Nation: Confusion over Collusion

A chastened Spiro Agnew set out last week to project the image of philosopher-statesman. With ego-altering assistance from Stephen Hess, a polished speechwriter assigned to him from Nixon headquarters, the Republican vice-presidential nominee sounded restrained, deliberate and at times downright dull. His press conferences, noted one aide, "are guaranteed not to make news."

Like all guarantees, however, Agnew's had a time limit. Asked in Las Vegas about the charge that one of the major parties was in "collusion" with George Wallace, Agnew snapped: "That charge is not sufficiently dignified to require a comment. The word 'collusion' has nasty connotations." He added with...

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