CSPAN is re-broadcasting Gerald Ford's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on 10/17/74 about his pardon of President Nixon. This timing is eerie, coming as it does as debate across the country is heating up about possible impeachment proceedings against Cheney and Bush.

This is sure to have an effect, in one way or another, on the roll-out to whatever is coming, as it serves as a refresher course about Watergate. For example, it serves as a reminder of the big hit Ford took in his popularity ratings, which plunged after he announced the pardon of Nixon. If Cheney is impeached, does it increase or decrease the chance that Bush will pardon Cheney? If Bush is impeached, does it increase or decrease the chance that his successor will pardon him?

I think that this retrospective is hopeful and positive, because it draws attention away from the Clinton impeachment (a bad and inappropriate parallel), towards the impending impeachment of Nixon, which is the appropriate parallel.

Bob in HI