Even Nixon upheld election, transfer of power

The conspiracy by Donald Trump and associates to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election have invited comparison with the illegal activities of 1972 collectively known as Watergate that eventually forced Richard Nixon’s resign.

Nixon certainly did his share to subvert the democratic process. But, in contrast to Trump, Nixon did uphold the constitution and the peaceful transfer of power. Following the very close election of 1960 between Nixon and John F. Kennedy, Nixon, as vice president, presided over the joint session of Congress to count the electoral votes. After the votes were recorded, he said: “This is the first time in 100 years that a candidate for the presidency announced the results of an election in which he was defeated. … I do not think we could have a more striking and eloquent example of the stability of our constitutional system and of the proud tradition of the American people of developing, respecting and honoring institutions of government. In our campaigns, no matter how hard fought they may be, no matter how close the election may turn out to be, those who lose accept the verdict and support those who win.”

Roger D. Simon

Bethlehem