"I never believed that Nixon could fully resurrect himself. And the proof of that was in the obits"

In this quote, Ben Bradlee, the popular executive editor of The Washington Post throughout the Watergate scandal, is reflecting on the political and reputational tradition of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. The statement, "I never ever believed that Nixon might completely reanimate himself", recommends that Bradlee was hesitant about Nixon's capability to totally restore his public image and restore the trust and respect he lost due to the Watergate scandal and his subsequent resignation in 1974. This hesitation is rooted in the belief that particular actions and events develop indelible marks on a person's legacy that can't be completely eliminated or redeemed in the eyes of the public.

The latter part of the quote, "And the evidence of that remained in the obits", indicates that Bradlee believed Nixon's enduring credibility-- or do not have thereof-- was evident in the way his death was reported and memorialized in obituaries. Obituaries often serve as a summation of a person's life, highlighting their achievements and failures, and offering a final, public assessment of their character and contributions. If the obituaries focused heavily on the Watergate scandal and Nixon's resignation, instead of on his achievements, it would work as proof that Nixon never succeeded in restoring his image or changing the most significant understandings of his legacy.

Additionally, Bradlee's quote underscores the role of public opinion and media stories in forming historic legacy. It suggests that specific occasions or scandals can end up being so defining that they overshadow the complexity of a person's life or profession. In Nixon's case, regardless of any efforts he may have made post-presidency to improve his public image through works, interviews, or public looks, the long-lasting shadow of Watergate remained an identifying consider how he was kept in mind-- exemplified by how his life was encapsulated in obituaries. This shows the broader theme of how difficult it can be for public figures to get away the effects of significant controversies or failures, no matter just how much they try to rehabilitate their public personas.