The Last of the President's Men Quotes

“The next month the Senate voted 77–0 to set up the Watergate committee. The unanimity was almost unheard of. Even Republicans smelled something.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“When you’re in the White House,” Butterfield said, “everyone lies. You can sort of get feeling immune.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“talking in elegant paragraphs. He also had a”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“Butterfield wanted out. Anticipating reelection, he heard Nixon tell Haldeman on several occasions that it would be, more than ever, a time for vengeance. “Now, we’re going to get them, Bob,” Nixon said. “Now we’re going to nail those sons of bitches.” The atmosphere of retribution aimed at Democrats, the media, the antiwar movement and any perceived Nixon opponent was pervasive.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“Watergate and Vietnam will be Nixon’s chief legacies. There was, however, another side to Nixon. Why does he retain a small, though diminishing number of admirers? The answer, I think, is his mind. It was remarkable in many ways. He had the gift, misused so unfortunately in Watergate and Vietnam, of a strategic mind—the capacity to lay out general principles, and also the small and large steps needed to achieve a big goal. He faltered tragically in his chief legacies. But he was capable of determining where he wanted to be in a year or two and taking the actions to get there.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“In Vietnam today there is a My Lai Museum. Hersh visited it in early 2015 for The New Yorker and noted the names and ages of the victims listed on a marble plaque. The count of the dead is no longer in dispute: a total of 504 people from 247 families; 24 families lost everyone—three generations, no survivors. Included in the 504 were 60 elderly men, and 282 women (17 of whom were pregnant). A total of 173 children were killed; 53 were infants.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“After Nixon resigned in August 1974 he spent much of the remaining 20 years of his life conducting a war on history, trying to diminish his role in Watergate and other crimes, while attempting to elevate his foreign policy and other accomplishments. But nearly each year since 1974 new tapes and documents have been released showing the depth of his criminality and abuse of power.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“The expression on Nixon’s face signaled apprehension. He had a way of smiling with his mouth but not his eyes, Butterfield noticed.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“K [Kissinger] called from New York all disturbed because he felt someone had been getting to the P [President] on Vietnam... Henry's concerned that the P's looking for a way to bug out and he thinks that would be a disaster now.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“in to his office, no good luck, Alex,”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“Great ideas that are conceived and not sold are like babies that are stillborn. We need some deliveries within the next few months, even if they have to be cesarian. I will approve any programs you have to bring about those deliveries,” and he added with a touch of humor, “provided of course you recognize my total opposition to any abortions.” Signed, THE PRESIDENT.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“Another time Nixon asked Butterfield, “Are these goddamn cabinet members that we invite to the various social functions at the White House, do they get around and talk to people?” There were usually a handful of cabinet members at state dinners, receptions or the Sunday worship service. “That should be one of their duties,” Nixon said. “Honestly, Mr. President,” Butterfield replied, “no, they don’t get around that much and I don’t think they see making conversation with other guests is one of their duties.” “Well,” Nixon said, “who does? Who’s the best?” “Oh, clearly the best is George Bush . . . I’ve heard him many times and I’ve watched him. ‘Hi, I’m George Bush, our United Nations representative.’ And he would chat with people.” “Oh, yeah, Bush. He would be good at that.” Nixon then went into a thoughtful repose and added, “God knows I could never do that.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men

“Once at Haldeman’s 7:45 a.m. senior staff meeting, Moynihan grew so frustrated at the wandering discussion that he raised his clenched fist, brought it down hard on the table, and shouted, “Fuck!” There was immediate silence. Butterfield watched everyone turn to Rose Woods, the only woman at the meeting, in horror and embarrassment.”
― Bob Woodward, The Last of the President's Men