In the wake of President Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey, pundits across the political spectrum referred to the move as being “Nixonian,” assuming that it was intended to either circumvent an investigation into the Trump campaign’s alleged collusion with Russia, or to send a message of intimidation to the FBI’s rank and file.
During the Watergate scandal, Nixon never fired the director of the FBI, but he did fire the special prosecutor assigned to investigate him. A slight difference, but nevertheless enough to spark the comparisons between the two administrations. Conservative commentator, author, and columnist David Frum added to the discussion with a series of tweets this weekend, suggesting that comparing Trump to Nixon kind of misses the point.
This isn’t remotely like Watergate. During Watergate, honorable people in government resigned rather than be associated with improper acts.
— David Frum (@davidfrum) May 13, 2017
This isn’t remotely like Watergate. During Watergate, Congress cared whether laws had been broken.
— David Frum (@davidfrum) May 13, 2017
This isn’t remotely like Watergate. Watergate arose from domestic espionage.
— David Frum (@davidfrum) May 13, 2017
…as opposed to outside espionage, which was allegedly helped by our own president and his inner circle.
This isn’t remotely like Watergate. Along with this flaws and demons, Nixon had many fine qualities of intellect and character.
— David Frum (@davidfrum) May 13, 2017
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