His actions were atypical because he actually committed these crimes to the highest extent, going so far as to avoid accountability even when presented with evidence that indeed, he was heavily linked to Watergate break-in. However, his behavior towards his political rivals and towards politics, in general, was typical in the sense that he became paranoid and insecure, and his commitment of these crimes reflected his need to verify whether he still wields power and influence over his political allies and the citizenry. Thus, he felt the need to "spy" against his rivals and abuse his power by avoiding accountability and doing his responsibility to pay his taxes. He became consumed by the power and influence embedded in his position as President that he forgot the extent of his accountability to the people -- that these privileges of power and influence are duly given by the people, and not his to be abused and take advantage of. This analysis of Nixon's character illustrates one hand of his eventual development as a 'crook politician.' At the back of the Watergate scandal and Nixon's commitment of high crimes, the Vietnam War loomed as a great pressure that tested Nixon's ability to govern his country in the area of international political affairs. His role was most crucial because the U.S. was the primary instigator...
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