Demagnetize or destroy it completely, then what happens? Without that evidence there is nothing directly tying Nixon to the break-in. Does his impeachment end up like Clinton's, rendering him a lame duck domestically for most of his second term?
Well, Nixon probably escapes persecution much as Reagan escaped Iran Contra and Clinton escaped Cigar-gate.
This means a few things:
1. Nixon is probably remembered as a good, effective, and popular president, even if tell-all books about what a bastard he was surface later.
2. American's faith in the office of POTUS escapes the near-fatal wound it suffered from Watergate (that was a MONUMENTAL change in public perception that can't be diminished).
3. Harder go for the Dems in '76. No President Carter, probably.
4. Perhaps a more active diplomatic opposition to renewed North Vietnamese aggression. Enough to save Saigon? I wouldn't think so, but not my area.
Carter will definitely not be the nominee, he was a response to Watergate. Either Bush or Reagan (Rocky would never be Nixon's VP) get the VP nod, more likely Reagan, the only Republican who can win in '76.
I wonder about SVN: another Linebacker campaign, more arms shipments? Angola gets covert aid by any means possible.
2. American's faith in the office of POTUS escapes the near-fatal wound it suffered from Watergate (that was a MONUMENTAL change in public perception that can't be diminished).
... rendering him a lame duck domestically for most of his second term?
Carter will definitely not be the nominee, he was a response to Watergate. Either Bush or Reagan (Rocky would never be Nixon's VP) get the VP nod, more likely Reagan, the only Republican who can win in '76.
I wonder about SVN: another Linebacker campaign, more arms shipments? Angola gets covert aid by any means possible.
He already has a disaster. Even if the smoking gun tape is destroyed, there will still be an impeachment vote.Nixon himself was hoping for John Connelly, without Watergate over him he might be able to get Congress to go for it. And then the Ex-Democrat becomes the presumptive nominee in '76.
Can he win? I doubt it, Reagan is bound to try and make a challenge like he did against Ford, with results ending the same for the Republicans.
As for Vietnam, Arms shipments IOTL were diverted to help the Israelis, Nixon might still deem the IDF to be more in need of those arms. He actually might drop Angola to cover Israel and RVN. Or ARVN can hold with their minimal arms stockpiles if Linebacker III happens. Though that's going to be a political disaster for Nixon if he orders the bombers over Hanoi.
He already has a disaster. Even if the smoking gun tape is destroyed, there will still be an impeachment vote.
BUT, he's stil POTUS and Vietnam is still Congressionally authorized. Might he try to make a military solution work in Vietnam to shore up his political prospects? Or at least those of his party?
Now if you get rid of ALL the tapes...