Machiavelli and Nixon?

Question

How did Nixon use Machiavelli's rules to gain leadership?
I am using the watergate scandal to show how Machiavelli's suggestions lead to his downfall but I want to show also how he used Machiavelli's suggestions to gain power.

Answer 1

I think Nixon failed because he did not adhere to these principles. A 'Prince' must be thought publically to be beyond reproach. He may carry out underhanded dealing to acheive a purpose. Machiavelli specified that the only acceptable end was the stabilization and health of the state; individual power for its own sake is not an acceptable end and does not justify evil actions. In this way both Nixon and Reagan sought power for personal ambition, not the benefit of the country.