Richard Nixon had a kind of Walter Mitty fantasy life. He was a man with a grandiose thoughts: dreams of not simply being president but maybe becoming one of the truly great presidents of American history.

Robert Dallek’s quote offers a critical view of Richard Nixon, suggesting that his aspirations extended beyond merely becoming the president of the United States. The comparison to Walter Mitty, a fictional character known for living out elaborate, fantastical dreams, implies that Nixon had grandiose and perhaps unrealistic ambitions about his place in history. Dallek argues that Nixon’s dreams were not just about holding the office, but about achieving greatness and being remembered as one of the truly great presidents in American history.

The term "grandiose thoughts" reflects the extent of Nixon's ambition, portraying him as a man driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy and to shape the course of history. These dreams of greatness may have influenced his actions, particularly during pivotal moments in his presidency. Dallek suggests that Nixon’s vision of himself might have been more about personal ambition and legacy than about the practical realities and challenges of governing.

Dallek, a noted historian of U.S. presidents, is pointing to a possible flaw in Nixon’s character: that his vision of grandeur may have blinded him to the limitations and ethical considerations required for effective leadership. Nixon’s desire for greatness could be seen as a driving force behind some of his more controversial decisions, which ultimately led to his resignation over the Watergate scandal.

Ultimately, Dallek’s quote underscores the complexity of Nixon’s character and leadership. His dreams of greatness and historical legacy may have pushed him to achieve remarkable things, but they also may have led him to take dangerous paths that tarnished his legacy. The quote reflects the tension between ambition and the realities of political life.