“I believe in the battle—whether it’s the battle of a campaign or the battle of this office, which is a continuing battle.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“I believe in the battle—whether it’s the battle of a campaign or the battle of this office, which is a continuing battle.”
Explanation
In this quote, Richard Nixon reveals his view of politics and leadership as inherently combative and enduring, shaped by a mentality of constant struggle and perseverance. His repetition of the word “battle” to describe both the electoral process and the daily duties of the presidency conveys a sense of unrelenting conflict. This reflects Nixon’s belief that political life is not a place for ease or comfort, but a realm of resistance, pressure, and hard-won effort.
Nixon’s political career was marked by tough campaigns, bitter rivalries, and constant challenges, from the Red Scare and Cold War brinkmanship to the domestic turmoil of the 1960s and the pressures of the Watergate scandal. His use of martial language captures his adversarial mindset, one in which survival and success come through vigilance and endurance. He viewed leadership as a position that demanded grit, resilience, and an ability to thrive under siege—both from political opponents and the weight of responsibility itself.
In modern times, the quote offers insight into the psychology of leaders who see governance not as a collaborative endeavor, but as a series of trials to be confronted head-on. It resonates in high-pressure environments where decision-makers must navigate crisis, criticism, and opposition. Nixon’s words serve as a reminder that for some, public service is not simply about policy—it is about the relentless contest of will, strategy, and survival, day after day.
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