All posts in category Presidential History

History Buzz May 16, 2013: Julian Zelizer on President Barack Obama stands against flurry of scandal

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

Obama stands against flurry of scandal

Source: Globe & Mail, 5-16-13

…But second-term stumbles could be the mark of a bright future, according to Princeton University history and public affairs professor Julian Zelizer.

“Second-term presidents who have had scandals have gone on to do big things after,” he said. “Reagan had Iran-Contra but he ended up negotiating an end to the Cold War. … [Bill] Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives but went on to have surpluses, mount a military offensive in Yugoslavia and is one of the most popular presidents. Even George Bush, who was very unpopular and had his own scandals, ended up with the passage of [a financial bailout].”

Prof. Zelizer added: “It’s much too early to count [the President] out, not only in terms of survival but in terms of what he can accomplish. There’s still a lot of space for him to be more than just a lame duck.”…READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on May 17, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Featured Historians, History Quotes, Obama Administration, Political Scandals, President Barack Obama, Presidential History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 17, 2013

http://historymusings.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/history-buzz-may-16-2013-julian-zelizer-on-president-barack-obama-stands-against-flurry-of-scandal/

History Headlines April 25, 2013: Convergence of Presidents at George W. Bush Library Dedication

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY HEADLINE NEWS

History Buzz

HISTORY MAKING HEADLINES

Convergence of Presidents at Bush Library Dedication

Source: NYT, 4-25-13

From left, President Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter attended the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on Thursday in Dallas.

Stephen Crowley/The New York Times

From left, President Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter attended the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on Thursday in Dallas.

President Obama joined all of his living predecessors on Thursday to pay tribute to George W. Bush….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on April 25, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Bill Clinton, Bush Presidency, Former Presidents, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, History Headlines, Jimmy Carter, Obama Administration, President Barack Obama, Presidential History, US History, Vice President Dick Cheney
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 25, 2013

http://historymusings.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/history-headlines-april-25-2013-convergence-of-presidents-at-george-w-bush-library-dedication/

History Buzz March 8, 2013: Julian Zelizer interviews John Milton Cooper Jr.: Princeton’s Wilson School celebrates centennial of Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration as US president

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

Wilson School celebrates centennial of Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration as U.S. president

Source: Woodrow Wilson School Office of Communications, 3-8-13

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson as the 28th President of the United States, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs hosted a conversation with Wilson biographer John Milton Cooper Jr., Class of 1961.

Cooper, author of “Woodrow Wilson: A Biography,” was interviewed Feb. 21 by Julian Zelizer, a presidential historian who is a professor of history and public affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School. The event celebrating the centennial of Wilson’s inauguration March 14, 1913, was co-sponsored by the Wilson School and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on March 8, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Former Presidents, Historians News, History News, Presidential History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 8, 2013

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History Buzz February 28, 2013: Robert Caro Wins National Book Critics Circle 2012 Award for Biography

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

Caro wins National Book Critics Circle bio prize

Source: AP, 2-28-13

‘The Passage of Power’

'The Passage of Power'

Random House via Bloomberg

“The Passage of Power,” by Robert A. Caro, who won the National Book Critics Circle’s 2012 award for biography.

Author Robert Caro is again the critics’ choice.

Caro’s fourth Lyndon Baines Johnson book, “The Passage of Power,” won the National Book Critics Circle biography prize on Thursday night. The 77-year-old historian has won virtually every literary honor for his Johnson series, from the Pulitzer Prize to the National Book Award to three prizes from the critics circle, founded in 1974, around the time he started on the LBJ books…..READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on February 28, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Former Presidents, Historians News, History Awards, Presidential History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 28, 2013

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History Buzz February 21, 2013: Robert Caro wins $50,000 American History Book Prize from the New York Historical Society

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

Robert Caro wins $50,000 history prize

Source: AP, 2-21-13

Historian Robert Caro.

Historian Robert Caro

Robert Caro has won yet another literary prize, this one worth $50,000.

