Richard Nixon

By Brianna Lee

Richard Milhouse Nixon, born January 9, 1913, is remembered by most as the first president in history to ever resign from office in 1974. He resigned rather than face impeachment over his efforts to cover up illegal activities by members of his administration in the Watergate scandal, which stemmed from a break-in at the offices of the Democratic National Committee during the 1972 re-elect campaign. Although the scandal is very historic, it is not the only notable thing listed on Nixon’s resume.

The 37th president of the United States was many things. He served as Vice President of the United States under General Eisenhower’s administration in 1952. During his vice presidency, it is said that Eisenhower gave Nixon more responsibilities than any other vice president. Nixon attended Cabinet meetings and National Security Council when Eisenhower was absent. Biographer Irwin Gellman, who chronicled Nixon’s congressional years, said of his vice presidency:

Eisenhower radically altered the role of his running mate by presenting him with critical assignments in both foreign and domestic affairs once he assumed his office. The vice president welcomed the president’s initiatives and worked energetically to accomplish White House objectives. Because of the collaboration between these two leaders, Nixon deserves the title, “the first modern vice president”.

- Richard Nixon

Nixon also served as a Navy lieutenant commander in the Pacific. After leaving the military, he was elected as the Senator of the 12th congressional district in California in 1950.