WHAT IF – President Nixon & VP Agnew Never Resigned

In this alternate history, President Richard Nixon successfully navigates the scandals that in our timeline led to his resignation, and neither he nor Vice President Spiro Agnew are forced to step down. Nixon’s administration, unburdened by Watergate and Agnew’s corruption charges, proceeds with its policy objectives, leading to a very different political landscape in the United States.

Nixon’s Triumph in Vietnam

In this scenario, Nixon’s “madman theory” is more effective, and he manages to bring North Vietnam to its knees. Perhaps through a combination of increased military pressure, strategic bombing, and diplomatic maneuvering—including a more successful use of the Sino-Soviet split—Nixon forces North Vietnam into a settlement far more favorable to the United States than the Paris Peace Accords of 1973.

The war ends in a clear, albeit costly, American victory, with South Vietnam remaining independent under a pro-U.S. government. Nixon’s successful conclusion of the war cements his legacy as a tough, effective leader in foreign policy, boosting his popularity and enabling him to leave office on a high note at the end of his second term in 1977.

The 1976 Election: Spiro Agnew’s Rise

With Nixon’s popularity bolstered by the victory in Vietnam and a relatively stable domestic front, Vice President Spiro Agnew becomes the Republican frontrunner for the 1976 presidential election. Agnew, known for his sharp rhetoric against the media and liberals, campaigns as the heir to Nixon’s legacy, promising to continue the administration’s policies of law and order, strong national defense, and conservative social policies.

The Democrats, still reeling from the unsuccessful conclusion of the Vietnam War in our timeline and the failure to oust Nixon through Watergate, struggle to find a strong candidate. Agnew runs a campaign focused on Nixon’s foreign policy successes and a promise to maintain conservative values at home, painting his Democratic opponent as weak on communism and too permissive on social issues.

Agnew wins the 1976 election, likely by a narrow margin, but with enough support to claim a mandate for his policies.

Agnew’s Presidency: Domestic and Foreign Policies

Domestic Policy:

Agnew, a staunch conservative, would likely have pursued a series of right-leaning policies that would shape the American political landscape for decades:

1. Law and Order: Agnew continues Nixon’s emphasis on law and order, taking a hardline stance against crime and unrest. He increases funding for police and law enforcement agencies and supports tougher sentencing laws, aiming to curb what he sees as a rise in criminal activity and social unrest.
2. Economic Policy: Agnew favors conservative economic policies, including tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy, believing that such measures will stimulate investment and economic growth. He also seeks to reduce government regulation, particularly in the areas of business and environmental policy, aligning with the pro-business wing of the Republican Party.
3. Social Issues: Agnew’s presidency likely sees a continuation of the culture wars. He takes a firm stand against what he perceives as the excesses of the 1960s counterculture, advocating for traditional family values and opposing the expansion of civil rights measures that he believes go too far. This stance resonates with the “Silent Majority,” but it also deepens the cultural divides in the country.
4. Supreme Court Appointments: Given the opportunity, Agnew appoints conservative justices to the Supreme Court, aiming to roll back some of the liberal decisions of the Warren and Burger Courts, particularly in areas like criminal justice and civil liberties.

Foreign Policy:

1. Cold War Strategy: Agnew, following Nixon’s lead, continues to pursue a strategy of détente with the Soviet Union and China. However, he is also likely to adopt a more aggressive stance in certain areas, possibly increasing military spending and taking a hard line in negotiations with the USSR, seeking to assert American dominance.
2. Middle East: Agnew supports a strong pro-Israel policy, aligning with Nixon’s realpolitik approach in the region. He may also push for stronger U.S. ties with conservative regimes in the Middle East, seeing them as bulwarks against Soviet influence and leftist movements.
3. Latin America: Agnew supports right-wing regimes in Latin America, continuing and possibly expanding upon the Nixon administration’s policies of backing military dictatorships that oppose communism. This would likely involve covert operations by the CIA to influence outcomes favorable to U.S. interests in the region.
4. Southeast Asia: With the Vietnam War concluded in America’s favor, Agnew focuses on consolidating U.S. influence in Southeast Asia, possibly involving increased military aid to allies in the region to prevent any resurgence of communist movements.

Legacy and Impact

Agnew’s presidency likely solidifies the conservative turn in American politics that began with Nixon. His policies could lead to a period of economic growth, but also increased social tensions, particularly around issues of race, gender, and civil rights. The Republican Party under Agnew would move further to the right, setting the stage for future conservative leaders like Ronald Reagan.

However, Agnew’s administration might also face significant challenges. His abrasive style and hardline policies could alienate moderates, and if economic or international crises occur, his presidency might struggle to maintain support. Nonetheless, Agnew’s election in 1976 would mark a significant shift in U.S. politics, with long-lasting effects on the country’s social fabric and its role in the world.