“I brought myself down. I impeached myself by resigning.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“I brought myself down. I impeached myself by resigning.”
Explanation
In this quote, Richard Nixon acknowledges personal responsibility for the end of his presidency, emphasizing that it was his own actions—not just political opposition or public pressure—that led to his downfall. By stating “I brought myself down,” he accepts that the choices he made, particularly in relation to the Watergate cover-up, were the root cause. The second part, “I impeached myself by resigning,” reflects a poignant recognition that his resignation was not merely a tactical move but a moral and political judgment rendered upon himself.
This remark came after Nixon had left office, during interviews and reflections in which he sought to make sense of his legacy. Facing near-certain impeachment by the House of Representatives and removal by the Senate, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974. By framing his resignation as a form of self-impeachment, he subtly conveys a desire to reclaim a measure of dignity and control over the narrative—that rather than being ousted, he chose to fall on his sword for the good of the country.
Today, this quote is often cited as a rare moment of personal accountability from a controversial figure. It serves as a reminder that leadership carries not only power but moral weight, and that self-awareness—even if delayed—can be a meaningful part of legacy. Nixon’s statement stands as a cautionary reflection on the consequences of ethical failure, and on the ultimate truth that leaders are judged not only by their victories, but by how they face their defeats.
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