re: #174 wheat-dogg, raker of forests, master of steam

Nixon had many faults, but at least he could manage to be halfway human in public settings. And in his twisted way, he was trying to leave a decent legacy as POTUS. I doubt Trump can think that far enough ahead to consider his legacy.

Nope. Roger Ailes was his communications director. They set in motion the ditching of the Fairness Doctrine under Reagan, which led first to wingnut radio then FOX News Channel (under Roger Ailes).

Had Nixon the apparatus that wingnuts (which are the same as conservatives and always have been) have now, he would have done precisely the same.

Nixon was not some “kinder, gentler” Republican. His folks implemented the Southern Strategy to appeal to the racists who are now part of the Republican base.