Meaning: The quote by Stephen Ambrose captures the complex and divisive legacy of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. Ambrose, a renowned historian, suggests that Nixon's impact was profound and polarizing well before the infamous Watergate scandal and his subsequent resignation from office. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into Nixon's presidency, his political career, and the enduring controversies that continue to shape his historical reputation.

Richard Nixon's political career was marked by both remarkable achievements and deeply controversial actions. He first gained national prominence as a member of the House Un-American Activities Committee, where he played a key role in the investigation of Alger Hiss, a former State Department official accused of being a Soviet spy. This early success propelled Nixon to the vice presidency under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and subsequently to his own presidency in 1969.

Nixon's presidency was characterized by ambitious domestic and foreign policies. He implemented groundbreaking environmental regulations, established the Environmental Protection Agency, and pursued détente with the Soviet Union and China. However, his administration was also marked by the continuation of the Vietnam War, which deeply divided the American public and fueled anti-war protests.

The Watergate scandal, which unfolded during Nixon's second term, remains the defining episode of his presidency. The break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex and the subsequent cover-up led to widespread public outrage and a constitutional crisis. Nixon's efforts to obstruct the investigation ultimately resulted in his resignation in 1974, making him the first and only U.S. president to step down from office.

Stephen Ambrose's quote alludes to the fact that even before the Watergate scandal, Nixon evoked intense and contradictory emotions among the American people. On one hand, he was admired for his foreign policy initiatives, such as the opening of diplomatic relations with China and the signing of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with the Soviet Union. On the other hand, he faced vehement opposition for his handling of the Vietnam War, his aggressive tactics against political opponents, and the erosion of public trust in the government.

Nixon's supporters viewed him as a strong and decisive leader who advanced American interests on the world stage, while his detractors saw him as a deeply divisive figure who undermined democratic norms and institutions. This duality in public perception contributed to the profound polarization that characterized Nixon's presidency and its aftermath.

In the years following his resignation, Nixon sought to rehabilitate his image through prolific writing, foreign policy commentary, and public appearances. He wrote several books, including his memoirs, and engaged in diplomatic efforts, particularly in the realm of U.S.-China relations. Despite these efforts, Nixon's legacy remains deeply contested, with ongoing debates about his impact on American politics, the rule of law, and presidential authority.

In conclusion, Stephen Ambrose's quote encapsulates the enduring complexity of Richard Nixon's legacy. It highlights the fact that Nixon's presidency, marked by achievements and controversies, elicited strong and conflicting emotions long before the Watergate scandal. Understanding the multifaceted nature of Nixon's impact is crucial for comprehending the ongoing debates about his place in American history and the presidency.