July 25, 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of Jordan's historic statement on the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. Jordan, then a freshman member of Congress and barely in office a few months, was given the unenviable task as a member of the Judiciary Committee to determine if there was evidence that the President had committed crimes that were considered impeachable offenses under the Constitution. The Watergate Hearings held the country in its grip for months, dividing public opinion and shaking the confidence of Americans in their leaders and system of justice. At the end of it all, America had a President leave office in disgrace, but for Jordan it was really the dawning of her career as a national politician. In about 10 minutes, Jordan captured the attention and imagination of a country and provided a mini-civics lesson that has never quite been forgotten. The statement she delivered is still considered today as one of the top 100 American speeches of all time by American Rhetoric. Please click here to view a virtual exhibit about Jordan's role in the Watergate Impeachment Hearings.
