Nixon Shorts
Description: In hindsight, the magnitude of Richard Nixon's reelection victory in 1972—the largest Republican landslide of the Cold War—leads some to ask why the President ever got involved in the Watergate cover-up. Nixon won 49 out of 50 states, taking all but Massachusetts. He established an early lead over the Democratic nominee, Senator George McGovern of South Dakota, and never lost it. For Nixon, it was the best year of his political life. His diplomatic opening to China reached fruition with a widely televised trip to Beijing. Détente bore fruit with the signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty and a summit in Moscow. And Nixon's decision to bomb North Vietnam and mine Haiphong Harbor to stop a Communist offensive proved highly popular.
Description: Richard Nixon's presidential election win in 1968 had climaxed a career that included both his early success and his comeback after being defeated both for President in 1960 and for Governor of California in 1962. He was reelected in 1972, but would soon become embroiled in the infamous Watergate scandal, that would lead to his resignation just two years later. Fast-forward to 1988, and a small camp that was unhappy with the Republican candidates running for president began floating the idea of Nixon throwing his hat into the ring using a "he's tan, rested, and ready" slogan. At 75 years of age, Nixon played his cards close to his vest, but ultimately didn't bite. This left the path clear for incumbent Vice President George H. W. Bush.
Description: The 1968 presidential campaign of Richard Nixon, the 36th Vice President of the United States, began when Nixon, the Republican nominee of 1960, formally announced his candidacy following a year's preparation and five years' political reorganization following defeats in the 1960 presidential election, and the 1962 California gubernatorial election. En route to the Republican Party's presidential nomination, Nixon faced challenges from Governor George Romney of Michigan, Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York, Governor Ronald Reagan of California, and Senator Charles Percy of Illinois. Nixon won nine of the thirteen state primaries held that season, although due to the population of his state, Governor Reagan won the popular vote whil...