The New-York Historical Society announced Thursday that Caro had won its American History Book Prize for the fourth volume of his Lyndon Johnson series, The Passage of Power….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on February 21, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Former Presidents, Historians News, History Awards, Presidential History, US History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 21, 2013

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State of the Union 2013 February 11, 2013: Julian Zelizer: Obama, think big for State of the Union

POLITICAL HEADLINES

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PRESIDENT OBAMA — STATE OF THE UNION 2013:

THE HEADLINES….

Obama, think big for State of the Union

Source: Julian, Zelizer, CNN, 2-11-13
President Obama delivers the State of the Union address to Congress in 2012.

President Obama delivers the State of the Union address to Congress in 2012.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Julian Zelizer: Obama delivers first State of the Union of second term
  • He says it’s an opportunity for president to sketch a broad vision for U.S.
  • Speech comes at a time of continuing economic troubles in America, he says
  • Zelizer: Obama can follow in the footsteps of FDR and LBJ

Editor’s note: Julian Zelizer is a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. He is the author of “Jimmy Carter” and of “Governing America.”

President Obama is set to deliver the first State of the Union Address of his new term. On Tuesday evening, he will step before a joint session of Congress and a nation in difficult times.

Unemployment rose in January to 7.9%. There are signs of economic progress, but millions of Americans are struggling to find a job while others are desperate to keep the one they have….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on February 11, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Featured Historians, History Op-eds, Presidential History, State of the Union
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 11, 2013

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History Buzz February 6, 2013: Remembering President Ronald Reagan at 102: Things You Might Not Have Known

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

Remembering President Ronald Reagan

Source: ABC News, 2-6-13

PHOTO: Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan speaks at a rally for Senator Durenberger February 8, 1982.
Michael Evans/The White House/Getty Images

On February 6, 1984, on his 73rd birthday, President Ronald Reagan said, “Birthdays are special moments, and you’ve given me one today. But I must tell you, even though this is the 34th anniversary of my 39th birthday, those numbers don’t faze me at all. I believe Moses was 80 when God first commissioned him for public service. And I also remember something that Thomas Jefferson once said. He said, ‘We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.’ And ever since he told me that, I’ve stopped worrying.”

The President

Reagan, at age 69, was the oldest person elected to a first term.

Here are some things to remember about the 40th president:

PHOTO: Candidates in Movies
AP Photo

The Star

As a young boy Ronald’s nickname was “Dutch.” The nickname was given to him by his father, Jack Reagan, because of his Dutchboy haircut.

PHOTO: Newlyweds Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan cut their wedding cake at the Holden's house in Toluca Lake, California on March 4. 1952.

Ronald Reagan Library

The Husband

Regan married two different actresses and had a daughter and a son with each.

PHOTO: President Ronald Reagan gestures during a news conference in the White House East Room on June 15, 1984, Washington, D.C.
Ira Schwarz/AP Photo

The Soldier

Reagan enlisted in the Army Reserve and was commissioned a second lieutenant.

PHOTO: Ronald Reagan (1911-–2004), wearing a beige jacket with dark blue shirt with a wide collar, and his wife, Jane Wyman (1917-2007), U.S. actress, wearing a red coat with a dark blue neckscarf and black leather gloves, both smiling, circa 1945.

Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

The Ex- Husband

Reagan is the only U.S. president to have divorced his wife. Reagan and Jane Wyman divorced in 1947.

PHOTO: Newly elected President Ronald Reagan dances with his wife Nancy at the Inaugural Ball on Jan. 20, 1981.

Dirck Halstead/Getty Images

The Candy Lover

President Reagan was known for his penchant for Jelly beans. His favorite Jelly Belly flavor was licorice.

PHOTO: File photo of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan as he prepares a speech at his desk in the Oval Office April 28, 1981.
Michael Evans/The White House/Getty Images

The Lefty

Ronald Reagan was left handed. James Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Henry Truman, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were also lefty commander in chiefs.

