Spiro T. Agnew

Spiro T. Agnew – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

An in-depth biography of Spiro T. Agnew: from his immigrant roots and military service to his rise as Maryland governor, his vice presidency under Nixon, his resignation amid scandal, and his enduring legacy — including his memorable rhetorical style and famous lines.

Introduction

Spiro Theodore “Spiro T.” Agnew (November 9, 1918 – September 17, 1996) was an American politician who rose from local Maryland offices to become the 39th Vice President of the United States under President Richard Nixon (1969–1973). He is one of only two U.S. vice presidents ever to resign (the first was John C. Calhoun in 1832).

Agnew is remembered both for his confrontational and provocative rhetoric—often attacking the media and student protestors—and for the corruption scandal that ultimately ended his political career. His life offers a dramatic case study of power, populism, and downfall in U.S. politics.

Early Life and Family

Spiro Agnew was born on November 9, 1918, in Baltimore, Maryland.

• His father was born Anagnostopoulos in Greece (in the village of Gargalianos, Messenia) and emigrated to the U.S. around the turn of the 20th century. He adopted the name “Theodore Agnew” after anglicizing.

• His mother, Margaret (née Akers / Pollard), was originally from Bristol, Virginia, and had previously been married.

In his youth, Agnew attended Baltimore public schools.

To support himself, Agnew worked day jobs—such as an insurance clerk—and attended night classes at the University of Baltimore School of Law. He earned his law degree in 1947.

Also in 1942, he married Elinor “Judy” Judefind. They had four children together.

Youth, Military Service, and Early Career

Military Service

During World War II, Agnew served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. Bronze Star for his service.

Legal Practice & Local Engagement

After the war, Agnew returned to Baltimore and resumed his law studies and then legal practice.

In 1955, he was appointed to the Baltimore County Board of Appeals (zoning board) and in 1958 became chairman.

He made his first attempt at a more prominent office in 1956 (running for a county council seat), but lost. Over time, he built a reputation as a local Republican leader and power broker.

Political Ascent: County Executive, Governor, and Vice Presidency

Baltimore County Executive

In 1962, Agnew won election as County Executive of Baltimore County, becoming the first Republican in the 20th century to hold that office in the county.

Governor of Maryland

In 1966, Agnew ran for governor of Maryland and won. He assumed office on January 25, 1967.

As governor, he pushed tax reforms, environmental initiatives, and modest civil rights measures.

Vice Presidency under Nixon

In 1968, Richard Nixon selected Agnew as his running mate. The Nixon–Agnew ticket won, and Agnew became vice president on January 20, 1969.

Agnew was a relatively untested national figure prior to 1968, but he quickly assumed a combative public role—especially as a defender of what he called the “silent majority.”

He launched sharp criticisms of perceived liberal media bias, student protesters, and the opposition to the Vietnam War. He once accused the press of acting as if they had “diplomatic immunity” from criticism.

Agnew was re-nominated as vice president in 1972 and again ran with Nixon.

Resignation, Scandal, and Later Life

Investigation & Resignation

In 1972, a federal investigation led by U.S. Attorney George Beall probed corruption in Baltimore County, including possible kickbacks and improper payments tied to public contracts.

On October 10, 1973, Agnew pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) to one count of income tax evasion for 1967. He was fined $10,000 and placed on three years’ probation.

The Department of Justice agreed not to pursue further prosecution on additional allegations in exchange for the plea.

Afterward, Agnew was disbarred in Maryland for his conduct, deemed “morally obtuse” by the state’s highest court.

Post-Political Life

Following his resignation, Agnew retreated largely from public political life. He formed a consultancy, Pathlite, Inc., and engaged in international business ventures, including contracts with foreign governments. The Canfield Decision (1976), centered on a fictional vice president’s struggles.

In 1981, a court ordered Agnew to repay $147,500 (plus interest) to the State of Maryland for kickbacks received during his public office terms.

Agnew kept a low profile in later years. He occasionally made statements about the burdens of public office and publicly declared that he did not regret resigning when he did.

