Announcer: Spiro Agnew did become a household word. Now, it seems it's a name that will never be forgotten in the annals of American political history. Spiro Agnew, the son of a Greek immigrant who achieved the glory of becoming Vice-President of the United States, fell as fast as he rose to fame.
When he first learned of the investigation which said he received contract kickbacks, Agnew was angry, and his famous tongue lashed out at his detractors. But 11 days later, Agnew pleaded no contest to a charge that he falsified his income-tax return, was fined $10,000, put on 3 years' probation and resigned his office.
Vice-President Spiro Agnew: "I take leave of you tonight, my friends, in that same sober, but trusting spirit. God does reign. I thank Him for the opportunity of serving you in high office, and I know that He will continue to care for this country in the future as He has done so well in the past. The Government at Washington does live. It lives in the pages of our Constitution and in the hearts of our citizens, and there it will always be safe. Thank you, goodnight and farewell."
Ed Karrens: Now it was up to Nixon to find a successor to Agnew. Two days after Agnew's resignation, Nixon made public his choice.
President Richard M. Nixon: "He is a man who has served for 25 years in the House of Representatives with great distinction."
Chief Justice Warren Burger: "I, Gerald R. Ford, do solemnly swear … "
Gerald R. Ford: "I, Gerald R. Ford, do solemnly swear … "
Chief Justice Warren Burger: " … that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States … "
Gerald R. Ford: " … that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States … "
Chief Justice Warren Burger: " … against all enemies, foreign and domestic … "
Vice-President Elect Gerald R. Ford: " … against all enemies, foreign and domestic … "
Chief Justice Warren Burger: " … that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same … "
Gerald R. Ford: " … that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same … "
Chief Justice Warren Burger: " … that I take this obligation freely … "
Gerald R. Ford: " … that I take this obligation freely … "
Chief Justice Warren Burger: " … without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion … "
Gerald R. Ford:: " … without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion … "
Chief Justice Warren Burger: " … and that I will well and faithfully discharge … "
Gerald R. Ford:: " … that I will well and faithfully discharge …"
Chief Justice Warren Burger: " … the duties of the office … "
Gerald R. Ford: " … the duties of the office … "
Chief Justice Warren Burger: " … on which I am about to enter … "
Vice-President Elect Gerald R. Ford: " … of the office on which I'm about to enter …"
Chief Justice Warren Burger: " … so help me God."
Gerald R. Ford: " … so help me God."
Unknown Speaker: "Together, we have made history here today. For the first time, we have carried out the commands of the 25th Amendment. In exactly eight weeks, we have demonstrated to the world that our great republic stands solid, stands strong upon the bedrock of the Constitution."
Ed Karrens: The time of year was 1973. It was a year of war and peace, a year of victory and defeat, a year of crisis and resolution, agony and joy. It was a year in which each one of us may have learned something to help us through 1974. It was a year that gave more credence to the Biblical passage from Ecclesiastes which says, "In time, all things will come to pass".
You've been listening to 1973 in Review, a presentation of the United Press International Audio Network. This program was written and produced by Stan Sabic, researcher was Debbie Floor, technical supervision by Frank Shortino. I'm Ed Karrens.
