MovieChat Forums > Gaslit (2022) Discussion > The purpose of the break in?

The purpose of the break in?


I love this new take of the Watergate scandal. It is great seeing Julia Roberts playing Martha Mitchell, the loose cannon of the Nixon universe. Most dramas about Watergate tend to ignore the women.

The thing that puzzles me is why did Richard Nixon feel that he needed the DNC burgled at Watergate? He was so far ahead in the polls that victory in 1972 was certain. My personal theory is that he feared that the Democrats had some dirt on him that they intended to use to smear or embarrass him.

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It does seem to be a completely unforced error on the part of his campaign. They were in a strong position, and were going to win easily just playing straight.

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Nixon always felt that he was cheated out of the Presidency in 1960. There were allegations of voter fraud in Texas and Illinois. He probably had the mindset that believed the other side played rough, so why shouldn't I ?

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