Opinion | Nixon Wasn't a Victim of the 'Deep State'
- Justice Department under pressure to re-litigate the 1970s
- GOP Rep. Riley Moore peddles 'deep state' conspiracy theories about Nixon's downfall
- Historians roll eyes as Watergate gets the modern partisan makeover
- Resignation framed as a 'victimhood' narrative rather than a constitutional necessity
Brief Summary
Some corners of the GOP are busy dusting off the Watergate tapes, claiming the late Richard Nixon was a victim of a deep state coup rather than a man who got caught red-handed. Rep. Riley Moore is leading the charge to re-examine the Justice Department's historical misconduct, suggesting that the man who resigned in disgrace was actually the target of an early administrative hit job.
Why This Matters
This is a classic case of history being weaponized to serve today's political grievances. When politicians start trying to rewrite the established facts of the biggest presidential scandal in American history, it signals a shift in how the public views the legitimacy of government institutions. If you start believing that the rule of law is just a partisan tool, you lose the ability to hold future leaders accountable for their actions. This isn't just about a dead president; it's about whether you believe in a system of checks and balances or just a revolving door of conspiracy theories.