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How resonant is the note that Agnew is striking? "People in the New York/Washington axis read their Times and Washington Post every morning, and what they say is critical," says a White House adviser. "But when you get out into the country, the feeling changes." Liberals—including many editorial writers and columnists—mock Agnew. Even the White House staff is divided between those who regard the Vice President as "hopeless" and those who think him "educable." A moderate Republican Senator said recently: "The man's a laughing stock, even among other Republicans. When I speak to a Republican group, I don't have to tell a joke to get a laugh, I just say 'Spiro Agnew.' "
Yet in many parts of the nation, Agnew's voice is vox populi. Barry Goldwater allowed last week that Agnew's attacks on the peace movement leaders express "the sentiment of the vast, overwhelming majority of the American people." He even suggested that Agnew might find himself being touted for the White House before his time. Says Fred Nemeth, a printer in Phoenix, Ariz.: "We all want this war to end, but we don't like to see those demonstrators in the streets. No matter how much we disagree with each other, we don't like to see this country ridiculed and torn down, and we think Agnew's right." Arizona Boxing Manager Al Fenn adds ominously: "I can't help but feel there's going to be a revolt against the protesters in time, and it's not going to be a silent majority any longer. Instead, it's going to be an outspoken majority."
Questions of Style
Even those who agree with Agnew's views frequently find it difficult to take him very seriously as a leader—and many Americans wince at the thought that he might be thrust abruptly into the presidency. Says Ray Caponigro, a Chicago pressman: "I think it's good he's coming down on those hippies, but I wouldn't like him as President. He's too temperamental." A Houston housewife, Mrs. R. W. Hirsch, places herself squarely in Middle America, but Agnew makes her nervous. "While the man is definitely honest in his opinions, he is anything but tactful," she says. Jake Johnson, a garage owner in Atlanta, applauds Agnew for "speaking his mind." But to the thought of Agnew in the White House, he says, "Not yet." A reaction that is common among many other Americans: a you-can't-be-serious grin.