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

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Rachel Maddow, Michael Yarvitz

Bag Man

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1970s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Bag Man by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz details the rise and fall of Vice President Spiro Agnew, who engages in extortion and bribery while in office. As Baltimore County prosecutors investigate, they uncover a trail of corruption leading directly to Agnew. The book follows their meticulous efforts to build a case, revealing legal and political maneuvers that culminate in Agnew's resignation and subsequent plea bargain.

Informative

Suspenseful

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.5

15,766 ratings

92%

Loved it

5%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Bag Man by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz expertly combines investigative journalism with a gripping narrative, delving into Spiro Agnew's scandal. Positive reviews highlight its thorough research, engaging storytelling, and historical relevance. Criticisms point to occasional dense legal jargon and a perceived bias. Overall, it's a compelling read for political history enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bag Man?

Readers who enjoy Bag Man by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz are fans of political intrigue, true crime, and historical investigations. Similar to All the President's Men by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, this book appeals to those who appreciate meticulously researched narratives that delve into political scandals and corruption.

4.5

15,766 ratings

92%

Loved it

5%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Rachel Maddow

Maddow, an Emmy Award-winning host with a doctorate in politics, provides a contemporary analysis of historical political scandals, breaking down complex issues with clarity and engaging prose.

Yarvitz, an Emmy and Peabody-winning journalist, collaborates with Maddow to present a well-researched narrative, using overlooked evidence to bring new insights into a largely forgotten political scandal.

The central figure whose extortion schemes and denial of wrongdoing serve as a cautionary tale; he rises from humble beginnings to vice president but faces legal challenges due to his actions.

A secondary player with significant historical importance, Nixon's political machinations include selecting Agnew as a running mate, and his administration is marked by the unfolding Watergate scandal.

Initially Nixon's Secretary of Defense and later Attorney General, Richardson is portrayed as a principled figure who prioritizes ethics over political pressure during tumultuous investigations.

As U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Beall supports an aggressive investigation into corruption, maintaining a focus on justice regardless of political affiliations.

The experienced leader among the Baltimore attorneys, Skolnik plays a pivotal role in the investigation, leveraging his successful prosecutorial background to guide the team.

An attorney with impressive credentials, Baker brings structured discipline to the team, contributing his analytical skills and legal expertise to the investigative efforts.

The youngest of the team, Liebman offers valuable defense-side insights from his previous experience, enhancing the prosecutorial strategy with a well-rounded perspective.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1970s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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