Richard M. Nixon: The American Presidents Series: The 37th President 1969-1974

The complex man at the center of Americas most self-destructive presidency. In this provocative and revelatory assessment of the only president ever forced out of office the legendary Washington journalist Elizabeth Drew explains how Richard M. Nixons troubled inner life offers the key to understanding his presidency. She shows how Nixon was surprisingly indecisive on domestic issues and often wasnt interested in them. Turning to international affairs she reveals the inner workings of Nixons complex relationship with Henry Kissinger and their mutual rivalry and distrust. The Watergate scandal that ended his presidency was at once an overreach of executive power and the inevitable result of his paranoia and passion for vengeance. . Even Nixons post-presidential rehabilitation was motivated by a consuming desire for respectability and he succeeded through his remarkable resilience. Through this book we finally understand this complicated man. While giving him credit for his achievements Drew questions whether such a man―beleaguered suspicious and motivated by resentment and paranoia―was fit to hold Americas highest office and raises large doubts that he was.