John N. Mitchell – The Political Figure Behind The Watergate Scandal

John N. Mitchell is a political figure whose name is inextricably linked with the Watergate scandal. He served as the United States Attorney General under President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1972. Mitchell’s tenure in the Nixon administration ended in disgrace as he became the first Attorney General to serve time in prison.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1913, Mitchell studied at Fordham University before going to Fordham Law School. After earning his law degree, he worked in private practice before joining the United States Navy during World War II. Upon his return, he served as an assistant United States Attorney before becoming counsel to the Republican National Committee.

In 1968, Mitchell played a significant role in Nixon’s presidential campaign. He was appointed Attorney General in 1969 and would go on to implement several controversial policies, including the use of wiretapping as a tool for law enforcement. It was under his leadership that the covert investigation of the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington D.C. took place. The burglary eventually led to the wider scandal that would bring down the Nixon administration.

Mitchell was a key figure in the Watergate cover-up, as he was the one who ordered the break-in and subsequent cover-up. He was indicted on several charges, including perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. In 1975, he was convicted of all charges and sentenced to prison, serving 19 months before his release in 1979.

Despite his involvement in the scandal, Mitchell’s reputation as a decent lawyer and advocate for civil rights is often overlooked. While serving as Attorney General, he supported school desegregation and worked towards equal rights for African Americans. He also played a key role in the passage of the Anti-Racketeering Act, which aimed to combat organized crime.

It is also interesting to note that Mitchell was a devoted family man who deeply loved his wife and daughter. He often worked long hours at the Justice Department, but he always made sure to reserve time for his family. Mitchell’s son-in-law, E. Howard Hunt, was one of the men involved in the Watergate burglary, adding another level of personal tragedy to Mitchell’s downfall.

In the years following his release from prison, Mitchell struggled to rebuild his life. He wrote a memoir about his role in the Watergate scandal, “The Mitchell Memoirs,” which was published in 1979. He also made a few public appearances, including a guest spot on “Saturday Night Live” in 1979.

John N. Mitchell may be best remembered for his role in the Watergate scandal, but his contributions to the civil rights movement and the passage of anti-organized crime legislation cannot be ignored. He was a complex figure who ultimately made a costly mistake that would define his legacy. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in government and the far-reaching consequences of corruption.

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