Former president Richard Nixon resigned Aug. 9, 1974 in response to a scandal that sent tremors through American politics. Fifty years later, the implications of those tremors continue to be felt. 

A panel discussion held Tuesday at the Memorial Union explored these implications by highlighting the events of Watergate, the recent presidential immunity ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court and past impeachment trials of former presidents.

Moderated by Kathie Obradovich, the editor-in-chief of the Iowa Capital Dispatch, the discussion featured the following panelists:

• Ed Mezvinsky, an Ames native and former congressman who served on the House Judiciary Committee during Nixon’s impeachment proceedings
• Jonathan R. Yarowsky, who served as special counsel to former President Bill Clinton
• Jeff Ubois, who collaborated with Mezvinsky on his collection of records from Watergate

During the discussion, Obradovich asked the panelists questions regarding the impact of the news media during Watergate, presidential record keeping, impeachment as a political tool and the power that presidential immunity holds. 

While speaking on the impact of the press on Watergate and current issues, Mezvinsky highlighted the differences between media in 1974 compared to today.

“The press was strong [in 1974], but it’s much different now because we have the electronic media,” Mezvinsky said. “That’s made all the difference in the world.”

Following the discussion, audience members were invited to ask questions to the panelists. 

One audience member asked the panelists how continued polarization of politics can be prevented for the future. Yarowsky answered by referring to the “choice” that parties have to make going forward. 

“[The parties] are gonna have to really get their act together,” Yarowsky said. “Perhaps go more to the middle, both of them… closer to the middle in their own ways.”

In his closing remarks, Mezvinksy spoke about the hope he has for American politics amidst a growingly divisive political climate. 

“I always had hope,” Mezvinksy said. “As difficult as it is, as trying as it is, as frustrating […] you have to have hope. You have to have resilience and hope for the future.”

For more information on lectures at Iowa State, visit the lecture series website.