Nixon to Eisenhower: ‘Shit or get off the pot’ 60 years ago this hour (1952)

1950s, U.S. Presidents


Video: Sept. 21, 1952 (at 4:30)

(Sunday, September 21, 1952, 10:00 p.m. PDT, during the 1952 U.S. presidential campaign) — During a telephone call, GOP vice presidential nominee Richard Nixon, who had decided to make a television/radio broadcast to defend himself against charges he had improperly kept a “secret” fund, asked GOP presidential nominee Dwight D. Eisenhower if the general would be able to make a decision on Nixon’s fate immediately after the broadcast.

When Eisenhower hesitated, Nixon angrily burst out: “General, there comes a time in matters like this when you’ve either got to shit or get off the pot.”

Eisenhower replied that it might take three or four days to gauge public reaction.

Margaret Houston writes to her son about the deaths of his friends, schoolmates 150 years ago today (1862)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: Sept. 21, 1862 (at 1:00:02)

(Sunday, September 21, 1862, during the American Civil War) — Margaret Lea Houston, former First Lady of the Republic of Texas, wrote to her eldest son, Sam Jr., today, notifying him of the deaths of ten of his friends and school mates.

Nixon denies ‘secret’ fund was illegal or unethical 60 years ago tonight (1952)

1950s, U.S. Presidents


Video: Sept. 20, 1952 (at 3:08)

(Saturday, September 20, 1952, during the 1952 U.S. presidential campaign) — Two days after the New York Post reported a “secret” campaign fund for Richard Nixon, the GOP vice presidential nominee told supporters in Portland, Oregon, that it was a lie that he took the money for his personal use and he denied that it was illegal and unethical as charged.

German soldier pinned down at Stalingrad 70 years ago today (1942)

1940s, World War II


Video: Sept. 20, 1942 (at 6:26)

(Sunday, September 20, 1942, during the Battle of Stalingrad, part of the Eastern Front of World War II) — Wilhelm Hoffman, a soldier in the 267th Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division of the German 6th Army who chronicled the Battle of Stalingrad in his journal, wrote today:

“The battle for the elevator is still going on. The Russians are firing on all sides. We stay in our cellar; you can’t go out into the street. Sergeant Major Nuschke was killed today running across a street. Poor fellow, he’s got three children.”

Gandhi begins hunger strike ‘unto death’ to force Britain to end Hindu caste system 80 years ago today (1932)

1930s


Video: ‘Footage – Gandhi – 1932 September 24’

(Tuesday, September 20, 1932) — Mahatma K. Gandhi, the pre-eminent political and ideological leader of India during the Indian independence movement, solemnly began his “fast unto death” today behind the walls of Yerovda jail at Poona, where he’s been held since January.

Gandhi says he will starve himself to death unless the British government’s plan for creating a separate electorate for the depressed classes is discarded.

‘Hill Street Blues’ and ‘Barney Miller’ top Emmys 30 years ago tonight (1982)

1980s, Television 1980s


Video: 'Ingrid Bergman' s Emmy for GOLDA'

(Sunday, September 19, 1982) — The late Ingrid Bergman won an Emmy tonight for her portrayal of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, while Hill Street Blues was the big winner for the second straight year with six awards, including best dramatic series. Continue reading ‘Hill Street Blues’ and ‘Barney Miller’ top Emmys 30 years ago tonight (1982) →

‘The Virginian’ debuts on NBC 50 years ago this hour (1962)

1960s, Television 1960s


Video: 'The Virginian Opening Theme Season One'

(Wednesday, September 19, 1962, 7:30 p.m. EDT) — The Western television series The Virginian debuted tonight on NBC starring Lee J. Cobb, Doug McClure, Gary Clarke and James Drury (click here to watch a clip from the first episode, The Executioners).

New York Post reveals ‘Secret Nixon Fund’ 60 years ago today (1952)

1950s, U.S. Presidents


Video: Sept. 18, 1952 (at 2:58)

(Thursday, September 18, 1952, during the 1952 U.S. presidential campaign) — The New York Post today ran the front-page headline: “Secret Nixon Fund,” with a detailed story charging that wealthy Californians had given $18,235 to a secret campaign fund for GOP vice presidential nominee Richard Nixon in return for political favors.

While the “secret fund” was perfectly legal, the story left the impression that Nixon was on the take; being paid to do the bidding of special interests.