Was the Fix in between Ford and Nixon?

Seymour Hersh’s article, “The Pardon,” in the August Atlantic, presents a dramatic tale of illegal activity and political intrigue behind the decision of former President Gerald R. Ford to grant a full pardon to Richard Nixon.

Hersh’s story hinges on dozens of questionable assertions, unidentified sources, clandestine conversations, and unsupported allegations by some of Ford’s bitterest political enemies. It is more suitable as the scenario for a Hollywood thriller than as an informed account of what actually happened. Hersh tried to make the case that a top-level “deal” was struck whereby Nixon would resign the Presidency if Ford—when he became President—would grant Nixon a full and complete pardon.