Written by Rocky Saxbe, 2020

Dad already had a long career in politics when he was elected to the United States Senate in November 1968. Before Republicans were unabashed right-wingers and Trump apologists, he was a moderate Republican whose inclination to befriend and work with Democrats labeled him a maverick. By October 1973, Dad had decided not to seek a second term in the Senate. He was no longer interested in a re-election campaign and having to raise the money to fund it. In Dad’s words, “It was getting more and more expensive to run statewide; it just wasn’t worth it. Every time you took a dollar, someone would want two dollars in return in the form of a favor.” Dad was also fed up by Washington’s all-consuming obsession with the 1972 Watergate burglary and President Nixon’s possible involvement with the crime. The scandal had deepened partisan differences, which made passing legislation more difficult. The job just wasn’t fun anymore.

Meanwhile, President Nixon was under increasing pressure to explain what and when he knew about Watergate and the burglars. His denials had worn thin, and witness testimonies before Congress revealed the existence of a secret tape recording system in the Oval Office. Claiming Executive Privilege, the President refused to produce the tapes to Congress or Archibald Cox, the Special Prosecutor investigating the matter.

Frustrated with Attorney General Elliot Richardson’s failure to intervene on his behalf, Nixon ordered Richardson to fire Cox. Richardson refused and resigned, as did his Assistant Attorney General, leaving the job up to Solicitor General Robert Bork. This “Saturday Night Massacre” left the Department of Justice leaderless and the President without any Senate support to confirm a new Attorney General.

Suzy, her folks, and I joined Mom and Dad for a Sunday dinner at the Neil House in November 1973. A Dixieland band led by Sonny Modes and Gene DeAngelo provided great music and an opportunity for Dad to go on stage and sing his favorite, “Ace in the Hole.” Dinner conversation eventually turned to Nixon’s troubles and what would happen. Who would be the next Attorney General? We kicked around some likely prospects, and then Dad surprised us by asking what if he were offered the job! “NO!” I pleaded, “They’re all a bunch of scoundrels, and you shouldn’t throw in with them. It will only bring you shame and disgrace.” I can’t recall Paul Sloan’s reaction, but his opinion that Nixon was a crook was already well known to us all. Dad responded that it was unlikely he’d be asked, but if he were, he would accept in order to restore stability and respect for the Department of Justice. Mom was for anything Dad wanted to do. She loved Washington, and being in the middle of the action was always fun for her.

President Nixon and Bill Saxbe had never been close. In Nixon’s second term, the divide between them grew with the mounting revelations of misconduct and criminality by the White House staff. With Richardson’s resignation, it was unlikely Nixon could nominate someone for Attorney General whom he could control and who could be confirmed by the Senate. Dad’s 1968 campaign slogan was “It should be Saxbe.” And for Nixon in 1973, it could only be Saxbe.

While duck hunting on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Dad was called to the White House to discuss the appointment with Nixon’s Chief of Staff, General Alexander Haig. He arrived in his red Cadillac convertible with a pack of chewing tobacco on the front seat and his shotgun in the trunk. Past conflicts and criticisms of the President would be forgiven, and Dad was promised that the White House would not interfere with the Department of Justice. In a later meeting, Nixon assured Dad there was no truth to the accusations that he had any involvement with the Watergate break-in or the subsequent coverup. Dad took him at his word.

Bill Saxbe accepted the job and was quickly confirmed by an overwhelming vote by the Senate. He first had to cure the constitutional prohibition of a Congressional member getting a cabinet appointment after voting to raise the office’s salary that he was to assume. Crafting what is now known as the “Saxbe Fix,” Dad agreed to be paid at the rate previously established for the Attorney General. The “Saxbe Fix” later enabled President Obama to appoint Senator Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State.

Nixon held on to the Presidency until overwhelming evidence of his involvement in the Watergate scandal came forth, destroying his ability to lead. The end finally came in August 1974 at his last cabinet meeting. When Nixon sought to focus on future policy endeavors, Dad raised the question of the President’s continuing viability. Future President George H.W. Bush then spoke up to agree; there was dead silence. Nixon abruptly rose and walked out of the room. Below is a photo of Nixon’s last cabinet meeting. Seated in the foreground to Dad’s right is Vice President Gerald Ford. Henry Kissinger is seated across the table to Nixon’s right.

Nixon resigned days later in a ceremony in the White House with Mom and Dad attending. Finding his assigned seat in the front row with other cabinet members, Dad sat down and crashed to the floor as his chair collapsed, a fitting metaphor for what Nixon’s perfidy had done to the rule of law. Nixon left the Presidency in disgrace. One month later, President Ford, without consulting Dad, pardoned Nixon. Bill Saxbe remained Attorney General until Ford appointed him as Ambassador to India, where he served until 1977.

Dad never forgave Nixon for his lies and criminality. He declined the invitation to attend Nixon’s funeral and left government service after 30 years, saying, “I swam with sharks and never got bit.”