Johnson in 1968 was a far different situation. He was challenged by a formidable opponent of the Vietnam War, Eugene McCarthy. Polls showed Johnson well ahead but the gap was closing. In addition, Robert F Kennedy was on the sideline but ready to jump into the race if Johnson faltered.

Below is an article about the Gallup poll numbers 5 days before Johnson withdrew from the race.

The other huge difference: Kennedy's assassination. The outcome of Kennedy vs Nixon? We'll never know.

I am grateful for the things in life that calm and inspire. Political controversy is not one of them.

In my woodsy backyard today.

Benjamin Netanyahu is a master of deception. He was complicit in the death of rival Yitzak Rabin by his reckless rhetoric and alliance with the worst right wing elements.

Philadelphia Inquirer, 20 May 1996, page 3:

"At a demonstration near Tel Aviv, Netanyahu marched before a coffin with the inscription, 'Rabin is killing Zionism.' Likud members were joined in the street by thugs and extremists, including violent supporters of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane." See more below.

Roughly 50 years since the Watergate scandal led to hearings and incriminating tapes that put an end to Nixon's Presidency. I came by this poster at the time. I was 15.

But for a preemptive pardon, he would have justly faced prosecution for his crimes after leaving office.

We should learn the right lessons from history.