Richard Nixon: “Let me wish you Godspeed and a safe return.”

This country needs good farmers, good businessmen, good plumbers, good carpenters.

Mistakes, yes. But for personal gain, never.

This was a serious act of omission for which I take full responsibility and which I deeply regret.

I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body. But as president, I must put the interests of America first. Therefore, I shall resign the presidency effective at noon…