Reflections on Watergate and Presidential Power

Historians often focus on interpreting the past rather than predicting the future. In the fall of 1973, during the Watergate scandal, historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. wrote an article for The Atlantic, suggesting that the events surrounding President Richard Nixon's administration could lead to a healthier presidency in the future. He argued that Watergate could deter future abuses of power by the executive branch. Nixon resigned 52 years ago, but the issues surrounding presidential power have persisted. J.D. Vance commented that if Watergate occurred today, it might only be a brief news story, reflecting a change in public perception of presidential scandals. Schlesinger's book, The Imperial Presidency, detailed the growth of executive power and warned of its dangers. He believed that the American public needed to adopt a more skeptical attitude toward the presidency. While reforms were enacted in the aftermath of Watergate, the fascination with the presidency has only increased. Scandals that once dominated the news cycle now pass quickly, and institutions meant to check presidential power often enable it instead. Schlesinger noted a cyclical nature to corruption in the White House, suggesting that the American people should remain vigilant against potential abuses of power.