The Secret Plot to Make Ted Kennedy President: Inside the Real Watergate Conspiracy

by Geoff Shepard

The controversial book that will change how people think about Watergate

Drawing on his insider knowledge and previously unpublished documents, Geoff Shepard shows that it didn’t take long for Ted Kennedy and his allies to smell blood after the Watergate break-in. They set out to exaggerate and prolong the scandal, not merely to destroy Richard Nixon, but to undermine the entire Republican Party and pave the way for another Kennedy presidency in 1976. 

In the process, working closely with a willing media, they pioneered the politics of personal destruction, which has tarnished our country ever since. 

Shepard reveals how this Kennedy conspiracy included members and staffs of the Senate, the House, the Justice Department, and the Special Prosecutor’s office. They used delay tactics and obfuscation to postpone the indictments and avoid trials of the handful of real Watergate criminals. 

Shepard argues that the abuses of power by Kennedy’s cronies dwarf those of the administration they savaged. Among those he singles out for reevaluation are Republican turncoat John Dean, Mark “Deep Throat” Felt, reporter Bob Woodward, and a young lawyer for the House Judiciary Committee named Hillary Rodham.

Genres: History, Politics

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jamie Abbott]

An interesting and informed view of Watergate, Shepard's conspiracy theory is plausible but ignores the basic fact that the Nixon administration, either by accident or design, allowed itself to become corrupted by power and collective hubris that ethics, morals and even the laws it was supposed to uphold didn't apply to it, just everyone else. If Shepard wanted to convince his readers that politics is a dirty business he succeeded, but to portray Richard Nixon specifically and the Republican party in general as victims of a liberal establishment is a little disingenuous. A more balanced review might have made me think there was more to the Watergate scandal than the received wisdom of Nixon as a paranoid crook, who got what he deserved, but Shepard can't help himself indulging in partisan political mud slinging. Enjoyable and interesting book, but nonsense at the same time.

[George Hamblen]

Often biased and loaded with theories that go nowhere. For example, he calls Ted Kennedy a frat boy at one moment, then accuses him of masterminding the downfall of Nixon. He also uses the derogatory term Kennedy clan or Camelot conspirators when mentioning anyone associated with the Kennedys. He never fails to mention if someone is liberal, but somehow leaves of conservative when describing republicans.

Most importantly, he never made a strong case tying Ted to a presidential run in 76 that never happened.

It’s clear the book was written by a Nixon apologist. Who blames John Dean for all of Nixon’s problems. Like the tapes, this book should be erased. Or better yet turned into a drinking game. Take a shot every time the author says Kennedy clan. You’ll be drunk so fast you won’t be able to finish reading.

[Megan Myre]

Yo I hope he (Richard Nixon) picks you bro

[Jeff Brailey]

Shephard's book is well researched, but his conclusions are not surprising or earth shattering. One need only look at the USA's current presidential regime for proof that politics is a dirty game. The author comes across as an apologist for the Nixon administration, where he worked as a White House lawyer for almost six years.

[Stacey]

I struggled to get through this book. It was at times interesting, at times ridiculous, and mostly not that exciting.

[Benjamin Wetmore]

well documented, reasoned and argued. it may be a mere theory but it's a compelling one.

[travis]

One of the funniest books I've ever read. Its delusion is intoxicating.