Sunday Digest | #012

What I am watching 👀, reading 📖, and listening 🎧 to on a Sunday.

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Ok, fellow history/political intrigue lovers. Let me tell you about the little-known story of Martha Michell, the outspoken wife of Nixon’s Attorney General John Michell, and she was at the heart of one of the most notorious political scandals in US history - Watergate!

John and Martha were married for 12 years before he became a campaign advisor to Richard Nixon and, ultimately, Attorney General. Requiring John, Martha, and their daughter to leave their non-public life in New York to the national state in Washington, D.C.

But things weren't so rosy. You see, Martha had a habit of speaking her mind, even if it got her into hot water. She became a media darling at the time because of the things she would say, her wit, and her big laugh. Nixon's administration found it more troublesome, especially when her statements were at odds with the official narrative. One time her mouth got her into so much trouble. Nixon banned her from flying on Air Force One for speaking too honestly with the press corp.

When the Watergate scandal started unfolding in 1972, Martha was right there in the middle of it all. She overheard stuff, made some phone calls, and before she knew it, she was spilling secrets to the press that contradicted the official line from Nixon's administration. I mean, she even claimed she was kidnapped to prevent her from blabbing more to reporters.

Despite her bold efforts, many didn't believe her at first, labeling her as crazy. But as the truth came out about Watergate, it turned out Martha was right all along. She was nicknamed the "Mouth of the South," and her candid comments played a part in bringing the truth to light.

If you want to learn more about Marth’s involvement in exposing the Watergate scandal, then you have to check out the Netflix documentary, "The Martha Michell Effect.” It’s a must-see to truly grasp the size of her personality and the effect she had on Washington.

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