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Old Photos: Nixon Goes To The USSR

Life Magazine reported on the Nixon’s trip to the USSR in its August 1959 article “The Vice President in Russia – A Barnstorming Masterpiece.” The only reason for this post is the photo of Nixon in a miner’s hardhat.

Who doesn't belong and why?

US Vice-President Richard M. Nixon visiting a Soviet copper mine. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek
US Vice-President Richard M. Nixon waving to Russian citizens. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek
Fraternal hug at Degtyarsk nearly takes Nixon off his feet. He offered a pen, held by worker, as gift. Touched, the worker returned it, said he had one. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek

This caption is really funny because every Soviet person who came in contact with a foreigner was instructed to decline any gifts and reply that they have plenty of whatever it was at home. I imagine this guy would’ve loved to have Nixon’s pen but he knew it wasn’t worth the hassle that would follow.

US Vice-President Richard M. Nixon (C, R back to camera) standing with Soviet official Frol R. Kozlov. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek
Vice-President Richard M. Nixon and his wife during his visit of Russia. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek
US Vice-President Richard M. Nixon talking to Russian workers. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek
Russian school children greeting US Vice-President Richard M. Nixon. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek
Heckler asking about U.S. bases gets a promise from Nixon to discuss them further in TV speech. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek
Fatigue shows in rare letdown for Nixon during long Siberian trip. Official functions often lasted past midnight, with take-offs for next city set for dawn. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek
US Vice-President Richard M. Nixon and his wife (C) attending a ballet. ©Time Inc.Howard Sochurek