#OTD20 | September 23, 1952
Richard Nixon Defends Himself with the Checkers Speech
September 23, 1952: Richard Nixon, Dwight D. Eisenhower's running mate, goes on television to address allegations concerning a fund established by his backers.
Facing mounting pressure and calls to step down, Richard Nixon takes a groundbreaking step: he speaks directly to the American public on live television.
"My fellow Americans, I come before you tonight to tell you the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation."
In a masterful display of oratory, Nixon employs the story of a gift, a dog named Checkers, to humanize himself and appeal to the values of ordinary Americans.
The Checkers speech not only saves Nixon's political career but also becomes a defining moment in the use of television for political campaigns. It sets a new standard for politicians facing scrutiny and has leaves a lasting imprint on American political history.
Viewing Options
Richard Nixon, as vice-president and president, appears in a number of our programs, including "Post-War Years," "Vietnam," and "Cold War."
Additional Resources
Access more information from Media Rich Learning and curated off-site sources.
#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
September 15, 1916: First Use of Tanks in Combat
#OTD20 — September 15, 1916: History is made as military tanks roll into combat for the first time during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive.
September 13, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
#OTD20 — September 10, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith is elected to the U.S. making her the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.
September 12, 1962: JFK Pledges “We Go to the Moon…”
#OTD20 — September 12, 1962: JFK delivers his “We Go to the Moon” address at Rice University, challenging the nation to land a man on the moon within the decade.
September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile
#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.
September 9, 1916. Woodrow Wilson Urges Patience on Women’s Suffrage
#OTD20 — September 9, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson speaks in Atlantic City, urging patience on the issue of women’s suffrage.
September 8, 1945. Korea Partitioned at 38th Parallel
#OTD20 — September 8, 1945: American troops arrive in Korea, initiating the division of the peninsula along the 38th parallel.
September 8, 1945: Huey “The Kingfish” Long Shot
#OTD20 — September 10, 1935: Senator Huey Long, a prominent figure during the Depression-era politics, is shot while at the Louisiana state capital in Baton Rouge.
September 7, 1940. Luftwaffe attacks. London Blitz Begins.
#OTD20 — September 7, 1940: The Blitz of London begins as the German Luftwaffe launches a devastating attack on the city. By day’s end, one thousand Londoners are dead.
Introducing #OTD20: Your Daily Dose of History
Join us as we unveil our #OTD20 Series—a daily exploration of significant events from the past. Perfect for educators, history buffs, and the eternally curious.
Remarkably social