Portrait of Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon

US President, Watergate

Modern influential 132 sayings

Sayings by Richard Nixon

When the President does it, that means that it is not illegal.

1977 — Interview with David Frost
Political Confirmed

I brought myself down. I gave them a sword and they stuck it in. And they twisted it with relish. And I guess if I had been in their position, I'd have done the same thing.

1977 — Interview with David Frost
War & Conflict Unverifiable

People have got to know whether or not their President is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook. I've earned everything I've got.

1973 — Press conference at Walt Disney World
Political Unverifiable

I don't think a man should be President unless he is a man of honor. And I don't think he should be President if he is a coward.

1974 — Remarks during his farewell address to his staff
Political Unverifiable

Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself.

1974 — Remarks during his farewell address to his staff
Life & Death Unverifiable

The American people are good people. They have a good heart. And when they get to know you, they'll like you. And if they don't like you, it's your fault.

Circa 1970 — Reported by H.R. Haldeman in 'The Ends of Power'
Wisdom Unverifiable

The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker.

1973 — Remarks upon signing the Paris Peace Accords
Educational Unverifiable

Solutions are not the answer.

Unknown — Attributed, often cited as an example of his sometimes convoluted thinking
Wisdom Unverifiable

I can only say, that I am not a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body. But as President, I must put the interest of America first.

1974 — Resignation speech
Political Unverifiable

The average American doesn't want to know about the details of foreign policy. They just want to know that we're strong and that we're safe.

1972 — Private conversation, recorded on Oval Office tapes
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

I believe that our young people, who are not even interested in politics, are interested in the future.

1969 — Remarks to the Young Americans for Freedom
Inspirational Unverifiable

The press is the enemy.

1972 — Private conversation, recorded on Oval Office tapes
War & Conflict Confirmed

I would like to think that I have left a legacy of peace for the world.

1983 — Interview with Frank Gannon
Wisdom Unverifiable

We must not be afraid to be great.

1970 — Address to the Nation on the State of the Union
Wisdom Unverifiable

The strong must be just as well as strong. And the just must be strong as well as just.

1970 — Address to the Nation on the State of the Union
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

I don't mind a little dirt. It's good for you.

Unknown — Attributed, often used to describe his political style
Wisdom Unverifiable

I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body.

1974 — Resignation speech
Wisdom Unverifiable

There are no easy answers, but there are simple choices.

1962 — From his book 'Six Crises'
Wisdom Unverifiable

The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker. This honor now belongs to America.

1973 — Remarks on the Vietnam Peace Agreement
Educational Unverifiable

I've always been an underdog. I've always been a fighter.

1977 — Interview with David Frost
War & Conflict Unverifiable
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