Richard M. Nixon Quotes

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About Richard M. Nixon

Richard Milhous Nixon, born on January 9, 1913, in Yorba Linda, California, was an influential American politician who served as the 37th President of the United States from 1969 to 1974. Raised by a Quaker family with modest means, Nixon's political ambitions were sparked early, as he delivered speeches for Herbert Hoover's presidential campaign at age 16. Nixon attended Whittier College and Duke University School of Law before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Upon his return, Nixon began a political career, first as a member of the House of Representatives (1947-1953), then as a U.S. Senator (1951-1953). In 1952, Nixon was selected as Dwight D. Eisenhower's running mate, winning the vice presidency and beginning a six-year tenure marked by political infighting. In 1968, Nixon ran for president on a platform of ending the Vietnam War and restoring national unity. He won the election and was inaugurated as president in January 1969. During his presidency, Nixon initiated détente with the Soviet Union, visited China (1972), and established the Environmental Protection Agency. However, his administration was marred by scandal when it was revealed that a political cover-up had occurred regarding the Watergate break-in (1972). Facing impeachment, Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974, becoming the only U.S. president to do so. Post-presidency, Nixon wrote several books, including "RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon" (1978), offering a personal perspective on his political career and life events. Nixon passed away in 1994, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to shape American politics. His quotes, often reflecting his pragmatic approach to policy and politics, continue to resonate: "We are all Republicans, we are just Americans first."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We can't be delinquent in our duties, however distasteful they may be."

This quote emphasizes a sense of responsibility and commitment to fulfilling one's duties, even if those tasks are unpleasant or difficult. It suggests that, regardless of personal feelings or preferences, it is important to carry out one's obligations as a responsible individual or leader. The message encourages perseverance and dedication towards tasks, despite any challenges or obstacles that may arise.

"I don't think any president should ever get involved in the criminal justice system in the United States."

Richard Nixon's statement implies that a U.S. President should not interfere with the administration of the country's criminal justice system. This suggests a belief in upholding the separation of powers, allowing for an independent judiciary to enforce laws fairly and impartially, without undue political influence from the executive branch. Nixon himself faced legal issues during his presidency, which may have influenced this perspective.

"The American dream is a reality you can achieve no matter where you come from if you're willing to work for it."

This quote by Richard Nixon emphasizes the idea that the 'American Dream' – the belief that anyone, regardless of their background or origins, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work – is a tangible, attainable goal in the United States. It underscores the importance of personal determination, effort, and perseverance in realizing one's aspirations, reinforcing the idea that social mobility is possible and that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

"Man, I am really tired of hearing all this galloping socialism. If any political label fits me, it's American."

This quote by Richard Nixon suggests that he identified as a staunch American, rather than a socialist, and was growing weary of the increasing rhetoric associated with socialist ideologies during his time. The use of "galloping" implies a rapid and uncontrolled pace, suggesting he viewed this trend towards socialism as excessive or unwarranted. Overall, Nixon expressed a strong allegiance to American values and political identity.

"The greatest foreign policy success that President Kennedy had was the fact that he didn't get us into war in Vietnam."

This quote by Richard Nixon suggests that one of John F. Kennedy's most significant achievements in foreign policy was his ability to avoid involving the United States in the Vietnam War, despite the escalating tensions during his presidency. Nixon's comment underscores the importance of diplomacy and restraint in international relations, as a President who successfully prevents their nation from entering into war can be considered successful in that regard.

If you take no risks, you will suffer no defeats. But if you take no risks, you win no victories.

- Richard M. Nixon

Chance, Suffer, Take, Risks

Let us build bridges, my friends, build bridges to human dignity across that gulf that separates black America from white America.

- Richard M. Nixon

Black, Human Dignity, Bridges

The Cold War isn't thawing; it is burning with a deadly heat. Communism isn't sleeping; it is, as always, plotting, scheming, working, fighting.

- Richard M. Nixon

Heat, Always, Plotting, Deadly

Sure there are dishonest men in local government. But there are dishonest men in national government too.

- Richard M. Nixon

Government, Sure, Too, Dishonest

No event in American history is more misunderstood than the Vietnam War. It was misreported then, and it is misremembered now.

- Richard M. Nixon

War, American, More, Vietnam

Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way. And don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines.

- Richard M. Nixon

Wisdom, Give, Shines, Another Way

You must never be satisfied with losing. You must get angry, terribly angry, about losing. But the mark of the good loser is that he takes his anger out on himself and not his victorious opponents or on his teammates.

- Richard M. Nixon

Satisfied, About, Opponents, Teammates

I've never canceled a subscription to a newspaper because of bad cartoons or editorials. If that were the case, I wouldn't have any newspapers or magazines to read.

