Ken Khachigian

Ken Khachigian, a veteran presidential speechwriter for Nixon and Reagan and author of Behind Closed Doors, shares his fascinating journey from a California farm to the political spotlight. He discusses the art of speechwriting, emphasizing the balance of message and emotion. Khachigian reflects on his Armenian heritage and the concept of resilience that shaped him. The conversation dives into crafting speeches, the significance of audience connection, and the intense pressure of last-minute fixes. With insights on the evolving role of AI in writing, Ken showcases the timeless power of words.

Ken Khachigian, a legendary political strategist and speechwriter for Presidents Nixon and Reagan, shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the White House. He reveals Nixon's volatile temper juxtaposed with his vulnerabilities, as well as the strategic missteps of Reagan's presidency. Khachigian reflects on loyalty among political aides during the Watergate scandal and the emotional complexities of his encounters with both presidents. His insights provide a captivating look at the intricacies of presidential power and personal relationships in politics.