acknowledge the depth of his insights and the breadth of his
knowledge. The man who won election to the presidency and
opened up China in his historic initiatives was far from a simplis-
tic villain. If he was flawed, this was not clearly discerned by
many, and Billy saw his strengths, not his “dark side.”
Billy built his friendship with Nixon when he was vice presi-
dent under Dwight Eisenhower. When Nixon failed to defeat
Kennedy in his own bid to become president in 1960, and two
years later lost the election for governor of California, he was dev-
astated. Once excruciatingly close to the Oval Office, Nixon sank
into depression. It seemed only a few still believed in Nixon—but
one who did was his longtime friend, Billy Graham.
“Dick, I believe you’ll have another chance at the presidency,”
Billy told Nixon as they played golf together. “The world situation
is getting worse. There’ll come a time when the American people
will call on you. You have the ability and the training to be pres-
ident of the United States. Don’t give up.” Indeed, Billy’s respect
for Nixon was genuine and deep. He admired his intellectual capa-
bilities and government expertise.
In 1967 Nixon called Billy for advice. The political tide had
once again turned. Down and out for five years, Nixon had
reclaimed much of his earlier luster. Now he wanted Billy’s opin-
ion on making another run for the White House, so he invited
Billy to join him in Florida. Although Billy was sick with what he
later learned was pneumonia, nothing would come between him
and his friend.
During two days in Key Biscayne, Nixon and Billy discussed
Scripture and prayed, as they frequently did when together.
Shortly before Billy left, they walked along the beach, discussing
Nixon’s aspirations. Nixon pressed Billy for guidance. “You still
haven’t told me what to do,” he said.
“If you don’t run, you will always wonder if you should
have,” Billy replied. “I will pray for you, that the Lord will give
you the wisdom to make the right choice.”
Later, Nixon said that Billy, more than any other individual,
influenced his decision to run.
Experiencing Trauma and Betrayal