Category Archives: U.S. Presidents

U.S. President George W. Bush accepts GOP nomination, attacks Democratic challenger John Kerry on national security 20 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Sep 2 2004)


Video: 'George W. Bush Accepting the Presidential Nomination, 2004'

(Thursday, September 2, 2004, 10:09 p.m. EDT; during the 2004 Republican National Convention) — President George W. Bush formally accepted the Republican nomination for a second term tonight, promising to create jobs, expand healthcare, and improve educational opportunities. Continue reading U.S. President George W. Bush accepts GOP nomination, attacks Democratic challenger John Kerry on national security 20 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Sep 2 2004)

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson accepts Democratic nomination for full term 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 27 1964)


Video: 'Aug. 27, 1964 | LBJ Nomination Acceptance Speech'

(Thursday, August 27, 1964, 10:36 p.m. EDT) — U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, celebrating his 55th birthday, accepted the nomination tonight for a full term office by delegates at the 1964 Democratic National Convention at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey with a pledge of “answers, not retreats” — “unity, not division” — “hope, not fear or smear.” Continue reading U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson accepts Democratic nomination for full term 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 27 1964)

Robert F. Kennedy’s emotional speech interrupted by 16-minute ovation at Democratic National Convention 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 27 1964)


Video: 'Robert Kennedy 1964 Convention Speech'

(Thursday, August 27, 1964, Kennedy began speaking at 8:52 p.m. EDT) — Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy stood on the podium at the 1964 Democratic National Convention for 16 minutes tonight, unable to speak as applause surged from the delegates below. Continue reading Robert F. Kennedy’s emotional speech interrupted by 16-minute ovation at Democratic National Convention 60 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 27 1964)

The White House, U.S. Capitol set on fire by British troops 210 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 24 1814)


Video: 'When the British burned the White House'

(Wednesday, August 24, 1814, 10:30 p.m. local time; during the Burning of Washington, part the War of 1812) — Following the defeat of American forces at the Battle of Bladensburg, British forces led by Major-General Robert Ross marched on Washington, D.C., tonight setting fire to multiple public buildings; including The White House, United States Capitol, and Washington Navy Yard. Continue reading The White House, U.S. Capitol set on fire by British troops 210 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 24 1814)

U.S. President Ronald Reagan accepts GOP nomination for second term 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 23 1984)


Video: 'President Reagan's Acceptance Speech at the Republican National Convention, August 23, 1984'

(Thursday, August 23, 1984, 9:11 p.m. CDT) — U.S. President Ronald Reagan of California, accepting the Republican nomination for a second term, appealed tonight for the party’s help in finishing the “unfinished agenda” of a conservative reformation of the government. Continue reading U.S. President Ronald Reagan accepts GOP nomination for second term 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 23 1984)

U.S. President Gerald Ford nominates Nelson Rockefeller to be next vice president 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 20 1974)


Video: 'SYND 20 8 74 FORD NOMINATES VICE PRESIDENT'

(Tuesday, August 20, 1974, 10:04 a.m. EDT; during the 1974 United States vice presidential confirmation)Nelson Rockefeller, the 66-year-old former Governor of New York, was nominated by President Gerald Ford today to become the 41st vice president of the United States. Continue reading U.S. President Gerald Ford nominates Nelson Rockefeller to be next vice president 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 20 1974)

Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., eldest Kennedy son, dies in explosives-laden top secret war mission over England during World War II 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 12 1944)


Video: 'Operation Aphrodite: Remote Controlled Bomber Mission Goes Horribly Wrong'

(Saturday, August 12, 1944, 6:20 p.m. British Double Summer Time (BDST); during World War II)Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., a 29-year-old U.S. Navy lieutenant and the eldest son of Joseph and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, tragically lost his life tonight along with his co-pilot when their explosives-laden PB4Y-1 Liberator detonated prematurely over Blythburgh, England. Continue reading Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., eldest Kennedy son, dies in explosives-laden top secret war mission over England during World War II 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 12 1944)

U.S. President Herbert Hoover born in West Branch, Iowa 150 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 10 1874)


Video: 'The real Herbert Hoover'

(Monday, August 10, 1874)Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States from 1929 to 1933, was born Herbert Clark Hoover today in West Branch, Iowa, the first American chief executive born in that state and west of the Mississippi River. Continue reading U.S. President Herbert Hoover born in West Branch, Iowa 150 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 10 1874)

Gerald Ford sworn in as 38th U.S. president, declaring ‘our long nightmare is over’ 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 9 1974)


Video: 'Swearing in Ceremony of Gerald R. Ford as 38th President of the United States, August 9. 1974'

(Friday, August 9, 1974, 12:03 a.m. EDT; during the Watergate scandal)Gerald Rudolph Ford became the 38th president of the United States today, promising that “our long national nightmare is over.” Continue reading Gerald Ford sworn in as 38th U.S. president, declaring ‘our long nightmare is over’ 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 9 1974)

U.S. President Richard Nixon warns against bitterness and revenge in emotional farewell to White House staff 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 9 1974)


Video: 'President Nixon's Farewell to the White House Staff'

(Friday, August 9, 1974, 9:32 a.m. EDT; during the Watergate scandal) — U.S. President Richard M. Nixon, his face wet with tears, bade an emotional farewell to the remnants of his broken administration today, urging its members to be proud of their record in government and warning them against bitterness, self-pity, and revenge. Continue reading U.S. President Richard Nixon warns against bitterness and revenge in emotional farewell to White House staff 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 9 1974)