If Nixon had been truthful and not tried to cover it up, Watergate would be a footnote in the history books.
Maybe, the hatred for Nixon was such that it would have been big no matter what. The cover up made it worse no doubt. But if you compare it to what Andy and his gang did Nixon is about a parking ticket. Yet no big deal with MSM. The press was biased even then but l think it has gotten infinitely worse.
Moral dilemma: Be honest vs. be loyal. Sometimes it’s a tough call.
Best plan is to have moral friends so there is no need to cover for them.