I wouldn't trust Nixon from here to that phone

I wouldn't trust Nixon from here to that phone

The quote "I wouldn't trust Nixon from here to that phone" is often attributed to Barry Goldwater, the Republican Senator from Arizona who ran for President in 1964. Goldwater was known for his conservative views and strong opposition to communism, but he also had a reputation for being honest and straightforward. His distrust of Nixon, who was also a Republican and served as Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower, speaks volumes about the level of skepticism and suspicion that surrounded Nixon during his political career.

Nixon's reputation for dishonesty and deceit was well-known even before he became President in 1969. His involvement in the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to his resignation in 1974, solidified his reputation as a corrupt and untrustworthy politician. Goldwater's comment about not trusting Nixon "from here to that phone" suggests that he believed Nixon was not to be trusted even with something as simple as a phone call.

Goldwater's distrust of Nixon may have been rooted in their differing political ideologies and personal beliefs. Goldwater was a staunch conservative who believed in limited government and individual freedom, while Nixon was known for his more moderate and pragmatic approach to politics. Goldwater may have seen Nixon as a political opportunist who was willing to compromise his principles in order to gain power and influence.