The week beginning August 5, 1972, was unlike any I had ever experienced. It defined what was one of the most politically momentous events of the century. To this day I cannot remember when I experienced the White House so full of dark foreboding.  By the evening of August 8 we all knew we were in the final countdown, and that something climactic was imminent.  Although the drama was taking place in the same building in which we were sequestered, we, like the rest of America, had to watch television to find out what was happening just a few steps from us.  No matter what your political persuasion, it was an emotional and sad moment that evening when President Nixon appeared on television to announce his resignation.