Bible. The BOYS linger nervously around their made-up cots in the parlor.

53.

### FRANK (sobs)

The doctors are afraid the little darling is going to die...

34 INT. ARTHUR BEDROOM - DAY

34

ARTHUR laps at some tomato gravy on toast, which makes him happy. His face is angelic, as if he were getting better.

HANNAH feeds him, cleans his lips with a napkin, as RICHARD sits close by, squeezing Arthur's hand, puzzled by it all. FLASHES run through his head -- Arthur sitting on his lap, learning to read; Dick swinging Arthur by his arms. DON and HAROLD are also there. The Doctor has gone.

### ARTHUR (low)

Thank you Mama, I feel better...I'm sleepy.

### HANNAH (removing the food)

We'll let thee rest now, my little angel.

She tucks him in. He yawns. The brothers are awkward, ready to leave. Arthur turns his loving eyes on Richard.

### ARTHUR

Richard, don't you think...I should say a prayer before I sleep?

Richard is awkward, stutters.

### HANNAH (nearly cracking)

Yes, Arthur, I do...

He smiles at her, then:

### ARTHUR (murmurs)

If I should die before I wake, I pray the lord my soul to take...

He slips off, into coma.

Richard watches, devastated.

35 INT. NIXON HOUSE - PARLOR -- ANOTHER DAY

35

RICHARD runs to his mother, HANNAH, who is coming down the stairs with FRANK. She seems very shaken, but quiet, off in another world. The moment Richard reaches her, throwing his arms around her skirt, she snaps him back. A harsh, angry voice.

### HANNAH

No!... No. Don't...

54.

[LC]

Richard is shocked. As his mother sweeps by in her private
grief.

36

INT. NIXON STUDY - NEW YORK APARTMENT - DAY

36

RESUME NIXON -- his face lost in the silence of the memory.
The television SOUNDS fade back in alongside PAT'S voice.

TV IMAGE -- LYNDON JOHNSON being sworn in.

NIXON

...if I'd been President, they never would have
killed me.

Pat is bewildered by the statement.

PAT (O.S.)

Dick? Are you going to call?

He looks at her, absent.

PAT

Bobby?

He looks back at the TV screen.

NIXON (quietly)

No...I'll go through Lyndon. We'll be invited.

We flash suddenly to Kennedy's head being blown apart. Then
back to JOHNSON as we:

CUT FORWARD TO:

37

SUBTITLE READS: "FIVE YEARS LATER -- 1968"

37

DOCUMENTARY IMAGE -- CLOSE on LYNDON JOHNSON announcing:

JOHNSON

...accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not
accept, the nomination of my party for another
term as your President...

CUT TO:

38

INT. NURSING HOME - DAY

38

HANNAH NIXON, in her seventies, commenting on her son's
chance for the Presidency:

REPORTER 1 (V.O.)

...Johnson's withdrawal resurrects Richard Nixon
as a strong Republican candidate against the war.
His mother Hannah Nixon, just before her death
last year, commented on her son's chances...

[LC]

55.

REPORTER 2 (OFF)

Mrs. Nixon, do you think your son will ever return to politics?

HANNAH

I don't think he has a choice. He was always a leader.

REPORTER 2 (OFF)

Do you think he'd make a great President, Mrs. Nixon?

HANNAH (unsmiling)

...if God is on his side, yes...

39 EXT. NEW YORK APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY (1968)

39

REPORTERS flock outside the building, as NIXON and his GROUP exit their car, trying to ignore the press.

40 INT. NIXON APARTMENT - DAY (1968)

40

NIXON enters, ebullient, with MITCHELL, HALDEMAN, ZIEGLER, taking off their winter coats.

MITCHELL

Jesus Dick, never seen anything like it! Even the goddman Times is saying you got it.

HALDEMAN

Vietnam's gonna put you in there this time chief.

ZIEGLER

We got the press this time!

NIXON

And we got the "big mo"! We're back!

PAT (O.S.)

So? You've decided?

They turn. PAT is in the corridor.

PAT

Were you planning to tell me?

NIXON

We...haven't announced anything...uh...

She's walking away, cold. Dick follows, with a look to his men.

NIXON

Uh, wait...

[LC]

56.

MITCHELL

You need her, Dick -- in '60 she was worth five,
six million votes.

NIXON

Don't worry--I'll use the old Nixon charm on her.

As he goes:

HALDEMAN (to the others)

The old Nixon charm? Who could resist that.

41 INT. NIXON BEDROOM - DAY

41

NIXON enters. PAT is mechanically taking his identical grey
suits from the closet and laying them on the bed.

NIXON

Buddy?...

PAT

You should be going...the primaries are soon,
aren't they? New Hampshire....

NIXON

They love you Buddy. They need you, too.

PAT

I don't want them to love me.

NIXON

I need you out there. It won't be like the last
time. The war's crippled the Democrats. I can
win...We deserve it. Yeah, it's ours Buddy -- at
last. Nobody knows that better than you. Frank
Nixon's boy.

Pat slows her packing. Nixon takes her hand.

NIXON

Remember what Mom said? We're not like other
people, we don't choose our way.

She stops, looks at him, feels his surge of power.

NIXON

It was our dream too, Buddy, together...always.

[LC]

58.

HALDEMAN (to the TV DIRECTOR)

Cue the crowd. Go to the women's group. Get the bald guy, he's great...

NIXON (TV)

I, unlike Senator Kennedy, have a plan to end the war. But not for peace at any price but peace with honor!

INTERCUT:

43 EXT. LA COSTA COUNTRY CLUB - ESTABLISHING - DAY 43

44 EXT. PRIVATE PATIO - LA COSTA COUNTRY CLUB - DAY 44

J. EDGAR HOOVER (60's), short and fat, covered with steam-room sweat, looks like a Roman emperor, as he watches the television intermittently, taking pictures of CLYDE TOLSON (50's), his long-time friend and associate. Tolson has a towel around his waist and one over his head.

CLYDE (sarcastic)

What do you think this plan is, Edgar? A nuclear attack?

HOOVER (closing his eyes)

He's lying, Clyde. Always has. That's why Nixon's always been useful. Hold still. And take your hand off your hip.

JOAQUIN, a very young, near-naked Hispanic boy, comes in with refreshments: orange slices, fruit and pastel drinks with parasols.

INTERCUT TO:

45 INT. TV STUDIO - DAY 45

RON ZIEGLER checks his scripts as NIXON continues across the glass.

DIRECTOR (turns)

Who's next?

