Focusing on the profound impact of the Watergate scandal on the American political landscape. The essay question is: If you were in President Ford’s position, what would you do and why? What would be your process of moral analysis before taking action?
While you may feel an immediate emotional response to this question, I challenge you to take some time and consider the following questions as part of your analysis and evaluation:
How would Nixon’s almost certain trial have shaped American political culture?
Would Americans have remained so distrustful of their public officials and cynical of politics in general had Nixon stood trial for his crimes?
Would Ford have been able to hang on to the White House had he not pardoned Nixon?
