 Nixon was initially convinced that the speech was a failure . Despite the congratulations of Rogers and Chotiner , and the fact that one of the cameramen had tears running down his face , he reproved himself for not mentioning the address of the Republican National Committee . Though the Young Republicans continued their applause as the Nixon party left the theatre , the candidate fixed on an Irish setter running alongside his car as it pulled away from the curb . " Well , we made a hit in the dog world anyway . " Despite the senator 's despair , his wife was convinced that her husband had vindicated himself . Over sixty million Americans had watched or listened to the speech , including the largest television audience up to that point . 
