Would Nixon's Impeachment Have Fallen Along Party Lines Without His Resignation?
In the fall of 1974, the political landscape was different from the present. Unlike the contemporary era, many Republicans upheld strong ethical and moral standards. This solidarity with moral principles led to a significant loss of support for President Richard Nixon within his own party. It was a group of Republican Congressional leaders who approached Nixon and advised him that if he did not resign, he would be impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate.
Can you imagine a scenario in which Republican leaders in 2020 and 2021 had the moral courage and integrity to stand up to Donald Trump? The current environment often lacks such fortitude. Reflecting on the past, it is even more mind-boggling to consider the stark contrast in leadership qualities.
The Republican Stand with Nixon
Nixon would have faced a hostile impeachment process if he had stayed in office. He would have been impeached by the House with 218 out of 435 votes and subsequently convicted by the Senate with 67 out of 100 votes. The Republican leaders in both chambers had informed Nixon that they lacked the necessary majorities to prevent impeachment or conviction. This realization was the primary reason for his resignation.
However, there is an additional perspective to consider: the inclination of some Republican senators to vote for Nixon's conviction. Arizona's Barry Goldwater, the GOP presidential nominee in 1964, was a figure with considerable influence. He informed Nixon that at least 30 Republican senators would be ready to convict on one of the three articles of impeachment. Goldwater suggested that the Senate vote to convict could reach as high as 85 to 15, effectively removing Nixon from office.
Implications and Aftermath
The reason for Nixon's resignation was clear: the Republican senators in the Senate were prepared to vote for his conviction. The only Republican senator who publicly stated his intention to vote for conviction was Barry Goldwater. This willingness among senators to vote for Nixon's removal underscores the severity of his situation.
The political fallout was significant. Nixon's unpopularity had already cost the GOP heavily, as evidenced by the Democratic veto-proof majority in the House of Representatives after the 1974 midterm elections. The Senate's situation was not as dire, given the Democrats' 55–45 majority at that time. The political atmosphere had shifted dramatically, with a clear bipartisan disapproval of Nixon's actions.
The resignation of Nixon and the subsequent ascent of Gerald Ford introduced a new dimension to American politics. Ford became the President without being elected, a unique position in American history. Spiro Agnew's resignation as Vice President paved the way for Gerald Ford's ascension, following the provisions of the 25th Amendment Section 2. Richard Nixon then resigned as President, and Gerald Ford was sworn into office under the 25th Amendment Section 1.
The pardon that Gerald Ford offered to Nixon played a significant role in his re-election campaign. The people's anger towards Ford's pardon of Nixon led to Ford's defeat in the subsequent election. This event highlights the critical nature of political trust and the impact of public opinion on electoral outcomes.
Reflecting on these events provides valuable insights into the interplay of political loyalty, public opinion, and the constitutional processes that have shaped American governance. Understanding these dynamics can offer lessons for contemporary political leaders and policymakers.