A Lion...A Fox

A LION..A FOX

The Alternate Presidency of Richard M. Nixon 

Written by: Greg Masceri

Published by  Cat and Mouse Publishing

                           Rochester, NY

PREFACE 

When we explore history and certain historical incidents we often ask "what if", and then are presented with all sorts of possibilities which become present themselves and cause us to make assumptions that lead to a new alternate history. This counterfactual brings into focus the question of what would have happened had Richard Nixon defeated John Kennedy in the election of 1960. This new reality... this new alternate story would reshape the course of the 60s, the history of our country and ultimately the world. We will come face to face with some uncomfortable truths about our country and the men who lead it. Many have speculated but none have transferred to an alternate reality until now an answer to this “what if”.

The Presidency of Richard M. Nixon occurred of course as a result of one of the closest elections in the history of our nation. The first man to be elected that was born in the 20th century and a man who was driven to succeed and never had the opportunity to taste defeat. Nixon’s life in this reality demonstrates what he was able to accomplish in a shorter time than he did in our original timeline. While his opponent John Kennedy would go on to have his own brilliant career, Nixon would become our thirty fifth president. 

Richard Nixon was born on January 9, 1913, to Francis A. Nixon and Hannah Milhous Nixon in Yorba Linda, California. His mother was a Quaker, and his upbringing was marked by conservative Quaker observances of the time. Nixon had four brothers, Harold, Donald, Arthur and Edward. Nixon grew up to a family and in an area that he would later call the “forgotten Americans” or “silent majority.” His early life was marked by hardship, and he would later often quote a saying  to describe his boyhood: “We were poor, but the glory of it was, we didn’t know it.” He grew though with an unshakable belief in America and all that was possible for everyone if he worked hard enough for it. The Nixon family moved to Whittier, California, in an area with many Quakers, where his father opened a grocery store and gas station. Richard’s younger brother Arthur died in 1925 after a short illness, and his older brother Harold, whom Richard admired, died of tuberculosis in 1933.

Much of his mother’s energy was expended on his sickly brothers. Richard grew up insecure, withdrawn and emotionally bottled-up, yet these trials spurred a fierce ambition.  He was bestowed an interest in politics and seemed to almost become someone else when he was discussing issues of the day. He seemed driven at this age to impress his parents as he tried to make up for the loss of his two brothers from Tuberculosis. He was carrying them with him every day as he strove for excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the halls of Whittier and beyond. Richard was offered a scholarship to Harvard, but his family lacked the money for him to attend. He instead lived at home and took up a scholarship to Whittier College. Nixon was a formidable debater, standout in collegiate drama productions, student body president, and was on the college baseball, football and track teams. While at Whittier, he lived at home and worked at his family’s store. While at Whittier he blossomed into a great leader and debater and as student body President he displayed leadership and rugged determination. He was instilled with the drive and almost ruthless determination to win. He believed that if you show me a good loser, I’ll show you a loser.

Nixon received a full scholarship to Duke University School of Law. At the time, the law school was new and sought to attract the top students by offering scholarships. Nixon was elected president of the Duke Bar Association and graduated third in his class in June 1937. Nixon later spoke about the influence of his alma mater, saying, “I always remember that whatever I have done in the past or may do in the future, Duke University is responsible in one way or another.