Historic perspective casts an eerie glow over this one. Nixon's machine was a combine chewing up all that stood between him and the Oval Office. It was the first time I read of the concept of incumbency in advertising. Nixon had it from the git go and never let loose. How daunting it is to face a campaign that assumes the sale with a cocky swagger, taunting opponents into a head-on death match.
Though he was ultimately undone by his demons, taken out by those who loathed him, Nixon's advertising set the template for republicans in the next three cycles.
