Source: Evan Thomas. Being Nixon: A Man Divided (2015)
By 1949, Congressman Richard Nixon realized that in the House he was a "comer with no place to go". Although Nixon had thought about running for the Senate, he didn't decide until his most powerful ally, the editor of the LA Times, suggested that he run. The backing of the LA Times was of major benefit to Nixon, in that it meant no significant challengers in the primary as well as access to deep-pocket contributors.
On 3 November 1949 Nixon formally announced that he would run for the U.S. Senate from California. Nixon packaged himself as the "Champion of the Forgotten Man", and his campaign slogan was a "Fighting, Rocking, Socking Campaign". Nixon's opponent was Congresswoman
Helen Gahagan Douglas, who was a former actress and was married to the actor Melvyn Douglas. Douglas was very liberal, and an added benefit for Nixon was that she wasn't a very good politician or campaigner. Douglas' Democratic opponents had already labeled her "The Pink Lady", as well as "Pinko" and "Red Queen", and Nixon's campaign used the same labels and tactics.
Douglas slung back at Nixon indiscriminately; she actually attacked Nixon as being soft on Communism. Nixon's campaign put out the "Pink Sheet", attacking Douglas with a pink pamphlet that was sent throughout California. An increasingly desperate Douglas labeled Nixon as "Tricky Dick" . . . that negative nickname stuck with Nixon for the rest of his political career.
On 3 November 1949 Nixon formally announced that he would run for the U.S. Senate from California. Nixon packaged himself as the "Champion of the Forgotten Man", and his campaign slogan was a "Fighting, Rocking, Socking Campaign". Nixon's opponent was Congresswoman
Helen Gahagan Douglas, who was a former actress and was married to the actor Melvyn Douglas. Douglas was very liberal, and an added benefit for Nixon was that she wasn't a very good politician or campaigner. Douglas' Democratic opponents had already labeled her "The Pink Lady", as well as "Pinko" and "Red Queen", and Nixon's campaign used the same labels and tactics.
Douglas slung back at Nixon indiscriminately; she actually attacked Nixon as being soft on Communism. Nixon's campaign put out the "Pink Sheet", attacking Douglas with a pink pamphlet that was sent throughout California. An increasingly desperate Douglas labeled Nixon as "Tricky Dick" . . . that negative nickname stuck with Nixon for the rest of his political career.
Nixon mostly had a good time on the hustings (campaigning), driving 10,000 miles with his wife, Pat. While Nixon wasn't a great presser-of-the-flesh, he had an amazing memory for names. Nixon had thousands of note cards with names and details for each person. Nixon often astounded local politicians by calling them by their names while speaking to crowds.
On Election Day, 7 November 1950, Nixon was sure that voter turnout would be low and that he would lose (perhaps Nixon's greatest flaw was wallowing in self-pity, even when things were going well). But Nixon won in a landslide by over 20% of the vote, which was the largest margin of victory in the 30+ Senate races in the Congressional Elections of 1950. Nixon was only 37 years old, and was already a U.S. Senator from one of the most powerful states. However, among the Eastern Establishment, "Tricky Dick" became an object of derision. Herb Lock, a political satirist and cartoonist in the Washington Post, created a caricature of Nixon that featured dark jowls, a ski-jump nose, and beady eyes. Prominent Establishment magazines seemed to delight in poking fun at Nixon as a morality-free parvenu (a person of obscure origin that has gained fame and/or wealth).
These Establishment magazines were small in circulation, but were influential among intellectuals and academics, especially for "Ivy Leaguers". Georgetown society (the "Georgetown Set", among them was Katharine Graham, the first female C.E.O. in US History) became the most powerful and vocal against Nixon. In Nixon's mind, the Georgetown Set became "Enemy #1" . . . Richard and Pat Nixon weren't social outcasts, but getting to be included among the DC Elites (a.k.a. the "Swells") wasn't easy.
