Dwight Lee Chapin will speak to us about his new book The President’s Man | The Memoirs of Nixon’s Trusted Aide (William Morrow). Dwight will share the background on the book and why he wrote it, provide an overview of his relationship with President Nixon, and describe first-hand accounts of the historic and fascinating events and happenings of the Nixon era of which he was an eyewitness.
Dwight was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 2, 1940. He was a field worker on Richard Nixon’s 1962 gubernatorial campaign while he was still in college. From 1967-68, he worked as the Personal Aide to former Vice President Richard Nixon during his presidential campaign. After Nixon’s election victory, he became Special Assistant to the President, serving as Appointments Secretary. He held that position from 1969 until he became Deputy Assistant to the President in 1971. Dwight was named one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Men” by the Jaycees in 1972 for his contribution to President Nixon’s visit to China. He remained in his role as Deputy Assistant until he left the White House Staff in March 1973. Revealing in-depth memoirs about his time with Nixon, The President’s Man is Dwight’s first book and was published in February 2022.
From Richard Nixon’s “You-won’t-have-Nixon-to-kick-around-anymore” 1962 gubernatorial campaign through his world-changing trips to China and the Soviet Union and epic downfall, Dwight was by his side. As his Personal Aide and then Deputy Assistant in the White House, Dwight was with him in his most private and most public moments. He traveled with him, assisted, advised, strategized, campaigned and learned from one of America’s most controversial presidents. As Bob Haldeman’s protege, Dwight worked with Henry Kissinger in opening China—then eventually went to prison in the aftermath of Watergate although he had no involvement in it.
In 1986, Dwight created his own consulting company, Chapin Enterprises. He also remained active in politics and worked on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 and 1984 presidential campaigns and George H. W. Bush’s 1988 presidential campaign. He later went on to work as a business consultant, mentor, and public speaker. Currently, retired, Dwight resides in Riverside, Connecticut with his wife Terry. They are blessed with five children between them and fifteen grandchildren.
Arranged by Tom Igoe