Nixon staffers began to spy on the opposition, including members of the Democratic Party.
Nixon's constant fear resulted in his staffers taking extreme actions to ensure he won. This including developing false rumors about different politicians and even breaking into the Democratic headquarters at the Watergate complex. This paranoia would eventually lead to his downfall, as members of the Committee to re-elect President Nixon were arrested for burglary after trying to steal documents from the Democratic Party.
I believe is the second one....
(in this context I assume) famine means shortage sooo, I don't really know
