From: Dehede011@aol.com
Date: Fri Mar 14 2003 - 08:50:06 MST
In a message dated 3/14/2003 8:30:12 AM Central Standard Time,
MaxPlumm@aol.com writes: Let me say that I agree with you to an extent on
this point, Ron. The term you're referring to is "Practical liberalism",
something the President in effect borrowed from former British Prime Minister
Benjamin Disraeli. But let me also temper that by saying much of President
Nixon's "liberalism" was forced upon him by what was arguably the most
"liberal" Congress in our nation's history during that era. However, Nixon
himself said he was "liberal on health issues", but I would offer that had we
had two brothers die of horrifying illness in our youths we might have
reached similar positions.
Max, if my fading memory serves me he made that comment (to which I refer) in
drumming up support for his first run for Congress right after coming out of
the Navy at the end of the Second World War. Apparently he used that phrase
or similar ones to describe himself over a long period of time.
If you ever get the chance and want to see Nixon at his best -- he
gave a speech outlining his China policy before the Council on Foreign
Affairs (have I got that title correctly) way before he went to China, in
fact I believe it was slightly before the 68 election. Nixon in speaking
before what he recognized as a knowledgeable audience was brilliant.
If you want to then see him at his worse watch him speaking to the
electorate. He seemed to want to simplify for his audience but lacked the
talent to speak in that mode.
Ron h.
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