In this Article, Julie Nixon Eisenhower is an American author. She is the younger daughter of former U.S. president Richard Nixon and Pat Nixon; her husband David Eisenhower is the grandson of former president Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower has four grandchildren who she raised as motherless children while still maintaining her writing career; including experiencing political highs during Richard Nixon’s presidential administration as well as personal lows during Watergate – not to mention some highlights from her remarkable life history such as being President himself during Richard Nixon’s presidency and then eventually moving away from public focus altogether; here are a few highlights of Julie Nixon Eisenhower’s extraordinary journey through life’s milestones:
A Childhood in the Public Eye
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Julie Nixon was born July 5, 1948, while her father, Congressman Richard Nixon, was in Washington D.C. Her early life was marked by public scrutiny as their father was elected U.S. Senator from California when she was two and Vice President when she was four. At Sidwell Friends School, where Tricia also studied alongside Julie Nixon. Julie would become friends with Susan Ford who would go on to become President Gerald Ford.
Checkers was one of her father Richard Nixon’s favorite pets and featured prominently in one of his most memorable speeches during his 1952 campaign for Vice President. During that speech, Richard defended himself against accusations of misusing campaign funds by saying his daughters loved having the dog and that he wouldn’t return it. It was highly applauded and ultimately helped secure him his position on Dwight Eisenhower’s ticket.
Julie Nixon had an especially close bond with her grandfather, Dwight Eisenhower. Dwight named Camp David after Julie’s future husband David Eisenhower (later to become her husband). Julie would spend many summers visiting their farm near Gettysburg in Pennsylvania where the Eisenhowers retired after leaving office; Julie greatly respected and learned much from him.
A Romance Between Two Political Dynasties
Julie Nixon first encountered David Eisenhower, grandson of Dwight Eisenhower, at eight years old at the 1956 Republican National Convention. They reunited again as students at Smith College and Amherst College respectively in 1966 and began dating soon after; becoming media subjects as the union between two prominent political families.
Julie Nixon and David Eisenhower began dating in 1967 and were officially wed on December 22, 1968, in a private ceremony at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. Julie donned an elegant white gown that belonged to Hannah Nixon while David donned his Army uniform as part of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) duties. About 400 guests including President Lyndon Johnson, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, and former President Harry Truman1 attended their wedding celebration.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower later disclosed that she and David did not wish to get married at the White House due to its prominence and pressure; additionally, they did not wish for it to interrupt a baseball game broadcast as had occurred when Luci Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon Johnson got married.
A Defender of Her Father and a First Daughter
Julie Nixon Eisenhower served her father and his policies throughout the Nixon Administration (1969 to 1974). Known for being his primary supporter during Watergate – leading up to his resignation – Julie was widely recognized for being one of his staunchest supporters, appearing on television shows, giving speeches, writing articles and making television appearances to advocate on his behalf – garnering four consecutive years’ list from Good Housekeeping magazine as one of their Ten Most Admired Women.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower often joined her father on diplomatic trips, such as his historic visit to China in 1972 – where she met Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai – Soviet Union, Romania, Iran and other countries as well. Julie also championed many social causes related to volunteerism, supporting arts programs, drug abuse awareness campaigns and environmental concerns.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower stood with her father during his announcement and exit from the White House on August 8, 1974, later calling it one of the hardest periods of her life despite not wavering from their legacy. She later stated it had been difficult, yet never lost faith in either him or their legacy.
A Life Away from the Limelight
Julie Nixon Eisenhower published Pat Nixon: The Untold Story on New York Times Best Seller list in 1986 and, together with David Eisenhower and their respective wives Mamie and Dwight Eisenhower retired to their farm near Gettysburg where David’s grandfather John lived. These works provided Julie Nixon Eisenhower an intimate view into their lives after their father left office, giving insight into who Ike was as they retired there.
She and her husband turned down opportunities to run for public office as they wanted a quiet life to raise their three children: Jennie, Alex and Melanie as well as four grandchildren: Kaia, Chloe Alexander and Tara. The family currently resides in Berwyn Pennsylvania near Philadelphia where David serves as director of the Institute for Public Service at University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower remains engaged in works to honor her parents’ legacies, sitting as board of director on the Richard Nixon Foundation and being involved with various charitable and educational organizations such as Eisenhower Fellowships, Nixon Center and Julie and David Eisenhower Scholarship Funds. Julie is also an avid reader, gardener and animal enthusiast.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower has seen and made history, while also opting to live her own life on her terms. She turned down an invitation for a White House wedding and instead chose a private life instead.
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