Richard Nixon
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Former Vice President Richard Nixon addresses an enthusiastic audience.
He relates a story about raising money for the Republican Party.
Nixon then moves on to discuss Vietnam. He notes that the government in Hanoi was keeping a close eye on the upcoming United States presidential election. Many references to the "Loyal Opposition." He discusses concepts of patriotism.
Nixon distinguishes the Vietnam war from past wars because in past wars there was a threat and a common enemy all Americans would follow their hearts to support the war. Now, he says, Americans must know why. This war is more complex and difficult than any other.
He discusses the end of the war. From a military stand point Nixon believes that the war will not be brought to an end in less than five years. Also, he says that resigning the war is not in the interest of the United States. He also says that you can only negotiate at the conference table what the enemy believes you can win on the battle field. He talks about Hanoi and those who are Peking oriented versus Soviet oriented.
He goes on to talk about a need for an economic quarantine in North Vietnam.
Concludes with the hope that this era and the Vietnam war will be remembered as America's finest hour.
Questions and answers follow.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 72239
Municipal archives id: T3202
