37th President Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) “Resignation Speech” (August 8, 1974)
From the discussions I have had with Congressional and other leaders, I have concluded that because of the Watergate matter I might not have the support of the Congress that I would consider necessary to back the very difficult decisions and carry out the duties of this office in the way the interests of the Nation would require.
I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body. But as President, I must put the interest of America first. America needs a full-time President and a full-time Congress, particularly at this time with problems we face at home and abroad.
To continue to fight through the months ahead for my personal vindication would almost totally absorb the time and attention of both the President and the Congress in a period when our entire focus should be on the great issues of peace abroad and prosperity without inflation at home.
Therefore, I shall resign the Presidency effective at noon tomorrow. Vice President Ford will be sworn in as President at that hour in this office.
Source: PBS Newshour (NOTE: The President spoke at 9: 01 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. The address was broadcast live on radio and television.)
Nixon’s resignation, the first in presidential history, took effect at noon the next day. The New York Times account of the resignation speech under the banner headline “NIXON RESIGNS”
On August 9, 1974, Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as the 38th President. Ford, who had been appointed vice president in the wake of the resignation of Spiro Agnew, became the first president who was not elected either president nor vice president.
Read more about Nixon, his life and presidency in Don’t Know Much About® the American Presidents.
Don’t Know Much About the American Presidents (2012)
(From Hyperion and Random House Audio)