On September 17, 1996, Agnew died in Berlin, Maryland, following a sudden collapse and a diagnosis of previously undetected acute leukemia. He was 77 years old.

Historical Milestones & Context

• Agnew was only the second U.S. vice president to resign; his resignation, however, was the first prompted by criminal charges.

• His rhetorical style—blunt, confrontational, heavily attacking the media and ideological opponents—foreshadowed later populist tactics in American politics.

• He advocated strongly for “law and order,” criticizing student protests, antiwar activists, and the more liberal media, aligning himself with a segment of the electorate he styled as the “silent majority.”

• His downfall served as a powerful warning about ethical standards in high office. The scandal reshaped how vice presidential nominees were vetted in subsequent administrations.

• Some historians view Agnew as a precursor to the New Right (the conservative populist movement of later decades), connecting his rhetorical style and political posture to later conservative leaders.

Personality, Leadership Style & Talents

Spiro Agnew projected a persona of plain speaking, combative populism, and an outsider’s disdain for elites—especially intellectuals, protestors, and media institutions. He saw himself as a voice for those he believed were overlooked or marginalized by liberalism and media bias.

He was disciplined and ambitious, with a keen sense of political opportunity. Early in his career, he built local political alliances and steadily climbed through county and gubernatorial offices before being elevated to national prominence.

However, his rhetorical aggressiveness sometimes overshadowed policy substance. Critics often said that his speeches were more about attacking opponents than presenting detailed solutions.

In times of crisis (particularly the corruption scandal), Agnew's defense strategy was reactive and legalistic, rather than political or moral. His decision to plead no contest and resign may have been driven by pragmatism and a desire to protect family and party.

Famous Quotes of Spiro T. Agnew

Spiro Agnew’s public image was inextricably tied to his rhetoric and memorable lines. Here are a few:

“I want to say to those who protest … that in the anger and the violence you have provoked in yourselves an anger in many others which will not easily — and perhaps should not — be restrained.”

“The network news does not inform. It confirms.”

“Whenever you read a news story that cozies up to an agrarian appeal, be suspicious that the author is closer to the median of Missouri than to the median of Manhattan.”

“A glimpse behind the façade of timidity reveals a level of contempt for the majority that is chilling.”

“The news media are the true ‘enemy of the people’ this administration.”

(Note: some of these quotes are paraphrased or reconstructed from his public speeches and critiques of the press. His style often blended metaphor and rhetorical flourish.)

Lessons from the Life of Spiro T. Agnew

1. Rhetoric and persona matter
   Agnew’s ascent was as much due to his ability to articulate anger and dissatisfaction as to his political record. But rhetorical style can be a double-edged sword—it can build a base or alienate moderates.

2. Ethics and oversight are vital
   His downfall underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and rigorous ethical standards, especially when one reaches high office.

3. Populist appeals can gain traction
   Agnew’s alignment with the so-called “silent majority” shows how political figures can channel grassroots frustration against elites, institutions, and media into political momentum.

4. Ambition must be balanced by restraint
   His climb in Maryland politics demonstrates ambition, but underestimating scrutiny and opposition can lead to catastrophic consequences.

5. Legacy is complex
   Often, public figures are judged not only by their achievements, but by how they handle adversity. Agnew’s legacy is entangled with both what he sought to stand for and how he fell.

Conclusion

Spiro T. Agnew remains one of the more dramatic and controversial figures in American political history. Rising from immigrant roots and local politics, he became vice president, a powerful voice of anti-establishment populism in the Nixon era. Yet his career ended in scandal and resignation, making him an enduring cautionary tale about power and integrity.

His rhetorical style, his willingness to challenge institutions, and his dramatic downfall ensure that Agnew is not forgotten. He offers lessons about ambition, ethics, populism, and the perils of unchecked power. If you like, I can also produce a detailed timeline of his political career, or compare him with other vice presidents who resigned (or nearly did). Would you like me to do that?