The Last Liberal Republican: An Insider's Perspective on Nixon's Surprising Social Policy

The Last Liberal Republican is a memoir from John Roy Price, a senior domestic policy advisor to Nixon, who places Nixon in the liberal Republican tradition of Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas E. Dewey, and Dwight Eisenhower. Price offers insight into Nixons political and policy challenges, including his ambitious proposal for a guaranteed family income and his efforts to build nutrition education and childrens food services into schools. The book will be a valuable resource for presidency scholars studying Nixon, his policies, the Republican Party, and the rise of the modern conservative movement.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: University Press of Kansas

The Last Liberal Republican is a captivating memoir from one of Richard Nixon's senior domestic policy advisors, John Roy Price. Hailing from the moderate wing of the Republican Party, Price played a pivotal role in shaping the Nixon White House's welfare, hunger, and health policies. Alongside Daniel Patrick Moynihan and John D. Ehrlichman, Price contributed to the development of a liberal Republican tradition that drew inspiration from President Theodore Roosevelt, New York governor Thomas E. Dewey, and President Dwight Eisenhower.

In his memoir, Price delves into the intricate dynamics within the Nixon White House, navigating the challenges posed by a Democratic-controlled Congress and the rising conservative influence. He sheds light on Nixon's surprising approach to social policy, particularly his ambitious proposal for a guaranteed family income. Beyond this, Price highlights Nixon's reorganization and expansion of the food stamp program, as well as his efforts to integrate nutrition education and children's food services into schools.

Interestingly, Nixon almost achieved a national health insurance program, envisioning a private sector framework alongside a generous benefit. Price's memoir offers valuable insights into the complex political landscape of the 1970s and the nuanced policies pursued by the Nixon administration. It contributes significantly to our understanding of the Nixon presidency and sheds light on the enduring legacy of his policies in the realm of domestic social policy.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780700636136