Forty years ago this summer, Richard Nixon became the first, and to date, the only president of the US to resign. Elizabeth Drew was working for “The New Yorker” at the time, and over the course of a year, from September, 1973, to August, 1974, she kept a journal of the unfolding scandal that led to Nixon’s resignation. This led to the publication of her book “Washington Journal.” Her book has been reissued with a new introduction and afterword.
Today on NPR, Brian Lehrer, interviewed Elizabeth Drew. During the course of the interview she stated that she felt Nixon’s actions created for the country the worst scandal in our nation’s history. She characterized Nixon as a politician who saw his opponents as enemies. In order to advance his agenda, he had no boundaries. She feels that Gerald Ford’s pardon of Nixon was the best thing for the country, which had to heal and go on. She also stated that Nixon had a problem with alcohol which led to late-night phone calls to his staff in which he made irrational demands.
Every time I am in Washington and drive passed “The Watergate” I remember that time, especially that summer when everyone held their breath wondering what was going to happen to the country. Elizabeth Drew’s book may be a worthwhile read to help us remember all the events of that time and how the country got through it all.