Nixon's 1978 Oxford Union address

I don't condone Nixon's roles in the Watergate scandal, and prolonging the Vietnam War is a contentious historical decision. Nevertheless, Nixon's 1978 address to the Oxford Union kicked started his post-presidential reinvention. Most of Nixon's speaking time involves him answering the audience's questions.

The viewer might find Nixon's comments on leaving the judgement on opening the door to China to the close of the 20 century noteworthy. Avoiding WW3, and the U.S. remaining encaged in global affairs are rock beds of Nixon's arguments. Nixon's intellect and understanding of diplomacy are not matched by anyone in the American political scene today. (The same applies to Australia and New Zealand's political leaders).

Lastly, the question and Nixon's answer around the merits of wiretapping terrorist organisations balanced against civil liberties took on a new relevance after 9-11.

a reply to: xpert11
Some knee-jerk "protest" chanting can be heard outside. Left-wingers tended to have a low opinion of the Oxford Union, anyway. Partly because they were jealous of the building, which they wanted as a free gift for their own use.

If nothing else, Nixon's ability to maintain composure in the midst of the protesters is admirable.