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Richard Nixon Research Paper

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What contributed to the downfall of Richard Nixon? Richard Nixon’s paranoia in office contributed to the deterioration of his political career. The Watergate scandal was a break in at the Democratic National Committee building organized by Nixon to gather files and information on his opposing candidate. Nixon’s insecurities and his lack of confidence diminished his reputation and damaged public perceptions of his leadership abilities. His paranoia led him to participate in illegal activities such as the Watergate Scandal, an attempt to gain an advantage over his political opponents. His paranoia contributed to the downfall of his political career through impulsive decisions such as the Watergate scandal, secret recordings inside the White House, …show more content…

The fallout of the scandal ultimately led to public shaming and the resignation of President Nixon in 1974. “The break-in and subsequent cover-up by Nixon and his aides culminated two years later in the president's resignation” (Watergate 1). The article provides supporting evidence that Nixon’s impulsive decisions, which stemmed from his insecurities, contributed to the diminishing of his reputation. Additionally, the scandal eroded public trust in the government and highlighted the importance of transparency and credibility in leadership. Ultimately, Nixon’s image was forever damaged because of his involvement in the Watergate scandal. Nixon's actions during his presidency backfired against him and painted a negative image of the president. In an attempt to protect himself, he recorded audio in the White House, which would eventually be used as evidence against Nixon and force his resignation. “Nixon, citing executive privilege, refused to turn them over and sought to fire Cox” (Tapes 1). Nixon’s efforts to hide the recordings only further damaged his reputation and led to widespread mistrust in the …show more content…

Ultimately, Nixon’s lack of transparency and untrustworthiness eroded his credibility in the eyes of the public and led to his resignation as president. Nixon’s reputation will always be linked to the decisions he made in an attempt to minimize his paranoia. Works Cited "If there are tapes, can the White House be forced to turn them over?" CNN Wire, 11 June 2017, p. 113. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A495339597/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=0de064b6. Accessed 31 May 2024. "Security Clearance Revocation Reminds Mullen Of Nixon's 'Enemies List'." Morning Edition, 20 Aug. 2018. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A552000283/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=7638cfa5. Accessed 31 May 2024. The "Watergate". Gale Encyclopedia of American Law, edited by Michael J. Tyrkus and Carol A. Schwartz, 4th ed., vol. 10, Gale, 2022, pp. 113-122. 371-373. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX8276204638/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=c1224b13. Accessed 31 May

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