The Lesson Watergate Was Supposed to Teach
This article reflects on the legacy of the Watergate scandal, arguing that instead of restraining presidential power as intended, it has become a template for modern political scandals. It highlights how contemporary political figures view the historical impact of Watergate with skepticism.
Why it matters
It challenges the historical assumption that institutional accountability mechanisms effectively curb executive overreach in the long term.
Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. thought Nixon’s downfall would restrain presidents for generations. Instead, Watergate helped write the script for the scandals that followed.
Illustration by The Atlantic. Source: Pierre Manevy / Express / Getty. August 13, 2026 Share Save Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 8:00 This is an edition of Time-Travel Thursdays, a journey through The Atlantic ’s archives to contextualize the present. Sign up here.
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