The Fading Lesson of Watergate As we mark the 52nd anniversary of Richard Nixon's resignation, it's tempting to view the scandal as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked presidential power.
Yet, the historical record reveals that the true legacy of Watergate lies not in its ability to rein in the executive branch, but rather in its role in further entrenching the cult of personality surrounding the presidency.
Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. 's 1973 essay "The Runaway Presidency" captured the spirit of hope that defined many at the time.