Nasser was known for his intimate relationship with ordinary Egyptians. His availability to the public, despite assassination attempts against him, was unparalleled among his successors. A skilled orator, Nasser gave 1,359 speeches between 1953 and 1970, a record for any Egyptian head of state. Historian Elie Podeh wrote that a constant theme of Nasser's image was "his ability to represent Egyptian authenticity, in triumph or defeat". The national <answer>press</answer> also helped to foster his popularity and profile—more so after the nationalization of state media. Historian Tarek Osman wrote:
What institution helped cultivate Nasser's positive public image?
press