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Birth – January 9, 1913 Death – April 22, 1994 Political Party – Republican Term Dates – January 20, 1969 – August 9, 1974 Vice Presidents – Sprio Agnew (1969 – 1973) Gerald Ford (1973 – 1974) When many people think of President Richard Nixon, they think of a traitor. People only see him for the infamous Watergate scandal, and the only president to resign from office. Nevertheless, many forget the incredible things Nixon did for the United States of America and the many accomplishments he had while residing in the White House. Overall, Nixon was a decent president, who had high goals and standards for his country, and was a dedicated man, who hoped to see each of his goals achieved. Yet, no one can be perfect, and mistakes are made, Nixon’s were just broadcasted for the entire nation to see. Because of this Nixon should receive a C+ grade for his presidency. After becoming president through a very close race with Hubert H. Humphrey, Nixon began to tackle his goals for his presidency. One goal Nixon had was to “bridge the generation gap,” and help reunite the country after the very long struggle with racial discrimination and protests against the Vietnam War. He hoped that by creating a cabinet full of diverse and broad thinkers he could achieve this goal. He also made goals to create a very comprehensive welfare program and to create an environmental agency to help protect America’s coveted forests and preservations. He also wanted to try to end or lessen tension with the China, a communist country at the time, which he did with the help of Henry Kissinger. Another goal that Nixon promised to see through during his first campaign was a quick and speedy end to the Vietnam War. However, the war continued though his first term, and many were displeased with Nixon’s inability to end the war. Although Nixon had many goals for his country as president, he claims that many could not be reached because of congress. Nixon certainly did not have the best relationship with his congress, primarily because both houses were overwhelmingly Democratic, and Nixon was Republican. Yet even though congress and Nixon had many differences, together they passed influential legislation. One piece of legislation that was passed was the 26th Amendment to the United States constitution. This amendment ensured the voting age was standardized at 18. Also with the help of congress the Environmental Protection Agency was created as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. However, trying to keep his promise to the public to enact stronger more prominent government services, he created a welfare program that would reach more people than ever before, but because of his differences with congress, the proposal was turned down. Overall, Nixon’s relationship with congress was certainly more negative than positive. Although Nixon suffered a great scandal while in office, he did have many accomplishments while president of the United States. He ended the draft, which appeased many young citizens. He also created the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Drug Administration. One of the biggest accomplishments that Nixon had while in office was his efforts to reduce tension between the United States, China, and the Soviet Union. These negotiations led to a treaty that limited the use of nuclear weapons by both parties. His efforts later helped to end the Cold War. As well, he negotiated with North Vietnam that the U.S. would no longer be involved in Indochina affairs. Lastly, Nixon developed the space shuttle program, which has certainly left a lasting impact on the country. One of the most negative outcomes of Nixon’s presidency was the continuing of the Vietnam War. When Nixon won the presidency, he had promised the public that he would end the war quickly. However, the war continued for another four years with continuous bombings and American causalities. Although Nixon ended the war by withdrawing the troops from Vietnam, there were no negotiations to end tensions, and the United States did not win the war. The other negative outcome of Nixon’s presidency was the Watergate Scandal that ended with Nixon resigning from office. The Watergate Scandal was the cover-up of a break in and burglary at the Democratic Watergate building during Nixon’s campaign for re-election. Nixon had attempted to conceal evidence such as tape recordings seemingly remain innocent, but the evidence was subpoenaed, and Nixon was to face impeachment. Instead he resigned from office on August 9, 1974. Nixon certainly left a lasting impact on the United States and on the presidencies to follow. Nixon’s scandal left political leaders to face a great deal of skepticism from the public, and many did not trust political leaders because of Nixon’s attempt to cover up his mistakes. Watergate allowed future presidents to see the importance of honesty and how a scandal such as Watergate can taint your reputation and make many overlook any accomplish you may have had while in office. In conclusion, Nixon left the United States in a worse state than it was when he entered into his six years as president. He had great goals and expectations for the United States, some of which were accomplished, while others were just hidden beneath the scandal. Because of this Nixon should receive a C+ for his presidency. Bibliography: "91st United States Congress -." // Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia //. Web. 26 Dec. 2009. < [] >. DeGregorio, William A. // Complete book of U.S. presidents //. New York: Wings Books, Distributed by Outlet Book Co., 1992. Print. “The Nation: The Coming Battle Between President and Congress.” 1 February 1971. __Time.__ 24 December 2009 <[]>. Richard M. Nixon |." // The White House // . Web. 26 Dec. 2009. < [] >.
 * Richard Milhouse Nixon **