Richard nixon

            
             (1913-1994), 37th president of the United States .
             In assessing what is good in a president, one must look at that president's ability to properly govern its citizens and country and in the manner in which he does it. Richard Milhouse Nixon had it within his grasp to be the greatest post-World War II president, he was extremely intelligent, had a driving ambition, and was a political consummate. However, Nixon's coercive traits and dubious political tactics leave little faith in his legitimacy. In many respects Richard Nixon was a good president, and undoubtedly had positive effects on America. However, his presidency was tainted with deception, coercion, and self-seeking interests. He is the most unpopular president of all time and his effects on American politics and his impact on the United States are largely negative and propelled by a need to prove self worth and a vocation for re-election. His abuse of power and disregard of morals lend to images of ruthlessness and merciless tyranny. His deceit and un-ethical tactics, especially during the Watergate scandal disintegrate his integrity and devalue his worth as a president. Richard Nixon was a very capable and strong president who had greatness within his grasp but never reached it.
             Nixon's time as president and the decisions he's made are extremely enigmatic. In order to understand Nixon and his actions, it is imperative to look at where he came from and the experiences therein. Nixon's background is an effective reference as to why he acted the way he did. Richard M. Nixon was born in Yorba Linda, California in 1913, the second of five sons of Francis Anthony Nixon and Hannah Milhous Nixon ( ) The Nixon family was seemingly plagued by a history of early deaths. Francis' father, Richard's Grandfather, Samuel Brady Nixon, was only fifteen when his father, George, died in the Civil War. Samuel's mother would soon die after, leaving her eight children orphans.