'"I just know it would decay into a political circus like Watergate, the Clinton perjury, and other such things, with political posturing and rhetoric by both parties obscuring the real issues"

Yes, but in at least these two cases, justice WAS served and the right thing DID happen, correct?

I think Clinton should NEVER have been asked about his penis, but that he was and that he lied was impeachable. Nixon was forced into resignation.'

I wondered why Tom brought these two examples up. I think Davin has helped to make Tom's point.
I think another to say this instead, is to ask what were the results- did we get a better govt as a result.
It seems now, that presidents won't record what occurs in the Whitehouse, and with Clinton, all presidents should now have a legal funds in order to combat expected civil lawsuits.