Listen to the landmark New York Times bestselling biography of Richard M. Nixon, a political savant whose gaping character flaws would drive him from the presidency and forever taint his legacy. This audiobook, narrated by the talented Bob Walter, offers a fascinating look into the life of America's thirty-seventh president.
In this revelatory biography by Evan Thomas, you'll discover a truly unique portrait of Richard Nixon, a man who was both determinedly optimistic and tragically flawed. Nixon played a vital role in shaping the modern Republican Party, rallying disaffected whites and conservative ex-Dixiecrats under the banner of the "silent majority." At the same time, he was hailed as a liberal by some for his efforts to desegregate Southern schools, establish the Environmental Protection Agency, and end the draft.
Born into a devout Quaker family, Nixon grew up in the shadow of his older, favored brother. Like his rival John F. Kennedy, he thrived on conflict and opposition, constantly leading crusades and battling enemies both real and imagined. Nixon possessed a plainspoken eloquence that moved American television audiences to tears with his career-saving "Checkers" speech. However, behind the scenes, he engaged in underhanded schemes to undermine his political foes, earning himself the infamous nickname "Tricky Dick."
Drawing from a wide range of historical accounts, Evan Thomas crafts a biography that reveals the complexities of a leader whose vision and foresight achieved diplomacy with the Soviet Union and normalized relations with communist China. Yet, his Machiavellian political tactics had already tarnished his reputation long before the Watergate scandal. Being Nixon is not just a political biography; it is a deeply insightful character study that offers a surprising look at a man capable of both bravery and extraordinary deviousness. It is a balanced portrait of a president often reduced to a caricature.
With an audiobook rating of 4.5 out of 5, this engaging biography comes highly recommended. Terrifically engaging, fair, insightful, and highly entertaining, Being Nixon is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this controversial president. Tim Urban's style of writing shines through as we embark on this 20-hour and 30-minute journey into the life of Richard Nixon.
