Unclear and Present Danger Nixon (feat. Nicole Hemmer)
Nov 13, 2023
Guest: Nicole Hemmer, associate professor of history and director of the Rogers Center for the American Presidency at Vanderbilt University and author of two books on conservative politics. The hosts discuss Oliver Stone's film "Nixon" and its portrayal of Richard Nixon's complex personality traits and knowledge of JFK's assassination. They also explore Nixon's legacy, the challenges faced by Congress, and the appeal of Nixon as a representation of an earlier era. An upcoming film, Patreon podcast, and book recommendations are also mentioned.
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Nixon's portrayal
- The film Nixon portrays the former president as deeply paranoid and resentful.
- The movie's tagline is: "Triumphant in victory, bitter in defeat. He changed the world, but lost a nation."
Nixon's Dramatic Persona
- Nixon's character is inherently dramatic, making it difficult to portray on screen.
- Actors struggle to exaggerate his already larger-than-life persona.
Nixon's Insecurity
- John Ganz is fascinated by Nixon's complex character, driven by insecurity and resentment.
- He believes Nixon's personal struggles are reflected in his political actions.