Final answer:
LBJ's presidency was marked by the Great Society program focused on domestic improvement, while Nixon's was characterized by foreign policy shifts like detente and opening relations with China. Personality-wise, LBJ was direct and persuasive, while Nixon was secretive, leading to his downfall in the Watergate scandal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing and contrasting Lyndon B. Johnson's (LBJ) presidential character with that of Richard Nixon highlights significant differences in style and policy. LBJ was known for his domestic policy initiative, the Great Society, with landmark legislation in civil rights and public broadcasting, whereas Nixon, although continuing some of these initiatives, diverged markedly in other areas, especially in foreign policy where he pursued detente with the Soviet Union and opened relations with China. In terms of character, LBJ was seen as more straightforward and blunt, often using his personal charm to persuade lawmakers, contrasting with Nixon, who was generally reserved and inclined towards secrecy, qualities that ultimately led to his resignation following the Watergate scandal.