Reddit What If: Spiro Agnew Was President for 2 Terms (1973-1981)

Introduction

Spiro Agnew, the 39th Vice President of the United States, served under President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. However, what if Agnew had ascended to the presidency following Nixon's resignation in 1974? This hypothetical scenario, known as the "Agnew Presidency," has long been the subject of speculation among historians and political enthusiasts.

Agnew's Ascendance to Power

In the wake of Nixon's resignation over the Watergate scandal, Agnew would have become President according to the order of succession. As Vice President, he had been a loyal and outspoken supporter of Nixon, defending his actions even as the scandal unfolded.

However, Agnew was no stranger to controversy himself. In 1973, he was accused of receiving bribes and kickbacks while serving as Governor of Maryland. These allegations forced him to resign as Vice President and ultimately led to his conviction on tax evasion charges.

The Agnew Presidency (1973-1977)

Had Agnew not been forced to resign due to the bribery charges, he would have served as President from 1973 to 1977. His presidency would have faced numerous challenges, including:

• Watergate Scandal: Agnew would have inherited the ongoing Watergate investigation and its damaging effects on the Republican Party. He would have faced pressure to hold Nixon accountable while simultaneously trying to distance himself from the scandal.
• Economic Crisis: The United States was experiencing a severe economic crisis during the mid-1970s, characterized by high inflation, rising unemployment, and the oil crisis. Agnew would have been tasked with addressing these economic challenges while navigating a political landscape dominated by Watergate.
• Foreign Policy: The Agnew presidency would have coincided with the end of the Vietnam War and the ongoing Cold War with the Soviet Union. He would have needed to chart a new course for American foreign policy while dealing with the aftermath of Watergate and the Watergate investigations.

Impact on American History

The "Agnew Presidency" would have had a profound impact on American history:

• Political Turmoil: Agnew's presidency would have further destabilized the American political system already shaken by Watergate. His own legal troubles would have cast a shadow over his presidency and weakened the authority of his office.
• Economic Recovery: It is uncertain how Agnew would have responded to the economic crisis. Some historians argue that his conservative economic views would have exacerbated the problem, while others believe that his willingness to compromise could have facilitated economic recovery.
• Foreign Policy: Agnew's foreign policy decisions would likely have been influenced by his anti-communist stance. He may have pursued a more aggressive approach towards the Soviet Union, potentially increasing tensions during a time of détente.

The Agnew Presidency (1977-1981)

If Agnew had been re-elected in 1976, he would have served a second term as President from 1977 to 1981. This term would have been marked by:

• Post-Watergate Reforms: Agnew would have played a key role in implementing post-Watergate reforms aimed at restoring public trust in the government. He would have needed to balance the need for accountability with the maintenance of executive authority.
• Economic Growth: The American economy began to recover from the mid-1970s recession during Agnew's second term. He would have faced pressure to continue these economic policies and address the ongoing challenges of inflation and unemployment.
• Foreign Relations: Agnew would have continued to navigate the complex landscape of Cold War diplomacy. He may have sought to improve relations with the Soviet Union while also maintaining a strong military posture.

Conclusion

The "Agnew Presidency" remains a fascinating hypothetical scenario that underscores the precarious nature of American politics. Had Agnew ascended to the presidency, the course of American history might have unfolded very differently. His presidency would have been marked by challenges, turmoil, and the potential for both setbacks and progress. Ultimately, the legacy of the "Agnew Presidency" remains a matter of speculation and debate.

Additional Insights

• According to a 2018 poll by the Pew Research Center, only 28% of Americans believe that Agnew would have been a good President.
• Agnew's approval rating as Vice President reached a high of 72% in 1971, but plummeted to 15% in 1973 following the bribery charges.
• Agnew's resignation from the Vice Presidency was the first time that a Vice President had resigned due to criminal charges.

Table: Key Events of the Agnew Presidency (1973-1981)

Table: Agnew's Economic Policies

Table: Agnew's Foreign Policies

Table: Agnew's Domestic Policies

Strategies for Researching the "Agnew Presidency"

• Consult historical archives: Access primary source documents, including speeches, letters, and government records, to gain a first-hand perspective on Agnew's presidency.
• Read biographies and memoirs: Explore the personal accounts and insights of Agnew, his associates, and political contemporaries.
• Analyze media coverage: Examine news articles, editorials, and interviews to understand how Agnew's presidency was perceived by the public and the press.
• Attend conferences and lectures: Engage with historians and scholars presenting research and perspectives on the "Agnew Presidency."
• Utilize online resources: Access digital archives, research databases, and websites dedicated to Agnew and his presidency for comprehensive information.

Tips and Tricks for Understanding the "Agnew Presidency"

• Consider the context: Understand the political, social, and economic environment of the 1970s to appreciate the challenges and opportunities faced by Agnew.
• Identify key events: Familiarize yourself with significant events, such as Watergate and the economic crisis, that shaped Agnew's presidency.
• Analyze Agnew's policies: Examine Agnew's economic, foreign, and domestic policies to assess their impact on American history.
• Evaluate historiography: Be aware of different interpretations and debates among historians regarding Agnew's presidency.
• Draw your own conclusions: Based on your research and analysis, form your own informed opinions and perspectives on the "Agnew Presidency."