On Election Day, 7 November 1950, Nixon was sure that voter turnout would be low and that he would lose (perhaps Nixon's greatest flaw was wallowing in self-pity, even when things were going well). But Nixon won in a landslide by over 20% of the vote, which was the largest margin of victory in the 30+ Senate races in the Congressional Elections of 1950. Nixon was only 37 years old, and was already a U.S. Senator from one of the most powerful states. However, among the Eastern Establishment, "Tricky Dick" became an object of derision. Herb Lock, a political satirist and cartoonist in the Washington Post, created a caricature of Nixon that featured dark jowls, a ski-jump nose, and beady eyes. Prominent Establishment magazines seemed to delight in poking fun at Nixon as a morality-free parvenu (a person of obscure origin that has gained fame and/or wealth).
These Establishment magazines were small in circulation, but were influential among intellectuals and academics, especially for "Ivy Leaguers". Georgetown society (the "Georgetown Set", among them was Katharine Graham, the first female C.E.O. in US History) became the most powerful and vocal against Nixon. In Nixon's mind, the Georgetown Set became "Enemy #1" . . . Richard and Pat Nixon weren't social outcasts, but getting to be included among the DC Elites (a.k.a. the "Swells") wasn't easy.
Nixon's secretary on Capitol Hill was Rose Mary Woods ("Aunt Rose" to the Nixon family), who was smart, tough, tight-lipped, and fiercely loyal . . . she would be with Nixon until his resignation as President on 9 August 1974. Nixon was invited to Miami in December 1951 by Democratic Senator George Smathers, and in Miami Nixon was introduced to Charles "BeBe" Rebozo, who would become Nixon's closest friend. Rebozo made his fortune in real estate, and like Nixon was at heart a lonely man. Both men had to work hard at being part of a crowd; they found comfort and companionship in each other's company and silence.
Nixon first saw Dwight Eisenhower during his homecoming parade after World War II. The second time Nixon saw Ike was when, as a member of the Herter Committee, Ike briefed the members on aspects of the Marshall Plan in Europe in 1948. The third time was when Nixon was invited to the beyond-exclusive Bohemian Grove, which was a two week closed retreat with some of the nation's most powerful men. Nixon was invited by former President Herbert Hoover, and Ike was there as well, basically being "checked out" by the Club as to his Presidential timbre. The fourth time Nixon saw Ike was in Europe during May 1951, where Ike personally told Nixon that he was impressed that he had got Alger Hiss "fairly". At that point, Nixon was an "Eisenhower Man", and by the spring of 1952, Nixon was hearing rumors that he might be Ike's Vice-Presidential running mate if Ike won the nomination at the
Republican National Convention.
Nixon first saw Dwight Eisenhower during his homecoming parade after World War II. The second time Nixon saw Ike was when, as a member of the Herter Committee, Ike briefed the members on aspects of the Marshall Plan in Europe in 1948. The third time was when Nixon was invited to the beyond-exclusive Bohemian Grove, which was a two week closed retreat with some of the nation's most powerful men. Nixon was invited by former President Herbert Hoover, and Ike was there as well, basically being "checked out" by the Club as to his Presidential timbre. The fourth time Nixon saw Ike was in Europe during May 1951, where Ike personally told Nixon that he was impressed that he had got Alger Hiss "fairly". At that point, Nixon was an "Eisenhower Man", and by the spring of 1952, Nixon was hearing rumors that he might be Ike's Vice-Presidential running mate if Ike won the nomination at the
Republican National Convention.
Thomas Dewey, one of Ike's top backers (and Republican Presidential Candidate in 1944 and 1948), wanted Nixon as Ike's Vice-President, which was key in leading Ike down the path of selecting Nixon. Nixon, knowing he was in play for Ike's VP slot, wanted advice, and there was one member of the Eastern Establishment Elite the he liked, trusted, and admired: TR's daughter "Princess Alice" Roosevelt Longworth. Alice had attended the Hiss hearings, sitting in the front row, rooting for Nixon the entire time. "Princess Alice" liked troublemakers and people that stirred things up. FDR had banned her from the White House in 1940, and by 1952, she was an unabashed admirer of Senator Joseph McCarthy. Despite the obvious social gulf between them, Alice admired Nixon, and personally told him to be prepared to be Ike's Vice-Presidential running mate.
