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LiveforReason said 02/23, 09:34 PM
Watergate is the most recognizable example of corruption in modern politics. To say that Nixon should be excused for his actions is an insult to the people and democracy of the US.

Not only was Nixon and his reelection committee caught committing illegal wiretapping and espionage for political gain, but he was responsible for the attempted cover-up and obstruction of justice, which many believe is the most serious offence. In fact, the Smoking Gun tape, which caused the House to initiate impeachment proceedings, was proof that he and his aides had contacted the CIA in order to impede the FBI investigations. Nixon was convinced that his executive privilege put him above the law, above the people, and above justice. However, Watergate proved that the President has no right to impede the judicial system, and is accountable to the law like every other American.

In response to the claim that Watergate was Nixon's revenge on the Democrats, Nixon had the opportunity to challenge the validity of the 1960 Illinois results and chose not to. Regardless, illegal revenge is not worth taking, especially if it takes advantage of the American people.

LiveforReason said 02/23, 11:34 PM
No one can prove what Nixon would have done if he had won the 1960 election, and frankly that is irrelevant to the debate.

Plain and simple: Nixon broke the law. No one can deny this fact. Taken in any context, if one engages in illegal activities, then hampers the federal investigation into those activities, that person is guilty of violating federal law. As President of the United States, Nixon at the least opened himself to impeachment. If a president were allowed to get away with these crimes, America would be taking a step closer to an unchecked executive branch.

Did the Democrats engage in illegal activities in 1960? Many think so. However, Nixon had the opportunity to extract his "revenge: legally by challenging these results. Had illegal activities been uncovered, Nixon would have been revered as a hero. Instead, Nixon chose illegal espionage and cover-up, becoming nothing more than a corrupt politician himself.

LiveforReason said 02/24, 12:42 PM
Again, the Democrats could have been caught had Nixon challenged the results. He did not, thereby forfeiting his chance. Once Nixon was elected President in 1968, the 1960 election should have been in the back of his mind. He was the victor, and should have focused on performing his duty:"to uphold the Constitution of the US." In 1972, Nixon had no reason to break the law because as you said, McGovern would have lost anyway.

Nixon let his paranoia get the best of him, engaging in illegal wire tapping and campaign activities for his own political profit. Once he was caught, Nixon committed the most serious offence: covering his tracks and obstructing justice. Congress, the Supreme Court, and the people of the US had no choice but to address this unwarranted breach of executive power. Nixon was not excessively punished, he was merely held up to the laws and rules that every American must answer to.

If Nixon was excused for Watergate because of the 1960 election, then by the same twisted logic al Qaeda is justified for killing 3,000 Americans on September 11th. Nixon must be held accountable for his actions because he tampered with the Judicial system and broke the law.