[133]
In a three-way race between Nixon, Humphrey, and American Independent Party candidate George Wallace, Nixon defeated Humphrey by only 500,000 votes, a margin almost as close as  in 1960, with both elections seeing a gap of less than one percentage point of the popular vote. However, Nixon earned 301 electoral votes to 191 for Humphrey and 46 for Wallace, a majority.[127][134] He became the first non-incumbent vice president to be elected president.[135] In his victory speech, Nixon pledged that his administration would try to bring the divided nation together.[136] Nixon said: "I have received a very gracious message from the Vice President, congratulating me for winning the election. I congratulated him for his gallant and courageous fight against great odds. I also told him that I know exactly how he felt. I know how it feels to lose a close one."[137]

Presidency (1969–1974)
Main article: Presidency of Richard NixonFor a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Richard Nixon presidency.
Nixon is sworn in as the 37th President by Chief Justice Earl Warren. The new First Lady, Pat, holds the family Bible.
