Category Archives: U.S. Presidents

Former First Lady Pat Nixon dies 20 years ago this hour (1993)

1990s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Mini BIO - Pat Nixon'

(Tuesday, June 22, 1993, 5:45 a.m. EDT) — Former U.S. First Lady Patricia Nixon, who served with her husband President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1974, died at her home in Park Ridge, New Jersey, today, the day after her 53rd wedding anniversary. She was 81. Her daughters and husband were by her side.

President Kennedy offers sweeping civil rights legislation 50 years ago today (1963)

1960s, African-American Civil Rights, U.S. Presidents

(Wednesday, June 19, 1963, during the African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–68)) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy sent Congress today a five-point civil rights program (which would eventually become the Civil Rights Act of 1964), providing the most “responsible, reasonable and urgently needed solutions” to discrimination in public accommodations, education and employment.

Roosevelt signs National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) 80 years ago today (1933)

1930s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Rise and Fall of the National Industrial Recovery Act'

(Friday, June 16, 1933); part of the New Deal in response to the Great Depression) — The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt today after being passed by the U.S. Congress, creating the National Recovery Administration (NRA). The Act, however, would be later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dean alleges Nixon knew of cover-up plan, Washington Post reports 40 years ago today (1973)

1970s, U.S. Presidents, Watergate

(Sunday, June 3, 1973; during the Watergate Scandal) — Former presidential counsel John W. Dean III has told Senate investigators and federal prosecutors that he discussed aspects of the Watergate cover-up with President Richard Nixon or in Nixon’s presence on at least 35 occasions between January and April of 1973, The Washington Post newspaper reported today.

Dean plans to testify under oath at the Senate’s Watergate hearings, regardless of whether he is granted full immunity from prosecution, and he will allege that President Nixon was deeply involved in the cover-up, the sources said.

‘Time to quit making heroes’ out of secrets thieves, Nixon says 40 years ago today (1973)

1970s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents, Vietnam War, Watergate


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (May 24, 1973, at 10:23)

(Thursday, May 24, 1973; during the Watergate Scandal and the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Defending the government’s right to keep secrets in the national interest, U.S. President Richard Nixon told nearly 600 returned Vietnam prisoners of war today that it is time “to quit making national heroes out of those who steal secrets and publish them in the newspapers.” Continue reading ‘Time to quit making heroes’ out of secrets thieves, Nixon says 40 years ago today (1973) →

Archibald Cox appointed as Watergate prosecutor 40 years ago today (1973)

1970s, U.S. Presidents, Watergate


Video: May 18, 1973 (at 6:46)

(Friday, May 18, 1973; during the Watergate scandal) — Attorney General-designate Elliot L. Richard today turned over prosecution of Watergate, one of the biggest political scandals in history, to a Democrat, Archibald Cox (pictured left), a former federal official and now a Harvard professor of law.

Ehrlichman warns Nixon of impeachment if Dean is “totally out of control” 40 years ago this hour (1973)

1970s, U.S. Presidents, Watergate


Video: Apr. 25, 1973 (at 6:26)

(Wednesday, April 25, 1973, 11:06 a.m. EST; during the Watergate scandal) — “If (White House Counsel John) Dean (who is currently talking to prosecutors) is totally out of control,” Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs John Ehrlichman told U.S. President Richard Nixon today, “you could get an article of impeachment.” White House Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman later remembered that Nixon looked stunned.

JFK assumes command of PT-109 in the Solomon Islands 70 years ago today (1943)

1940s, U.S. Presidents, World War II


Video: 'PT 109'

(Friday, April 23, 1943, part of the Pacific Theater of World War II) — U.S. Navy Lt. (jg) John F. Kennedy assumed command today of PT-109, a motor torpedo boat, in the Solomon Islands during World War II. On Aug. 2, 1943, PT-109 was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer, the Amagiri, killing two crew members; the future U.S. president and 10 others managed to survive.

Nixon attempts to make a deal with Dean 40 years ago today (1973)

1970s, U.S. Presidents, Watergate


Video: Apr. 22, 1973 (at 8:24)

(Sunday, April 22, 1973, Easter Sunday; during the Watergate scandal) — Vacationing in his Key Biscayne, Florida home, U.S. President Richard M. Nixon called White House counsel John Dean today, hoping to appeal to Dean’s loyalty not to reveal any more, saying “I want you to know, John, you’re still my counsel.”