- Richard M. Nixon

Newspaper, Bad, Read, Subscription

The American people are entitled to see the president and to hear his views directly, and not to see him only through the press.

- Richard M. Nixon

American, Through, Entitled, Directly

Americans admire a people who can scratch a desert and produce a garden. The Israelis have shown qualities that Americans identify with: guts, patriotism, idealism, a passion for freedom. I have seen it. I know. I believe that.

- Richard M. Nixon

Admire, Idealism, Identify, Scratch

When the President does it, that means that it's not illegal.

- Richard M. Nixon

Illegal, Means, Does, President

You must pursue this investigation of Watergate even if it leads to the president. I'm innocent. You've got to believe I'm innocent. If you don't, take my job.

- Richard M. Nixon

History, Innocent, Watergate, President

I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is opposed to every instinct in my body. But as president I must put the interests of America first Therefore, I shall resign the presidency effective at noon tomorrow.

- Richard M. Nixon

Instinct, Been, Before, President

When I retire I'm going to spend my evenings by the fireplace going through those boxes. There are things in there that ought to be burned.

- Richard M. Nixon

Through, Going, Boxes, Burned

Watergate had become the center of the media's universe, and during the remaining year of my presidency the media tried to force everything else to revolve around it.

- Richard M. Nixon

Year, Center, Had, Watergate

I can see clearly now... that I was wrong in not acting more decisively and more forthrightly in dealing with Watergate.

- Richard M. Nixon

History, See, Dealing, Watergate

It I talked about Watergate, I was described as struggling to free myself from the morass. If I did not talk about Watergate, I was accused of being out of touch with reality.

- Richard M. Nixon

Myself, About, Accused, Watergate

If we take the route of the permanent handout, the American character will itself be impoverished.

- Richard M. Nixon

Character, Take, Itself, Impoverished

There are some people, you know, they think the way to be a big man is to shout and stomp and raise hell-and then nothing ever really happens. I'm not like that I never shoot blanks.

- Richard M. Nixon

Big, Some, Blanks, Stomp

Remember, always give your best. Never get discouraged. Never be petty. Always remember, others may hate you. But those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.

- Richard M. Nixon

Give, Always, May, Discouraged

Black Americans, no more than white Americans, they do not want more government programs which perpetuate dependency. They don't want to be a colony in a nation.

- Richard M. Nixon

Dependency, Which, Colony, Perpetuate

I gave 'em a sword. And they stuck it in, and they twisted it with relish. And I guess if I had been in their position, I'd have done the same thing.

- Richard M. Nixon

Twisted, Been, Same Thing, Stuck

Any change is resisted because bureaucrats have a vested interest in the chaos in which they exist.

- Richard M. Nixon

Chaos, Exist, Which, Vested

By the time you get dressed, drive out there, play 18 holes and come home, you've blown seven hours. There are better things you can do with your time.

- Richard M. Nixon

Play, Hours, By The Time, Holes

The greatest honor history can bestow is that of peacemaker.

- Richard M. Nixon

History, Honor, Bestow, Peacemaker

Our chief justices have probably had more profound and lasting influence on their times and on the direction of the nation than most presidents.

- Richard M. Nixon

Nation, More, Chief, Justices

Don't get the impression that you arouse my anger. You see, one can only be angry with those he respects.

- Richard M. Nixon

Anger, Angry, See, Arouse

If I were to make public these tapes, containing blunt and candid remarks on many different subjects, the confidentiality of the office of the president would always be suspect.

- Richard M. Nixon

Always, Tapes, Containing, Suspect

Certainly in the next 50 years we shall see a woman president, perhaps sooner than you think. A woman can and should be able to do any political job that a man can do.

- Richard M. Nixon

Think, Next, Certainly, Woman President

We do not learn by inference and deduction and the application of mathematics to philosophy, but by direct intercourse and sympathy.

- Richard M. Nixon

Deduction, Application, Inference

I reject the cynical view that politics is a dirty business.

- Richard M. Nixon

Politics, View, Dirty, Cynical

Finishing second in the Olympics gets you silver. Finishing second in politics gets you oblivion.

- Richard M. Nixon

Politics, Silver, Finishing, Oblivion

We must always remember that America is a great nation today not because of what government did for people but because of what people did for themselves and for one another.

- Richard M. Nixon

Nation, Always, Another, Great Nation

I see the face of a child. He lives in a great city. He is black. Or he is white. He is Mexican, Italian, Polish. None of that matters. What matters, he's an American child.

- Richard M. Nixon

City, Black, Lives, Great City

Life isn't meant to be easy. It's hard to take being on the top - or on the bottom. I guess I'm something of a fatalist. You have to have a sense of history, I think, to survive some of these things... Life is one crisis after another.

