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Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy, Navy veterans of WW II, were elected as members of the House of Representatives' freshman class of 1946. At first they were friendly rivals: Matthews writes touchingly of their cordial personal relationship as colleagues (often sickly during his Senate career, Kennedy received regular hospital visits from the sympathetic Nixon). Nixon rose first, winning the vice presidency under Dwight Eisenhower (Kennedy cheered Nixon's rise in a personal note to the new vice president) and building a national reputation. The bitter and close-fought campaign of 1960 transformed the relationship between the two men: In the now legendary televised debates, Nixon came off as colorless and tired, while the handsome, relaxed Kennedy impressed viewers with his wit and command of detail. As the author shows, the exchanges between the two rivals, who were never far apart on policy matters, became abusive and personal as Election Day approached. In the end, Nixon lost the popular poll by little more than 100,000 votes. Bitter about alleged ballot theft in Texas, Illinois, and elsewhere, Nixon was convinced for the rest of his life that he'd been ambushed by the Kennedy machine. Nixon was eclipsed during Camelot's thousand days: even after Kennedy's 1963 assassination, he was haunted by the ghosts of Camelot and, more concretely, by the political prospects of Kennedy's brothers. Succumbing to paranoia even after his election to the presidency in 1968, Nixon conducted covert surveillances and smear campaigns against Ted Kennedy, Kennedy family allies, and other political opponents, a propensity that contributed to his eventual downfall and disgrace.
Matthews doesn't break new ground, but he draws a striking picture of the destruction of a political friendship and its consequences for the country.
Posted June 25, 2002
I must confess that sometime before I read Chris Matthews' book idespised Richard Nixon. But, after reading his book I feel a certain sympathy for the man. Fairly balanced Matthews shows us a man(Nixon)who may have been one of the greater presidents had his paranoia not gotten the better of him. However, as Matthews points out Nixon's paranoia wasn't created by him but by his enemies. Whom I'm sorry to say really did set out to destroy the man. The portrait of Kennedy however, is less flattering than the one offered by his remainign supporters. If there ever was a dappered president, Kennedy was it.
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Posted November 24, 2008
I was riveted by this book; found it a real page turner! I felt that Mr. Matthews fairly portrayed Nixon, not covering up the path of paranoia that ultimately led to his demise, but honestly exposing all of the shaded elements that formed his political life. While Nixon may not be forgiven for the actions he choose, I found it fascinating to be led by such capable words through the maze that led him there. Likewise, I grew up hearing and reading about John Kennedy only through glowing eyes of praise, but from this book, I saw another, more complex side of things. I have great respect for Chris Matthews for writing such an intriguing book and have recommended it to several friends and colleagues who enjoyed it immensely as well.Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Posted April 23, 2006
Like all of Chris Matthews books, this book reads quickly, precisely, and with a hint of Irish storytelling that Matthews himself has noted as being something he admired. Besides, this quickly told story, it is also engrossing and one can spend an evening by the fire reading the history of our most ambiguous and profound relationship in political history. That between John Kennedy and Nixon. Both as the book points out were formed by their shared World War II experiences or as one Kennedy friend called it 'greatest campaign manager.' The two have much more in common than at first thought, despite their different backgrounds and their styles. Kennedy, as the book calls him was the Mozart- the natural in the political game who could make people fall in love with him even he hated them. Nixon, as the book calls him was the Salieri- the talented hard working square that represented the working class's fight with the New Deal establishment. They were actually fairly common in their beliefs and contempts. Both extolled a strong defense against Communism, a middle of the road political agenda, and a deep-seated contempt for the Democratic left of Stevenson and Eleanor Roosevelt. Both were revealed in the book to be very ruthless in destroying their enemies (Kennedy only did it with a smile) and a tenuous relationship that bordered on deep friendship in the early 50's to the incredibly hostile late 50's where Kennedy proved as every bit tough and ruthless as 'Tricky Dick.' The book does an incredible at explaining the impetus for the Watergate scandal, as it also underscores Nixon's paranoia towards his enemies. This book gave a new appreciated understanding of the human Nixon and the often tougher than his Camelot image-John Kennedy. Proves the adage: Appearances are deceiving.Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Posted April 9, 2004
Starting off as friends, Kennedy and Nixon entered congress in the freshman class of 1946 with an eventual goal of the presidency. The bond was strong between this democrat and republican until the presidential election of 1960. These friends turned to foes when running head to head for the ultimate goal of the presidency. Matthews showed the wide contrast in character between the suave Kennedy and the Orthogonian Nixon. Living in Kennedy's shadow, Nixion would one day strive for the mass appeal of JFK. With moderate knowledge on this topic, I enjoyed discovering about the ever changing relationship between the most loved and despised presidents of the 20th century. This book brings to light the friendships politics create and how they can quickly be torn apart by politics as well.Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Posted December 17, 2002
A book has finally been written to factually bring to life both Kennedy and Nixon and how each had an enormous impact on shaping our country into what it is today. It reveals to us the friendship that both men shared for each other, the staunch cold warriors they really were before the term was even coined and the paths both took to the most powerful position in the world is glowingly portrayed in page after page of what I suspect was painstaking research for Mr. Matthews in order to get all the facts objectively and straight. This great read is not only for political maniacs as myself, but also for those who want to learn more about these two great Presidents of our wonderful nation. A book noteworthy of more than five stars!Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Posted December 13, 1999
Kennedy and Nixon is a great book about JFK'S and Richard Nixon's life; political and private. It also tells about their friendly relationship that the public never knew. Chris Matthews wrote an excellent book. I highly recommend it for anybody, even if you're not into politics.Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Posted July 26, 2009
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