Nixon was indeed selected to be Ike's V.P. and he was summoned to meet Ike at his hotel. Nixon's attempt at bonhomie fell flat when he entered the room and greeted Ike with a hearty "Hi Chief"; Ike, like George Washington, harbored a certain reserve, and didn't appreciate informality. Nixon and Ike tried to bond at least somewhat (e.g. fly fishing, golf), but to no avail, largely because Nixon was an incredible klutz, and Ike only had so much patience.
Nixon's role in Eisenhower's Presidential campaign was to be the one on the attack against the Democratic candidate, Adlai Stevenson, so Ike could be "above the fray". Nixon was performing a part, but he enjoyed campaigning in that manner. Soon, however, a headline would bring about the greatest political crisis that Nixon had experienced to that point . . . the headline from the New York Post read: "Secret Nixon Fund!" with the subheading "Secret Rich Man's Trust Fund Keeps Nixon in Style Far Beyond His Salary".
Nixon was indeed selected to be Ike's V.P. and he was summoned to meet Ike at his hotel. Nixon's attempt at bonhomie fell flat when he entered the room and greeted Ike with a hearty "Hi Chief"; Ike, like George Washington, harbored a certain reserve, and didn't appreciate informality. Nixon and Ike tried to bond at least somewhat (e.g. fly fishing, golf), but to no avail, largely because Nixon was an incredible klutz, and Ike only had so much patience.
Nixon's role in Eisenhower's Presidential campaign was to be the one on the attack against the Democratic candidate, Adlai Stevenson, so Ike could be "above the fray". Nixon was performing a part, but he enjoyed campaigning in that manner. Soon, however, a headline would bring about the greatest political crisis that Nixon had experienced to that point . . . the headline from the New York Post read: "Secret Nixon Fund!" with the subheading "Secret Rich Man's Trust Fund Keeps Nixon in Style Far Beyond His Salary".
At first Nixon wasn't worried, since the New York Post had a salacious reputation, and it was common knowledge that Nixon had a permanent campaign fund of $18,000 ($160k today) from private donors so Nixon could meet travel expenses. The fund wasn't a secret, and Nixon didn't use the money for personal benefit. The New York Herald Tribune ran an editorial that called for Nixon to step down as Ike's VP running mate, and that headline grabbed Nixon's attention, since that paper was an ally during the Hiss hearings and a traditionally Republican publication. Nixon thought the editorial could very well reflect Ike's thinking, and soon afterwards, Ike called Nixon, telling Nixon that he, not Ike, would have to decide what to do.
Ike suggested to Nixon that he use national television to make his case, which Nixon had also considered. Nixon wanted to know if he could have immediate and public support from Ike after his televised speech, and Ike held firm that he would wait a few days to see which way the wind was blowing. Nixon deliberated and thought, and then recalled that FDR in 1944 effectively ridiculed his Republican enemies using his beloved Scottie Fala. So, Nixon had his strategy, but he also knew that he and Pat would have to endure public scrutiny of their finances, which would show the nation (and the Establishment) how little they had in terms of assets relative to their debts. Nixon did not like the reality that he would lay bare his and Pat's relative pauperism to the Georgetown Set and the Establishment Elite. But most galling to Nixon was that Stevenson had the exact same campaign fund, but the press treated him with kid gloves.
Ike suggested to Nixon that he use national television to make his case, which Nixon had also considered. Nixon wanted to know if he could have immediate and public support from Ike after his televised speech, and Ike held firm that he would wait a few days to see which way the wind was blowing. Nixon deliberated and thought, and then recalled that FDR in 1944 effectively ridiculed his Republican enemies using his beloved Scottie Fala. So, Nixon had his strategy, but he also knew that he and Pat would have to endure public scrutiny of their finances, which would show the nation (and the Establishment) how little they had in terms of assets relative to their debts. Nixon did not like the reality that he would lay bare his and Pat's relative pauperism to the Georgetown Set and the Establishment Elite. But most galling to Nixon was that Stevenson had the exact same campaign fund, but the press treated him with kid gloves.
In preparing for the televised address, Nixon was troubled-yet-thrilled, in that he was experiencing politics in the extreme, and he stood alone as the world watched. Republican officials paid $75,000 for 30 minutes of airtime on NBC at 8:30 pm Central time. Before Nixon went on television, Dewey called, informing Nixon that Ike and his supporters expected Nixon to announce during the broadcast that he was stepping down as Ike's Vice-President. Nixon was blunt, telling Dewey that it was too late to make that kind of recommendation.
