Before a judge subpoenaed the tapes, could President Nixon have legally destroyed them?

HE SAID THAT ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES HE MADE WAS NOT DESTROYING THOSE TAPES.

If we are intelligent it shows we cannot depend on what party we vote for. This should be more obvious now than ever! We should vote for the person, not a party and not at anytime against freedom! I looked at the person when I voted for President. Mine was not elected as he was not into perks and would not be a liar at every turn. I just knew,. sometimes one knows. We cannot vote race or party, we have to look at all and vote for the person. So many failed to do so in the last election and now we are lied to at every turn on health care for all. If it was for all, why do seniors now have trouble with office calls? They just voted to reduce it from 57 to 40. Doctors are saying they may have to remove seniors as patients because of expenses! Do you not think this was done on purpose and they knew? Sure they did and they never tell the truth to anyone! Nixon is a baby kid compared to the liar of all time.. Obama.. every interview he has lied! Then we find out later! Somehow, I think the intelligent thing to do is not trust him. He is still in office and lying. Maybe he will go to far, besides stopping Medicare, and we will impeach him and remove others as well! Earl