- Richard M. Nixon

Some, I Think, Another, To Survive

You've got to learn to survive a defeat. That's when you develop character.

- Richard M. Nixon

Character, Defeat, Survive, To Survive

I wish I could give you a lot of advice, based on my experience of winning political debates. But I don't have that experience. My only experience is at losing them.

- Richard M. Nixon

Give, I Wish, Based, Debates

As this long and difficult war ends, I would like to address a few special words to the American people: Your steadfastness in supporting our insistence on peace with honor has made peace with honor possible.

- Richard M. Nixon

Like, Made, Address, Supporting

If an individual wants to be a leader and isn't controversial, that means he never stood for anything.

- Richard M. Nixon

Leader, Never, Means, Controversial

I've analyzed the best I can... and I have not found an impeachable offense, and therefore resignation is not an acceptable course.

- Richard M. Nixon

Found, Offense, Acceptable, Analyzed

A president can ask for reconciliation in the racial conflict that divides Americans. But reconciliation comes only from the hearts of people.

- Richard M. Nixon

Ask, Only, Divides, Reconciliation

It is necessary for me to establish a winner image. Therefore, I have to beat somebody.

- Richard M. Nixon

Politics, Winner, Image, Establish

The memory of that scene for me is like a frame of film forever frozen at that moment: the red carpet, the green lawn, the white house, the leaden sky. The new president and his first lady.

- Richard M. Nixon

Memory, House, Scene, Frame

My own view is that taping of conversations for historical purposes was a bad decision on the part of all the presidents. I don't think Kennedy should have done it. I don't think Johnson should have done it, and I don't think we should have done it.

- Richard M. Nixon

Decision, Think, Bad, Taping

If you think the United States has stood still, who built the largest shopping center in the world?

- Richard M. Nixon

Think, United States, Still, Shopping

Never say no when a client asks for something, even if it is the moon. You can always try, and anyhow there is plenty of time afterwards to explain that it was not possible.

- Richard M. Nixon

Always, Explain, Afterwards, Client

Under the doctrine of separation of powers, the manner in which the president personally exercises his assigned executive powers is not subject to questioning by another branch of government.

- Richard M. Nixon

Questioning, Which, Subject, Powers

Tell them to send everything that can fly.

- Richard M. Nixon

Fly, Tell, Them, Send

The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire.

- Richard M. Nixon

Steel, Through, Finest, Hottest

I don't think that a leader can control, to any great extent, his destiny. Very seldom can he step in and change the situation if the forces of history are running in another direction.

- Richard M. Nixon

Leader, Think, Extent, Great Extent

President Johnson and I have a lot in common. We were both born in small towns and we're both fortunate in the fact that we think we married above ourselves.

- Richard M. Nixon

Small, Think, Fact, Small Towns

In the television age, the key distinction is between the candidate who can speak poetry and the one who can only speak prose.

- Richard M. Nixon

Television, Prose, Candidate, Key

There will be no whitewash in the White House.

- Richard M. Nixon

House, White, Will, White House

I believe in the battle-whether it's the battle of a campaign or the battle of this office, which is a continuing battle.

- Richard M. Nixon

Battle, Campaign, Which, Continuing

You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore, because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference.

- Richard M. Nixon

Conference, Last, Nixon, Gentlemen

In the long term we can hope that religion will change the nature of man and reduce conflict. But history is not encouraging in this respect. The bloodiest wars in history have been religious wars.

- Richard M. Nixon

History, Encouraging, Reduce, Conflict

Unless a president can protect the privacy of the advice he gets, he cannot get the advice he needs.

- Richard M. Nixon

Advice, Needs, Unless, Protect

The answer to many of the domestic problems we face is not higher taxes and more spending. It is less waste, more results and greater freedom for the individual American to earn a rightful place in his own community - and for States and localities to address their own needs in their own ways, in the light of their own priorities.

- Richard M. Nixon

Own, Taxes, Rightful, Higher Taxes

The time has come for us to draw the line. The time has come for the responsible leaders of both political parties to take a stand against overgrown Government and for the American taxpayer.

- Richard M. Nixon

Against, Line, Taxpayer, American Taxpayer

We are not spending the Federal Government's money, we are spending the taxpayer's money, and it must be spent n a way which guarantees his money's worth and yields the fullest possible benefit to the people being helped.

- Richard M. Nixon

Taxpayer, Which, Spent, Guarantees

If you want to make beautiful music, you must play the black and the white notes together.

- Richard M. Nixon

Music, Play, Notes, Beautiful Music

Castro couldn't even go to the bathroom unless the Soviet Union put the nickel in the toilet.

