1. Richard Nixon’s popularity rating was over 60%
Richard Nixon’s popularity rating was over 60%. He easily won the 1972 election.
Watergate Scandal
*Burglars are caught breaking into the Democratic National
Headquarters which was located in the Watergate Hotel.
-On trial, one burglar admits the white house knew
-Burglars had close ties to Nixon’s reelection campaign
-Nixon denies involvement
-”I am not
a crook.”

2. **Two Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward, and Carl
Bernstein investigate the burglary and its connection to
the president.
-follow clues from “Deep Throat” (top FBI official)
-it is discovered that Nixon secretly tapes all conversations
-Nixon refuses to give up tapes (executive privilege)
-Nixon has special prosecutor fired
-U.S. v. Nixon (Supreme Court says give them up)
-Senate investigation finds that the tapes have a lot of gaps
in them.

3. -Nixon’s vice-president, Spiro T. Agnew resigns after taking bribes
-Nixon appoints Gerald Ford as vice-president
*Finally it appears the House of Representatives is going to impeach
Nixon.
-obstructing justice
-misuse of power
-refusing to comply with subpoenas
**Nixon knows there is enough evidence for a conviction by Senate.
-Nixon resigns the presidency (only one every)
-Ford pardons Nixon

4. **There is debate as to whether or not Nixon knew about
the break-in. However, tapes proved that he did try to
cover it up.
Consequences of Watergate
Damaged the reputation of the office of the President
Shook the public’s confidence in government
(confidence dropped from 80%-33%)
It showed the strength of the American system of checks
and balances.