Finally, the president added, 'The American people are idealists, but they also want their leaders to be realistic...

With the release of the transcripts Nixon had allowed America into the ugliness of his mind - as of he wanted the world to participate in the despoliation of the myth of presidential behavior. The transcripts, Garment thought, were an invasion of the public's privacy, of its right not to know. That was the truly impeachable offense: letting everyone see.

It was nearly midnight when the conversation finally stopped on its own weight. The question was unresolved, at least in any explicit way.

The important thing is the presidency," Nixon continued. "If need be, save the presidency from the President.