nixon tapes

I realize that we (the American public) have had access to other Nixon tapes for years, but somehow the sheer volume of the conversations released to the public today seem even more amazing. I’m sure lots of people will (as many news websites already have) focus on the comments like the one to George Bush about how he is “not for women” but the GOP should recruit some pretty ones.* And sure that is amazing, but really didn’t we always know he was a jerk? And maybe by that same token of jerkhood we shouldn’t be so surprised and the rest of the ridiculousness offered up here. There is no sense of humility, which is something I think all good leaders possess a healthy dose of, but in its place an overwhelming tone of self-assurance. These conversations seem to be a dictator who has no concept of rules applying to himself. Power can be a scary thing when limited to one person. If anything I think the tapes make a case for increased attention to the checks and balances, Congress – the branch most closely tied to the people – should have the most power, not one person in a round room.

*As a footnote, I find it fantastic and commendable that George Bush basically blew off the power driven President’s remarks degrading women, way to go 41!