ZIEGLER

The Negro. We gotta have a Negro.

A BLACK MAN appears on the monitors.

BLACK MAN

Mister Nixon... (Nixon: "Yes sir!") You've made a career out of smearing people as Communist. And now you're building your campaign on the divisions in this country. Stirring up hatred, turning people against each other...

59.

Ziegler and HALDEMAN are apoplectic.

**HALDEMAN**

What the fuck's he doing? He's making a speech.

**ZIEGLER**

Cut him off!

**DIRECTOR**

I can't cut her off! This isn't Russia!

The Black Man turns to the studio audience.

**BLACK MAN**

You don't want a real dialogue with the American people. This whole thing's been staged. These aren't real people. You're just a mouthpiece for an agenda that is hidden from us.

**HALDEMAN (screaming)**

Go to commercial!

**DIRECTOR**

There are no commercials. You bought the whole half hour, baby...

The Black Man is walking down the aisle toward Nixon.

**BLACK MAN (impassioned)**

When are you going to tell us what you really stand for? When are you going to take the mask off and show us who you really are?

Close on Nixon's upper lip, sweating.

Haldeman watches intently.

**HALDEMAN**

It's a high, hard one, chief. Park it.

Nixon gathers himself, looks firmly at the Black Man.

**NIXON**

Yes, there are divisions in this country (Black Man: "Who made them--you made them!") ...but I didn't create them. The Democrats did! If it's dialogue you want, you're more likely to get it from me than from the people who are burning down the cities! Just think about that...the great Doctor King said the same things. You know, young man, who a great hero is -- Abraham Lincoln. Because he stood for common ground, he brought this country together...

60.

ZIEGLER (relieved)

Okay, go to the little girl. Can he see the little
girl?

DIRECTOR

She's right down front.

NIXON

I don't know if you can see her but there's a
little girl sitting down here with a sign. Could
you hold that up, sweetheart?

ZIEGLER

Bag the guy. Take the sign!

The Camera cuts to a LITTLE GIRL holding a hand-lettered
sign.

NIXON

The sign has on it three simple words. "Bring - us
- together!" That is what I want and that is what
the great silent majority of Americans want!

The audience loves it. APPLAUSE signs light up.

NIXON (shouts over)

And that's why I want to be President. I want to
bring us together!

46 EXT. PATIO - LA COSTA COUNTRY CLUB - DAY

46

Like a lizard, HOOVER eyes JOAQUIN, the Hispanic boy.

TOLSON

...give me a break, Mary.

NIXON (V.O.: continues)

You all know me. I'm one of you. I grew up a
stone's throw from here on a little lemon ranch in
Yorba Linda...

HOOVER (mimics)

It was the poorest lemon ranch in California, I
can tell you that. My father sold it before they
found oil on it.

NIXON (V.O.)

It was the poorest lemon ranch in California, I
can assure you. My father sold it before they
found oil on it.

TOLSON (mimics)

But it was all we had.

[LC]

61.

HOOVER

You're new. What's your name?

JOAQUIN

Joaquin, Mister Hoover.

Hoover selects an orange slice, puts one end between his teeth. Wiggles it. Joaquin bends over, bites off the other end. Tolson looks peeved.

*

NIXON (V.O.)

My father built the house where I was born with his own hands. Oh, it wasn't a big house...

HOOVER

Turn this crap off, Clyde. It's giving me a headache... you may go, Joaquin.

He takes a drink off Joaquin's tray as Clyde turns off the TV. Joaquin vanishes.

HOOVER

I want to see him tomorrow, Clyde.

*

CLYDE

Edgar, think twice. He works in the kitchen.

HOOVER

Not Joaquin, you idiot. Nixon. Did you hear what he said in Oregon? About me having too much power.

CLYDE

It's between Nixon and a Kennedy again, Edgar... who do you want?

*

HOOVER

Kennedy -- never. He'll fry in hell for what he did to me. But Nixon don't know that, which is why I'm gonna have to remind him he needs us a helluva lot more 'n we need him.

*

*

*

*

47 EXT. DEL MAR RACETRACK - STARTING GATE - DAY

47

THOROUGHBREDS explode out of the chutes.

48 EXT. DEL MAR RACETRACK - CLUBHOUSE - DAY

48

A private box just above the finish line. HOOVER raises his binoculars, watching the race. He is wearing a white tropical suit, Panama hat, white shoes. CLYDE is dressed similarly.

JOHNNY ROSELLI, white hair, deep tan, sharp dresser, sits with him in the box, spots someone...

[LC]

62.

### ROSELLI

Your boy's on the way up... I met him years ago.
In Havana.

ON THE TRACK: TWO HORSES are in a terrific stretch drive.

HOOVER watches impassively.

### ANNOUNCER (O.S.: frantic)

And down the stretch they come. It's "Native Son"
and "Angel Heart" dueling for the lead...

CLOSE: ANGEL HEART puts a nose in front of NATIVE SON.

### HOOVER

He's folding, Johnny.

ON THE TRACK: NATIVE SON is tiring, falling behind Angel
Heart.

### ROSELLI

You just wait a second.

CLOSE: On Angel Heart's bandaged front legs. Then, Angel
Heart's right foreleg snaps. It sounds like a rifle shot.

Angel Heart goes down over his shoulder. The JOCKEY is thrown
across the track.

The CROWD is stunned. Native Son wins easily.

Hoover turns to Roselli.

### TOLSON

A bit extreme, isn't it?

### ROSELLI

It's the drama. (gestures to the crowd) The crowd
loves that shit. Hey! There's Randolph Scott,
you might like that guy, friend of mine. Wanna
meet him, Edgar?

SHOUTING and CHEERS behind them. They turn. NIXON is making
his way down the aisle, waving to the crowd. He is followed
by HALDEMAN.

Hoover passes Roselli a ticket.

### HOOVER

Not now Johnny. Cash this for me, would you?

### ROSELLI

It's a $2 bet, Edgar. You got thousands coming on
this, what the fuck.

[LC]

63.

NIXON

Edgar, wonderful to see you. Clyde...ha.

TOLSON

Mister Nixon...

HOOVER

Thank you for coming, Dick.

NIXON

Winning?

HOOVER

Actually, I've just had a bit of luck.

ANNOUNCER (O.S.)

The management of Del Mar is saddened to announce
that Angel Heart will have to be destroyed...

Groans from the crowd.

NIXON

Oh my goodness...

HOOVER

How about you? Are you going to win?

NIXON

You should ask Bobby.

