Nixon's White House Wars

The Battles That Made and Broke a President and Divided America Forever

By: Patrick J. Buchanan

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

From Vietnam to the Southern Strategy, from the opening of China to the scandal of Watergate, Pat Buchanan—speechwriter and senior adviser to President Nixon—tells the untold story of Nixon’s embattled White House, from its historic wins to it devastating defeats.

In his inaugural address, Nixon held out a hand in friendship to Republicans and Democrats alike. But by the fall of 1969, massive demonstrations in Washington and around the country had been mounted to break his presidency.

In a brilliant appeal to what he called the “Great Silent Majority,” Nixon sent his enemies reeling. Vice President Agnew followed by attacking the blatant bias of the media in a fiery speech authored and advocated by Buchanan. And by 1970, Nixon’s approval rating soared to 68 percent, and he was labeled “The Most Admired Man in America”.

Then one by one, the crises came, from the invasion of Cambodia, to the protests that killed four students at Kent State, to race riots and court ordered school busing.

Buchanan chronicles Nixon’s historic trip to China, and describes the White House strategy that brought about Nixon’s 49-state landslide victory over George McGovern in 1972.

When the Watergate scandal broke, Buchanan urged the president to destroy the Nixon tapes before they were subpoenaed, and fire Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox, as Nixon ultimately did in the “Saturday Night Massacre.” After testifying before the Watergate Committee himself, Buchanan describes the grim scene at Camp David in August 1974, when Nixon’s staff concluded he could not survive.

In a riveting memoir from behind the scenes of the most controversial presidency of the last century, Nixon’s White House Wars reveals both the failings and achievements of the 37th President, recorded by one of those closest to Nixon from before his political comeback, through to his final days in office.

Includes a bonus PDF of the Appendix, which includes handwritten notations on presidential memos

Great book

Great book I knew little about having been born years after the events. Very interesting.

A must read!

This is an excellent sequel to "The Greatest Comeback," but can be read or listened to on its own. Some understanding of President Nixon is assumed by the author.

The book primarily recounts Buchanan's White House years as a trusted Nixon staffer. His understanding and accounts of major events are given in great detail, bringing history alive. One can literally feel his passion for conservatism as the book progresses. He also succeeds in bringing to life some individuals while other writers could not.

Although Buchanan spends precious little time on the post-Nixon years, he does put his own runs for the presidency into greatest perspective. As a one-timeBuchanan supporter I feel as though I understand both he and his friend President Nixon, much better now.

Narrator Arthur Morey does his usual fine job bringing history to life.

A Genius

This book clearly conveys the exceptional intelligence, wit and keen political insight of Patrick Buchanan. He offers a fascinating analysis of the Nixon years.

Amazing book

The best book about the Nixon admin I have ever read- and I have read plenty. Absorbing from start to finish.

Flat Out Fascinating!

Provides so much context for the present day political battles. Much of what is described in this historical piece seem just as relevant today as it was 45 to 50 years ago. In the pre-Watergate years, it reads like the “mainstream” media and political establishment used many of the same tactics to attack Nixon as they use now to attack the current occupant of the White House. Regardless of your political beliefs, I think anyone will find this to be a fascinating read and we are fortunate that Patrick Buchanan has written this.