Portrait of Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon

US President, Watergate

Modern influential 132 sayings

Sayings by Richard Nixon

The blacks—they're just not ready for integration.

1968 — Private conversation with aides
General Unverifiable

I don't think that when I go to the bathroom, I should have to tell the whole world what I'm doing.

1972 — During a White House taping session, referring to privacy
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

People react to fear, not love. They don't teach that in Sunday School, but it's true.

1970s — Remarks to aides, as documented in 'Nixonland' by Rick Perlstein
Relationships Unverifiable

I'm going to get rid of all these damn Jews in the government. They're everywhere.

1973 — White House Tape, February 13, 1973
General Unverifiable

The American people are not interested in the truth, they are interested in what they believe.

1970s — Attributed, often cited by historians
General Unverifiable

I don't give a shit about the poor. I care about the middle class.

1973 — White House Tape, February 28, 1973
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I was not a great President, but I was a good President.

1983 — Interview with Frank Gannon
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I don't think you're going to get any black votes. You're going to get some Jewish votes, but you're not going to get any black votes.

1971 — White House Tape, May 1, 1971
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Let me say this about the White House. It's a great place to live, it's a great place to work, but it's not a great place to die.

1974 — Remarks after his resignation
Food & Drink Unverifiable

A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits.

1962 — Remarks after losing the California gubernatorial election
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I believe in the American dream, because I've seen it come true in my own life.

1968 — Remarks at the Republican National Convention
General Unverifiable

You can't be a statesman if you don't have a country.

1970s — Remarks to aides
General Unverifiable

The finest steel must go through the hottest fire.

1960s-1970s — Attributed, a common saying he used
General Unverifiable

Only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.

1974 — Remarks after his resignation
General Unverifiable

The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker. This honor now beckons America—the chance to help lead the world at last out of the valley of turmoil and onto that high ground where man can at last ensure that no people will have to go through the valley of the shadow of war again.

1971 — State of the Union Address
Food & Drink Unverifiable

We must recognize that we are a nation that has been blessed with great wealth and great power. But we must also recognize that we have great responsibilities.

1970 — Remarks to the nation
Food & Drink Unverifiable

The strong must be just as well as strong. The weak must be just as well as weak.

1969 — Remarks on foreign policy
General Unverifiable

Our purpose in Vietnam is to prevent the success of aggression. It is not to conquer North Vietnam or to destroy its government. Our purpose is to help the people of South Vietnam to prevent the Communist conquest of their country.

1969 — Address to the Nation on the War in Vietnam
General Unverifiable

The future of America is in its schools. The future of America is in its children.

1970 — Remarks on education
General Unverifiable

I don't mind if you call me 'Tricky Dick' as long as you spell it with a 'k'.

1960s-1970s — Reported by aides, often cited as his response to the nickname
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable
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