Creep

Definition

Creep refers to the Committee to Re-elect the President, a fundraising organization for Richard Nixon's re-election campaign in 1972. This group became notorious for its involvement in illegal activities aimed at undermining political opponents, which ultimately led to the Watergate scandal. The actions taken by Creep and its operatives were key elements that contributed to the unraveling of Nixon's presidency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Creep was established to raise funds for Nixon's re-election, but it became involved in various illegal activities, including espionage and sabotage against political opponents.
2. The group orchestrated the infamous break-in at the Watergate Hotel, aiming to wiretap and gather intelligence on the Democratic Party.
3. After the break-in was discovered, Creep was implicated in efforts to cover up the administration's involvement, leading to numerous investigations.
4. Several top officials from Creep were indicted and convicted for their roles in the scandal, which further damaged Nixon's credibility.
5. The fallout from Creep's actions ultimately contributed to Nixon resigning from office in 1974, making him the first U.S. president to do so.

Review Questions

• What role did Creep play in the events leading up to the Watergate scandal, and how did its actions impact Richard Nixon's presidency?
  • Creep played a crucial role in the Watergate scandal as it was directly involved in planning illegal activities aimed at sabotaging political opponents. The group's actions included orchestrating the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, which set off a chain of events leading to widespread investigations. As evidence of Creep's wrongdoing emerged, it severely damaged Nixon's presidency and eroded public trust in his administration.
• Analyze how the formation of Creep reflected broader themes of political corruption during Richard Nixon's presidency.
  • The formation of Creep illustrates significant themes of political corruption and abuse of power that characterized Nixon's presidency. By prioritizing political advantage over ethical governance, Creep exemplified a willingness to engage in illegal tactics for electoral gain. This environment fostered a culture of secrecy and deception within Nixon’s administration, ultimately culminating in a scandal that would have lasting implications for American politics.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Creep's involvement in illegal activities on American political practices and public perception.
  • Creep's involvement in illegal activities not only led to Nixon’s resignation but also fundamentally changed American political practices and public perception of government integrity. The scandal prompted widespread skepticism towards elected officials, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. In response, reforms were introduced to limit campaign finance abuses and enhance oversight of political activities, marking a significant shift in how politics were conducted in the United States.

Related terms

Watergate: A major political scandal involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up by members of the Nixon administration.

Plumbers: A covert group formed by the Nixon administration to stop or respond to leaks of classified information, which included the break-in at Watergate.

Impeachment: The process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct and potentially removed from office, significantly highlighted during the Watergate scandal.