Topic > Richard Nixon: Greatness Overshadowed by Corruption

The life of Richard Milhous Nixon has been and always will be an interesting topic, and everyone has an opinion about this man. But there is one thing we can agree on, and that is that he left the White House in disgrace. However, a man should not be remembered only for his mistakes, and Nixon accomplished a great deal in his lifetime. Nixon was a Congressman, Senator, Vice President, the 37th President of the United States, and significantly improved foreign affairs with multiple nations during his presidency. Unfortunately, Nixon will always be associated with the Watergate scandal and his subsequent resignation. Richard Milhous Nixon was born on January 9, 1913 on the lemon ranch his parents' family built in Yorba Linda, California. His early life was not a life of luxury like many other presidents, and Nixon actually experienced some unfortunate events. His family's ranch failed and two of his brothers died, forcing the remaining Nixons to move to a relative's house where they opened a gas station combination. Years later, in 1930, Nixon attended Whittier College in Whittier, California, where he received a scholarship to attend Duke University's law school. By 1937, Nixon had graduated from law school and had the honor of serving as president of the student bar association. Nixon returned to Whittier in 1937 and became a partner in the law firm Wingert and Bewley. Nixon also enjoyed performing at the local theater, which is how he met his future wife, Thelma Catherine Ryan, or "Pat." Nixon's early life was, if nothing else, preparation for what would become a long and impressive political career. In 1946, Republicans in California urged Nixon to run for Congress, which he did. Nixon won by a healthy majority, u... middle of the paper... and every presidential candidate since then has made sure to look their best during a televised debate or event of any kind. Nixon's positive impact was large enough that his presidency should have been viewed favorably by most. Understandably, however, Nixon's presidency will always be remembered for one big mistake. Nixon was one of only three presidents to have impeachment charges brought against him and the only president to resign. The nation instilled its faith in Nixon and he lied. When it was discovered that Nixon had lied to the nation for so long, no one trusted him anymore. This demonstrated that corruption can be found at any level of the American political system, even at the highest positions. This distrust and skepticism of politicians is still very much alive today, and is arguably Nixon's greatest impact on America.