TOLSON (sarcastic)

...little Bobby.

HOOVER

Would you walk with me down to the paddock? I'd
like to look at the horses for the eighth.

NIXON

Can't we just talk here? I've got the police
chiefs in San Diego.

Hoover moves close.

HOOVER (whispers)

I'm trying to spare you an embarrassment. Johnny
Roselli is on his way back here.

Nixon looks sick.

NIXON

Roselli? Johnny Roselli?

[LC]

64.

Nixon glances at Hoover. Hoover smiles.

49 EXT. DEL MAR RACETRACK - PADDOCK - DAY (1968)

49

Moving with NIXON, HOOVER and TOLSON along the rail outside the walking ring. The HORSES for the next race are being saddled. FBI AGENTS have cleared a circle around them. Nixon waves and smiles to PATRONS of the track.

HOOVER

You'll win the nomination.

NIXON

It could be '60 all over again, Edgar. Bobby's got the magic, like a goddamn rock star. They climb all over each other just to touch his clothes! He'll ride his brother's corpse right into the White House.

TOLSON

Ummm...

HOOVER (nods)

If things remain as they are... he's got the anti-war vote.

NIXON

Or he'll steal it like his brother. He's a mean little sonufabitch Edgar... He had the IRS audit my mother when she was dying in the nursing home...

HOOVER

I know...

TOLSON (casually)

...somebody should shoot the sonufabitch.

NIXON

I wanna fight just as dirty.

TOLSON

...use his women.

NIXON

...any information you have, Edgar. The sonufabitch is not gonna steal from me again! Can you back me up on this? Can I count on your support?

HOOVER (amused)

I look at it from the point of view that the system can only take so much abuse. It adjusts itself eventually, but at times there are...savage

[LC]

64A.

HOOVER (cont'd)

outbursts. The late "Doctor" King for example. A
moral hypocrite screwing women like a degenerate
tomcat, stirring up the blacks, preaching against
our system... (shakes his head) Sometimes the
system comes close to cracking.

Hoover stops in front of a huge GELDING, pats his muzzle.

HOOVER

We've already had one radical in the White House.
I don't think we could survive another.

Nixon feels uncomfortable. Images, vague, disturbing. Even
the nostrils on the horse seem to be emitting a devil's fire,
and the noises of the snorting animal magnify...

65.

NIXON (a beat, repeats himself)
Yeah well, as I said, Edgar...

HOOVER (precisely)
You *asked* if you could count on my support... As long as I can count on yours.

NIXON (V.O.: on tape)
The old queen did it on purpose.

50 INT. WHITE HOUSE - LINCOLN SITTING ROOM - NIGHT (1973)

50

RESUME SCENE -- NIXON listens as the tape rolls.

NIXON (on tape)
He wasn't protecting me. He was putting me on notice.

HALDEMAN (on tape)
What? That he knew Johnny Roselli? Hoover knew a lot of gangsters.

NIXON (on tape)
Yeah, but Roselli wasn't just any gangster. He was the gangster who set up Track 2.

51 INT. EXEC OFFICE BLDG-PRESIDENT'S OFFICE-NIGHT (1972)

51 *

NIXON and HALDEMAN are alone. The lights are on. They've been drinking together. The talk a little looser.

HALDEMAN (confused)
I don't understand. Track 2's Chile?

NIXON
Chile, Congo, Guatemala, Cuba. Wherever there's a need for an *executive* action capability, there's a Track 2. In Cuba, Track 1 was the Bay of Pigs invasion. Track 2... it was our idea.

(stands)

We felt the invasion wouldn't work unless we got rid of Castro. So we asked ourselves -- who really wants Castro dead? The Mafia, the money people. So we put together Track 2...

A51 CUBA MONTAGE

A51

Images begin to project from that long-ago time. A YOUNGER NIXON. Macho Cuban "FREEDOM FIGHTERS" in the Keys and Guatemala. The CIA, the MOB -- including JOHNNY ROSELLI. FAT CATS and CASINO BOSSES shaking hands with young Nixon on his visit in the 50's. A Rum and Coca-Cola SONG plays.

66.

NIXON (softly)

The first assassination attempt was in '60 just
before the election.

HALDEMAN (stunned)

Before! Eisenhower approved that?

NIXON

He didn't veto it. (then) I ran the White House side. The mob contact was Johnny Roselli. (then) One of the CIA guys was Howard fucking Hunt.

HALDEMAN

Jesus!

NIXON

Not just Hunt. Frank Sturgis, all those Cubans. All of them in the Watergate. They were involved in Track 2 in Cuba. (then) Hunt reported to my military aide. But I met with him several times as Vice-President. That's what worries the shit out of me. I don't know how much Hunt knows. Or the Cubans. But I'd bet a lot.

HALDEMAN

So? You wanted to get rid of Castro. Everybody wanted to get rid of Castro. If Hunt and the others are CIA, why don't we just throw this back in the CIA's lap? Let Richard Helms take the fall?

NIXON (pause)

Because... because Dick Helms knows too much...If anyone in this country knows more than me, it's Hoover and Helms! You don't fuck with Dick Helms! Period...

Pause.

HALDEMAN

Alright. But why if Kennedy is so clean in all this, didn't he cancel Track 2?

NIXON

Because he didn't even know about it. The CIA never told him, they just kept it going. It was like...it had a life of its own. Like...a kind of "beast" that doesn't even know it exists. It just eats people when it doesn't need 'em anymore. (drops back in his chair) Two days after the Bay of Pigs, Kennedy called me in. he reamed me out...

[LC]

67.

DOCUMENTARY INTERCUT: Brief, moving, live action image of
JOHN KENNEDY.

NIXON (continued)
...he'd just found out about Track 2.

HALDEMAN
You never told him?

NIXON (softly)
I didn't want him to get the credit. He said I'd
stabbed him in the back. Called me a two-bit
grocery clerk from Whittier.

Nixon's face expresses the deep hurt of that insult.

NIXON
That was the last time I ever saw him.

IMAGE -- the "Beast" -- an image of Kennedy perverted, his
head blown off...

HALDEMAN
If they didn't tell Kennedy about Track 2, how did
Hoover find out?

NIXON
He had us bugged. Christ, he had everybody
bugged. Yeah, he was gonna support me in '68, but
he was also threatening me. (then) That was
Hoover. He'd give you the carrot but he'd make
damn sure the stick went right up your ass.

52

INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - PANTRY (1968) - DOCUMENTARY

52

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE of chaos in the pantry. The camera is
jostled. Women screaming. A man is being wrestled to the
floor.

