Richard Nixon Leadership

“A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits,” said Richard M. Nixon during an interview with Nick Thimmesch for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Nixon is the one who is instantly recognized as the president that betrayed his nation and lived a life of deception; however, Nixon left the office with astounding accomplishments. Throughout his time in office, Nixon displayed courage by increasing relations with China, which lead to a change with Soviet Union relations. Furthermore, Nixon brought the Vietnam War to an end, satisfying thousands of Americans and saving the lives of thousands of soldiers. Nixon exhibited prowess with two years in office as a senator of California, followed by working as Vice President for Dwight
Richard Nixon faced heavy criticism as he unveiled domestic and foreign policies such as reopening connections with China and relieving tension with the Soviet Union. According to the Hauenstein Center, “People who worked closely with him have recalled that the President displayed a sense of toughness throughout his two terms in office that was truly amazing to behold” (The Leadership of Richard Nixon). Nixon fought tenaciously to leave his mark on history as the boldest President of the United States. To make this dream a reality, he focused on major national crises: the environment and health standards. He began by creating the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), followed by offering a proposal to create the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), then signing amendments to the 1967 Clean Air Act demanding reduced automobile emissions and national testing of air quality. Other significant environmental legislation enacted during Nixon's presidency included the 1972 Noise Control Act, the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act, the 1973 Endangered Species Act, and the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act (Richard Nixon: Domestic Affairs). Despite the opposition, Nixon remained persistent by insisting upon new environmental regulations. A courageous leader can be defined as one who is willing to go against the odds. Nixon
Some decisions leave a negative view on the President’s administration, while others label them as characteristics of a strong and smart leader. Richard Nixon jumped through hoops of criticism by mending foreign affairs, such as reestablishing connections with China while relieving tension with the Soviet Union. Nixon's plan was to improve relations with China; consequently, Russia would focus on improving connections with the United States. The plan was called “Triangulation,” which, according to Miller Center, “was working; fear of improved relations between China and America was leading the Soviets to better their own relations with America, just as Nixon hoped” (Richard Nixon: Foreign Affairs). Nixon took a chance by trying to improve the United States’ relations with China even though he wasn’t sure how the USSR would respond. This gamble expressed the courage within Nixon and highlighted the confidence he had to change the game of foreign affairs. Had Nixon not been elected President, the possibility of tensions snapping on the eastern side of the world would have been more likely. Undeterred by mainstream media criticism, Nixon’s courageous actions brought positive results to the nation; unfortunately, Nixon failed to see the fatal end to his political career in a bold decision that is now referred to as the Watergate