Ronald Reagan to JD Vance: minimizing Watergate is a Republican tradition | Rick Perlstein
Summary
JD Vance recently spoke at the Nixon presidential library and downplayed the Watergate scandal, saying it wouldn't end a presidency today and blaming the "deep state" instead of Nixon’s crimes. The article explains that Republican figures like Ronald Reagan also minimized Watergate, calling investigations a “witch-hunt” and defending Nixon despite evidence of illegal actions.Key Facts
- JD Vance spoke at the Nixon library about his book and minimized Watergate, calling it a short news story rather than a presidency-ending scandal.
- Vance claimed the "deep state" took down Nixon, not Nixon’s involvement in crimes.
- The Watergate investigation proved Nixon planned to cover up a break-in and used illegal funds for bribes.
- Ronald Reagan, a Republican leader, also downplayed Watergate, calling investigations a "witch-hunt" and a “lynching.”
- Reagan publicly supported Nixon despite low public trust in Nixon’s denial of wrongdoing.
- Reagan’s defense of Nixon helped him gain support among conservative Republicans.
- Other Nixon aides, like Pat Buchanan, argued the investigation was political revenge by liberals.
- Minimizing Watergate has been a pattern in Republican responses since the scandal.
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