Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

Tommy_Carcetti

(44,517 posts)

6. Watergate also contributed to the Cult of Reagan.

Reply to 1000words (Reply #5)

Fri Oct 4, 2013, 02:33 PM

Oct 2013

I think Watergate was deeply embarrassing for the Republicans and they knew their image was badly tarnished.

So they needed a rehab, someone who could obscure the taint of Nixon, someone with a "bright and cheery" personality who was capable of throwing out quick soundbites without needing to say anything of substance.

So who did they pick? An actor, of course. Not a great one obviously, but one who was good enough to read their script.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

14 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

When did the conservative "liberal media" meme get started ? [View all] steve2470 Oct 2013 OP

Spiro Agnew started it as I recall. Kingofalldems Oct 2013 #1

Yup, Zero called them the "nattering nabobs of negativism" and "an effete corps of impudent snobs". 11 Bravo Oct 2013 #13

Perhaps Watergate with Woodward and Bernstein? Tommy_Carcetti Oct 2013 #2

Yes, Watergate was the beginning 1000words Oct 2013 #5

Watergate also contributed to the Cult of Reagan. Tommy_Carcetti Oct 2013 #6

I remember it during the Nixon years, but I wasn't paying much attention until then. landolfi Oct 2013 #3

I think answers to this will always be subjective. Mine: when I was in high school. immoderate Oct 2013 #4

Probably around the time of the Alien and Sedition Acts (1798). leveymg Oct 2013 #7

good point steve2470 Oct 2013 #8

I associate it with Agnew Recursion Oct 2013 #9

Depends on how you define "start", but... JHB Oct 2013 #10

excellent post thanks nt steve2470 Oct 2013 #11

I concur with steve2470 1000words Oct 2013 #12

I don't remember reading about Eisenhower's people using it. So I'd guess Nixon (after VP tenure). Guy Whitey Corngood Oct 2013 #14