AUDIO

Just Plain Dick: Richard Nixon's Checkers Speech and the "Rocking, Socking" Election of 1952

by Kevin Mattson
6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7 hrs. Blackstone Audio. ISBN 9781470837730. $69; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. POL SCI
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Mattson (history, Ohio Univ.; The Cause) deconstructs Richard Nixon's 1952 "Checkers speech," clearly describing a pivotal time in Nixon's career as well as a transformative moment in American politics. In 1952, Nixon faced pressure to resign as Dwight Eisenhower's running mate because of possible campaign finance improprieties. In what is still the most-watched television speech to date, Nixon painted a portrait of himself as the hardworking common man, fighting the good fight against powerful elitists such as Ike's opponent, Adlai Stevenson (whom Nixon dismissed as an "egghead"). Veteran narrator Keith Szarabajka's lively performance will engage listeners.
VERDICT This title will appeal to political junkies of all ages as well as those interested in how the media influences elections. ["Mattson's book will appeal to historians, politicians, politics buffs, and those interested in the impact of television on the electorate," read the review of the Bloomsbury hc, LJ 8/12.—Ed.]
Reviewed by Beth Farrell, Cleveland State Univ. Law Lib. , May 03, 2013
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