Why is the concept of the "executive privilege" important?

Question

Nixon tried to use it in his fight in the Watergate case. Why is it important? Please give link. I appreciate your help.

Answer 1

The concept revolves around the idea that what the President discusses is a matter of national security, and releasing it would harm the country. For example, if President Bush discussed doubling the number of US troops in Iraq with his advisors, and the details of that meeting were released, Iraqi insurgents would know how to prepare, and other hostile governments could plan accordingly, knowing that the US would be stretched thin.

Unfortunately, lots of presidents merely use "executive privilege" as an excuse to keep what they talk about secret - much of it isn't extremely sensitive, and may be harmful to the president's allies. Nixon did this during Watergate.

Answer 2

It is important to the executive who is in trouble and needs to get out of it.

Answer 3

Here's what I think of "executive privilege" - giving the executive
an excuse to bully another human being. eeeeeccchh!!