THE CRISIS: Nixon Presses His Counterattack

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In sheer energy and ambitiousness, Nixon's meetings with Senators, Congressmen and party leaders were nearly heroic. They were called in lots ranging from six Southern Democratic Senators to 78 Republican Congressmen. The sessions gradually expanded from an unsatisfying Nixon monologue to a tough exchange of views. Many of the President's listeners were impressed by his combative mood and at least outward confidence under fire.

Even a longtime critic, California Republican Paul N. ("Pete") McCloskey, praised Nixon's "state of physical and emotional health" and added: "He looked to me like he relished the combat he was in." Declared another critic, Massachusetts Republican Governor Francis W. Sargent: "He has a strength that is really amazing; he was cool and clear and precise—and with no notes in front of him." Said Republican Senator Howard Baker: "I've never witnessed a more frank presidential conversation."

Shifting from large dinners in the State Dining Room to cozy cocktail sessions in the upstairs solarium, the sessions were brutally candid at times. Some participants felt painfully uncomfortable listening to the President pleading, although not contritely, for understanding. Called on to give his views, Republican Senator Barry Goldwater pulled no punches. "The only time you have us down here," he complained to Nixon, "is when you get your ass in a crack and want us to get it out for you." As others laughed nervously at Goldwater's coarse language, Nixon stared stonily, obviously irked at the remark.

Another tense moment came when Republican Senator Edward W. Brooke told Nixon what he had previously said publicly. "I have reluctantly come to the conclusion, Mr. President, as painful as it is to me, that you should resign." Rarely in U.S. history had such a direct request come from a respected member of a President's own party. Replied Nixon: "Ed, I understand your reasoning, and I'm not hurt or angry, but that would be taking the easy way out, and I can't accept your recommendation."

Perhaps harshest of all was Oregon's Republican Senator Bob Pack wood, who told Nixon that "credibility has always been your short suit." He observed that "when one person gives his word to another, that is a bond which those of us in politics revere highly. Congress believes you breached your word in the firing of Cox." And he told Nixon: "For too long this Administration has given the public the impression that its standard of conduct was not that it must be above suspicion, but that it must merely be above criminal guilt. Mr. President, that is not an adequate standard of conduct for those who have been accorded the privilege of governing this country."

When Packwood finished, the room was quiet. Nixon said nothing. Michigan Senator Robert P. Griffin broke the stillness by suggesting that some of Packwood's ideas were good, and the discussion turned to whether Nixon's credibility could be aided by his confronting a select group of newsmen.