Nixon’s Decision to Resign: The Inevitability of Impeachment

Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974 was a complex and pivotal moment in American history. While many factors contributed to his decision, one of the primary reasons was the stark inevitability of impeachment should he not resign. This article explores the circumstances surrounding Nixon's decision and the political and legal factors that led to it.

The Watergate Scandal and Impeachment

The Watergate scandal, which began in 1972, culminated in the discovery of extensive evidence linking the Nixon administration to illegal activities, including burglary and obstruction of justice. As Congressional investigators uncovered more evidence, the pressure mounted on Nixon to address the scandal.

Political Dynamics and Public Support

The political dynamics of the time favored impeachment. Congressional delegations had gathered evidence that showed Nixon had lied to the American public and deceived Congress regarding his knowledge of the Watergate break-in. If Nixon had been impeached and convicted, he would have faced removal from office, which would have had significant legal and personal repercussions.

Nixon's Fears and Ankelles

Nixon's personal fears and the potential for exposure of his prior involvement in the assassination of John F. Kennedy added another layer of complexity to the decision. He knew that being impeached could lead to further investigations, including into his alleged involvement in Kennedy's assassination. This fear of potential legal action was a significant factor in his choice to resign rather than facing the impeachment process.

The Guantanamo Argument

Another crucial factor was the potential for being charged with felony offenses, including alleged assassination of Kennedy. The Department of Justice (DOJ) had the authority to prosecute him for these crimes, which could have led to a firing squad scenario. Nixon did not want to take this risk and opted for resignation to avoid the possibility of being tried and convicted for these serious offenses.

Nixon's Constitutional Understanding

Nixon was well-versed in the Constitution and understood the implications of impeachment. If impeached and convicted, he would lose his pension, be unable to hold public office ever again, and lose his Secret Service protection. These were significant personal and political consequences that made resignation a more palatable option than impeachment.

The Inevitability of Conviction

Historians agree that Nixon would have been convicted by the Senate. The political climate and the evidence against him made it highly likely that he would not find enough support to prevent impeachment. Barry Goldwater's comments to Nixon about the votes for impeachment underscored the fact that the political tide was turning against him. Nixon recognized that if he lost Goldwater's support, his chances of withstanding impeachment were slim.

The Watergate Scandal and Presidential Power

While the Watergate scandal was not directly proven to be initiated by Nixon, the evidence of his complicity and mismanagement of the situation was overwhelming. The scandal highlighted issues of presidential power and accountability, which ultimately led to the choice for Nixon to resign to curb the further exposure of scandalous activities.

Post-Resignation Life: Authorship and Legacy

After resigning, Nixon remained active in public life. He authored nine books on foreign policy, all of which became New York Times Best Sellers. This period in his life was marked by his efforts to solidify his legacy and to write his story, further emphasizing the impact of his resignation decision on his public image and historical narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Richard Nixon's decision to resign was driven by the unwavering inevitability of impeachment and the potential for further legal and political consequences. His fears of public exposure and endless investigations underlined the prudence of his choice to step down from office. The legacy of Nixon's resignation continues to be a subject of historical analysis, shedding light on the complexities of presidential power and accountability in the American political system.