Interview with John Ehrlichman and J. Stanley Pottinger, May 29, 1986

Chief Domestic Advisor in 1971. In 1975 Ehrlichman was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury for his role in the Watergate Scandal. J. Stanley Pottinger served as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the United States Department of Justice from 1973-1977 and is considered one of the first people who knew that Deep Throat was Mark Felt. William Stueck interviews John Ehrlichman and J. Stanley Pottinger about the Nixon Administration's approach to Civil Rights. Other panelists include Professor Robert Cohen, Professor [Jonathan Houghton?], and graduate student Chris [Schutz?], all of the History Department. Part 1: John Ehrlichman recalls the process of nominating a successor for Justice Abe Fortas of the Supreme Court. He discusses the failed nominations of Clement Haynesworth and G. Harold Carswell. Ehrlichman comments on the role of Leon Panetta in the Office for Civil Rights and Nixon's compliance with desegregation. J. Stanley Pottinger additionally reflects on the effect of Hubert Humphry's unsuccessful presidential campaign on the enforcement of school desegregation. Part 2: Panelists discuss outside criticisms of Nixon's Civil Rights activism, bussing and the Kent State Shooting. They comment on the controversy of the Scranton Commission and the Nixon Administration's reaction to the shooting. Part 3: Panelists comment on a plan to consolidate all intelligence agencies to prevent domestic terrorism. They comment on the increased wiretapping and efforts to find people planning to hurt Americans. Panelists take questions from the audience regarding public opinion polls, Judge Rehnquist, and the identity of Deep Throat.

Chief Domestic Advisor in 1971. In 1975 Ehrlichman was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury for his role in the Watergate Scandal.

J. Stanley Pottinger served as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the United States Department of Justice from 1973-1977 and is considered one of the first people who knew that Deep Throat was Mark Felt.

1986-05-29

RBRL175OHD-014

90 minutes