Nixon was an ignoble crook; trampler of personal liberties, and deserving of ignominy. The media smelled blood in the water, but there would have been no blood had Nixon said NO to the break-in and exposed the operation, rather than try to cover it up.
ignominy = ignomy
We only knew what the media told us and the tv reported that is why Americans turned against the Vietnam War and our troops were treated like dirt when they came home. That's what the media did in those days and it's no different today. So if you consider that a riot then I have to agree with you they've been rioting against us since the 70's...not since 2000 election...
Nixon didn't know about the break-in beforehand. Certainly he should not have attempted to cover up for Haldeman and Ehrlichman who may have known. Nixon was earler let down terribly by Eisenhower (who was not exactly known for backing subordinates, remember Patton?). Nixon saved himself via the "Checkers" speech, and probably never forgave Eisenhower for not defending him regarding a trivial charge. Nixon was trying to be loyal to his own loyal aides and stick with them when they were under fire, and this destroyed him. The press hated him because he supported Whittaker Chambers against the left's (and the press') darling, Alger Hiss.