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Linda T. Cades's avatar

I recall that when Ford pardoned Nixon, he said that "our long national nightmare is over." I am certain that he thought that Watergate was one of the more significant crises our country had ever been through. From the perspective of 2024, Watergate was a small news story on page 15. The past 9 years have left us fighting for the life of our democracy with hope, but no certainty, that this much longer national nightmare will end on or about November 5. The difference between then and now? In the 1970's, there were still Republican politicians who had enough integrity to tell Nixon that the party would no longer support him once his involvement in Watergate and the effort to cover it up became clear. Nixon, whatever his many faults, understood reality and resigned. Not so Trump and the many people who believe it is in their interest to support him.

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Ned McDoodle's avatar

Very perceptive, Linda. There were no Senators Goldwater and Scott or Representatives Hogan and Railsback in 2020; at least those in a position to speak for the Party. Thank you. I still remember 1974; I was seventeen. I could not conceive of anyone being as vile as President Nixon, let alone worse, in the future.

With the prospect of President Nixon standing trial, I think many people really feared for fighting in the streets. I looked at Watergate as a one-off. Within eighteen months, I had softened on President Nixon, not to excuse his crimes but to see him more as a tragic figure with a tragic flaw. No such feeling extends toward candidate Trump.

If candidate Trump goes to trial and then to prison, as i hope he does, there will likely be fighting in the streets. This time, I am prepared to fight to defend the Republic.

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Jon Rosen's avatar

Lol yup, the day I realized how bad the Trump presidency had become was the day I woke up drenched in sweat and realized I had dreamed that we would all be better off with Nixon back in the White house. Holy crap!

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Ned McDoodle's avatar

Thank you for making me chuckle. As a Snoopy-&-Woodstock meem (on a rollie coaster) reads, "Always find a reason to laugh. It may not add years to your life but will surely add life to your years."

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