Egil Krogh
Egil Krogh, who was involved in the Watergate scandal, writes about the importance of maintaining integrity and ethical conduct in public office. The irony lies in the fact that Krogh himself was convicted for his role in the break-in at the Watergate complex, which was a blatant violation of ethical and legal standards.
Krogh's values
Another ironic moment in the book is when Krogh discusses the value of transparency and honesty in government, considering his involvement in a covert operation like the Watergate break-in. This contrast between the author's words and actions highlights his situation's irony.
The Plumbers
The irony of Krogh's role in the White House "Plumbers" unit is that it was originally created to plug leaks and maintain the administration's secrecy. However, their actions ultimately contributed to the exposure of the Watergate scandal, leading to Nixon's downfall. The unit intended to prevent leaks became a catalyst for one of the most significant political scandals in U.S. history.
Richard Nixon
In the book, Krogh reflects on the atmosphere of paranoia and secrecy that pervaded the Nixon administration during the Watergate era. This irony stems from the fact that President Nixon himself had campaigned on a platform of transparency and restoring trust in government. The contrast between Nixon's public promises and the reality of a secretive and paranoid administration adds a layer of irony to the situation.
