I think you're basing that comment on what Nixon was portrayed as by the MSM, and not the facts of the scandal. I ask this simply because I have never read anything that would lead me to believe Nixon was involved in the planning of Watergate. I can't defend Nixon for his involvement in the cover up, but I also believe his advisers were compromised and their advise to him was influenced by people like W. Mark Felt
Not now, but I will. Kissinger was placed where he Nixon said exactly that kind of thing. Kissinger said that he does not recall being there, but even if he was, Nixon often just let off steam ordering ridiculous things, that he really didn't mean. How comforting. One such instance was get the documents on whatever his name was who was McGovern's campaign manager (whose name escapes me in this senior moment), about whom they suspected something. Just do it. Nixon was there at the creation it turned out.