ROBERT KENNEDY lies there, mortally wounded.

NIXON (V.O.)
When I saw Bobby lying there on the floor, his arm
stretched out like that...

53

INT. EXECUTIVE OFFICE BLDG.-PRESIDENT'S OFFICE-DAY (1973)

53

RESUME SCENE -- NIXON and HALDEMAN

[LC]

68.

NIXON

...his eyes staring... (then) I knew I'd be
President. (beat) Death paved the way, didn't it?
Vietnam. The Kennedys. It cleared a path through
the wilderness for me. Over the bodies...Four
bodies.

Haldeman corrects him.

HALDEMAN

You mean two... two bodies?

54 INT. WHITE HOUSE - LINCOLN SITTING ROOM - NIGHT (1973)

54

HALDEMAN (V.O. on tape)

You mean two... two bodies?

RESUME SCENE--NIXON takes a slug of Scotch, then he rubs the bridge of his nose, looks up at the portrait of Lincoln. A pause, softly to Mr. Lincoln.

NIXON (slurs)

How many did you have? Hundreds of
thousands...where would we be without death, hunh
Abe?

Nixon stands, steadies himself.

NIXON (softly)

Who's helping us? Is it God? Or is it...Death?

CUT BACK TO:

55 EXT. SANITARIUM CABIN - PORCH - ARIZONA - DAY (1933)

55

A lunar landscape -- barren, scorched, silent. Suddenly
violent, desperate COUGHING.

HAROLD NIXON (23) is doubled over the railing, a long string of bloody mucous hanging from his lips. He is shockingly emaciated -- the last stages of tuberculosis.

RICHARD (19) hurries out of the cabin with a cotton cloth. He holds HAROLD until he stops heaving. Then, he wipes his mouth.

HAROLD (gasps)

...that was a whopper.

Richard carefully folds the cloth, drops it into a metal container that is already full of them. He stands there, helpless, a solemn boy.

[LC]

69.

HAROLD (panting)
Hey... you'll be able to do it now.

RICHARD
What...?

HAROLD
Go to law school. Mom and Dad'll be able to afford it now...

Richard looks at him in horror.

HAROLD
Mom expects great things from you...

RICHARD
Harold... can I get you anything?

Harold throws a loving arm around Richard. We sense Harold in some way could have helped Richard, taught him to laugh a bit.

HAROLD (a gentle smile)
I want to go home, Dick, time to go home.

RICHARD (stiffly)
You're not gonna quit on me, are you, Harold?

Harold looks out over the landscape. Silence.

HAROLD
The desert's so beautiful, isn't it?

56

INT. NIXON HOUSE - PARLOR - NIGHT (1933)

56

RICHARD sits staring into the fire. He still wears his black suit from Harold's funeral. HANNAH enters quietly.

HANNAH
Richard?

He looks up at her.

RICHARD
I can't...

HANNAH
Thee must.

She moves closer. Casting a shadow over his face.

HANNAH
It's a gift, Richard. This law school is a gift from your brother.

[LC]

70.

RICHARD (bitter)

Did he have to die for me to get it!

HANNAH

It's meant to make us stronger. (kneels) Thee
art stronger than Harold... stronger than Arthur.
God has chosen thee to survive...

RICHARD

What about happiness, Mother?

HANNAH

Thee must find thy peace at the center, Richard.
Strength in this life. Happiness in the next.

DISSOLVE TO:

57 INT. REPUBLICAN CONVENTION - NIGHT (1968)

57

ON RICHARD NIXON (55) -- in his prime. A profile of his face -- as the vast crowd goes beserk. Nixon absorbs the adoration -- at last, he has arrived. He looks down at someone in the audience. Points, smiles, waves.

Then he steps forward, thrusts his arms in the air -- the
twin V salute. The cheers rattle the hall as PAT and his
DAUGHTERS join him, followed by Vice-President SPIRO AGNEW
and his FAMILY. Nixon puts his arm around Pat. She waves.
The crowd is on its feet.

NIXON (privately to Pat)

Now tell me you didn't want this, Buddy.

Pat smiles back at him, caught up in it. Then she kisses him
on the cheek.

TIME CUT TO:

NIXON addresses the DELEGATES.

NIXON

It's time for some honest talk about the problem of law
and order in the United States. I pledge to you that
the current wave of violence will not be the wave of
the future! (vast APPALUSE.)

INTERCUT TO:

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- 1. Civil War. Tanks in the streets of DETROIT. 2. A BLACK PANTHER safe-house in flames surrounded by FBI AGENTS.

71

NIXON (V.O.)

...The long dark night for America is about to end... Let us begin by committing ourselves to the truth--to find the truth, to speak the truth. And to live the truth... A new voice is being heard across America today, it is not the voice of the protesters or the shouters, it is the voice of a majority of Americans who have been quiet Americans over the past few years... a silent majority.

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- 3. GEORGE WALLACE whips a DIXIE CROWD into a frenzy. 4. The WOUNDED KNEE SIEGE is under way -- FBI AGENTS and LOCAL MILITANTS pour fire in on the INDIAN MILITANTS. 5. The YIPPIE DEMONSTRATORS outside the CHICAGO DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION. Chicago POLICE wade in with nightsticks, tear gas.

NIXON (at the podium)

Who are they? Let me tell you who they are--
they're in this audience by the thousands, they're
the workers of America, they're white Americans
and black Americans...

We cut among the DELEGATES seeking to show the face of a populace that is torn by Civil War.

NIXON (cont'd)

...they are Mexican Americans and Italian Americans, they're the great silent majority and they have become angry, finally, angry not with hate but angry, my friends, because they love America and they don't like what's happened to America these last four years!

This brings the house down! As we:

CROSSCUT TO:

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- 6. CHICAGO is now a full-scale POLICE RIOT. The COPS have lost all control, swinging nightsticks wildly, breaking heads, dozens of arrests.

Closing on NIXON at the podium.

NIXON

Tonight I see the face of a child. He hears a train go by at night and he dreams of far away places where he'd like to go. It seems like an impossible dream. But he is helped on his journey through life. A father who sacrificed everything he had so that his sons could go to college. A gentle, Quaker mother, with a passionate concern

72.

NIXON (cont'd)

For peace, quietly wept when he went to war but
she understood why he had to go. A great teacher,
a remarkable football coach, an inspirational
minister encouraged him on the way. A courageous
wife and loyal children stood by him in victory
and in defeat. And in his chosen profession of
politics, first there were scores, then hundreds,
then thousands, and finally millions who worked
for his success...And tonight he stands before you
-- nominated for President of the United States of
America.

