The Post-Watergate Era

Hayley DeMaria

Jerrod McLeeland

Modern American History: 1950 to the 21st Century

Colorado Technical University

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Abstract

Watergate scandal is seen as an exploitation of power vested in the presidential seat and a

premeditated impediment of justice. There had been a long-lasting impact on American political

life owing to this abuse of presidential power. An atmosphere of distrust and disbelieve was

created. Watergate added additional frustration to a national atmosphere already suffering from

the problems and failures of the preceding decade. However, it was also the first event to start a

new era of news reporting especially the investigative reporting. This paper will be revisiting the

scandal from two different point of views and discover the impact of technology on the scandal if

it took place in the present era.

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Introduction

American politics changed forever to post the Watergate scandal, directing several

Americans to probe their presidential candidates more critically. In 1972 people associated with

reelection campaign of the President Richard Nixon were found stealing documents and

wiretapping phones. Nixon with the help of his men did his best to inculcate the Central

Intelligence Agency (CIA) to hamper the investigation of the crime by the FBI. This was

considered a serious crime more than the break-in. This act was a misuse of presidential power

and a purposeful barrier of justice. The scandal was reported in an era of slow media. This paper

will be covering the scandal from the point of views of two different news articles. The paper

will also elucidate the role of the present era innovative media on the reporting of the Watergate

scandal.

Two Approaches to Watergate:

The first article was published in The Washington Post in 1973. In this Editorial its

Nixon’s speech and actions are described in the opening sentence as “far-reaching as they were

in impact and effect.” The editorial reveals how the President desired to direct the Watergate

scandal to the courts and let it be sorted out by them. The writer elucidates on a decision that was

not supported by the public as the President got rid of a few members of his cabinet and added,

some new which was directly linked to the Watergate scandal. (The Washington Post, 1973) The

article then goes further to observe that in order to remake a Nixon presidency an entirely new

approach and environment to the executive branch of the government will be needed along with

the president’s readiness and capability to bring in new approaches and new men, This article is

primarily Based on this article I would have to say that it is leaning towards criticizing President
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Nixon, by stating that a policy is much needed to not to permit any average person to come to a

high ranking administrative position.

On the other hand, the article by Burch appearing in 1974 in the Harvard Crimson In

Defense of Richard Nixon is backing Nixon and his conduct. It states “Richard Nixon did what

was right. Not simply and unequivocally right, perhaps, but right in context and right on

balance. The president responded to emerging internal crisis in the manner of any man at the

pinnacle of leadership. (Burch, 1974) The article goes on to elaborate the good deeds performed

by President Nixon. It glorifies Nixon as the peace maker in a world which did not know peace

earlier. He is praised for building new relations with the Soviet Union and China and giving

freedom of decision to tax payers. Burch has a soft corner for President Nixon and is of the view

of giving another chance to the man.

Changing Views:

It finished with a scandal that reverberates in American culture even after four decades

and the fall of a president. The over-all consequence of Watergate is seen as leaving a

purification impact on the political process of the nation. (usnews.com, 2014) The most

important thing ensued from Watergate was the power of the press being enlightened and what it

actually could do to politics. Both Woodward and Bernstein were, looking at a break in

primarily. But once they really started investigating they found a lead to the real issue. This

demonstrated the real power of press more than anything else. No one could hide their actions

any longer. It was the greatest positivity coming out of the Watergate scandal. People who

sought power were now being carefully scrutinized by the public and the news media.

Government meetings and records were made more reachable to the public after the secrets of

the Nixon administration compelled a national movement.

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Lampooning has been an imperative part of the cultural backdrop in print media for

centuries. They have repeatedly been proven to be particularly in educating the public, revealing

of recent events, and turning remarkable guideposts to what and when it happened. Since Nixon,

everyone like Gerald Ford, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama have been lampooned.

(Robinson, 2010)

Impact of Technology:

I believe Twitter would have been the first platform to break the news of Watergate

scandal. The reporters could have exploited Twitter to express their own thoughts along with the

speedy spread of the scandal regarding Nixon. The speediness of today’s technology could play a

greater role in bringing the scandal to the public and expose it rightly with speedy updates. As

the scandal developed more social media sites could play their role. Facebook could help

supporters from both sides to air their views. Similarly, blogs and YouTube Videos could make a

huge and timely impact. All of this is easily done thanks to the greatest invention internet and

innovation the Smartphone. The social media has enhanced news reporting nowadays concerning

speed and association of the community, at the same time print and broadcast persist on doing a

great job at enlightening the public.

Conclusion

The Watergate scandal has an everlasting impact and has led the Americans as a

nation in believing in the power of investigative reporting. The Americans now believe in doing

carful checks on the people looking for an entry in the higher political echelons. The media at

present is now the biggest mean of exposing anything that threatens the nation and is supported

by the internet and the modern day gadgetry.

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References

Burch, D. (1974). In Defense of Richard Nixon | Opinion | The Harvard

Crimson. Thecrimson.com. Retrieved 22 July 2017, from
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/1974/5/14/in-defense-of-richard-nixon-pithe/
Robinson, P. (2010). The dance of the comedians. Massachusetts: Univ of
Massachusetts Press.
The Washington Post. (1973). Editorial: Watergate: The unfinished business.
Retrieved 22 July 2017, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-
srv/national/longterm/watergate/articles/050173-2.html
usnews.com. (2014). Effects of Watergate: The Good and the Bad. Retrieved 22 July
2017, from https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/08/08/effects-of-
watergate-the-good-and-the-bad