Bag Man: The Wild Crimes, Audacious Cover-Up, and Spectacular Downfall of a Brazen Crook in the White House

Discuss the historical importance of the Watergate scandal both in terms of the national zeitgeist and its influence on the Agnew case.

What does the narrative suggest about the allure of political power? How does Agnew succumb to that allure?

What obstacles did Skolnik, Baker, and Liebman encounter in their investigation? What factors allowed them to overcome those obstacles?

Agnew’s rhetoric is often offensive and racist. What social and political factors allow him to get away with it?

What are some similarities between Nixon and Agnew? What are some key differences?

A recurring theme in the narrative is the distrust of the press. How does Agnew frame his attacks on the news media, and why is the press an easy target?

What are some of the ways Agnew and his attorneys exert pressure on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s office and the Department of Justice? What are the roles of Nixon, Alexander Haig, and Judge Hoffman in this pressure strategy?

Explain the sociocultural environment at the time of Watergate. How did this environment enable Agnew to create easy enemies out of the press and liberals?