Was Impeachment a Legitimate Response to the Watergate Scandal?

The Watergate scandal remains one of the most significant events in American political history, leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon on August 9, 1974. However, what is less well-known is that the House of Representatives was poised to initiate impeachment proceedings against Nixon shortly before his resignation. By the time the House had completed its deliberations, it was no longer necessary to proceed, as Nixon had already resigned.

The Impeachment Process in Progress

On the morning Nixon resigned, the House committee had already voted on and passed three articles of impeachment. These articles were:

These actions were set to be taken up by the full House, but Nixon's resignation rendered them unnecessary. The dramatic timing of Nixon's decision to resign came two days after a meeting with Republican senators who informed him that he would likely be convicted in the Senate.

Impeachment vs. Conviction

It's important to note that impeachment is not a punishment; rather, it is akin to an indictment. Once a president is impeached, a trial is held in the Senate to decide whether to oust him from office.

In Nixon's case, the House did not actually impeach him because he resigned before the process could be completed. As many contemporaries believed, the perceived inevitability of his conviction was a significant factor in his decision to step down.

The Legal and Ethical Implications

Whether or not there was enough evidence to justify impeachment hinges on the role Nixon played in the cover-up efforts. If he was an active participant in concealing his administration's involvement in the Watergate break-in, then such an action would have been appropriate. The U.S. Senate would have then held a trial to determine if he should be removed from office based on the evidence presented.

However, if Nixon was not actively involved in the cover-up, then pursuing impeachment might have been an overreach. At the time, details about the FBI's involvement were still unclear, raising questions about the basis for the charges.

Public Perception and Political Considerations

The process surrounding Nixon's impeachment demonstrates the complex interplay between legal procedures and political realities. The fact that even members of his own party were considering voting against him, and that influential Republicans like Barry Goldwater were vocal in their opposition, indicated that Nixon did not have enough support to avoid conviction and removal from office.

Had Nixon been arrested after his resignation and prosecuted, the legal process might have drawn out the scandal even further. However, President Gerald Ford ultimately pardoned Nixon, and this decision had significant implications for the legacy of the Watergate scandal.

Conclusion

The question of whether impeachment was a legitimate response to the Watergate scandal is complex and multifaceted. It raises important questions about the balance between accountability and political stability. The legal and ethical implications continue to be debated, offering a rich subject for political analysis and historical reflection.