Spiro Agnew's political journey was marked by a notable evolution in his public image and ideology. Starting as a county executive and then governor in Maryland, he was initially seen as a moderate, even liberal, Republican. However, his rise to the vice presidency under Richard Nixon saw him transform into a vocal conservative, known for his sharp critiques of liberal elites, the media, and anti-war protestors. This shift was instrumental in shaping
his national profile and his role within the Nixon administration, ultimately leading to his selection as Nixon's running mate in 1968.
Early Career and the Maryland Years
Agnew's political career began in Baltimore County, Maryland. After an unsuccessful bid for county circuit court in 1960, he ran for county executive in 1962. A feud within the Democratic party, where the retired former county executive defeated his successor in the primary, created an opening for Agnew. He campaigned as a "White Knight" promising change, advocating for an anti-discrimination bill that required public amenities to be open to all races. This progressive stance, which no Maryland Democrat could have introduced at the time without alienating supporters, helped him win the election against his elderly opponent, despite an intervention by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. Agnew secured 78,487 votes to his opponent's 60,993, also benefiting from 70 percent of the black vote.
As county executive, Agnew's administration was moderately progressive, implementing new schools, increasing teachers' salaries, reorganizing the police department, and improving water and sewer systems. His anti-discrimination bill passed, earning him a reputation as a liberal, though its impact was limited in a county that was 97 percent white. However, his relations with the civil rights movement were sometimes strained, as he prioritized law and order and showed aversion to demonstrations. His refusal to attend a memorial service for the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing victims and his denunciation of a planned demonstration further complicated his image. In 1966, Agnew successfully sought the Republican nomination for governor, winning the primary by a wide margin. His term as governor included tax reform, clean water regulations, and the repeal of laws against interracial marriage. He expanded community health programs and educational opportunities, and took steps towards ending school segregation. His fair housing legislation, though limited, was the first of its kind south of the Mason–Dixon line.
The Shift to Conservatism and the National Stage
Agnew's image as a liberal Republican began to change around the time of the 1968 presidential elections. He had initially supported Nelson Rockefeller's presidential ambitions, even chairing his "Rockefeller for President" committee. However, Rockefeller's unexpected withdrawal and subsequent re-entry into the race left Agnew feeling dismayed and personally insulted. This period coincided with the April 1968 disturbances following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, which saw widespread rioting in Baltimore. Agnew's response, including calling out the National Guard and then castigating black leaders for failing to control radical elements, was applauded by many white suburbanites and conservative Republicans, who saw him as a strong advocate for law and order.
This stance caught the attention of Richard Nixon's campaign. Nixon, seeking a centrist running mate who could appeal to both Rockefeller Republicans and Southern conservatives, and who had a solid law-and-order record, ultimately chose Agnew. Agnew's ability to play an "attack dog" role, similar to Nixon's own past, was also a key factor. During the 1968 campaign, Agnew quickly adopted a more belligerent approach, using strong law-and-order rhetoric that appealed to the South and some Northern areas, helping to galvanize a "white backlash" into a broader suburban ethic of orderliness and personal responsibility. His controversial remarks, such as using the derogatory term "Polack" and referring to a Japanese-American reporter as "the fat Jap," while drawing criticism, also pleased many Republicans and were seen as an effective counter to George Wallace's third-party candidacy. This transformation from a Maryland moderate to a national conservative voice was complete, setting the stage for his impactful, though ultimately controversial, vice presidency.
