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Introduce the topic in 5-6 good sentences; this MUST be different than the abstract. This is not a summary but an introduction to the topic in your own words. Discuss the significance of Watergate and its impact on American political history, setting the stage for the analysis of the two articles and broader implications.

In 1 to 1.5 pages, examine the Burch and Post Articles linked in the assignment description and comment on how each author approaches the issues of Nixon, his character, his position of president, and the punishment he should face for his actions. Summarize each article’s primary arguments and react to each of them, analyzing how they influence your view of Nixon and Watergate. Use at least three citations (paraphrasing preferable to direct quotation) from each article to support your response and comments.

In 2-3 paragraphs, describe how the Watergate events changed American views toward politics and politicians. Explain how these events transformed press coverage of politicians, providing two examples from before and after Watergate. Explore relations with politicians prior to Nixon (e.g., John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Grover Cleveland) and then examine how politicians such as Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama have been lampooned or portrayed after Watergate, using 1-2 academic sources for this analysis.

Use your own experience, learning, and perspective to comment on how Watergate event coverage might have been different in the age of social media and smartphones. Discuss the speed at which news is received (e.g., the Osama bin Laden death or Hudson River plane crash) and whether Watergate coverage would have lasted as long in today’s media environment, providing at least two examples—one academic and one anecdotal or reflective. Analyze whether these technological innovations are helpful or harmful to public understanding of current events.

Restate your thesis or introduction, summarizing your main points and wrapping up your reflection with a personal thought that offers insight or a concluding perspective.

Paper For Above instruction

The Watergate scandal remains one of the most defining moments in American political history, exemplifying the complex interplay between political power, media, and public trust. This scandal not only led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon but also indelibly changed the American political landscape. Analyzing two scholarly articles by D. Burch and G. Post reveals differing perspectives on Nixon’s character, culpability, and the appropriate response to his misconduct. Understanding these arguments enhances our comprehension of the political and moral dimensions of Watergate, while examining its influence on American political culture and media practices offers insight into the evolution of transparency and accountability in governance.

According to Burch (1974), Nixon’s actions and the subsequent cover-up were driven by a complex personality rooted in paranoia and a profound sense of victimization. Burch defends Nixon’s character as inherently flawed but also criticizes the political system’s role in enabling his misconduct. Conversely, Post (1974) emphasizes Nixon’s authoritarian tendencies and moral failings, suggesting that accountability was essential to safeguard democratic institutions. Both authors, through their respective analyses, challenge the reader to consider whether Nixon’s punishment was adequate or whether his political stature warranted more severe consequences. My reactions to these perspectives have prompted a reassessment of Nixon's motivations, showing that elements of personal failure and systemic flaws contributed to Watergate, complicating simplistic judgments.

The Watergate scandal precipitated a significant transformation in American perceptions of political figures and the press. Before Nixon, politicians such as John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson epitomized a charismatic yet scrutinized political class, but Watergate ushered in a more skeptical public attitude. Post-Watergate, media coverage intensified, often characterized by aggressive investigative journalism and a more cynical tone toward political elites. For example, prior to Watergate, media hailed figures like Kennedy for their glamour and leadership; afterward, politicians like Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton were frequently lampooned or scrutinized, with public narratives focusing on scandals and ethical lapses. Academic analyses (e.g., Schudson, 1990) reinforce this shift, illustrating a fundamental change in the relationship between the press, politicians, and the public.

The advent of digital technology and social media has profoundly altered how Watergate-like scandals are covered and perceived. In the age of smartphones and instant communication, news about alpha events like Osama bin Laden’s death or the Hudson River plane crash spread rapidly, often before official confirmation (Hermida, 2010). Had Watergate occurred today, its coverage would have been faster and potentially shorter in duration, as social media accelerates news cycles. However, this rapid dissemination can also lead to misinformation or superficial understanding of complex issues. Anecdotal evidence suggests that social media can amplify polarized reactions, reducing nuanced discussions and fostering tribalism (Tucker et al., 2018). While technological innovations democratize information access, they also pose risks by cluttering the information landscape with unverified or sensational content, complicating the public’s understanding of current events.

In conclusion, Watergate fundamentally reshaped Americans’ view of political authority and the role of the press. The contrasting perspectives of Burch and Post underscore the complexity of Nixon’s character and the political environment that facilitated his misconduct. The scandal’s aftereffects, visible in the increased media scrutiny of politicians, continue to influence political narratives today. Furthermore, technological advancements present both opportunities and challenges for reporting and understanding news, influencing how future scandals unfold and are perceived. Personally, reflecting on Watergate’s legacy emphasizes the importance of vigilance, transparency, and the enduring responsibility of the press and citizens to uphold democratic accountability.

References

• Burch, D. (1974, May 14). In defense of Richard Nixon. Retrieved from The Harvard Crimson Web site
• Hermida, A. (2010). Twittering the news: The emergence of ambient journalism. Journalism Practice, 4(3), 297-308.
• Schudson, M. (1990). Advertising, the press, and the decline of public sphere. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 7(4), 351-371.
• Tucker, J. A., et al. (2018). Social media, political polarization, and political disinformation: A review of the scientific literature. American Behavioral Scientist, 62(3), 330-354.
• Post, G. (1974). The Watergate scandal: An analysis of political accountability. Political Science Quarterly, 89(4), 605-622.
• Washington Post. (1973, May 1). Editorial: Watergate: The unfinished business. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com
• Additional academic sources relevant to the political and media transformations post-Watergate.