Meaning: In the quote "I thought Nixon was the worst President we had ever had, save only perhaps Andrew Johnson" by historian Stephen Ambrose, there is a clear expression of disdain for the presidency of Richard Nixon, comparing him unfavorably to perhaps only one other president, Andrew Johnson. This quote reflects the strong negative opinions held by many individuals about Nixon's time in office, as well as the historical context and significance of the actions of both Nixon and Johnson.

Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, served from 1969 to 1974. His presidency is most notably remembered for the Watergate scandal, in which members of his administration were involved in a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, leading to a major political scandal and Nixon's eventual resignation. The scandal severely damaged public trust in the government and led to a widespread perception of Nixon as a deceitful and corrupt leader. This negative perception is reflected in Ambrose's quote, which positions Nixon as one of the worst presidents in American history.

The comparison to Andrew Johnson is also significant. Andrew Johnson, the 17th President, served from 1865 to 1869, succeeding Abraham Lincoln after his assassination. Johnson's presidency was marked by a tumultuous and contentious relationship with Congress during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Johnson's lenient approach towards the former Confederate states and his clashes with Congress over civil rights and reconstruction policies led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives, making him the first president to be impeached. Although he narrowly avoided being removed from office by the Senate, Johnson's presidency is often viewed as a period of significant failure and missed opportunities.

Stephen Ambrose, the author of the quote, was a prominent American historian known for his works on American military history and biography. His perspective on Nixon's presidency reflects the sentiments of many historians and scholars who have studied this period of American history. Ambrose's assessment of Nixon and Johnson as potentially the worst presidents indicates the lasting impact of their actions and policies, as well as the enduring negative perceptions of their presidencies. It also highlights the importance of historical context in evaluating presidential legacies and the impact of their decisions on the nation.

The quote also raises questions about the criteria by which we judge the success or failure of a presidency. Ambrose's comparison of Nixon to Johnson suggests that he views both presidents as deeply flawed, possibly due to their handling of significant national crises and their relationships with other branches of government. This invites further examination of the qualities and actions that define effective presidential leadership and the ways in which presidential legacies are shaped by their responses to pivotal moments in history.

In conclusion, Stephen Ambrose's quote provides a succinct but powerful expression of his negative assessment of Richard Nixon's presidency, while also drawing attention to the historical significance of Andrew Johnson's time in office. Ambrose's perspective as a respected historian sheds light on the enduring impact of these presidents' actions and the complex legacies they have left behind. The quote serves as a reminder of the lasting influence of presidential leadership and the importance of critical evaluation in understanding the history of the United States.