Study Notes on the Nixon Presidency

Overview of the Nixon Presidency

Examination of significant political changes and events during Nixon’s presidency.

The Democratic Party was undergoing a significant transformation in the 1960s.
Shift towards liberal ideologies, particularly in relation to civil rights.
- Civil rights movements and related social changes contributed to this transformation.
- Southern Democrats, traditionally conservative, felt abandoned by the party's new direction.
Example: Many Southern Democrats questioned their place in the party as it moved away from social conservatism.

Robert Kennedy's Presidential Candidacy
- Robert Kennedy was a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination until his assassination.
George Wallace’s Campaign
- George Wallace, Alabama's governor, emerged as a candidacy for the American Independent Party.
- He championed segregationist policies, opposed federal desegregation mandates, and symbolized the discontent of social conservatives.
- Notably won five Southern states in the 1968 election, highlighting a disconnect within the Democratic Party and a rise in third-party influence.
Growing fracture within the Democratic Party as it shifted leftward, leaving a significant portion of its base without representation.

Nixon, a Republican candidate, was characterized as a moderate political figure, seeking to appeal to both conservatives and liberals.
Policy Initiatives:
- Promised to expand Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs, continuing support for social safety nets such as food stamps and unemployment benefits.
- Signed the Endangered Species Act, expanding environmental protections contrary to typical Republican positions on deregulation.
- Established affirmative action policies.
- Publicly committed to slowing the rate of desegregation to appease conservative factions.

Nixon had a strong desire to validate his leadership with a landslide victory.
Formation of CREEP (Committee to Reelect the President):
- Engaged in a series of illegal activities, including creating fake corporations to funnel illegal donations into his campaign (around $55 million).
- Employed “dirty tricks” against opposition candidates, including defamatory campaigns against Edmund Muskie.

Organized by G. Gordon Liddy, the break-in targeted the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in the Watergate Hotel.
- Burglars installed listening devices in DNC phones, attempting to gain a political edge by acquiring intelligence.
Security measures taken by the burglars led to their capture, prompting police investigation into the motives behind the break-in.

Investigative journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein played crucial roles in uncovering the connection between the break-in and the Nixon administration.
- Their source, known as "Deep Throat," was later revealed to be Mark Felt, the Deputy Director of the FBI.
Their reporting challenged Nixon's administration, ultimately revealing a cover-up and leading to further investigations.

Nixon attempted to distance himself from the break-in; however, evidence began to surface linking him to the cover-up.
The appointment of Archibald Cox as special prosecutor led to Nixon's attempts to obstruct justice.
- Nixon ordered for Cox to be fired, leading to the Saturday Night Massacre when multiple officials resigned rather than comply.

Following substantial evidence against him, Nixon faced impeachment for obstruction of justice and contempt of Congress.
Strikingly, Nixon resigned in August 1974 before facing formal impeachment—a historical first for a U.S. president.
Consequences of the Watergate scandal included widespread public disillusionment with government and suspicion of political motivations.

Upon Nixon’s resignation, Ford was sworn in as president and controversially issued a full pardon to Nixon for any crimes related to Watergate.
Ford's pardon fueled public backlash and is suggested to have contributed to his defeat in the next presidential election against Jimmy Carter.
The era marked a significant moment of crisis regarding public trust in politicians and government institutions.

Nixon’s presidency highlights themes of political fragility, the evolving landscape of party politics, and the importance of accountability in government. The Watergate scandal signifies a pivotal moment in U.S. political history, leading to lasting impacts on public trust and political behavior.