Politico Who Called The Press Nattering Nabobs Of Negativism Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 15, 2025

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Unmasking the "Nattering Nabobs of Negativism": A Deep Dive into the Crossword Clue and its Political Context

The crossword clue "Politico who called the press nattering nabobs of negativism" points to a pivotal moment in American political history and a memorable, if somewhat controversial, phrase. This article will delve into the origin of the phrase, its political context, the impact it had on the relationship between the press and the Nixon administration, and finally, the identity of the politico who coined the term.

The Origin of the Phrase and its Author: Spiro Agnew

The infamous phrase "nattering nabobs of negativism" was coined by Spiro Agnew, the 39th Vice President of the United States, during a speech delivered on November 13, 1970, in Des Moines, Iowa. This wasn't just a casual remark; it was a carefully crafted attack aimed squarely at the American news media. Agnew, a former governor of Maryland, was known for his combative style and his willingness to engage in highly partisan rhetoric. His speech was a significant escalation in the increasingly strained relationship between the Nixon administration and the press.

The Political Context: The Nixon Administration and the Media

The early 1970s were a period of significant social and political upheaval in the United States. The Vietnam War was deeply unpopular, the counterculture movement was challenging traditional norms, and public trust in the government was eroding. The media played a crucial role in reporting on these issues, often presenting critical perspectives on the Nixon administration's policies. This critical coverage was not well-received by Nixon and his team, who viewed the media as biased and overly negative.

Agnew's speech was a direct response to this perceived media bias. He accused journalists of being overly critical, focusing on the negative aspects of the nation's situation, and ignoring the positive developments. He portrayed them as elitist intellectuals detached from the concerns of ordinary Americans. The term "nattering nabobs of negativism" perfectly captured the administration's frustration and contempt for the press's coverage.

The Impact of Agnew's Speech:

The speech had a significant, albeit complex, impact. While it initially resonated with a segment of the population who shared the administration's frustration with the media, it also sparked a considerable backlash. Critics argued that Agnew's attack was an attempt to intimidate the press and stifle dissent. The accusation of "negativism" was seen as a thinly veiled attempt to silence critical voices and to control the narrative.

The speech highlighted the growing chasm between the Nixon administration and a significant portion of the news media. It fueled the perception that the Nixon administration was intolerant of criticism and hostile towards a free press. This perception would later contribute to the broader distrust in the government that characterized the Watergate scandal.

Deconstructing the Phrase:

The phrase itself is a masterpiece of rhetorical invective. "Nattering" suggests incessant, trivial complaining. "Nabobs," meaning wealthy and influential people, implies an elitist detachment from the concerns of everyday Americans. "Negativism," the final element, encapsulates the administration's central grievance: the perceived negativity of media coverage.

The skillful combination of these three words created a highly effective, if somewhat hyperbolic, characterization of the press. The phrase became instantly memorable and remains widely recognized even today, a testament to its rhetorical power and its historical significance.

Beyond the Phrase: Agnew's Broader Strategy

Agnew's attack on the media was not an isolated incident. It was part of a broader strategy employed by the Nixon administration to manage and control the flow of information. This strategy involved not only public attacks on individual journalists and news organizations but also more subtle attempts to influence news coverage through back-channel communications and pressure tactics.

This approach, while successful in the short term in shaping public perception in some instances, ultimately proved counterproductive. The administration's hostility towards the press fueled distrust and intensified scrutiny, ultimately contributing to its downfall. The Watergate scandal, arguably the most significant political scandal in American history, demonstrated the dangers of attempting to manipulate or suppress the press.

The Legacy of "Nattering Nabobs of Negativism"

The phrase "nattering nabobs of negativism" continues to be used today, albeit often ironically or satirically. It serves as a reminder of a tumultuous period in American political history, highlighting the complex and often adversarial relationship between the government and the press. The phrase's lasting legacy is not just its memorability but its symbolic representation of a broader conflict over the role of the media in a democratic society.

Conclusion: A Crossword Clue with Historical Weight

The seemingly simple crossword clue "Politico who called the press nattering nabobs of negativism" unlocks a far richer and more complex story. It points to a pivotal moment in American history, a time when the relationship between the government and the press reached a critical point. Spiro Agnew's memorable phrase, while controversial, continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society, and the potential consequences of attempting to control or suppress it. The enduring power of this seemingly simple crossword clue lies in its ability to encapsulate this complex and significant historical context.