Why Does Nobody Talk About Watergate Anymore, But Are Still Criticizing Donald Trump Over January 6th?

The comparison between the Watergate scandal and the storming of the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, isn't just a matter of time elapsed. While Watergate took place more than 50 years ago, the reasons why its lessons aren't forgotten today, and why discussions around January 6th remain at the forefront, are nuanced.

The Legacy of Watergate

Richard Nixon's Watergate was a national political scandal that began with the burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., in 1972. Nixon's administration was caught trying to cover up the involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Although Nixon initially denied any involvement, the scandal quickly escalated. He eventually admitted to a cover-up, and in the face of impeachment, resigned from office on August 9, 1974.

The Watergate scandal set a significant precedent. It demonstrated that no matter their political affiliation, leaders can be held accountable, even when they break the law. After being pardoned by his successor, Ford, Nixon's successors (both Republican and Democrat) have generally followed this precedent.

The Relevance of Watergate Today

While 50 years have passed, Watergate isn't just a historical footnote. In fact, conversations surrounding Watergate haven't waned. People often talk about how Nixon's own party ultimately convinced and pressured him to resign. This is in stark contrast to today's Republicans, who have rallied around Donald Trump despite his numerous controversies, including the events of January 6th.

January 6th: The Storming of the Capitol

In 2021, Donald Trump incited a mob to storm the Capitol Building, leading to the deaths of five people and causing significant disruption. This was a direct challenge to the democratic process and the rule of law. Trump refused to admit his defeat and has continued to make unsubstantiated claims of election fraud. His ongoing tweets, statements, and legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election results have also contributed to this ongoing controversy.

Media Undermining and Partisanship

The years following Watergate saw a significant shift in media. The landscape of cable news, blogs, and social media has created an echo chamber effect, where people are often exposed to news that confirms their existing biases. This has led to a polarized media environment where outlets like Fox News and MSNBC have taken sides, with Fox sowing doubt in the legitimacy of investigative journalism and Trump's claims.

During Trump's presidency, these media differences became more pronounced. Fox News, for instance, continually called the investigations into Trump's claims of electoral fraud "fake news," a term that has since grown to be associated with attempts to undermine the media's credibility. The pressure to stand by "Dear Leader" was so great that many Republicans refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the 2020 election results.

The Consequences of Inaction

The Watergate scandal showed that accountability can bring moral and political leaders to their knees, even in times of significant public pressure. Today, the failure to hold Donald Trump and his supporters accountable for the actions on January 6th is a warning. It highlights the dangers of a government where one man's presidency is not only challenged but also undermined by those within his own party.

Ignoring this threat can lead to a further erosion of trust in democratic institutions. The lesson from Watergate is that accountability is not just about avoiding "bad blood" between political parties, but about upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the democratic process.

Conclusion

The comparison between Watergate and January 6th underscores the importance of accountability in maintaining the integrity of governmental processes. While Watergate is a historical event, the issues it raised still resonate today. The ongoing issues surrounding January 6th are a stark reminder that both historical precedents and contemporary challenges demand vigilance and action.