CROSSCUT TO:

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- 7. The young CHICAGO DEMONSTRATORS are chanting rebelliously at POLICE.

DEMONSTRATORS

The whole world is watching! The whole world is
watching!

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- 8. A B52 unloads BOMBS and NAPALM over jungle.

SUBTITLE READS: "LAOS -- SECRET AIR BOMBING, 1969-70; 242,000 MISSIONS"

CUT TO:

58 INT. WHITE HOUSE -- MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT

58

Full screen image of George C. Scott standing in front of the American flag in the famous introductory scene from the movie "Patton".

PATTON (on film)

...Americans love a winner and do not tolerate a loser. Americans play to win all the time. I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost, and will never lose a war. Because the very thought of losing is hateful to Americans...

Nixon loves it. As we move in on him we notice his lips move almost imperceptibly with the words. His daughters JULIE and TRICIA watch with him. As does KISSINGER. Julie whispers to him.

JULIE

He never would've abandoned South Vietnam. You're doing the right thing, Dad. I'm so proud of you.

[LC]

73.

NIXON

Thank you, kitten.

Tricia notices PAT snoozing in the next seat.

TRICIA (to her Dad)

I'll take her upstairs. Three times is too much
for Mother...

NIXON

No, wake her up -- this is the part where he almost
cries... She loves this. Wake her.

PATTON (on screen)

All right -- now you sons of bitches know how I
feel. I will be proud to lead you wonderful guys
into battle. Anytime. Anywhere.

PAT (suddenly waking, echoing)

..."anytime, anywhere"...

Off Nixon's reaction, we:

CUT TO:

59 EXT. WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT

The lights are blazing late with war talk.

60 INT. SIDE OFFICE - WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT

In a small panelled room, the talk is angry; BILL ROGERS, Secretary of State, MEL LAIRD, Defense Secretary to one side; KISSINGER and HAIG, seen earlier but now Kissinger's assistant, to the other side of the desk, as NIXON listens; HALDEMAN takes notes. ZIEGLER listens. Though a stand-up chart displays a large map of Cambodia's border with South Vietnam, we may note there are no military personnel in the room.

ROGERS

...it'd be a disaster for us, Mister President.
There's a lot of sympathy out there for Cambodia,
a tiny, neutral Buddhist nation; there'd be
protests in the streets, right out on your front
lawn...

LAIRD

...building this Cambodian army up will be harder
even than the Vietnamese Army. They have no
tradition of... The government there would
collapse if we...

[LC]

74.

NIXON (cont'd)

Vietnamese like some pitiful giant. They're using
our POWS to Huncker us. What we need now is a
bold move into Cambodia, go right after the VC
base camps, make 'em scream. That's what I think.
You, Henry?

A pivotal moment for Henry. Nixon is clearly scrutinizing
Kissinger who glances at his rivals.

KISSINGER

Well, as you know, most of my staff have weighed
in against this "incursion". They believe it will
fail to achieve anything fundamental militarily
and will result in crushing criticism
domestically...

NIXON (interrupts)

I didn't ask what your staff thinks, Henry. What
do you think?

KISSINGER (pause)

What I think is...they're cowards. Their
opposition represents the cowardice of the Eastern
Establishment. They don't realize as you do --
that the Communists only respect strength and they
will only negotiate in good faith if they fear the
"madman," Richard Nixon.

Nixon lets a dark smile curl one side of his mouth.

NIXON

Exactly! We've got to take the war to them. Hit
'em where it hurts. Right in the nuts. More
assassinations. More killings, right Al?

HAIG

That's what they're doing.

NIXON

These State Department jerks, Bill, don't
understand you got to electrify people with bold
moves. Bold moves make history, like Teddy
Roosevelt -- "T.R." -- rushing up San Juan Hill.
Small event but dramatic. People took notice.

ROGERS

They'll take notice all right.

NIXON

The fact is if we sneak out of this war, there'll
be another one a mile down the road. (pause) We
bite the bullet here. In Cambodia. We blow the
hell out of these people!

75.

SUBTITLE reads: "APRIL 1970"

NIXON (V.O.)

Tonight, American and South Vietnamese units will
attack the headquarters for the entire Communist
military operation in South Vietnam. This is not
an invasion of Cambodia. We take this action not
for the purpose of expanding the war into Cambodia
but for the purpose of ending the war in
Vietnam...

CROSSCUT TO:

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- 11. The Administration Building at BERKELEY is burning. POLICE in riot gear move in. A BATTLE between STUDENTS and POLICE is taking place.

REPORTER (V.O.)

Across the country, several hundred universities
are in turmoil as students battle police in
protest against the invasion of Cambodia...

CUT TO:

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- 11. KENT STATE UNIVERSITY -- (1970) A phalanx of NATIONAL GUARDSMEN advances. They look very young and scared. A CROWD of STUDENT taunts them.

NIXON (V.O.: a speech)

When I think of those kids out there. Kids who
are just doing their duty...

CROSSCUT TO:

62 INT. WHITE HOUSE -- EAST ROOM -- DAY

62

The end of a ceremony for a released VIETNAM POW. NIXON, with JULIE, stands before emotional WIVES, DEFENSE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES, and UNIFORMED OFFICERS. The POW sits in a wheelchair at NIXON's elbow, emaciated, the blue ribbon of the CMH around his neck. PAT is also there.

*

NIXON (continues)

I'm sure they're scared. I was when I was there.
But when it really comes down to it..
(turns to the POW)

...you have to look up to these men. They're the greatest!

Applause. The POW manages a smile.

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- An ugly stand-off. The STUDENTS confront the GUARDSMEN, jeering. The GUARDSMEN lower their bayonets.

76.

STUDENTS (chanting)

One - two - three - four. We don't want your
fucking war.

Someone throws a rock.

BACK TO SCENE:

NIXON (continues)

You see these bums, you know, blowing up the campuses,
burning books and so forth. They call themselves
"flower children". Well, I call them spoiled rotten.
And I tell you what would cure them -- a good old-
fashioned trip to my Ohio father's woodshed. That's
what these bums need!

DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE -- More STUDENTS are throwing rocks. The GUARDSMEN are momentarily panicked, confused.

Then, suddenly: they open fire. A melee. Screaming.
STUDENTS running.

Then: half a dozen BODIES lie on the ground. A young WOMAN crouches over a BODY, crying.

