How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph.Sentence)
Quote #1
The war was causing deep division at home and criticism from many of our friends as well as our enemies abroad.
In view of these circumstances there were some who urged that I end the war at once by ordering the immediate withdrawal of all American forces. (15.1-16.1)
Haters gonna hate. That's basically what Nixon wants to say here. He's calling all those dissatisfied Americans (the anti-war protestors, participants in the civil rights movement, the feminists) a bunch of haters. He even puts them in the same category as those "enemies abroad." Ouch.
Quote #2
Now, many believe that President Johnson's decision to send American combat forces to South Vietnam was wrong. And many others—I among them—have been strongly critical of the way the war has been conducted. (23.1-23.2)
Richard "Tricky Dick" Nixon wouldn't be remembered for his amazing foresight and truth-telling abilities, but he's telling the truth here.
Nixon admits that he himself was one of those standing in the dissatisfied line. He didn't like the situation in Vietnam. That's the truth. He also promises a swift and painless end to the war—that was a lie.
Quote #3
For the United States, this first defeat in our Nation's history would result in a collapse of confidence in American leadership, not only in Asia but throughout the world. (30.1)
Richard "Tricky Dick" Nixon would not be remembered for his amazing foresight and truth-telling abilities, but he definitely hit the nail on the head here. The United States did experience a loss of confidence in American leadership shortly after losing the war in Vietnam. Unfortunately for him, this was largely due to his decision-making and largely due to the fact that he resigned from the presidency under shady circumstances.
Quote #4
I can order an immediate, precipitate withdrawal of all Americans from Vietnam without regard to the effects of that action. (105.1)
Before making this statement, Nixon actually says some nice things about the anti-war crowd. He even hints that he respects them. This statement (and several that follow as well) is a little wake-up call and stab in the back to those protesters listening to the speech. He's kind of calling the protestors morons for thinking that the war could end just like that. It's a veiled insult, but it's still not very nice.
Quote #5
In San Francisco a few weeks ago, I saw demonstrators carrying signs reading: "Lose in Vietnam, bring the boys home."
Well, one of the strengths of our free society is that any American has a right to reach that conclusion and to advocate that point of view. (115.1-116.1)
Similar to the previous quote, this statement is a mixture of honey and flesh-burning acid. Nixon wants to be Mr. Nice Guy President giving compliments to those dissatisfied people making calls to end the war and saying that they have the right to be dissatisfied. But he ultimately argues that they should just pack up and go home, and let his precious "great silent majority" get the spotlight for once.