The President Of the United States Announces That He Will Resign

On this day in 1974. It was Richard Nixon. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Richard Nixon has announced he is stepping down as president of the United States – the first man ever to do so.

He has announced his departure in the face of an imminent impeachment trial – and possible removal from office – over the Watergate affair.

The president broke the news of his resignation in a television broadcast from the White House on Thursday at 2100 local time. It will take effect from noon tomorrow.

Mr Nixon, 61, said initially he had believed it was his duty to complete his term of office despite the Watergate charges.

“In the past days, however, it has become evident that I no longer have a strong enough political base in the Congress to justify continuing that effort,” he said.

…

Mr Nixon has been charged by the House Judiciary Committee with “high crimes and misdemeanours”.

The charges stem from a 1972 break-in at the offices of the Democratic National Committee in the Watergate complex…

more here.

Comments

#1 Zeno
August 8, 2008

What a special and gladsome day that was! I really did not believe we would ever see another president as dishonest and corrupt as Richard Nixon. Imagine my surprise at having one that’s even worse. Oh, Tricky Dick, how we miss you!
#2 Philip H.
August 8, 2008

But is it a President we currently have to fear, or a VP?
#3 Dan
August 8, 2008

Both.
#4 (((Billy))) The Atheist
August 8, 2008

I missed that one. We (family and I) had ridden from Durango to Silverton and then halfway back. We got off the train, backpacked in the San Juans for three weeks, flagged down the train, rode to Durango and discovered that Ford was our President. Even at seven years old, I realized something unusual had happened.
#5 natural cynic
August 9, 2008

It was party time in Mad City Wisconsin. Kinda like your team winning the really big game.
#6 Cliffordf Dubery
August 9, 2008

I would seriously say that the current incumbent lame duck is worse on various levels, US Attorneys sackings, lies about Iraq and WMD’s, Torture by any other name would be TORTURE. The list can get longer with a willing Congress, but alas no such animal.
#7 llewelly
August 9, 2008

>
In the past days, however, it has become evident that I no longer have a strong enough political base in the Congress to justify continuing that effort

Did Ben Stein write that?
#8 greg laden
August 9, 2008

llewelly: ROFL!!!!!

There is a distinct possibility that he did!!! If not, Pat Buchanan, maybe.