国立アメリカ歴史博物館さんのインスタグラム写真 - (国立アメリカ歴史博物館Instagram)「On September 23, 1952, Richard Nixon gave a televised speech that changed history. (And yes: a dog was involved). As Dwight Eisenhower’s vice presidential running mate, Nixon had been accused of mishandling an $18,000 campaign fund. His place on the ticket threatened, Nixon took to television to defend himself—one of the first times a politician used TV to speak directly to the people. Explaining that he had not benefited from the money, Nixon did admit there had been one personal gift; his daughters had been given a cocker spaniel they named Checkers. Nixon told viewers: “the kids, like all kids, love the dog, and I just want to say this, right now, that regardless of what they say about it, we’re going to keep it.” Using TV to reach thousands, Nixon concluded with a direct appeal: “Wire and write the Republican National Committee whether you think I should stay on or whether I should get off. And whatever their decision is, I will abide by it.” Estimates vary, but perhaps as many as 2 million people responded with a letter, phone call, or telegram, 350 to 1 supporting Nixon. A grateful campaign mailed each respondent a thank-you postcard like the one above. They included a photo of the Nixon family and a "personalized" note on the back. The speech worked. Eisenhower kept Nixon on the ticket and the two went on to victory that fall. The “Checkers speech” as it came to be known is one of the few speeches that can be so clearly tied to a specific outcome. It made Nixon vice president. Did it also make him president? He thought so. Ten years later, he said “If it hadn’t been for that broadcast, I would never have been around to run for the presidency.” Some have therefore argued this speech changed American politics for the next quarter century—and perhaps beyond. #AmericanHistory #VoteHistory #PoliticalHistory #PresidentialHistory #AmericanDemocracy #WinningWithWords #OTD #TDIH」9月24日 3時33分