Meaning: The quote "I never believed that Nixon could fully resurrect himself. And the proof of that was in the obits." is a reflection by Ben Bradlee, a prominent American journalist and editor, on the enduring legacy of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. This quote encapsulates the skepticism and doubt surrounding Nixon's ability to rehabilitate his tarnished reputation following the Watergate scandal and his subsequent resignation from the presidency in 1974. Ben Bradlee, as the executive editor of The Washington Post during the Watergate era, played a pivotal role in the newspaper's investigative reporting that ultimately led to Nixon's downfall.

The quote suggests that despite any attempts by Nixon to redeem himself in the eyes of the public, the ultimate judgment of his legacy would be reflected in the obituaries written about him. In other words, Bradlee believed that the true measure of Nixon's character and impact would be revealed in the assessments made after his passing.

Richard Nixon's presidency was marked by significant achievements, including the normalization of relations with China and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. However, these accomplishments were overshadowed by the Watergate scandal, which involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent efforts by the Nixon administration to cover up its involvement. The scandal led to a constitutional crisis and Nixon's resignation, making him the only U.S. president to have resigned from office.

Following his resignation, Nixon sought to rehabilitate his reputation through various means, including writing books, engaging in foreign policy discussions, and working on philanthropic endeavors. Despite these efforts, the quote by Ben Bradlee implies that there was a deep-seated skepticism about the possibility of Nixon fully resurrecting himself in the eyes of the public and history.

The significance of the quote lies in its assessment of Nixon's legacy and the enduring impact of his actions on the perception of his presidency. It reflects a broader debate about the capacity for individuals, especially public figures, to rehabilitate their reputations in the face of significant wrongdoing. In Nixon's case, the quote suggests that the shadow of Watergate would continue to define his legacy, regardless of any attempts at redemption.

Ben Bradlee's status as a highly respected figure in journalism lends weight to his assessment of Nixon's legacy. As the editor of The Washington Post, Bradlee was intimately involved in the newspaper's coverage of the Watergate scandal, which played a pivotal role in uncovering the truth about the Nixon administration's misconduct. His perspective on Nixon's ability to "resurrect" himself carries the authority of someone who was intimately familiar with the events and their aftermath.

In conclusion, the quote by Ben Bradlee offers a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of Richard Nixon and the challenges he faced in attempting to rehabilitate his reputation. It encapsulates the skepticism surrounding Nixon's ability to fully overcome the shadow of the Watergate scandal and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of his actions on his place in history.