While Richard Nixon's accomplishments and shortcomings are
well-documented, one often ignored aspect of his career is his influence
on the media conduct of politicians. Nixon pioneered the use of visual
media in politics, beginning in the 1940s during his Congressional
service. His historic "Checkers" speech was the first of its kind: a
politician using television to save his political career. His
appearances on entertainment television, which are now a normal feature
of most national political campaigns, broke new ground as well. This
book details the blueprint Nixon set for using television to achieve
political goals. Presidents have often used innovative media as
strategic methods of communication and public relations. The author
argues that Nixon pioneered television media, using it consistently to
connect with the American public.