only Nixon could go to China

Etymology
A reference to U.S. President 's 1972 establishment of direct diplomatic relations with, and personal visit to, the. Nixon's unyielding opposition to Communism had been well-known.

Proverb

 * 1) Only a politician or leader with an impeccable reputation of upholding particular political values could perform an action in seeming defiance of them without jeopardizing his support or credibility.