Nixon 'Tricky Dicky' Part 1 of 3

Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America by Rick Perlstein

Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America by Rick Perlstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an interesting and in-depth look at the Nixon Presidential era. This though paints the picture from the beginning of Nixon's recovery from 'loser" status around 1966 to his 1972 shellacking of George McGovern in his reelection. It only touches upon the beginnings of the "Watergate" scandal, which eventually brings him down. The book breaks down the parts by election cycles and the part Nixon played. First is the 1966 midterm, then his 1968 victory for president, the 1970 midterms and finally his reelection in 72.

The author paints a broad picture of the political workings and shenanigans behind the scenes. He also tells of the cultural and social upheaval going at the times which contributed to Nixon's rise to power. So it's not just about Nixon but what was going on at the time which included, civil rights, segregation, Vietnam War, inner city riots, upheaval at political conventions and the tragic assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. Sometimes the author seems to go a long side trips but he eventually ties it back into the main story.

It's a good book if you're curious about the tumultuous times of the latter half of the 60's. It also gives an interesting insight into the Nixon era(prior to Watergate). You can also see the beginnings of the political party divide that still lingers in today's hyper partisan political climate.

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