An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

513. America in '68: Nixon's Great Comeback (Part 6)

November 14, 2024

Description

“Nixon now! Nixon now! More than ever we need Nixon now!” It's the 5th of November 1968, and Richard M. Nixon is on tenterhooks, alone in his dark hotel room. He watches as the final states are...
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Books Referenced

The Making of the President

Author: Theodore H. White

Context:

Referenced as 'the great book on presidential campaigns' from 1960, discussing how White had previously been hard on Nixon but later changed his view of him

The Selling of the President

Author: Joe McGuinness

Context:

A book written by a young writer who got complete access to the Nixon campaign, described as 'a wonderful book to read if you're interested in this campaign or campaigning generally' that lifted the lid on the cynicism of presidential campaigns

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Author: Hunter S. Thompson

Context:

Mentioned to identify who Hunter S. Thompson is ('he's the fear and loathing in Las Vegas, man') before discussing his quotes about Nixon

Richard Nixon: The Life

Author: John A. Farrell

Context:

Referenced as Nixon's 'most recent biographer' when describing Nixon's target demographic of middle Americans who watch NASCAR, go to church, and volunteer for Boy Scouts

The Year that Broke Politics

Author: Luke A. Nicta

Context:

Referenced as 'the Nicta book' which discusses LBJ's relationship with Nixon and the conspiracy theory about Nixon sabotaging Vietnam peace talks