Cartoonist Herblock noted the impact of the Watergate Committee hearings, televised in their entirety from March 28 through August 7, 1973. With an estimated 85 percent of American households watching some portion of the investigation, the committee’s unbiased inquiry enhanced public respect for Congress. Above the television, Herblock ironically portrayed President Richard Nixon celebrating his 1972 reelection campaign victory.
A 1957 Herblock Cartoon, © The Herb Block Foundation. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress
“Late Returns,” cartoon by Herblock [Herbert L. Block], May 18, 1973
The Watergate Break-in
On June 17, 1972, police arrested burglars wiretapping the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. Evidence linked the break-in to President Richard Nixon’s re-election committee, and the Justice Department appointed a special prosecutor for the case. In February 1973 the Senate established a select committee chaired by Senator Sam Ervin of North Carolina to investigate the 1972 presidential election campaigns. The investigation revealed audiotapes incriminating President Nixon, which eventually led to Nixon’s resignation. Nationally televised, the hearings of the Watergate Committee inquiry boosted public confidence in Congress.
It has been alleged that, following the Watergate break-in, there has been a massive attempt to cover up all the improper activities . . . which, if true, represent interference in the integrity of the prosecutorial and judicial processes of the Nation.
Senator Sam Ervin of South Carolina, Hearings before the Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities . . . , 1973
Cartoonist Herblock noted the impact of the Watergate Committee hearings, televised in their entirety from March 28 through August 7, 1973. With an estimated 85 percent of American households watching some portion of the investigation, the committee’s unbiased inquiry enhanced public respect for Congress. Above the television, Herblock ironically portrayed President Richard Nixon celebrating his 1972 reelection campaign victory.
A 1957 Herblock Cartoon, © The Herb Block Foundation. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress
