Reply #4: Neither of the two

[H2O Man]

would have been involved or directly impacted by Nixon's being impeached. They did both learn how to distance themselves from scandal during the watergate scandal. More, each of them became focused on the expansion of executive powers, and were fully aware that "war" allowed the best opportunity to do so.

Even if Nixon had been impeached, Ford would have still had the two in his administration. It's worth noting that without a war, both Rumsfeld and Cheney were considered failures in their bureaucratic roles. The myth that they were good at governing is easily exposed by examining their dismal performances in the Ford years.

It is also worth noting that Ford's strength was in the legislative branch, and both Rumsfeld and Cheney -- who each have had some service in this area -- were almost exclusively focused on gaining access for republican corporate interests in the executive branch. That led to their joining forces with the neoconservative movement.