Richard Milhous Nixon (1913-198X), 37th President of the United States and is still the president in the 1985 of the Watchmen alternate universe. In the TV series, Nixon dies in office shortly after winning a sixth term in 1988.
Biography
His wife is Pat Nixon.[1]
Ozymandias points out that Nixon was in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, the day President that John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Homever, The Comedian keep minding him.[2]
Elected as President in 1968, Nixon asks Dr. Manhattan to intervene in Vietnam, thereby ensuring a U.S. victory in the war.[3]
In 1971 Nixon visited Vietnam on a helicopter for the celebrations. The Comedian implied that this would ensure his future political victories.[4]
Continuing victory
With the repeal of the 22nd Amendment[3][5] and the suspicious murders of Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein[6] (also thought to have been committed by The Comedian[7]), who would otherwise have exposed the Watergate Scandal, Nixon is reelected repeatedly.
In 1984 a slogan went "Stick with Dick".[8]
He still serves as President in 1985 as does as his Vice President Gerald R. Ford.[8] In October Nova Express mentions a "3rd Presidential Heart Op".[9]
Events of Watchmen
When Dr. Manhattan left for Mars, Nixon discussed in a war room with Henry Kissinger, G. Gordon Liddy and army Generals about the Soviet Union's reaction and the outcome of the Cold War.[10]
The Russians invaded Afghanistan and when Pakistan calls for help, Nixon tells congress that America would consider her options[11] When the fight spilled into Pakistan, Nixon stated that U.S. will respond with maximum force.[12]
In early November, DEFCON 2 was reached. After taking Pat Nixon somewhere safe, Nixon took the nuclear heads controls and flew to the NORAD complex on Air Force One. There he joined Kissinger and Liddy and entered a war room.[1]
After the disaster, serious new candidates for the Presidency are mentioned (Robert Redford in the novel, Ronald Reagan in the film), which may suggest that Nixon will not run for a sixth term.
Film adaptation
In the film adaptation, Nixon is played by English actor Robert Wisden. In the extended cut of the film, Nixon's role is expanded from both the graphic novel and the original cut.
Preceded by Lyndon B. Johnson |
Richard M. Nixon January 20, 1969 - January 20, 1989 |
Succeeded by Gerald R. Ford |
Gallery
References
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