RICHARD NIXON BORN IN YORBA LINDA CALIFORNIA
Yorba Linda (JFK+50) On January 9, 1913, the future 37th POTUS, Richard Milhous Nixon*, was born here in Yorba Linda. His parents were Quakers and ran a lemon ranch. Nixon's early life was influenced by Quaker theology which included no alcohol, dancing or swearing.
Richard Nixon earned his B.A. at Whittier College and his L.L.B. from Duke University Law School.
According to Chris Matthews, John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon "were good friends." When they were elected to Congress in 1946, both "already shared the same lofty goal, the presidency...and respected each other because of it."
JFK gave a "large contribution" to Nixon's bid for the Senate in 1950 and when Eisenhower chose him as his running mate in 1952, Congressman Kennedy sent a note which read...
"I always knew you would make it to the top. I just didn't think it would come this soon."
JFK+50 NOTE
JFK would tell a funny story about Nixon at the Alfred E. Smith dinner in New York during the 1960 presidential campaign. JFK said that a Nixon supporter had spoken to the Vice-President after an event saying, "That was a damn fine speech." Mr. Nixon replied, "I appreciate the compliment but not the language." The man continued, "yes sir I liked it so much I gave a thousand dollars to your campaign." Mr. Nixon replied, "The hell you say!"
*Richard Milhous Nixon (1913-1994) served in the U.S. Navy during WWII & the House of Representatives (R-CA) 1947-1950, Senate 1950-1953, as VPOTUS 1953-1961 & POTUS 1969-1974. After his election to a 2nd term in 1972, RMN was forced to reign the presidency as a result of the Watergate scandal.
SOURCES
"Kennedy and Nixon: The Rivalry That Shaped Postwar America," by Chris Matthews, Simon and Schuster, 1996.
"Such Good Friends," by Douglas Brinkley, June 2, 1996, The Washington Post, www.washingtonpost.com/
