The Nixon-Biden Call
I can’t believe this bit of news escaped us this week while I was away attending to real life work. But, like a gift that never stops giving, another round of Nixon tapes were released in the past week, and in them, was the call placed by Nixon to Senator-elect Joe Biden on the day after his wife and daughter were killed. Now, I can only imagine how difficult these calls are to make, but I would think that they only thing you can say on those calls is to express your deep sympathy and offer up any help the person needs. We have all been there, searching for what to say to someone whose world has just been destroyed. And we have all learned that that is all you really can say, no matter how limited it may be.
And I think we have learned that it is usually not wise to tell the mourning “Hey, don’t worry about it, you have a bright future ahead of you anyway!”
Nixon, apparently, did not learn that.
An exhausted-sounding Biden … answered the phone, saying “Hello, Mr. President. How are you?”
Taking a deep breath, Nixon expressed his condolences, saying he knew it was “a very tragic day” and that he wanted to let him know “all of us here at the White House” were thinking and praying for him and his two surviving children.
….
“I understand that you were on the Hill at the time and your wife was just driving by herself,” Nixon said.
“Yes, that’s correct,” said Biden, then 30.
Nixon continued, “I mean looking at it as you must in terms of a future because you, you have the great fortune of being young. I remember I was two years older than you when I went to the House” he said.
“But the main point is, you can remember that she was there when you won a great victory and uh, you enjoyed it together,” Nixon said. “And now I’m sure that she’ll be watching you from now on. Good luck to you.”
Oh. My. God. We all know that Nixon was a social moron. But he made his condolscence call to Biden all about Biden. Biden is fortunate because he is young? That makes it sounds like Nixon considered the loss of Neilia no big loss since Biden is young enough to find another wife. Biden can remember that his late wife was there for him? She will be watching him? No mention of his dead infant daughter. I don’t know, maybe I am overreacting because of loathing of Nixon, but he certainly comes off as a jackass in this call. But maybe not. Being a social moron does not mean your a jackass at heart. It just means you have no idea how to relate to other people and no understanding of circumstance.
I don’t know. I heard it on the radio and I thought Nixon kind of did okay.
Maybe it doesn’t read well.
Now if Nixon were a democrat would you have posted this post?
I think many of today’s Republicans think of Nixon as a liberal. 😉
Kilroy…
Yes, probably. Because this is really about Nixon the man, not Nixon the Republican.
You guy’s should use the last 2 sentences as your theme.
I thought it was kind of weird, but most people don’t really know what to say in those situations. A lot of people say unintentionally hurtful things to people who are grieving. Let this be a lesson to us all – don’t try to comfort, just express your condolences and sympathies.
It is weird, but more in a very socially awkward way. This just makes him a little more human (the man didn’t have much grace), even though we expect the President to be eloquent and in command of the social graces at all times.
This is just pure evil. To parse a private condolescence call, this may be the most “censor eligible” post ever put up by DL, and hopefully met with unequivocating support. As difficult as it is to lose those you love, the next difficult task is to us remaining as to what to say or do–BUT WE WANT TO IF WE KNEW WHAT TO SAY OR DO. Ask anyone who has lost–any attempt of kindness via words,calls, writing, acts, was appreciated and soothing, no matter how late or awkward. What stings are those who didn’t even attempt. To even display Nixon’s call as fodder, validates the “social moron”, and “jackass at heart” you are. Anon 150,654 is dead on.
Welcome back DelDem. And I DID miss you.
Am I banned now DeLib?
And on a lighter note, since the ban button hasn’t been activated yet—Where was Rosemary when he could have really used her?!
Joanne – Best to save your concern for worthier targets. Nixon’s social ham-handedness was immortal. The best stories were often retold by his GOP colleagues. This phone call is just the latest cringe-worthy relic.
Yea, you’re right John. Poor Pat who had to live with him–coat and all!!
Just spreading that Christmas Cheer to DelDem. By the way DD-I will buy you 2 drinks when I see you next, since I just kicked you “Up On the Housetop”. But we’re at Geek’s mercy for scheduling!
Joanne….
Thanks for the best laugh I’ve had all day.
Merry Christmas.
Thanks DelDem-you’re a good sport.
JC – watch this space for 2 (count ’em, 2) opportunities to hang with the DL crew. One will have alcohol.
Yea right Geek, your warped DL version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, and then no-show?. Don’t toy with my spirit. Town meetings and rallies don’t count!!!!