Category Archives: U.S. Presidents

President Reagan caught joking about ‘bombing’ Russia 30 years ago today (Aug 11 1984)


Video: 'We begin bombing Russia in five minutes anniversary of Cold War era joke'

(Saturday, August 11, 1984; during the Cold War) — During a voice test for a paid political radio address, U.S. President Ronald Reagan joked that he had “signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.”

Former President Nixon declares ‘we’re home’ upon arrival in California 40 years ago this hour (Aug 9 1974)


Video: '"AIR FORCE ONE: THE PLANES AND THE PRESIDENTS" (1991)' (Nixons arrive in California on Aug. 9, 1974, at 41:23)

(Friday, August 9, 1974, 11:56 a.m. PDT; during the Watergate scandal) — Former U.S. President Richard Nixon declared “we’re home” today as he addressed 5,000 people who came out to greet him and his wife, former First Lady Pat Nixon, upon their arrival at El Toro Marine Base in California.

A helicopter then whisked the Nixons to La Casa Pacifica, their sprawling seaside villa near San Clemente. Nixon’s term of office had officially expired three hours, 21 minutes before, having become the first president to resign in disgrace.

President Nixon gives V sign as he departs White House 40 years ago this hour (Aug 9 1974)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - The End of the Tunnel [11/11]' (Aug. 9, 1974, at 17:33)

(Friday, August 9, 1974, 10:00 a.m. EDT; during the Watergate scandal) — U.S. President Richard Nixon, having been escorted by Vice President Gerald Ford, his wife Betty and Nixon’s wife Pat, mounted the steps of a waiting helicopter this morning on the South Lawn of the White House. Continue reading President Nixon gives V sign as he departs White House 40 years ago this hour (Aug 9 1974) →

CBS reports Nixon will resign tonight, Ford will be sworn-in tomorrow 40 years ago this hour (Aug 8 1974)


Video: 'Walter Cronkite announces President Nixon's resignation1974'

(Thursday, August 8, 1974, 5:30 p.m. EDT; during the Watergate scandal) — “Good evening. President Nixon will reportedly will announce his resignation tonight and Vice President Ford will become the nation’s 38th President tomorrow,” said anchorman Walter Cronkite, opening tonight’s edition of the CBS Evening News.

American First Lady Ellen Wilson dies 100 years ago this hour (Aug 6 1914)


Video: 'Woodrow Wilson Part 1 of 2' (Ellen's death at 1:14:08)

(Thursday, August 6, 1914, 5:00 p.m. ) — American First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson, the 54-year-old wife of President Woodrow Wilson, died this afternoon in the White House of Bright’s disease.

Bipartisan majority vote for Nixon impeachment indicated during debate 40 years ago today (July 25 1974)


Video: 'B Jordan impeachment speech' (July 25, 1974)

(Thursday, July 25, 1974; during the Watergate scandal) — A large, bipartisan majority of the House Judiciary Committee signaled its readiness today to adopt a resolution formally proposing the impeachment of President Richard Nixon.

House committee begins debate on Nixon impeachment 40 years ago this hour (July 24 1974)


Video: 'Impeachment Hearings July 1974' (opening remarks by committee chairman Rep. Peter Rodino)

(Wednesday, July 24, 1974, 7:00 p.m. EDT; during the Watergate scandal) — The House Judiciary Committee began historic final deliberations tonight on the possible impeachment of President Richard Nixon without waiting to determine whether new evidence might emerge as a result of a Supreme Court judgment earlier today. Continue reading House committee begins debate on Nixon impeachment 40 years ago this hour (July 24 1974) →

Democrats nominate Senator Truman for vice president 70 years ago tonight (July 21 1944)


Video: 'Democratic Convention Chicago 1944' (VP nomination at 1:32)

(Friday, July 21, 1944, evening CWT; during World War II) — Senator Harry S. Truman of Missouri was nominated tonight as the Democratic candidate for Vice President in the fifth and final session of the twenty-eighth national convention of the party, defeating incumbent Vice President Henry Wallace 1,031-105 after votes shifted on the second ballot. Continue reading Democrats nominate Senator Truman for vice president 70 years ago tonight (July 21 1944) →

Ehrlichman, three others found guilty in Ellsberg break-in case 40 years ago today (July 12 1974)


Video: 'Ehrlichman Convicted - CBS Radio - Leslie Stahl - July 12, 1974'

(Friday, July 12, 1974; during the Watergate scandal) — John Ehrlichman, former top aide to U.S. President Richard Nixon, and three others were convicted today of conspiring to violate the civil rights of Daniel Ellsberg’s former psychiatrist.