The Checkers Speech was put together in a hurry, so it's not exactly the most tightly written or masterfully organized speech. And it's definitely not the most eloquent or economical, but that's part of the speech's charm. It is rough, down-to-earth, and conversational. That's part of the genius of the speech, and also its greatest failing. Though the speech lacks formal organization, it can be categorized into three general thematic areas.

How it Breaks Down

Addressing the "Secret Fund"

Nixon begins the speech by discussing the nature of the political fund and how it's all squeaky clean and above board. None of the contributors ever got any special favors for donating to the fund. His reasons for maintaining a fund in the first place, namely that he isn't rich, segues nicely into the next section.

A Boy and His Dog

Nixon gives a broad-strokes financial history of his entire adult life beginning with his family's little grocery store. He discusses his assets, his modest income, and his debts; it's a way of justifying why he couldn't self-fund all his political expenses.

And here's the iconic moment of the speech: he talks about the only political gift he freely admits to receiving—a cocker spaniel puppy, Checkers. His daughters love the dog and he's not giving him back.

The Switcheroo

Nixon calls on his detractors to open themselves up to be independently audited and to bare their own financial history for the American public. He praises Eisenhower and attacks his opponents as Commie-lovers. He concludes the speech by throwing himself on the mercy of the American people, saying they should voice their opinions on whether he should still be the Vice-Presidential candidate.