President Richard Nixon was a crook. Many allegations arose against Nixon from the Watergate scandal, and other illegal activities and violations. Nixon denied everything, which is where “I am not a crook” originates. As president, Nixon believed he did not need to follow the law and thought executive privilege made him immune to punishment. Therefore, I do believe Richard Nixon was a crook.
Although Nixon pledged to run the office with a law and order style during his campaign, however, his presidency was quite the opposite. Over time as the United States has grown stronger the presidency has grown stronger as well. Nixon did not hesitate to utilize this presidential power for his own personal gain. He created a list of people who he believed were out to get them and used his presidential power to ruin their lives. Then once the allegations tied to Watergate were leaked …show more content…
Both the CIA and FBI were looking into the incident, however, Nixon told both of them to cease their investigation claiming the investigation was for the other organization, which was highly illegal. Three trials ensued; after the trial of the burglars James McCord, one of the “plumbers”, stepped forward and offered information on Nixon for a lesser sentence. Later, during the Sirica trial, John Dean, one of Nixon’s advisors, testified under oath against Nixon, as he thought Nixon was setting him. Once Dean and McCord came forward everyone in Nixon’s administration did the same. Nixon asked for a separate investigation, hoping Cox would pronounce him innocent. However, Cox pressed for the tapes stating that if Nixon is innocent he should have nothing to hide. Nixon refused and then refused to appear in court when Cox received a subpoena. Following these events, two Attorney Generals resigned as they refused to abide by Nixon’s corrupt demands, and then the tapes were released. The release of these tapes made it clear to the American people
Although Nixon pledged to run the office with a law and order style during his campaign, however, his presidency was quite the opposite. Over time as the United States has grown stronger the presidency has grown stronger as well. Nixon did not hesitate to utilize this presidential power for his own personal gain. He created a list of people who he believed were out to get them and used his presidential power to ruin their lives. Then once the allegations tied to Watergate were leaked …show more content…
Both the CIA and FBI were looking into the incident, however, Nixon told both of them to cease their investigation claiming the investigation was for the other organization, which was highly illegal. Three trials ensued; after the trial of the burglars James McCord, one of the “plumbers”, stepped forward and offered information on Nixon for a lesser sentence. Later, during the Sirica trial, John Dean, one of Nixon’s advisors, testified under oath against Nixon, as he thought Nixon was setting him. Once Dean and McCord came forward everyone in Nixon’s administration did the same. Nixon asked for a separate investigation, hoping Cox would pronounce him innocent. However, Cox pressed for the tapes stating that if Nixon is innocent he should have nothing to hide. Nixon refused and then refused to appear in court when Cox received a subpoena. Following these events, two Attorney Generals resigned as they refused to abide by Nixon’s corrupt demands, and then the tapes were released. The release of these tapes made it clear to the American people