John N. Mitchell, born on September 15, 1913, in Detroit, Michigan, and passing away on November 9, 1988, in Washington, D.C., was a prominent figure in American politics, most notably serving as the U.S. Attorney General under President Richard Nixon. His career, which reached the heights of legal and political influence, is also indelibly marked by his involvement in the Watergate Scandal, leading to his conviction and imprisonment. This article delves into the life and career of John N. Mitchell, exploring his path to power and his ultimate downfall.
Mitchell’s early life demonstrated a blend of athleticism and academic ambition. To finance his education at Fordham University in New York City and later at Fordham Law School, he played semi-professional hockey. His commitment to public service was further solidified during World War II, where he served as a torpedo boat commander in the Navy. These formative experiences shaped Mitchell into a driven and capable individual, laying the groundwork for his future legal and political success.
Following his military service, John N. Mitchell established himself as a highly respected attorney, specializing in state and municipal bonds. His expertise in this complex area of law brought him considerable recognition within the New York legal community. A pivotal moment in Mitchell’s career occurred in early 1967 when his law firm merged with that of Richard Nixon. This merger initiated a close professional and political relationship between Mitchell and Nixon, setting the stage for Mitchell’s entry into national politics.
John N. Mitchell rapidly became a trusted political advisor to Richard Nixon. Recognizing Mitchell’s strategic acumen and organizational skills, Nixon appointed him as the manager of his 1968 presidential campaign. Mitchell’s leadership was instrumental in Nixon’s successful election, solidifying his position as a key figure in Nixon’s inner circle.
In January 1969, John N. Mitchell was appointed as Attorney General of the United States, marking the zenith of his legal career. During his tenure from 1969 to March 1972, Mitchell became a controversial figure. His time as Attorney General was marked by several contentious decisions, including his support for Nixon’s Supreme Court nominees who were deemed unqualified by the Senate. He also faced criticism for approving wiretaps without judicial authorization, a practice later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Furthermore, Mitchell oversaw the prosecution of antiwar protesters and initiated the legal battle to prevent the publication of the Pentagon Papers, a case ultimately lost in the Supreme Court. Despite the controversies, his actions were seen by supporters as reflecting a tough stance on law and order and loyalty to the President’s agenda.
In March 1972, John N. Mitchell resigned as Attorney General to assume leadership of Nixon’s reelection committee. However, his political career took a dramatic turn with the unfolding Watergate Scandal. The scandal erupted shortly after his resignation, with the arrest of individuals burglarizing the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., in July 1972.
John N. Mitchell’s involvement in the Watergate Scandal led to his indictment in 1974. He faced charges of conspiring to plan the break-in, obstruction of justice, and perjury during the subsequent cover-up. In 1975, Mitchell was convicted on these charges and sentenced to 2 1/2 to 8 years in prison. He began his prison sentence in 1977 and was paroled in 1979, spending 19 months incarcerated.
The legacy of John N. Mitchell is complex and multifaceted. While he achieved significant success as a lawyer and Attorney General, his career is ultimately overshadowed by his role in the Watergate Scandal. John N. Mitchell remains a key figure in understanding the Nixon era and the far-reaching consequences of the Watergate crisis on American politics and law.
