It's Nixon who created the Environmental Protection Agency. Clean Air and Water Acts. Endangered Species Act. Promoted affirmative action. One could go on and on with Nixon as a New Deal liberal on domestic policy and a hawk, but one with great geo-political skills.

The quote, "It's Nixon who created the Environmental Protection Agency. Clean Air and Water Acts. Endangered Species Act. Promoted affirmative action. One could go on and on with Nixon as a New Deal liberal on domestic policy and a hawk, but one with great geo-political skills," comes from Douglas Brinkley, an American historian and author specializing in American history, politics, and environmental policy. Brinkley is known for his insightful commentary on presidential leadership and the historical impact of U.S. presidents, highlighting the complex legacies of figures like Richard Nixon.

At its core, Brinkley is emphasizing that while Nixon is often remembered primarily for the Watergate scandal, his domestic policy achievements were significant. By citing the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Clean Air and Water Acts, the Endangered Species Act, and promotion of affirmative action, Brinkley illustrates Nixon’s role as a progressive force on domestic issues, akin to a New Deal liberal, despite his reputation as a political hawk in foreign policy.

The origin of the quote reflects Brinkley’s perspective as a historian analyzing the full scope of presidential legacies. He often seeks to provide nuance, showing that political leaders like Nixon can be both controversial and influential in ways that transcend public perception. In highlighting Nixon’s geo-political skills alongside domestic reforms, Brinkley underscores the multidimensional nature of leadership and historical impact.

In summary, this quote serves as both a historical observation and a reassessment of Nixon’s legacy. Brinkley encourages readers to consider the broader contributions of Nixon, including his environmental and social policy achievements, alongside his foreign policy acumen, demonstrating that presidential legacies are often complex and multifaceted. It emphasizes the importance of looking beyond scandal to understand policy impact and leadership skill.