I have fought for what I believe in.

I have tried to the best of my ability

to discharge those duties and meet those responsibilities

that were entrusted to me.

Sometimes I have succeeded,

and sometimes I have failed. But always, I have taken heart from what

Theodore Roosevelt once said about the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood,

who strives valiantly,

who errs and comes short again and again

because there is not effort without error in shortcoming,

but who does actually strive to do the deed?

Who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions,

who spends himself in a worthy cause,

who at the best knows in the end the triumphs of high achievements.

And who is the worst, if he fails, at least fails, while daring greatly.

Richard Nixon spoke those words on August 8, 1974.

In that same speech, he announced his resignation from the presidency of the United States.

It was the most devastating moment in Nixon's career, and it would render him a national pariah.

Regardless of what he had accomplished during his time in the White House,

he would forever be remembered as the first president to resign.

To resign in disgrace.

In that exact moment, Nixon took comfort from the words of one of his predecessors,

...