Richard Nixon's early political attitudes were marked by an intense drive for power and a fear of communism, greatly influencing his presidency. His experiences during World War II and as a member of the House of Representatives shaped his understanding of foreign policy. Nixon's staunch anti-communism colored his approach to international relations, particularly during the Cold War, leading to his controversial policies in Vietnam. Additionally, his upbringing in a middle-class family instilled in him a desire for success but also created a sense of paranoia that manifested later in his administration.