- Richard M. Nixon

Toilet, Nickel, Castro, Bathroom

People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook. I earned everything I've got.

- Richard M. Nixon

People, Got, Earned, President

I'm glad I'm not Brezhnev. Being the Russian leader in the Kremlin. You never know if someone's tape recording what you say.

- Richard M. Nixon

Leader, Russian, Recording, Kremlin

The more you stay in this kind of job, the more you realize that a public figure, a major public figure, is a lonely man.

- Richard M. Nixon

Kind, More, Figure, Realize

The mark of a true politician is that he is never at a loss for words because he is always half-expecting to be asked to make a speech.

- Richard M. Nixon

Words, Politician, Always, Mark

At home, we must reject the mistaken notion - a notion that has dominated too much of the public dialogue for too long - that ever bigger Government is the answer to every problem.

- Richard M. Nixon

Too Much, Bigger, Mistaken, Dominated

The press is the enemy.

- Richard M. Nixon

Communication, Enemy, Press

A public man must never forget that he loses his usefulness when he as an individual, rather than his policy, becomes the issue.

- Richard M. Nixon

Individual, Usefulness, Never Forget

I am not a crook.

- Richard M. Nixon

I Am, Am, Crook

I brought myself down. I impeached myself by resigning.

- Richard M. Nixon

Myself, Brought, Impeached, Resigning

I have impeached myself by resigning.

- Richard M. Nixon

Myself, Impeached, Resigning

Any lady who is first lady likes being first lady. I don't care what they say, they like it.

- Richard M. Nixon

Say, Like, Being, They Say

We cannot learn from one another until we stop shouting at one another - until we speak quietly enough so that our words can be heard as well as our voices.

- Richard M. Nixon

Learn, Another, We Cannot, Shouting

Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.

- Richard M. Nixon

Been, Magnificent, Ever, Valley

My concern today is not with the length of a person's hair but with his conduct.

- Richard M. Nixon

Hair, Person, His, Conduct

Let us move from the era of confrontation to the era of negotiation.

- Richard M. Nixon

Negotiation, Let Us, Move, Era

Tonight - to you, the great silent majority of my fellow Americans - I ask for your support.

- Richard M. Nixon

Silent, Tonight, Your, Fellow

It's a piece of cake until you get to the top. You find you can't stop playing the game the way you've always played it.

- Richard M. Nixon

Game, Always, Played, Cake

Let us begin by committing ourselves to the truth to see it like it is, and tell it like it is, to find the truth, to speak the truth, and to live the truth.

- Richard M. Nixon

Truth, See, Let Us, Begin

Scrubbing floors and emptying bedpans has as much dignity as the Presidency.

- Richard M. Nixon

Dignity, Presidency, Floors

I played by the rules of politics as I found them.

- Richard M. Nixon

Politics, Rules, Found, Played

Defeat doesn't finish a man, quit does. A man is not finished when he's defeated. He's finished when he quits.

- Richard M. Nixon

Defeat, Defeated, Does, Finish

I can take it. The tougher it gets, the cooler I get.

- Richard M. Nixon

Cool, Take, Tougher, Gets

People react to fear, not love; they don't teach that in Sunday School, but it's true.

- Richard M. Nixon

Love, School, Teach, Sunday

A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits.

- Richard M. Nixon

Man, Defeated, Quits, Finished

I let the American people down.

- Richard M. Nixon

History, People, American, American People

Solutions are not the answer.

- Richard M. Nixon

Solutions, Answer

The presidency has many problems, but boredom is the least of them.

- Richard M. Nixon

Boredom, Them, Least, Presidency

Those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself.

- Richard M. Nixon

Hate, Unless, Them, Destroy

Always remember that others may hate you but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.

- Richard M. Nixon

Always, May, Them, Destroy

What starts the process, really, are laughs and slights and snubs when you are a kid. If your anger is deep enough and strong enough, you learn that you can change those attitudes by excellence, personal gut performance.

- Richard M. Nixon

Strong, Deep, Process, Performance

My strong point, if I have a strong point, is performance. I always do more than I say. I always produce more than I promise.

- Richard M. Nixon

Strong, More, Always, Performance

Government can provide opportunity. But opportunity means nothing unless people are prepared to seize it.

- Richard M. Nixon

Government, Unless, Means, Provide

Once you get into this great stream of history, you can't get out.

- Richard M. Nixon

History, Get, Once, Stream

I don't know anything that builds the will to win better than competitive sports.

- Richard M. Nixon

Sports, Better, Will, Competitive

Well, I screwed it up real good, didn't I?

- Richard M. Nixon

Real, Well, Up, Screwed

Voters quickly forget what a man says.

- Richard M. Nixon

Government, Forget, Quickly, Voters

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