REPORTER 1 (V.O.)

Today, less than 24 hours after President Nixon
called them "bums," four students were shot dead
today at Kent State University in Ohio.

63 EXT. POTOMAC RIVER- YACHT SEQUOIA- WASHINGTON DC - NIGHT

63

NIXON sits at the head of an outdoor dinner table with
HALDEMAN, EHRLICHMAN, ZIEGLER, KISSINGER. They are being
served steaks by MANOLO, Nixon's Cuban valet.

REPORTER 1 (V.O.)

...Enraged student groups across the country are calling for a general strike tomorrow to shut down the entire university system until the Vietnam War is ended.

MITCHELL joins them.

NIXON (grim)

How many?

MITCHELL

Four. Two boys. Two girls. And eight wounded.

NIXON

Jesus Christ!

[LC]

77.

MITCHELL

One of the fathers was on TV, saying "My child was
not a bum." And it's playing like gangbusters.
Hell, Hoover told me one of the girls was a nymph.

NIXON

Shit, the press doesn't care about the facts.
Cronkite's sticking it to me. It's their first big
hit on Richard Nixon.

ZIEGLER

The Governor says they were rioting.

EHRLICHMAN

The Governor's full of shit. Most of them were
changing classes.

NIXON

Oh I suppose you would've just let them take over.
These aren't fraternity pranks, John. It's
anarchy. A revolution!

EHRLICHMAN

I don't know if I'd go that far, sir.

NIXON

Why not?

EHRLICHMAN

Is the war worth it! Is it worth a one-term
Presidency? Because I think right now that's what
we're looking at.

NIXON (drinks)

No one understands! -- even my own men. What do you
think the Communists respond to? Honesty, liberal guilt
soul wringing crap, fathers on TV crying? Hell no! I
understand the Communist mind, I've studied it for
thirty years. They grasp "realpolitik" better than any
of us, right, Henry? (Henry nods). We gotta make 'em
think I'm just as tough as they are -- that Nixon's a
mad bomber, he might do anything! I played a lot of
poker in World War Two (Haldeman and Ehrlichman know
the story), and I won big and let me tell you this --
unpredictability is our best asset; that's what that
redneck Lyndon never understood. He caved, he buckled
to a bunch of students, Dick Gregory! If we keep our
heads, we can still win this thing.

ZIEGLER

What, win Vietnam, sir?

[LC]

78.

NIXON (cont'd)

both the Chinese and the Soviets--and we'll get better
deals than we ever dreamed of from both...(Kissinger
nods) That's triangular diplomacy, gentlemen.

KISSINGER

Exactly, yes sir. That is my contention.

NIXON

That's what geopolitics is about-- the whole world
linked by self interest...You tell me, Ron, how
the hell I can explain that on television to a
bunch of simple-minded reporters and weeping
fucking mothers!

ZIEGLER

...but what am I telling the press about Kent
State?

NIXON

Tell 'em what you like, they'll never understand
anyway.

EHRLICHMAN

Excuse me, are you talking about recognizing
China, Sir? That would cost us our strongest
support.

NIXON

No...I can do this because I've spent my whole
career building anti-communist credentials.

HALDEMAN

If Johnson or Kennedy'd tried it, they'd have
crucified them, and rightfully so!

MITCHELL

It's damned risky Dick. Why don't we wait till
the second term.

HALDEMAN

This will get him a second term.

NIXON (repeats)

This will get me a second term. Without risk,
there's no heroism. There's no history. I, Nixon
was born to do this.

KISSINGER

Sir, before we make an announcement, this cannot be
breathed! *Especially* to our Secretary of State -- you
know who I mean -- that cretin Rogers... the Chinese
would never trust us again. The *only* way, I
*emphasize only way*, to pull this off is in secret.

[LC]

78A.

NIXON (cackles)

This is a major coup gentlemen -- our own State
Department doesn't even know. And if it leaks out
of here tonight (pause, he eyes them)...

Pause. Discomfort.

HALDEMAN

Well, one way or the other sir, Kent State is not
good. We have to get out in front of this thing.
The PR is going to murder us.

NIXON

Money. Follow the money. (Haldeman: "Sir?")
These kids are being manipulated by the
Communists. Like Chambers and Hiss.

79A.

NIXON (cont'd)

hell did we ever give the Democrats a weapon like
this? (then). I mean if Cambodia doesn't work, I'll
bomb Hanoi if I have to.

They all look at him. He is resolute.

NIXON

That's right! And if necessary, I'll drop the big
one.

KISSINGER

We have to entertain the possiblity...

[Lc]

81A.

HALDEMAN

Probably flunking, nothing to do 'cept come down
here and meet girls, Henry's out there with them.

NIXON

There's a poison in the upper classes, Bob.
They've had it too soft. Too many cars, too many
color TVs...

HALDEMAN

Don't forget the South, sir, the West. Filled with
good football colleges, straight kids. There's
more of 'em with you than against you, not like
these mudmutts.

NIXON

It's the parents' fault really.

EHRLICHMAN

... let's not forget they're just kids, they don't
vote.

HALDEMAN

It's the fall of the Roman Empire, are you blind?
And we're putting fig leaves on the statues...

[LC]

82.

PROTESTOR

Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh is going to win!

HALDEMAN

Get that fucker!

A glum moment. Haldeman stares at him. A PROTESTOR waves a Viet Cong flag in Nixon's face. He gets pulled off the limo.

NIXON (exhilarated)

But hell, this is nothing compared to Venezuela. When I
was Vice President, Ike sent me down there like a
blocking tackle, they threw rocks, broke out our
windows, almost overturned the car. Read "Six Crises",
Bob. Have you read "Six Crises", Ron? Boy! Pat was
brave

HALDEMAN

Yeah, we got to get our Vice-President off the
golf course and back out there on the college
circuit, that's top priority.

EHRLICHMAN

He's in the dumps, sir, Agnew. Every time you
have him attack the press, they give it back to
him in spades. He's become the most hated man in
America.

NIXON (chuckles)

Yeah, good old Spiro. Well, better him than me. What
the hell is he but an insurance policy?

HALDEMAN

We gotta keep reminding those media pricks if
Nixon goes they end up with Agnew (they all
laugh).

EHRLICHMAN

He's begging for a meeting chief, he wants to go
overseas for a while.

NIXON

Well, no place where they speak English. That way
we can always say he was misquoted (emits a high
manic laugh).

The PROTESTORS are frustrated as the limousine breaks
through.

