Real Richard Nixon: 28 DAYS (4) - Decision to Resign & Family

[91dodgespiritrt]

SINCE SO MANY SEEM TO BE CALLING NIXON A CROOK, COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT NIXON STOLE? WHAT? BE SPECIFIC.

[CounterCultureLives]

@91dodgespiritrt Speaking as a Liberal Democrat, I really don't believe that Nixon was "a crook" in terms of how people associate political offices with financial gain. His financial circumstances were not enhanced by Watergate, nor did he experience any financial gain while in office.

Like an intense game of chess, the outcome is sometimes determined before the "Checkmate" is called.

Nixon's fatal move was sending John Dean to Camp David to compile The Dean Report.

[devilndeepbluesea]

@CounterCultureLives Is fatal mistake was putting a recording system in and the wife of Mitchell, Martha.

I am a conservative Republican, your comments as a liberal Democrat was nice. He was a great President and we lost a lot from his own self inflicting wound....He got us out of Vietnam. He got us the first treaty with Soviet Union. I am not sure China was a good thing, but his basic heart and love for our country was. I feel the man was selfless.

[devilndeepbluesea]

@CounterCultureLives I think one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen was the video of him breaking down in tears at Pat's funeral. You would never think to see such a man break down., She was everything to him...

[jimmbo13]

He had many many gifts...shame it ended that way.

[res57]

Do you really think Nixon would have given up the Presidency if he wasn't guilty as sin?

[res57]

Poor Tricky Dick- What a crook!

[NewWaveFan1]

He should have gotten rid of those tapes.

[jackhammer111]

Of course he was responsible for the break in and he knew about the break in at Elseburg's office and other crimes, but that isn't the real point. He lied to the FBI telling them their investigation would blow a CIA cover, he approved the payment of hush money, he directed an ongoing obstruction of justice that tried to bury crimes that ended with 40 indictments including putting the Attorney General of the United States in prison. He abused Presidential powers. Only a pardon spared him jail.

[DrZenith]

Looking back all those years the whole business of Watergate looks crazy. Nixon risked impeachment because though not responsible for the break-in at the Democratic HQ he later 'covered up' the fact that he had later learned that members of his campaign group instigated it. Look at Italy's Berlusconi  guilty of corruption who carries on as Prime Minister, or Putin giving the OK to kill critical journalists it's incredible that Nixon was forced out for such a petty reason.

[enlighten3d1]

Yes, Nixon openly lying to the American people and purposely deceiving key officials does seem petty compared to many other crimes, yet it does not mean his actions were still not impeachable offenses

[WrathMania]

@enlighten3d1 But in theory, every president since Nixon could have been impeached for far worse abuses of power. It doesn't excuse the fact Nixon was crooked. But so has every president between Jerry Ford and Bush II.

[CounterCultureLives]

@WrathMania Wrong. Although Jimmy Carter was a relatively ineffective President, there were no scandals involving his administration, nor is there any evidence of financial malfeasance on his part.

[WrathMania]

@DrZenith Agreed. Nixon is a saint compared to Reagan, Clinton, or Bush II.

[WrathMania]

@DrZenith Though that said I'm sure Nixon had sanctioned the break-in. He had played dirty politics his entire life. The thing was he played them more bluntly (and more creatively) than most. So he got caught.

[TruthorDare21]

He kinda gave his back to his political party thats was one of the reason he didnt get much suport from his own people..Think what would have happened to Bush had he not have the power and inteligence behind his presidency that told him what to do and say.

[vivthefree]

And thank you, too. It's always nice to have a discussion on the internet with someone who doesn't resort to name calling!! :)

[Kovenant675]

mans a fuckin g

[foe1522]

After having Bush for 8 years I'm starting to re-think my opinions on Nixon. He's not as bad as the media portrays him. I hope nothing like that happens to any American President again.

[vivthefree]

Like what?

He escaped impeachment, even though he was guilty of criminal activity. If a president is guilty of crimes he should be subject to prosecution like anyone else. Under no circumstance, in a republic, should anyone be above the law.

[mikeinverizon]

Unfortunately, this is no longer a republic, but an empire.

[up2space]

where's your Clinton now? (EJ Robinson in the Ten Coms

[mkrobinson95]

To be precise, you can't be "guilty of criminal activity" unless you are FOUND guilty through the judicial process. I don't doubt Nixon would have been found guilty, but that trial never happened.

[vivthefree]

Fair enough. I should rephrase my comment: if a president is a suspect in a crime, s/he should never be allowed escape trail because of his position of power.

[mkrobinson95]

Agreed, to a point. Since Nixon was pardoned by Ford, which was a legitimate function of the presidency (to pardon), he escaped being tried ... which was really due to Nixon's position as a former President ... and to spare the nation long and devisive legal proceedings. Ford showed real courage by issuing the pardon ... realizing it would cost him the presidency (at least you would think he realized that).

[vivthefree]

I disagree. I think the Republicans would have lost regardless, because of Watergate. Any pain that the US would have suffered, by Nixon's trial, would have been worth it, as it would have shown the world that America is not like the USSR, and its leaders don't have impunity (even if he was acquitted). Ford's 'courage' could also be construed as political efficiency.

[mkrobinson95]

You may be right ... good discussion. Thx for the dialog.

[Parizeau21]

That man could tell a story.