Richard M Nixon: In the Arena, From Valley to Mountaintop

In the twenty years since Richard Nixon’s death, both his achievements and his failures remain hotly contested. His domestic achievements included revenue sharing, the end of the military draft, new anticrime laws, and a broad environmental program. In terms of foreign policy, he opened relations with the People’s Republic of China, signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty with the Soviet Union, and ended the war in Vietnam. For these achievements, he was re-elected in 1972 by one of the largest margins in American history, defeating Democratic candidate Senator George McGovern. In the 20th century, the only comparable victories were Franklin D Roosevelt in 1936 and Lyndon B Johnson in 1964. The shadow of Watergate continues to hang over Nixon’s presidency, and is often the first thing most people associate with Richard Nixon. Fairly or unfairly, there remains much to learn about Watergate and Nixon’s presidency due to the large number of records and White House tapes still being opened. In addition, as subsequent presidential scandals have occurred, Watergate fades slightly, although it does not completely disappear. Only gradually have scholars turned their attention to subjects other than Watergate, observing the plea by President Clinton in his eulogy of Nixon that we judge the 37th president on his full record, and not just his shortcomings. As more records from his presidency are opened, he will continue to receive fuller biographical treatment.