Watergate's Unexpected Hero
The Life of Peter W. Rodino Jr.
by Lawrence Spinelli
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Pub Date 6 Aug 2024 | Archive Date 5 Sep 2024
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Description
In today’s sharply divided political culture, finding a deliberative leader with an enduring commitment to bipartisanship feels hopeless.
Half a century ago, in one of the United States’ most trying hours, a relatively unknown congressman from New Jersey rose to the occasion as chair of the House Judiciary Committee, which established the gold standard for presidential impeachment in holding President Richard M. Nixon accountable for his crimes.
Watergate’s Unexpected Hero: The Life of Peter W. Rodino Jr. is the long overdue biography of a man whom many pundits thought would shrivel as he entered the national spotlight. Instead, his calm presence during the televised proceedings helped to reassure an apprehensive nation, and he quickly became a household name.
Rodino remained a revered figure on Capitol Hill, lionized for his stewardship in a crisis until he retired fourteen years later. Author Lawrence Spinelli, who served as Rodino’s press secretary, goes beyond Watergate to offer a meticulously researched, balanced account of his mentor’s service.
On the fiftieth anniversary of Nixon’s resignation, Spinelli shares new insights into historic events. Relying on primary sources and Rodino’s personal recollections, Spinelli explores an extraordinary life that began in the rough streets of Newark’s Little Italy and culminated in a distinguished public career stretching from the New Deal to the presidency of Ronald Reagan.
Along the way, Rodino worked with iconic political leaders to help address a wide range of public policy issues that still resonate today, including race relations, immigration, voting rights, and economic equality.
Advance Praise
"Watergate’s Unexpected Hero: The Life of Peter W. Rodino Jr. tells this dramatic story along with the rest of the chapters in this great man’s life. Thanks to Dr. Spinelli’s painstaking and amazing effort, a new generation will be introduced to Peter Rodino and also be reminded of what can be achieved when our political leaders work together.”—Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s Hardball for two decades, author of Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit
"A must-read for anyone who seeks new insight into the Watergate crisis.”—Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director, National Museum of African American History and Culture
“Larry Spinelli does a masterful job of capturing the life and service of Peter Rodino, one of the most impressive and impactful leaders of the modern age."—William S. Cohen, former Secretary of Defense, U.S. Senator, and member of the Nixon impeachment committee
“A true American hero.”—Robert Pinsky, three-time U.S. Poet Laureate, author of Jersey Breaks: Becoming an American Poet
Marketing Plan
As part of the marketing for Watergate's Unexpected Hero: The Life of Peter W. Rodino Jr. by Lawrence Spinelli, we are pursuing national and genre-focused media along with bookstore representation and speaking opportunities.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9798891380813 |
| PRICE | US$32.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 392 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Lee S, Reviewer
Thank you Amplify Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished Watergate’s Unexpected Hero: The Life of Peter W. Rodino Jr, by Lawrence Spinelli.
I did find an error in one of the first pages of the book. The date of the break-in at the Watergate hotel was said to have been “June 22, 1972”, when it was actually the 17th. Fortunately, that turned out to be an isolated incident. I made a few random fact checks on details throughout the book and it passed each time.
One of the big highlights of the book, prior to Watergate, was Rodino’s early time on the House Judiciary Committee. That was one of his two top choices when he first got to Congress, but wasn’t able to initially achieve that goal. But, during his first term in Congress, after a member of the committee died, he was able to make the switch, thanks to work he did behind the scenes prior to that. Rodino’s work on civil rights and his relationship with the Johnson administration were also among the highlights of this biography.
Of course, the big highlight of the book was the discussion of Rodino’s time as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee during the Nixon impeachment proceedings. But, as the book showed, there was a lot more to his life and time in Congress than just that period.
I give this book an A. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews
I originally finished reading this on June 17, 2024, coincidentally the 52nd anniversary of the Watergate break-in.
Educator 263557
Fifty years ago when we were glued to ur TV sets watching the self destruction of Richard Nixon the chairman of the committee was a strong and steady presence. As the core of democracy was attached from with in Peter Rodino presented a solid actor for all who watch to hold onto. He gave Americans hope that we would come through this trial and be better for it.
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