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A formal impeachment inquiry would have more tools and draw more attention, but calling it something else — within a standing committee like Judiciary or as a special Select Committee — might work as well without spooking the more skittish Democrats.
Remember, the heavy lifting in the congressional inquiries on Watergate came in the Senate Select Committee run by Sam Ervin.
Those started in May 1973, while the formal impeachment hearings in the House didn’t begin for another year, in May 1974, just months before Nixon quit.
Those started in May 1973, while the formal impeachment hearings in the House didn’t begin for another year, in May 1974, just months before Nixon quit.
The point here is that some form of extended hearings will be the key to moving public opinion.
A month *into* the Ervin Committee hearings, the percentage supporting Nixon's removal was still down in the teens.
Support for removal didn't cross 50% until late July 1974.
A month *into* the Ervin Committee hearings, the percentage supporting Nixon's removal was still down in the teens.
Support for removal didn't cross 50% until late July 1974.