66 INT. CIA HEADQUARTERS - LOBBY - DAY (1970)

66

The SEAL of the CIA: "You shall know the truth and the truth
shall make you free". We CRANE BACK revealing that the seal

[LC]

82A.

is on the floor of the LOBBY as NIXON strides in with his
ENTOURAGE.

LT. GENERAL ROBERT CUSHMAN hurries out, ruffled, to meet NIXON.

CUSHMAN

Mister President, I don't know what to say. As
soon as we learned from the Secret Service you
were in route, the Director was notified. He
should be here any minute.

NIXON

Where the hell is he?

CUSHMAN

Uh, he's rushing back from his tennis game, sir...

[LC]

83A.

NIXON

My friends call me "Mister President."

HELMS

And so shall I. (to Cushman) Arrange for some
coffee, would you General Cushman?
* *

Cushman stares back a beat, bitterly. Nixon signals to
Haldeman and Ehrlichman that he too wants to be alone. The
door closes.
* * *

84.

NIXON

Robert Cushman is a Lieutenant General in the Marine
Corps, the Deputy Director of the CIA...and this is
what you use him for?

HELMS

I didn't choose him as my deputy, Mister
President. You did.

Nixon paces the office, which is festoned with photos,
awards and an abundance of flowers, particularly orchids. A
collector.

NIXON

You live pretty well out here. Now I understand
why you want to keep your budgets classified.

Helms sits on a settee, a hard-to-read man.

HELMS

I suppose, 'Mister President' you're unhappy that
we have not implemented your Domestic Intelligence
plan, but...

NIXON

You're correct. I'm concerned these students are
being funded by foreign interests whether they
know it or not. The FBI is worthless in this area.
I want your full concentration on this matter...

HELMS

Of course we've tried but so far we've come up
with nothing that...

NIXON (stern)

Then find something. And I want these leaks
stopped. Jack fucking Anderson, The New York
Times, The State Department -- I want to know
who's talking to them.

85.

HELMS

I'm sure you realize this is a very tricky area,
Mister President, given our charter and the
Congressional Oversight Committees...

NIXON

Screw Congressional oversight. I know damn well
going back to the 50's this Agency reports what it
wants and buries what it doesn't want Congress to
know. Pay close attention to this.

Nixon fixes him with his stare. Helms clears his throat.

HELMS

Is there something else that's bothering you, Mr.
President?

NIXON

Yes... It involves some old and forgotten papers.
Things I signed as Vice President. I want the
originals in my office and I don't want copies
anywhere else.

Now knowing Nixon's cards, Helms relaxes -- about an inch.

HELMS

You're referring, of course, to chairing the
special operations group as Vice President.

NIXON

Yes...

Helms wanders over to his prize orchids, fingers them.

HELMS

As you know... that was unique. Not an operation
as much as... an organic phenomenon. It grew, it
changed shape, it developed... unsatiable,
devouring appetites. (then) It's not uncommon in
such cases that things are not committed to paper.
That could be very... embarrassing.

Nixon is embarrassed, and does not like it. Suddenly, the
beast is in the room.

HELMS' (reminding him)

I for one saw to it my name was never connected to
any of these operations.

On Nixon, waiting.

85A.

HELMS (fishing)

Diem? Trujillo? Lumumba? Guatemala? Cuba?... It's
a shame you didn't take similar precautions, Dick.

NIXON (very uncomfortable)

I'm interested in the documents that put your
people together with...the others. All of them...

A beat. This is the fastball. Helms pours himself a coffee.

HELMS

President Kennedy threatened to smash the CIA into
a thousand pieces. You could do the same...

NIXON

I'm not Jack Kennedy. Your agency is secure.

HELMS (stirs the coffee)

Not if I give you all the cards...

86A.

## HELMS

I don't think we can treat this as a formality.
Mister Kennedy made a verbal promise to the
Russians not to invade Cuba. But you authorized
Doctor Kissinger to put this in writing.

Nixon is taken aback by Helms' inside knowledge.

## NIXON

Are you tapping Kissinger?

## HELMS

My job, unpleasant sometimes, is to know what
others don't want me to know.

## NIXON (cold)

Not if you have spies in the White House it isn't
your job.

## HELMS

It is not my practice to spy on the President.
Doctor Kissinger manages to convey his innermost
secrets to the would at large on his own.

87.

[LC]

NIXON (absorbs this)

Mr. Helms, we've lived with Communism in Cuba for
ten years.

HELMS

... but it has never been the policy of this
Government to accept that. And it is certainly not
CIA policy.

NIXON

CIA policy? The CIA has no policy, Mister Helms. Except
what I dictate to you...(beat, they stare at each other)
I try to adjust to the world as it is today, not as you
or I wanted it to be ten years ago.

HELMS

Is that why you and Kissinger are negotiating with
the Chinese?

A beat. Nixon stares.

HELMS

This is an extremely dangerous direction, Mister
President. Terrible consequences can result from
such enormous errors of judgement.

NIXON

But...if we were able to separate China from Russia once
and for all, we can--we could create a balance of power
that would secure the peace into the next century.

HELMS

By offering Cuba to the Russians as a consolation
prize?

NIXON

Cuba would be a small price to pay.

HELMS

So President Kennedy thought.

A disturbing image suddenly appears in Nixon's mind --
KENNEDY with his head blown off in Dallas. Followed by an
IMAGE of his own death. In a coffin.

The smell of the orchids in the room is overwhelming. Nixon
feels himself dizzy.

NIXON

I never thought Jack was ready for the Presidency.
But I would never, never consider... (then) His
death was awful, an awful thing for this country.
(then) Do you ever think of death, Mister Helms?

87A.

## HELMS

Flowers are continual reminders of our mortality.
Do you appreciate flowers?

## NIXON

No. They make me sick. They smell like death...I
had two brothers die young. But let me tell you,
there are worse things than death. There is such
a thing as evil.

## HELMS

You must be familiar with my favorite poem by
Yeats? "The Second Coming"?

## NIXON

No.

## HELMS

Black Irishman. Very moving. "Turning and
turning in the widening gyre/The falcon cannot
hear the falconer/Things fall apart, the center
cannot hold/mere anarchy is loosed upon the world/
and everywhere the ceremony of innocence is
drowned/The best lack all conviction, while the
worst are full of passionate intensity"...but it
ends so beautifully ominous--"What rough beast,
its hour come round at last, slouches toward
Bethlehem to be born?"... Yes, this country stands
at such a juncture.

