Category Archives: U.S. Presidents

Nixon vs. Dan Rather: ‘Are you running for something?’ 40 years ago tonight (Mar 19 1974)

1970s, Television 1970s, U.S. Presidents, Watergate


Video: 'Dan Rather vs. Richard Nixon, 1974'

(Tuesday, March 19, 1974, evening; during the Watergate scandal) — At a news conference at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Houston this evening, U.S. President Richard Nixon fielded a question from CBS White House correspondent Dan Rather, who said, “Thank you, Mr. President. Dan Rather, of CBS News.”

The room filled with jeers and applause, prompting Nixon to joke, “Are you running for something?” Rather replied, “No, sir, Mr. President. Are you?”

Nixon wows ’em in Ole Opry land opening 40 years ago tonight (Mar 16 1974)

1970s, U.S. Presidents, Watergate

(Saturday, March 16, 1974; during the Watergate scandal) — The Grand Ole Opry House opened in Nashville tonight with a concert attended by President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat (click here to watch video; Mar. 16, 1974, at 2:31:42 and click here for more video options).

President Lincoln meets General Grant for first time 150 years ago this hour (Mar 8 1864)

1860s, American Civil War, U.S. Presidents

(Tuesday, March 8, 1864, at about 9:30 p.m.; during the American Civil War) — Union General Ulysses S. Grant arrived in Washington today unrecognized, but word quickly spread that he was in town, and he was warmly received at Willard’s Hotel.

Grant then proceeded to the weekly reception at the White House, where he met President Abraham Lincoln for the first time. In the East Room, Grant stood on a sofa so the cheering guests could see him.

President Tyler escapes injury in deadly USS Princeton explosion 170 years ago this hour (Feb 28 1844)

1840s, U.S. Presidents

(Wednesday, February 28, 1844, shortly after 4:00 p.m.) — U.S. President John Tyler barely escaped injury today when a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded as the ship was sailing on the Potomac River. Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and four others were killed.

Ground broken for Lincoln Memorial 100 years ago today (Feb 12 1914)

1910s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'The Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC.'

(Thursday, February 12, 1914) — The groundbreaking for the Lincoln Memorial took place in Washington, D.C., today, the 105th anniversary of the late president’s birth. A year later on this date, the Memorial’s cornerstone was laid.

Lincoln poses for photographs at Brady’s studio 150 years ago this afternoon (Feb 9 1864)

1860s, American Civil War, U.S. Presidents

(Tuesday, February 9, 1864, afternoon; during the American Civil War) — U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, escorted by artist Francis B. Carpenter, walked more than a mile today to Mathew Brady’s Washington studio, where he sat for several photographs, including a profile view later used on the Lincoln-head penny and another view for the five dollar bill.

Former US President Woodrow Wilson laid to rest 90 years ago today (Feb 6 1924)

1920s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Woodrow Wilson's funeral'

(Wednesday, February 6, 1924) — Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States (1913-1921), was laid to rest today in the quiet peace of subterranean vaults in the National Cathedral. Wilson, 67, died Feb. 3, 1924, as a result of a stroke and other heart-related problems (click here to watch more video of today’s funeral).

Nixon vows to stay on job in State of Union address 40 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1974)

1970s, U.S. Presidents, Watergate


Video: 'Richard Nixon: State of the Union Address - Speech to the U.S. Congress (January, 27 1974)'

(Wednesday, January 30, 1984, 9:00 p.m. EST) — Declaring that “one year of Watergate is enough,” U.S. President Richard Nixon challenged Congress tonight in his State of the Union address to focus instead on solving the energy crisis and inflation. Continue reading Nixon vows to stay on job in State of Union address 40 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1974) →

Reagan announces he will seek a second term 30 years ago this hour (Jan 29 1984)

1980s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'President Reagan Announcing Candidacy for Reelection (Jan 29, 1984)'

(Sunday, January 29, 1984, 10:55 p.m. EST) — Declaring “our work is not finished,” U.S. President Ronald Reagan said in a paid political broadcast tonight that he will stand for re-election in 1984. Reagan, 72, also confirmed that Vice President George H.W. Bush will again be his running mate.