Haldeman, H R

▪ 1994

      ("BOB"), U.S. political figure (b. Oct. 27, 1926, Los Angeles, Calif.—d. Nov. 12, 1993, Santa Barbara, Calif.), was best known for his role in the cover-up of the Richard M. Nixon administration's involvement in the 1972 break-in at the Democratic Party's National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. Haldeman was working in advertising at the J. Walter Thompson agency when he became impressed with Nixon during the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings in 1948 and offered his assistance on Nixon's 1952 vice presidential election campaign on the Republican Party ticket. Nixon refused the offer, but Haldeman finally managed to get hired for the 1956 election campaign and became a trusted aide. He served as campaign manager for Nixon's successful 1968 presidential campaign and became White House chief of staff when Nixon took office. He was extremely powerful in that position and was often referred to as "the keeper of the gate" and "the Iron Chancellor" because of his ruthlessness in limiting access to the president. On April 30, 1973, after his role in the Watergate cover-up had been revealed, Haldeman was forced to resign. In 1975 he was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury and was sentenced to 2 1/2-8 years in prison. He was released after 1 1/2 years and thereafter worked as a businessman and consultant.

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