To understand the dramatic rise and unprecedented fall of Richard Nixon, one must look to his beginnings. Raised by a family with modest means in a childhood beset by tragedy, Richard Nixon learns early to recognize opportunity where he can and, perhaps more importantly, how to seize it. His years as a serious student give way to a promising political career. But Nixon's meteoric rise is marked by aggressive political tactics, a resentment of the elite, and an unbridled will to win. His early political life climaxes with a dramatic showdown for the presidency against John F. Kennedy.