Victor Davis Hanson argues Nixon was an unusually bright president

During a conversation with host Sami Winc, Victor Davis Hanson praised Richard Nixon as one of the most naturally bright presidents, emphasizing his foreign-policy successes. He cited Nixon’s Vietnamization effort, the drawdown of U.S. forces, and the shift to targeted bombing campaigns as evidence of strategic acumen. Hanson also pointed to the historic 1972 visit to China and the close working relationship with Henry Kissinger as major diplomatic milestones.

Although he admitted the Watergate scandal tarnished Nixon’s legacy, Hanson argued that the president’s overall performance, particularly in international affairs, deserves a more favorable assessment than typical historical rankings suggest. He contrasted Nixon’s record with later presidents, noting that many contemporary critics overlook these achievements. The discussion also touched on broader political dynamics, including references to other figures such as Barack Obama and John Dean.