who remembers aug. 9, 1974

[u crank]

I was 24 at that time and living in Toronto Ont. I was probably stoned but had a considerable interest in American politics. I blame Rolling Stone magazine. At that time my girlfriend, now wife, and I were renting a basement apt. from a couple who were from Minnesota. I think they were a little embarrassed by the whole affair. I was wondering how people like this could get into power?

I'm not anywhere near that naive anymore.

[Wolferz]

Originally Posted by u crank

I was 24 at that time and living in Toronto Ont. I was probably stoned but had a considerable interest in American politics. I blame Rolling Stone magazine. At that time my girlfriend, now wife, and I were renting a basement apt. from a couple who were from Minnesota. I think they were a little embarrassed by the whole affair. I was wondering how people like this could get into power?

I'm not anywhere near that naive anymore.

He took the only option available to him at the time. If he resigned, he and Pat would still get his gubbermint pension of 180 grand a year for life. If he had been impeached that money would go bye bye.

They didn't call him Tricky Dicky for laughs.

[Jimbuna]

Money is usually the main consideration.

[Wolferz]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Money is usually the main consideration.

Colbert had John Dean and Pat Buchanan on his show recently. Both have written books about their adventures during that whole fiasco. Dean broke rank in a CYOA movement but, still spent some time in a federal hoosegow for his part in it. Both of them stated that Nixon didn't want to besmirch the office by allowing an impeachment trial to go forward.
When Ford issued Nixon's unconditional pardon... well Tricky Dicky won again.

[swamprat69er]

i just don't understand why Ford would kiss Nixons' butt.

[u crank]

Originally Posted by swamprat69er

i just don't understand why Ford would kiss Nixons' butt.

Precedent. Who knows what he was going to get into.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by u crank

Precedent. Who knows what he was going to get into.

Or writing out his own insurance policy in advance.

[Wolferz]

Originally Posted by swamprat69er

i just don't understand why Ford would kiss Nixons' butt.

Because Nixon handed him the oval office on a gold platter.

[fireftr18]

Originally Posted by Wolferz

Because Nixon handed him the oval office on a gold platter.

Ford was the only US President not elected by the Electoral College.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Wolferz

When Ford issued Nixon's unconditional pardon... well Tricky Dicky won again.

Which does bring up an interesting legal question.

Under Burdick v. United States (1915) "A pardon carries an "imputation of guilt", and accepting a pardon is "an admission of guilt"."

Why would Nixon, after accepting the Pardon, still be eligible for the pension and other compensation?

Well because the Former Presidents Act of 1958 (3 U.S.C. § 102) states that the benefits can only be withheld if the President is both Impeached and Convicted according to Article 2 section 4 of the Constitution

So Nixon could accept the Pardon, thereby admitting guilt, and still get the bucks.

It is good to be a president.