How did the US respond to pardon of Nixon?

Answer 1

The reaction to the Supreme Court decision in Nixon was generally positive. The decision set a legal precedent that even the president is not above the law and must comply with the subpoena issued by special prosecutor Archibald Cox. After the decision a majority of the public was pleased that the legal system had worked as intended.

The following points summarize the general response to this decision:

• The decision showed that no one is above the law setting a legal precedent for future investigations.
• The decision was seen as a victory for the rule of law and justice.
• It was seen as a necessary step to ensure that the president is held accountable for any potential criminal activity.
• The decision was seen as a positive step towards maintaining a democracy and protecting the American people.

The Supreme Court decision in Nixon was seen as a victory for the rule of law and justice and it was widely applauded by the public. The decision set a legal precedent that no one is above the law and that the president must comply with the subpoena issued by special prosecutor Archibald Cox.

Answer 2

Generally very negatively.

Gerald Fords approval ratings plummeted to 32 points (which prior was at 54).

It has been argued, with much credibility that this decision to pardon Nixon ultimately resulted in a limp presidency to which Ford was lambasted by his own party, a democratic majority house and senate as well as the media.

It has been suggested that Ford may have won the election against Jimmy Carter had he not pardoned Nixon, but Ford felt and maintained for the rest of his life that it was the right decision to allow the country to move forward.

Ford also stated that he felt vindicated in his decision as 'a pardon implicates wrong doings/guilt' and as such was the best admission of guilt on Nixons part the country was ever to see.

Answer 3

Many experts think the pardon of Nixon cost him the election in 1976. In any case, it cost lawyers a lot of money in fees they would have received for prosecuting and defending Nixon in court.

Answer 4

Ford pardoned Nixon in the expressed wish that he wanted the country to be able to move on from Nixon/Watergate and felt that if Nixon was to go 'on trial' it could last for years and impede any successful governmental works for the remainder of Fords term.

Gerard Ford acknowledged that his decision was questionable, however he felt vindicated in a sense that firstly he felt that he had saved the country a lot of further disruption and secondly that a 'pardon' implicates guilt. So in effect Ford agreed that to a degree Nixon was guilty of 'wrongdoings' however it was in the best interest of the country to just move forward.

Answer 5

Former President Nixon loved it.

Answer 6

An uproar was caused