Capitol Issues

Capitol Issues george f. will Unraveling

The Nixon Administration may soon resemble the “rather equivocal and shapeless pudding” that caused Churchill to command, “Pray, take away this pudding, it has no theme.” Until recently the Administration had a theme—the restoration of faith in the competence and dignity of our political system. Hence President Nixon’s desire for a Gaullist Presidency, as aloof, isolated, and “mysterious” as the mores of our handpumping, baby- kissing Republic will permit. So he surrounded himself with a White House staff the size of which was, until recently, exceeded only by its delusions of adequacy. But the unfolding Watergate scandal—the unraveling Watergate cover-up—indicates that the moral turpitude of certain staff members has exceeded even their delusions.

About the Author

George F. Will

George F. Will has been a columnist, beginning with National Review, since 1973.

Capitol Issues george f. will Unraveling

The Nixon Administration may soon resemble the “rather equivocal and shapeless pudding” that caused Churchill to command, “Pray, take away this pudding, it has no theme.” Until recently the Administration had a theme—the restoration of faith in the competence and dignity of our political system. Hence President Nixon’s desire for a Gaullist Presidency, as aloof, isolated, and “mysterious” as the mores of our handpumping, baby- kissing Republic will permit. So he surrounded himself with a White House staff the size of which was, until recently, exceeded only by its delusions of adequacy. But the unfolding Watergate scandal—the unraveling Watergate cover-up—indicates that the moral turpitude of certain staff members has exceeded even their delusions.