Category Archives: U.S. Presidents

Man rushes Reagan on stage, smashes statue 20 years ago today (1992)

(Monday, April 13, 1992) — Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, 81, was jostled but not harmed today when an anti-nuclear protester walked onto a stage in Las Vegas where he was speaking and smashed an honorary crystal statue, hitting him with its shards.

Angry JFK rips steel leaders for price boost 50 years ago this hour (1962)

(Wednesday, Apr. 11, 1962, 3:30 p.m. EST) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy bluntly denounced the major steel companies today for “a wholly unjustifiable and irresponsible defiance of the public interest” in raising their prices by $6 a ton. Continue reading Angry JFK rips steel leaders for price boost 50 years ago this hour (1962)

Ted Kennedy announces he’ll seek brother’s old Senate seat 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: 2008 Ted Kennedy tribute

(Wednesday, March 14, 1962) — Democrat Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy officially launched in Boston today his successful candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat from Massachusetts held by his brother, President John F. Kennedy, from 1953 to 1960.

Ronald Reagan marries Nancy Davis 60 years ago today (1952)

(Tuesday, March 4, 1952) — Ronald Reagan, 41, and Nancy Davis, 30, were married today in a simple ceremony designed to avoid the press at the Little Brown Church in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.

The only people in attendance were actor William Holden, the best man, and his wife, actress Brenda Marshall, the matron of honor.

Nixons depart China, ending historic visit 40 years ago this hour (1972)


Video: Shanghai Communique comes together (at 3:44)

(Sunday, February 27, 1972, 9:12 p.m. EST) — U.S. President Richard M. Nixon departed China this morning (10:12 a.m. local time, Feb. 28, 1972) with a goodbye wave from a solemn Premier Chou En-lai in his gray tunic. Nixon and his wife Pat spent a week in China, an important step in formally normalizing relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Taiwan jarred by Shanghai Communique 40 years ago this hour (1972)


Video: Shanghai Communique comes together (at 0:13)

(Sunday, February 27, 1972) — U.S. President Richard M. Nixon and Chinese Premier Chou En-lai issued the Shanghai Communique at the conclusion of Nixon’s historic visit to China, a step toward the eventual normalization of relations between the two countries.