Entry #2 Nixon

Sticking with the theme of Presidents, I have decided to make my second entry about one of the most unique Presidents of all time. Not only did he do something illegal, he denied ever having anything to do with it. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the 37th President of the United States, Richard Nixon.

When we think of the name Nixon, we generally think of his corruption and the Watergate scandal. What we don't always think of is the fact that he had a history of saying wrong things at wrong times. This is especially true when there is a tape-recorder nearby. Before getting into the humors about the Watergate scandal, I feel it necessary to share to you other sayings that he has made.

In 1970, Charles De Gualle, the President of France, died and a huge funeral service was held for him at Notre Dame Cathedral. President Nixon was invited to say a few words on the behalf of the French ruler. Thinking that he was going to say something sincere and nice to the French crowd, Nixon took the stage. Knowing that the President just died and that France was an ally of the US, Nixon said one of his famous quotes, "This is a great day for France." It was most certainly not a great day for France and that quote went down in the record books forever.

Going back to his presidency, Nixon felt it necessary to make a comment about the national government. He stipulated, "Sure, there are dishonest men in local government, but there are dishonest men in national government too." There sure are dishonest men in national government, Richard.

Back in 1923, the Teapot Dome scandal emerged and Nixon was just a young child. Talking to his mother, he said that he "[wanted] to be an honest lawyer, so things like [the Teapot Dome Scandal] can't happen." He did grow up to be a lawyer and no scandals happened, at least, until he was President.

The Watergate Hotel was built in 1965 as a hotel. Four other building attached to it and all served different purposes. Some served as hotels while others served as office buildings. One particular purpose was to house the Democratic National Convention in 1972. As history tells us, it was broken into and the conspirators were caught. Included in those conspirators was President Nixon. Amongst the denials that later ensued, Nixon had this to say:

"When the President does it, that means it's not illegal."
"I was not lying. I said things that later on seemed to be untrue."
"I would have made a good pope."
"I am not a crook."
"Voters quickly forget what a man says."

No, Mr. President, the voters never forget. It has been 41 years and no one has forgotten. Your corruption cost you the presidency and your lasting image on American society. But worst of all, it got you on a blog created by a 12th grader.  

Quotes cited from "1001 Dumbest Things Ever Said"