How did the democratic party feel about Vietnam and Watergate?

To understand how the Democratic Party felt about the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, we need to explore the historical context and opinions within the party during those times.

1. Vietnam War:
During the Vietnam War, which lasted from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s, the Democratic Party had a varied range of opinions. Initially, support for the war was relatively bipartisan, with both Democrats and Republicans advocating for U.S. involvement to prevent the spread of communism. However, as the war escalated and public sentiment shifted, divisions within the Democratic Party surfaced.

a) Opposition: Many Democratic politicians, including senators and members of Congress, became increasingly critical of the Vietnam War as casualties mounted and evidence of government deception and misconduct emerged. Prominent Democrats, such as Senators Robert F. Kennedy and George McGovern, opposed the war and called for its end. The anti-war sentiment was fueled by protests and the anti-establishment movements of the 1960s and early 1970s.

b) Support: Despite growing opposition, some Democrats continued to support the war effort. President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat, escalated U.S. involvement during his presidency. Additionally, some moderate Democrats believed in the necessity of containing communism in Southeast Asia.

2. Watergate Scandal:
The Watergate scandal unfolded during the 1970s and eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The Democratic Party, particularly its leadership, played a major role in uncovering the scandal and pushing for Nixon's accountability.

a) Investigation: Democratic Senator Sam Ervin chaired the Senate Watergate Committee, which extensively investigated the Nixon administration's involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Democrats, including Representatives Peter Rodino and Elizabeth Holtzman, led the impeachment proceedings against Nixon in the House Judiciary Committee.

b) Public sentiment: The Democratic Party, as a whole, was critical of the Nixon administration's involvement in the Watergate scandal. The revelations of abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and the blatant disregard for democratic principles by the President and his aides heavily influenced public opinion against Nixon.

In summary, while there were differing opinions among Democrats on the Vietnam War, the party became more united in opposition as the war progressed. Regarding the Watergate scandal, the Democratic Party deeply criticized the Nixon administration's actions and was instrumental in the investigations ultimately leading to his resignation.