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May 13, 1974: Nixon's Gamble
Given the enormous hazards for Nixon in the transcripts, it seemed baffling that he released them at all. He may have felt that he had Little choice. Having resolved not to turn over the tapes to the Judiciary Committee, he had to make some extraordinary gesture to avoid almost certain impeachment for defying Congress.
From: The President Gambles on Going Public, May 13, 1974

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