Author Talk: Watergate’s Unexpected Hero: The Life of Peter W. Rodino Jr. by Lawrence Spinelli

“In 1974, ninety million Americans watched an unlikely group of big-city liberals, southern Democrats, and independent Republicans join together to hold Richard Nixon responsible for the Watergate cover-up. They were introduced to a new American hero—the committee’s chairman, Peter Rodino, who was catapulted to national fame and lauded for his calm leadership and bipartisanship during a time of crisis. Watergate’s Unexpected Hero: The Life of Peter W. Rodino Jr. tells this dramatic story along with the rest of the chapters in this great man’s life. Thanks to Dr. Spinelli’s painstaking and amazing effort, a new generation will be introduced to Peter Rodino and also be reminded of what can be achieved when our political leaders work together.”

—Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s Hardball for two decades, author of Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit

During a distinguished career that spanned more than four decades, Dr. Lawrence Spinelli held a variety of senior-level positions in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. His first job on Capitol Hill was as press secretary to Peter W. Rodino Jr., and he spent five years as director of communications for then-Senator Joe Biden.

Spinelli was an assistant professor of political science at Drew University and a professorial lecturer at American University. He received his undergraduate degree from Drew, a master’s degree in government from Georgetown University, and a master’s degree and doctorate degree in history from New York University.