Fred Thompson gained an image as a tough-minded investigative counsel for the Senate Watergate committee. Yet President Nixon and his top aides viewed the fellow Republican as a willing, if not too bright, ally, according to White House tapes. [...]
Nixon was disappointed with the selection of Thompson, whom he called “dumb as hell.” The president did not think Thompson was skilled enough to interrogate unfriendly witnesses and would be outsmarted by the committee’s Democratic counsel. [...]
“Oh s—, that kid,” Nixon said when told by his chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, of Thompson’s appointment on Feb. 22, 1973.
“Well, we’re stuck with him,” Haldeman said.
4 Responses to “Nixon: FDT “Dumb as Hell””
Matt–
I think you might be missing the meat of this story, which is that Thompson obstructed the Watergate investigation.
Something to say?
Hahaha. Awesome.
Left by Paul Curtis
July 8, 2007 at 8:52am