Being Nixon

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In this revelatory biography, Evan Thomas presents a unique portrait of Richard Nixon, America's thirty-seventh president, who was both optimistically driven and tragically flawed. As a key architect of the modern Republican Party and its "silent majority," Nixon also took liberal stances, such as desegregating Southern schools, creating the Environmental Protection Agency, and ending the draft. Growing up in a devout Quaker family, he was overshadowed by an older brother and thrived on conflict. Throughout his life, from high school to his political career, Nixon led crusades and battled perceived enemies. He famously captivated audiences with his "Checkers" speech, yet his darker political maneuvers earned him the nickname "Tricky Dick." Drawing on diverse historical accounts, Thomas reveals the contradictions of a leader who achieved significant diplomatic milestones, like détente with the Soviet Union and improved relations with China, but whose underhanded tactics marred his legacy long before Watergate. This biography offers a nuanced character study and a political analysis, presenting a complex figure often reduced to a mere caricature, showcasing both his bravery and deviousness.