Nixons began his speech that september evening by explaining the purposes of the fund that some of his supporters had set up after the 1950. Consequently, when nixon use the statement, it is an audit made by price waterhouse and co. Nixon had been accused of improprieties relating to a fund established by his backers to reimburse him for his political expenses. Many observers found nixons checkers speech repulsive. Nixon appears on national television to defend himself against reports that he had taken. The address is often referred to as the checkers speech because he referred to his dog checkers as the type of gift he received from supporters. How did the checkers anecdote serve nixons purpose. Checkers speech richard m nixon this background information will give you the necessary context for reading nixon s speech at the 1952 republican national convention, a young senator from california, richard m.
During the speech, he stated that regardless of what anyone said, he intended to keep one gift. Why does a speech named after a dog live on in our cultural subconscious. Nixon, was chosen to be the running mate of presidential candidate dwight d. Nixon had been accused of improprieties relating to a fund established by his. Nixons televised fund speech, also known as the checkers speech, broadcast of sept. Nixons speech generated an outpouring of popular support. Richard nixon went on tv to give whats known as the checkers speech. Professor levantrosser talked about the famous nixon checkers speech, which he gave on television in september 1952. Journalist walter lippmann called it the most demeaning experience my country has ever had to. Richard nixons checkers speech by haylee morgan on prezi. The best known of them was pugachevs rebellion 17731775 pdf, which was. Full text and audio and video of richard nixon checkers speech. This is the 37th time i have spoken to you from this office, where so many decisions have been made that shaped the history of this nation. In the speech, he explained that all republican contributions were legitimate.
By invoking the name of mans best friend, as cheesy as the speech may sound, nixon helped give birth to a. It marked the beginning of the television age in american politics. Richard nixons checkers speech and the rocking, socking election of 1952 at. The senator has interrupted his nationwide campaign tour to be with you tonight for this important message. Part two of nixons famous checkers speech, delivered to a national television audience on september 23, 1952. Richard nixons checkers speech, a response to charges brought against the nixon fund, was primarily. A television broadcast of a speech made by richard nixon. Nixons checkers speech american experience official. Pete wilson has dedicated more than 30 years to serving the citizens of california, including as governor of california for two terms 1991 to 1999, eight years as a u. The bit about checkers, which take up less than a minute of airtime, is the clincher. The usual political thing to do when charges are made against you is to either ignore them or to deny them without giving details. Finding aid for 1952 campaign collection nixon presidential library. Richard nixons checkers speech on september 23, 1952, as a candidate for vice president, richard m. You are about to hear a report from senator richard nixon, nominee for the office of vice president of the united states.
I come before you tonight as a candidate for the vice presidency and as a man whose honesty and integrity has been questioned. I come before you tonight as a candidate for the vice presidency and as a man whose honesty and integrity have been questioned. Nixons 9231952 address while still a senator and running for vice president with dwight eisenhower. Nixons checkers speech american experience official site pbs. The checkers speech wins this high rank for one standout reason. The checkers speech or fund speech was an address made on september 23, 1952, by california senator richard nixon, the republican candidate for vice president of the united states. Nixon, kissinger and vietnam, 19691973 the limits of american power. What was the checkers speech and why is it so important. Eisenhower finally decided to keep nixon on the ticket.
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