Nation: California: Career's End

In some ways Richard Nixon symbolized the American dream. Of humble beginnings, he almost won the highest honor the U.S. can offer. He was elected a U.S. Representative at 33, a Senator at 37, Vice President at 39, and at 47 he became the Republican nominee for President. And yet, barring a miracle, his political career ended last week. He was only 49. But something had gone wrong. Perhaps he had risen too far too fast.

There could be little question about Nixon's abilities—yet they earned him almost as many enemies as admirers. He came to national attention as the House investigator...

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