In what became known as the "Checkers Speech" (Nixon called it the Fund Speech), Nixon stated that the only gift that he or his family had ever accepted was a puppy that his daughters loved, and had named "Checkers". Nixon touted his success with exposing Alger Hiss, and stated that he wasn't a quitter. Nixon also discussed his finances, including debts, and closed with saying the decision whether he remained Ike's VP wasn't his, it was America's decision.
After Nixon's speech, the verdict was unanimous within the Georgetown Set and the Establishment: Nixon was hammy, hokey, holier-than-thou, full of self-righteous pity and guilty of emotional fraud. Yet for most of America, Nixon's televised address was brilliant political theater; Nixon knew that the Establishment Elites would make fun of him, but the Average American would be moved. It's no wonder that hating Nixon became an obsession with the Liberal Elite, since he outfoxed them once again.
In what became known as the "Checkers Speech" (Nixon called it the Fund Speech), Nixon stated that the only gift that he or his family had ever accepted was a puppy that his daughters loved, and had named "Checkers". Nixon touted his success with exposing Alger Hiss, and stated that he wasn't a quitter. Nixon also discussed his finances, including debts, and closed with saying the decision whether he remained Ike's VP wasn't his, it was America's decision.
After Nixon's speech, the verdict was unanimous within the Georgetown Set and the Establishment: Nixon was hammy, hokey, holier-than-thou, full of self-righteous pity and guilty of emotional fraud. Yet for most of America, Nixon's televised address was brilliant political theater; Nixon knew that the Establishment Elites would make fun of him, but the Average American would be moved. It's no wonder that hating Nixon became an obsession with the Liberal Elite, since he outfoxed them once again.
Nixon's "Checkers Speech" was the origin of his later appeals to the what he would eventually call the Silent Majority, which would again leave the Establishment Elites (both Democrat and Republican) sputtering. Those with Ike that watched Nixon felt the same way as the Georgetown Set, but once Ike saw his wife Mamie crying during the broadcast, he knew he would (have to?) keep Nixon as his Vice-Presidential running mate.
Nixon's speech was the most-viewed telecast ever to that point on television, and it was a huge ratings smash on radio as well. Once Nixon returned to his hotel, he saw the torrent of support; Ike had sent a glowing telegram, but it was lost among the throng of the other telegrams, and Nixon was crestfallen that he didn't receive any positive feedback from Ike. Very soon after the speech, Ike summoned Nixon to meet him on board his train that was at
Wheeling, West Virginia. Ike told Nixon that "you're my boy", and they campaigned together for a brief time.
After the "Checkers Speech", Pat's political ambition waned, but she never stopped supporting her husband. Another result of the speech was that Nixon no longer cultivated reporters . . . it was official, to Nixon the media was pro-Establishment Elite and was now his main enemy. Eisenhower and Nixon won in a landslide in the Election of 1952, with the Electoral Vote 442 - 89, the popular vote 55.2% to 44.3% (34.1 million to 27.4 million) and 39 states to 9 states.
Nixon's speech was the most-viewed telecast ever to that point on television, and it was a huge ratings smash on radio as well. Once Nixon returned to his hotel, he saw the torrent of support; Ike had sent a glowing telegram, but it was lost among the throng of the other telegrams, and Nixon was crestfallen that he didn't receive any positive feedback from Ike. Very soon after the speech, Ike summoned Nixon to meet him on board his train that was at
Wheeling, West Virginia. Ike told Nixon that "you're my boy", and they campaigned together for a brief time.
After the "Checkers Speech", Pat's political ambition waned, but she never stopped supporting her husband. Another result of the speech was that Nixon no longer cultivated reporters . . . it was official, to Nixon the media was pro-Establishment Elite and was now his main enemy. Eisenhower and Nixon won in a landslide in the Election of 1952, with the Electoral Vote 442 - 89, the popular vote 55.2% to 44.3% (34.1 million to 27.4 million) and 39 states to 9 states.