Comparisons between George Bush and Richard Nixon have been common. Both lack integrity. Both betrayed the Democratic principles of this nation for their own personal ambition. Both spent much of their presidencies waging foolish wars. Both were reelected only to become unpopular in their second terms. The latest Gallup Poll also shows that Bush’s disapproval has exceeded Richard Nixon’s at the height of Watergate:
The latest USA TODAY/Gallup survey finds Bush with a 31% approval rating — and for the first time ever in the polling history, 50% say they “strongly disapprove” of a president.
The previous high (or low?) was a 48% strong disapproval rating for Nixon at the worst moments of Watergate in 1974.
The one difference is impeachment proceedings were initiated against Richard Nixon. The Democrats initiated the action, and ultimately even many Republicans abandoned Nixon. In contrast the current Democratic leadership has taken impeachment off the table and it is unlikely that any current Republicans will show the integrity that Republicans such as Barry Goldwater showed in 1974.
There is another connection between the two. Dick Cheney’s anti-democratic sensibilities were hurt by the limitations on the power of the presidency following Watergate. Since then Cheney has worked to increase Executive power and, contrary to during the Nixon years, the Democrats have been willing to let him get away with it. Standing up to an unpopular president just seems to be too politically risky to the Democratic leadership.
George Bush is able to get away with his outrageous acts because most Republicans support him, right or wrong. He is also the only president ever who seems willing to use his office powers in an intimidating manner. The impression he gives off is ” try impeaching me and you’ll be very sorry”. This line resonates well with many in office whose past acts in private were not as private as thought.