Richard Nixon at 100

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Heard a hundred years old today and even though it's nearly been forty years since the dramatic end of his presidency Richard Nixon and -- as a commanding figure.

In American political life many people forget.

He was an extremely popular president who won reelection.

His achievements both foreign and domestic won him.

That reelection in a landslide way but during every election is when it all seem to get overwhelmed to talk and Watergate joining us right now Robert Mary.

He is the editor of national interest and author of raiding the president's Robert.

What do you think about when you think of Nixon.

And his legacy on his -- -- things.

-- so I can't I imagine that he's a hundred years old today I remember when he ran the first time in 1960 I was fourteen years old and I supported the guy.

I what I think about Nixon is that Watergate unfortunately wipes away many significant accomplishments that he brought about for our country.

And that it's kind of not entirely fair but then have a life in politics is -- -- while you talk about number one you talk about what it's about for you talk about -- the gates to China.

Reaching out to them successfully and staying in touch for decades that follow.

Well it is important remember that when he took office.

Vietnam was a cancer on the body politic it was.

Really -- terrible situation in country we were losing a lot of young boys every week and every month.

But it was also tearing the country apart domestically so he had to -- his way through that situation.

-- -- thing about Nixon and Vietnam is that he never talked about winning the war because he didn't think that it was possible to win the war he talked about winning the peace and ending the war.

He considered.

Victory to be impossible and defeat to be unthinkable.

And therefore he brought about one of the greatest military retreats in history have the world really.

Right he also when he took about domestic policy was the one who pulled us off the gold standard and only people debating if that was a wise move -- -- Well Nixon was not strictly speaking a conservative he was an activist president and he believes in regulation so he.

Foster the Environmental Protection Agency OSHA the safety Occupational Safety & Health Administration right various other.

-- regulatory agencies.

But it's true he did to have an economic policy that I don't think was sell all that -- sound.

And you talk about a guy that has rich legacy that people are still studying he's pouring over -- because he was a significant player even after you left office as we found out and subsequent administrations.

Leading up to bush forty three.

Robert Mary thanks so much look forward to reading your book rating the president.

It's thanks -- appreciate being with you all right.

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Richard Nixon at 100

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