Nixon+Resigns

Overview[[image:Watergate_cartoon.jpg width="150" height="157" align="right" caption="A cartoon depicting Nixon's resignation" link="http://www.henrybwalthall.com/WatergateLP.jpg"]]
In June of 1972 the Watergate apartments were subjected to a raid. These apartments just happen to be the Democratic headquarters. The men were equipped with material to “bug” the building, and they copied cameras as well as a substantial amount of money. Even more disturbing, these men had close relations to the Republican Party. Once arrested, they were found to be involved in: Republican National Committee and the Re-election Committee for the current president, Richard Nixon. This incident had series implications of the President’s involvement. Watergate became known as one of the most influential political scandals of all time. Because of President Nixon’s association with the crime, he was forced to leave office.

Critical Issue
On August 8, 1974 President Nixon become the first President to resign. He delegated his duties to then Vice President Gerald Rudolph Ford. Just two years prior, Richard Nixon had one the election that sent him into his second term in office. This term would inevitably be cut short, leaving 895 days remaining, as he announced his resignation on national television. The New York Times reported that night saying, “Richard Milhous Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, announced tonight that he had given up his ling and arduous fight to remain in office and would resign, effective at noon tomorrow.” He address to the nation included regret and apology. At 61 years of age Nixon admitted, “I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is opposed to every instinct in my body, (but) the interests of America first.” That night Americans watched President Nixon utter these last words in the oval office.

Conclusion
Ultimately, Mr. Nixon was found to have tapes in his possession leading directly to Watergate. This set up his imminent resignation. President Nixon had hoped that his actions would begin a, as he said, “process of healing that is so desperately needed in America.” Leading the way for this process would be the 38th President, Gerald Ford. Ford himself respected Nixon’s actions justifying it as, “one of the greatest personal sacrifices for the country and one of the finest personal decisions on behalf of all of us as Americans.” President Nixon’s actions were highly condoned and tried in American society. His punishment was the relinquishment of his title and the embarrassment it entailed.