"In the past few days, however, it has become evident to me that I no longer have a strong enough political base in the Congress to continue that fight. As long as there was such a base, I felt strongly that it was necessary to see the constitutional process through to its conclusion, that to do otherwise would be to set a dangerously destabilising precedent for the future. But with the disappearance of that base, I now believe that the constitutional purpose has been served, and there is no longer a need for the process to be prolonged. I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body. But as President, I must put the interest of America first."

Richard Nixon, televised address to the nation, Washington D.C., 8 August 1974. Nixon announced his resignation effective the following day, becoming the only US president to resign from office. He was facing near-certain impeachment and removal by Congress.