Television and the Making of Richard Nixon

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While Richard Nixon’s accomplishments and shortcomings are well-documented, one often ignored aspect of his career is his influence on the media conduct of politicians of his generation. Nixon pioneered the use of visual media in politics, beginning in the 1940s during his Congressional service. His historic Checkers speech was the first of its kind: a politician using television to save his political career. His appearances on entertainment television, which are now a normal feature of most national political campaigns, broke new ground as well.

This book details the blueprint Nixon set for using television to achieve political goals. Presidents have often used new, innovative media as strategic methods of communication and public relations. The author argues that Nixon pioneered television media, using it consistently to connect with the American public.