Nov. 7, 1962 - Richard Nixon's "Last Press Conference"

Nov. 7, 1962 - Richard M. Nixon conceded defeat today in his quest for the Governorship of California with a telegram to the victor, Governor Edmund G. Brown. Then, in an unusually candid 15-minute statement to about 100 newsmen at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Mr. Nixon harshly denounced the press. The statement, which many experts believe marks the end of Mr. Nixon’s political career, was his first public utterance since the election yesterday, which dashed the former Vice President’s hopes of a political comeback. Mr. Nixon began his remarks by stating: “Now that all the members of the press are so delighted that I have lost, I'd like to make a statement of my own.” He accused the press of political bias and said that, while they may “give the shaft” to future candidates, they should have “one lonely reporter on the campaign who will report what the candidate says now and then.” Mr. Nixon did reserve praise for Carl Greenberg of the Los Angeles Times, whom he felt “wrote every word I said.” Finally, with a bitter smile, the defeated candidate said: “I leave you gentlemen now. And you will now write it. You will interpret it. That’s your right. But as I leave you, I want you to know: just think how much you're going to be missing. You don't have Nixon to kick around anymore. Because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference." Mr. Nixon gave no hint of his future plans.

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