Nixon's chief of staff, and a key figure in the coverup and complicit in the actions of the "Plumbers." While he may not have had detailed knowledge of the break in before it happened, he was well aware that the unit was engaged in illicit and illegal activities and was instrumental in the attempted cover up.

Haldeman's relationship with Nixon dates to the mid-fifties. He was Nixon's advance man in the 1956 campaign and again in 1960, before running his 1962 California gubernatorial campaign. During this time he was employed as an advertising executive at J. Walter Thompson.

In 1968 he became Chief of Staff to Nixon's campaign, and was widely credited with improving Nixon's image, using his advertising expertise. Following the election, he became White House Chief of Staff, where he renewed his long acquaintance with John Ehrlichman, who he had known since college.

Haldeman, together with Ehrlichman and Dean were the primary mechanics of the cover up. Haldeman and Ehrlichman were known internally as the "Berlin Wall" protecting Nixon. When Dean, afraid that he was going to be scapegoated for Watergate, testified and blew the whistle on Haldeman and Ehrlichman, Nixon asked for and received their resignations. It is perhaps noteworthy that the famous 18.5 minute gap in a key White House tape occurs dring a meeting between Nixon and Haldeman.

Haldeman was found guilty of conspiracy and obstruction of justice and was imprisoned for 18 months. Subsequently he had a successful enterpreneurial career, primarily in Florida development and real estate, before dying in 1993.