“You must pursue this investigation of Watergate even if it leads to the president. I’m innocent. You’ve got to believe I’m innocent. If you don’t, take my job.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“You must pursue this investigation of Watergate even if it leads to the president. I’m innocent. You’ve got to believe I’m innocent. If you don’t, take my job.”
Explanation
This quote reveals Richard Nixon’s attempt to assert his innocence while expressing a conditional openness to being held accountable. The directive to “pursue this investigation… even if it leads to the president” suggests a rhetorical endorsement of justice and transparency. At the same time, the plea “You’ve got to believe I’m innocent” exposes a deep vulnerability—a president publicly pleading for trust in the face of growing suspicion. The challenge “If you don’t, take my job” underscores the stakes of personal integrity and public legitimacy.
The historical setting is the height of the Watergate scandal, when mounting evidence and legal pressure cornered Nixon. This quote, whether delivered publicly or privately, encapsulates the conflict between his professed innocence and the gravity of the investigation. Despite his words, Nixon’s actions—particularly attempts to obstruct justice—eventually undermined his credibility. His resignation in August 1974 was a direct consequence of the erosion of that trust.
In a modern context, this quote continues to resonate in political crises involving accusations of misconduct. It highlights the importance of accountability and leadership under investigation, where the expectation is that leaders must not interfere with due process. It also speaks to the psychological toll of public suspicion and the line between protesting innocence and facing consequences. Nixon’s words offer a complex blend of defiance, desperation, and moral posturing that still informs how we view integrity in high office today.
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