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Lets say in this AU theat Deep Throat never comes forward about Watergate. Lets say that Nixon who always suspected Felt of not being totally in the fold leans on him a Felt does not ever leak information. Woodward and Bernstein continue to investigate, but without a source they are not able to shake the truth of Watergate out. Richard Nixon and friends are thus able to hold the line against the media and congressional probes. Nixon finishes his term and retires back to California. Now without Watergate their are amny AU possibilities, I wanna talk about just the political ramifications of that. Specifically:

1976 Election
Jimmy Carter was largely elected due to popular anger with the GOP and Watergate. Moreover, Ford's pardon of Nixon cost him many votes amongst white professionals. Without Watergate the GOP would have gone into the 76 election in a strong position. But who would they have run. Ford never really wanted the job and it is unlikely he could have won in a primary. Bush Sr. and Bob Dole were around but would they have been too young? What about the Gipper would he be stronger or weaker? Would Jimmy Carter have even been nominated?

The Conservatives Dont Take Over the GOP

Nixon was a moderate. In his White House he alienated Conservatives intentionally so they would resign. When Nixon resigned the moderate wing of the GOP was dealt a blow. This was a blow which they never recovered from and allowed the Conservative Base to rally under the Gipper and take over the party between 1974-1980. Without Watergate the GOP Moderates would likely have been able to fend off the Conservative. If that happened no Conservative take over in 1980.

Altered Lives of Some Really Important People short List

Karl Rove-He was the CR chair under Nixon, Watergate is what sent him to Texas and into support of Bush Jr. If Rove stayed in Washington Texas might not have turned so Red.

Dick (Shotgun) Cheney- Another Key player at the time. Without Watergate would he make a play for a leadership role in the still Moderate GOP?

Bill Clinton-With a re-jiggering of the Timeline Bill would he have run earlier like in 1988 as he was considering?

Jimmy Carter-would he have ever even been elected, if not no Billy Beer! :eek:

Bob Dole- Ran as Fords VP in 1976, but if Ford never ran then Dole would not have been picked, and his career might have tanked. Unless he ran in an attempt to capture the GOP moderate role.

American Media in General- Without the sucess of Woody and Bernie would the media have evolved into the "Investigative" "Vetting" animals that they are today?>


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