Being Nixon: A Man Divided

The life and politics of Richard Nixon were filled with intrigue and controversy. He was a complex man, and his presidency was filled with triumphs and tragedy. In his book, Being Nixon: A Man Divided, author Evan Thomas dissects the various facets and motivations that led Nixon to ascend to the highest office in the land and ultimately lead the United States during a tumultuous period of its history.

Thomas begins by examining Nixon's early life and the personality traits that formed the foundation for all of his future endeavors. He details how a young Nixon took on a "no-win" language course in college, which he eventually mastered, and how it helped give him the confidence to succeed against overwhelming odds. The author also discusses Nixon's tumultuous relationship with his parents, his driven nature, and his distrust of the Washington establishment.

The book then dives into Nixon's political career and his rise to the presidency. Thomas delves into Nixon's hard-fought campaigns, beginning with his failed run for the U.S. Senate in California, and moves forward to his eventual victory of the 1968 presidential election. He examines in great detail the strategies and tactics that would become a signature of the Nixon White House. The reader is given the benefit of hindsight and is provided with commentary from former aides and opponents.

Moving into the White House, Thomas discusses Nixon's unique approach to governance and his often abrasive tactics. He looks at the various cabinet appointments and how Nixon sought to control the government from the White House. He examines seminal events such as Nixon's famous visits to China and to the Soviet Union and how his personal conduct shaped U.S. foreign relations. Throughout the book, Thomas weaves a narrative that details how Nixon's tumultuous personal life often set the tone for his public engagements.

The book then shifts its focus to the Watergate scandal that would eventually end Nixon's political career. Thomas takes an in-depth look at the events that led to Nixon resigning his post and the investigations and indictments that followed. He paints a decidedly different picture of Nixon than that of the object of scorn and ridicule that the media created. However, Thomas also doesn't really attempt to exonerate Nixon in the scandal. Instead, he presents the facts as they are and allows the reader to make up their own minds.

The book doesn't wrap up with the story of the downfall of Nixon. Instead, it follows Nixon's action after his resignation and his gradual redemption in the eyes of many of his former detractors. Through interviews with members of Nixon's staff her recreates the process of Nixon coming to terms with his own mistakes and his ultimate acceptance of responsibility for his actions.

In the final chapters, Being Nixon: A Man Divided reflects on Nixon's legacy and his importance to the history of the United States. Thomas skillfully paints a picture of a complex and at times painful process of a man standing trial and being judged by the public of his country. By delving deeply into Nixon's character, Thomas paints a mature and thoughtful portrait of a man who may have been divided, but who ultimately had a clear vision of the United States he wished to lead.