“Three Crises of Character in the Modern Presidency” James Pfiffner

Three Presidential Crises Three Presidential Crises Pfiffner looks at three contemporary presidential crises in order to examine: 1) Why It Happened: Presidential Motive: 2) What Happened 3) The Consequences: for both the president involved, and the country’s system of constitutional government.

Three Presidential Crises Three Presidential Crises The presidential crises he looks at are: 1) Richard Nixon: Watergate (1970s) 2) Ronald Reagan: Iran-Contra (1980s) 3) Bill Clinton: Impeachment (1990s)

Three Presidential Crises Richard Nixon: Watergate Motives: Fear of the Enemies, Need for Secrecy Nixon was resentful of the political establishment, and personally paranoid, in the sense that he “attributed to his ‘enemies’ powers greater than they had.” What Happened? After Daniel Ellsberg leaked the “Pentagon Papers,” Nixon and his top aides established an intelligence unit (The Plumbers) within the White House to prevent any further leaks.

Three Presidential Crises Richard Nixon: Watergate Nixon’s Dirty Tricks Operations 1) Activities of the Plumbers: Gather information on Nixon opponents (Senator Muskie), bug offices (DNC). 2) Used IRS to Audit Democrats 3) Drafted an “Enemies List”

Three Presidential Crises Richard Nixon: Watergate Watergate Break-In The Plumbers were caught trying to break into the DNC headquarters in the Watergate Hotel. Nixon’s Reaction: From the moment news broke of the Plumbers’ arrest, Nixon attempted to cover up his involvement, and sought to impend the resulting Congressional investigation.

Three Presidential Crises Richard Nixon: Watergate Consequences: Impeachment Once Nixon’s complicity was established, Congress voted for Articles of Impeachment. Articles of Impeachment: Article I: Failure to Fulfill Oath of Office Article II: Failure to Faithfully Execute the Law Article III: Refusal to Honor Congressional Subpoenas

Three Presidential Crises Reagan: Iran-Contra Motives: Ideology, and Delegated Authority Reagan was committed to a particular ideology, specifically conservative Republicanism, supply side economics, and anti-communism. In the process, he often let sympathetic aides carry out policies in the name of such ideals without much scrutiny.

Three Presidential Crises Reagan: Iran-Contra What Happened: Iranian Arms Trade After Terrorists believed to be linked to Iran kidnapped several Americans in Lebanon, officials in the Reagan White House decided to approach Iran about an offer of arms for hostages. What Happened: Contra Funding The money made on the sale of arms to Iranian would then be diverted to the Contra insurgency in Nicaragua, whom Reagan was politically committed to supporting in their fight against the leftwing Sandinista government.

Three Presidential Crises Reagan: Iran-Contra Ideology as Policy Reagan was personally concerned about the fate of the hostage, yet publically opposed negotiating with terrorists or their state sponsors. At the same, he was politically committed to supporting the Contras in their fight against the leftwing Sandinista government. Delegated Authority White House Officials acted on Reagan’s concerns, but did so without regard for the law, or the political fallout.

Three Presidential Crises Iran-Contra Consequences Both the sale of arms to Iran and the transfer of money to the Contras violated existing laws. Reagan’s Reaction He denied any awareness of these programs, and in the process appeared to much of the public as either untrustworthy or incompetent. He salvaged his presidency by cooperating with the Congressional investigation.

Three Presidential Crises Clinton Impeachment Motives: Self-Indulgence, Failure to Assume Blame Clinton identified as a victim, and routinely blamed others for his failings. What Happened: Lewinsky Affair During a deposition hearing for an unrelated sexual harassment suit (Paula Jones), Clinton denied having a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

Three Presidential Crises Clinton Impeachment What Happened: Lewinsky Affair Sensing he may have caught Clinton in a lie, the Special Prosecutor, Ken Starr investigated the Lewinsky relationship. Clinton’s Reaction Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, Clinton continued to deny the relationship. Only after the threat of a subpoena did he admit to the affair.

Three Presidential Crises Clinton Impeachment Consequences: Starr Report When Starr submitted his Report to Congress, Congress voted for impeachment. Charges Against Clinton 1) Lied Under Oath 2) Urged Others to Lie 3) Obstructed Justice, Sought to Hide Evidence