Nixon won every state but one in his election. He has been badly treated by history. Popular culture saw to that. He existed when "honor" was still valuable to him, and this country. He underestimated his bare-knuckle brawling enemies. He caved as he chose to resign rather than put the country through the destruction of an impeachment proceeding. He may have prevailed. The search for a hero, or "best president" is misguided in some ways. Everyone has feet of clay. There is no such thing as a secret any more. We find out everyone's flaws eventually. The collective put leaders on pedestals just to tear them down.
Trump has pioneered a new kind of presidency. He, like all of us, is imperfect. The best thing I have heard is that he is the perfect person for this moment in time. I have never seen more genuine, spontaneous, enthusiasm for a political figure in my life....and agreed that it was deserved. He is the man "in the arena." He takes all comers. He has earned my respect and gratitude no matter how things shake out. He delivered. That said, a charismatic leader is always an inherent danger. No man is an island.