Read more
In 1971, Richard Nixon's nominee for the Supreme Court was little-known assistant attorney general William Rehnquist. Dean packs his behind-the-scenes tale with revelations, including Nixon's outrageous plan to pack the court by forcing resignations, and provides a look at the secretive governmental process that turned the nomination into a typical Nixonian roller coaster ride.
List of contents
ContentsCast of Characters
A Note to the Reader
1.Introduction: The Backstory
PART ONE
2.The Games Begin (September 17, 1971)
3.Priority One: A Southerner (September 18)
4.The Push for Poff (September 20)
5. Priority Two: Two Conservatives (September 23-28)
6.Poff Goes Poof (September 29-October 2)
PART TWO
7.Testing How Byrd Might Fly (October 2-11, 1971)
8.Going with Friday and Lillie (October 12-14)
9.The Chief Justice and Other Problems (October 14-18)
PART THREE
10.Powell and Baker (October 19, 1971)
11.While Howard Baker Dithered (October 20)
12.The Rehnquist Choice (October 21)
13.Afterword
A Note on Sources
Chronology
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Copyright © 2001 by John W. Dean
About the author
John W. Dean
Summary
In 1971, William Rehnquist seemed the perfect choice to fill a seat on the United States Supreme Court. He was a young, well-polished lawyer who shared many of President Richard Nixon's philosophies and faced no major objections from the Senate. But in truth, the nomination was anything but straightforward. Now, for the first time, former White House counsel John Dean tells the improbable story of Rehnquist's appointment.
Dean weaves a gripping account packed with stunning new revelations: of a remarkable power play by Nixon to stack the court in his favor by forcing resignations; of Rehnquist himself, who played a role in the questionable ousting of Justice Abe Fortas; and of Nixon's failed impeachment attempt against William 0. Douglas. In his initial confirmation hearings, Rehnquist provided outrageous and unbelievable responses to questions about his controversial activities in the '50s and '60s -- yet he was confirmed with little opposition. It was only later, during his confirmation as Chief Justice, that his testimony would come under fire -- raising serious questions as to whether he had perjured himself
Using newly released tapes, his own papers, and documents unearthed from the National Archives, John Dean offers readers a place in the White House inner circle, providing an unprecedented look at a government process, and a stunning expose of the man who has influenced the United States Supreme Court for the last thirty years.
Additional text
Garrett Epps The Washington Post Watergate buffs will find [The Rehnquist Choice] jolly nostalgic fun.
