(2 of 2)
Ervin's consistent conservatism made him acceptable to Senators of both parties when the Watergate committee was created. The country, eager for some displays of frankness and humanity, was cheered as the commonsensical Claghorn scolded and probed weaselly White House witnesses. His indignation provoked, his jowls wagging, Ervin offered up biblical allusions and down-home anecdotes, chortling and then fuming. "I think that Watergate is the greatest tragedy this country has ever suffered," he said. "I used to think that the Civil War was our country's greatest tragedy, but I do remember some redeeming features in the Civil War . . . some spirit of sacrifice and heroism displayed on both sides. I see no redeeming features in Watergate." None? He was forgetting about the clear-sighted, right-minded, good-hearted leadership of Senator Sam Ervin.