On Nixon, as we:

69 INT. WHITE HOUSE - NIXON BEDROOM - NIGHT

69

NIXON has just returned from a dinner party, his tuxedo
coming off, on the phone, a scotch in hand, in high spirits.
A series of JUMP CUTS of his phone self follows:

## NIXON

It was sudden death, Bebe, but I think I kicked
Helms' ass. (laughs) Yeah and Kissinger's running
around like a scared chicken righ now, he doesn't
know who's gonna grab his power, yeah...you should
see him. I call Haig, Kissinger shits! (laughs)

JUMP CUT TO:

[LC]

88.

NIXON (on phone)

Did you see the look on Hoover's face? He was
redder than a beet. That little closet fairy's
got no choice. He hates McGovern and Kennedy so
much, he's got to love me. And Lyndon?

*

*

PAT enters, in a nightdress, smoking.

*

PAT

He looked old didn't he?

NIXON (hardly noticing)

I asked him, 'Lyndon, what would you do, on a
scale of one to ten?' And he said, 'Bomb the shit
out of Hanoi, boy! Bomb them where they live.'...
John, do you think I was too soft on TV?...

*

*

JUMP CUT TO:

NIXON

Bob, I want to get on this energy thing tomorrow -
- we really have to rethink our needs to the end
of the century. Let's do it at one. And don't
forget the budget boys. I'm gonna carve the shit
out of 'em. (beat) Well, no, clear the afternoon
and tell Bebe I'll be in Key Biscayne by 4... No,
alone... Pat's staying here with the girls.

*

*

*

*

*

*

Pat approaches, nuzzles him. She seems a little strange, tipsy... but sexy in her nightdress.

*

*

PAT

I'd like to go with you.

*

*

89.

HALDEMAN (O.S.)

Hello?

NIXON (to Pat)

Uh, you should check with Bob... (to Bob) Listen, Bob I'll call you in the morning.

He hangs up, awkward.

NIXON

Hi, Buddy, what are you doing in here?

PAT

I've missed you.

NIXON (suspecting drink on her breath)

You okay?

PAT

Why don't we go down to Key Biscayne together?

Just the two of us?

NIXON

Because... I have to relax.

PAT

...I was thinking tonight -- do you remember, Dick, do you remember when you used to drive me on dates with the other boys? You didn't want to let me out of your sight.

NIXON

Yeah, sure, a long time ago.

PAT

Yes, it's been a long time... (a signal given)

He recoils, embarassed. A slight sweat.

NIXON

I don't need that, Buddy. I'm not Jack Kennedy.

PAT (rebuffed, distant)

No, you're not. So stop comparing yourself to him. You have no reason to... You have everything you ever wanted. You've earned it. Why can't you just enjoy it?

NIXON

I do. I do. In my own way.

90.

PAT (cont'd)

Then what are you scared of, honey?

NIXON

I'm not scared, Buddy. (a pause) You don't understand. They're playing for keeps Buddy. The press, the kids, the liberals -- they're out there, trying to figure out how to tear me down.

PAT

They're all your enemies?

NIXON

Yes!

PAT

You personally?

NIXON

Yes! This is about me. Why can't you understand that, you of all people? It's not the war -- it's Nixon! They want to destroy Nixon! And if I expose myself even the slightest bit they'll tear my insides out. Do you want that? Do you want to see that, Buddy? It's not pretty.

PAT

Sometimes I think that's what you want.

NIXON

You've been drinking! What the hell are you saying? Jesus, you sound like them now!...
(a beat, quietly)

I've gotta keep fighting Buddy, for the country. These people running things, the elite...they're soft, chicken shit, faggots! They don't have the long-term vision anymore. They just want to cover their ass or meet girls or tear each other down. Oh God, this country's in deep trouble, Buddy...and I have to see this through. Mother would've wanted no less of me....I'm sorry Buddy.

Pat stands, about to leave.

PAT

I just wish... you knew how much I love you, that's all. It took me a long time to fall in love with you, Dick. But I did. And it doesn't make you happy. You want them to love you...

92.

NIXON

You don't think he was a hero, do you?

Manolo pours Nixon a drink.

MANOLO (shrugs)

He was a politician.

NIXON (swallows the drink)

Did you cry when he died?

MANOLO

Yes.

NIXON

Why?

MANOLO

I don't know. (then) He made me see the stars...

NIXON (looks outside, to himself)

How did he do that? All those kids...why do they hate me so much?

71 EXT. LINCOLN MEMORIAL - PRE-DAWN

71

NIXON gets out of the front of the Presidential LIMOUSINE.

MANOLO follows.

Nixon looks up: a surreal scene. The Lincoln Memorial has been turned into a pagan temple. FIRES burn on the broad marble steps, half-naked KIDS sleep on filthy blankets below the immense columns. Hendrix plays faintly on a portable radio. Nixon starts up the steps, picking his way among the sleeping forms.

He passes a GIRL, tripping, eyes closed, twirling a long scarf over her head. He stares at her, steps on a sleeping bag.

STUDENT ONE

Fuck, man. That's my fuckin' leg--

The BOY's jaw drops. Nixon towers over him. An apparition.

NIXON

You just go back to sleep now, young fella.

STUDENT ONE (rubs his eyes)

Whoa, this is some nasty shit...

Nixon reaches the top of the monument. Taped to one of the pillars is a poster: Nixon scowling and the motto "Would You Buy A Used Car From This Man?"

93.

Nixon peers at it, moves inside. Nixon looks up at LINCOLN in the eerie firelight. Banners with peace signs have been draped over his shoulders, bunches of flowers between his fingers.

HALF A DOZEN of STUDENTS are talking among themselves. They see Nixon, stop. Stunned. Nixon strides toward them.

NIXON
Hi, I'm Dick Nixon.

STUDENT TWO
You're shittin' me.

NIXON
Where you from?

STUDENT TWO
Syracuse.

NIXON
The Orangemen! Now there's a football program. Jim Brown. And that other tailback... The one with the blood disease...

STUDENT TWO
Ernie Davis.

NIXON
Right, right. I used to play a little ball myself at Whittier. (laughs nervously) Of course, they used me as a tackling dummy...

A self-possessed YOUNG WOMAN abruptly interrupts.

YOUNG WOMAN
We didn't come here to talk about football. We came here to end the war.

NIXON (chastened)
Yes, I understand that.

Pause. Nobody responds.

NIXON
Probably most of you think I'm a real SOB. I know that. But I understand how you feel, I really do. I want peace too, but peace with honor.

STUDENT THREE
What does that mean?