Nixon Wanted to Be Seen As 'Nicey-Nice'

[steve2470]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6773779,00.html

Thursday July 12, 2007 2:31 AM

By CALVIN WOODWARD

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Nixon and his 1972 re-election campaign tried to tie Democrats to the mob, gay liberation and even slavery, according to newly released papers and tapes betraying bare-knuckle tactics from the dawn of the Watergate scandal.

Still, even as Nixon's lieutenants explored every avenue for defeating Democrat George McGovern and nullifying critics of all stripes - ``hit them'' was a favorite phrase - the president brooded over his reputation as a hard man whose gentle side was not being seen by the public.

Nixon called that side of him ``the whole warmth business.''

In 1970, he wrote an 11-page, single-spaced memo detailing his acts of kindness to staff and strangers and expressing regret that he was getting no credit for being ``nicey-nice.''

And in the profanity-laced conversation for which he was known in private, Nixon complained bitterly about Democratic campaign hecklers who shouted down his speeches, in contrast to well-mannered Republicans.
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