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by bonniekgoodman on February 6, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Former Presidents, History News, Presidential History, Ronald Reagan, US History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 6, 2013

http://historymusings.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/history-buzz-february-6-2013-remembering-president-ronald-reagan-at-102-things-you-might-not-have-known/

Political Headlines February 6, 2013: 8 Democratic governors refuse ‘Ronald Reagan Day’ on Gipper’s birthday

POLITICAL HEADLINES

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OBAMA PRESIDENCY & THE 113TH CONGRESS:

THE HEADLINES….

8 Dem governors refuse ‘Ronald Reagan Day’ on Gipper’s birthday

Source: Washington Times, 2-6-13

Eight Democratic governors have refused to recognize the Gipper’s birthday after a record 40 states joined the chorus to declare the Feb. 6 “Ronald Reagan Day.”

The proclamation is also a tribute to Grover Norquist, head of Americans for Tax Reform. Mr. Norquist heads the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project which asks the nation’s governors to set the day aside for Reagan, the Washington Examiner reports.

“Ronald Reagan led America forward to defeat the threats to our prosperity of high taxes, inflation and recession at home and a surging Soviet Empire abroad,” Mr. Norquist said. “He left America stronger, freer, and safer than the day he became president.”…READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on February 6, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in History News, Political Headlines, Presidential History, State Governments, US History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 6, 2013

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History Buzz February 6, 2013: President Reagan’s legacy lives on as he;s remembered on his 102nd birthday

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

President Reagan’s legacy lives on as he’s remembered on his 102nd birthday

Source: Washington Times, 2-6-13

Ronald Reagan on the Heritage Foundation Facebook Page

Within hours of launch, thousands of well-wishers had already signed the virtual birthday card for Ronald Reagan — who would have turned 102 Wednesday — posted on a specially created Facebook page from The Heritage Foundation to commemorate the nation’s 40th president….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on February 6, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Former Presidents, History News, Presidential History, Ronald Reagan, US History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 6, 2013

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History Buzz February 6, 2013: Ronald Reagan at 102

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

Ronald Reagan at 102

Source: Heritage.org (blog) , 2-6-13

Ronald Reagan, who would have turned 102 today, was elected in 1980 with a mandate to reverse the “stagflation” of the Carter era….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on February 6, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Former Presidents, History News, Presidential History, Ronald Reagan, US History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 6, 2013

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History Buzz January 31, 2013: Matt Wasniewski: House of Representatives Historian Launches Website

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

House of Representatives Historian Launches Website

Source: ABC News, 1-31-13

US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives – www.history.house.gov/

Discover the rich heritage of “the People’s House” and its central role in U.S. history since 1789. Explore its unique story and the men and women who have shaped it. Browse its collections. Access historical data and other research resources.

Top Newsmakers Profile: Matthew A. Wasniewski, 10-21-10, by Bonnie K. Goodman 

PHOTO: One of the most innovative and daring politicians of the 20th century was also a triskaidekaphobe. Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel when the 13th fell on a Friday. Along with Napoleon, J. Paul Getty and Herbert Hoover, he was one of history's

One of the most innovative and daring politicians of the 20th century was also a triskaidekaphobe. Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel when the 13th fell on a Friday. Along with Napoleon, J. Paul Getty and Herbert Hoover, he was one of history’s great triskaidekaphobes. (FPG/Getty Images)

Looks like the House of Representatives has officially caught up with the times.

Imagine it is Dec. 8, 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt has just addressed Congress in order to request declaration of war after Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

Which congressman fought in favor of war and who was vehemently against it?

You don’t need to head to a museum to find out. A new website allows history buffs to hear the arguments and first-hand accounts of these events in the comfort of their own living rooms.

The Office of the House Historian and Clerk of the House’s Office of Art and Archives together launched the website, which provides a roundup on the nearly 11,000 members who’ve served in the House, on Dec. 28. The website contains nearly 1,000 items in its database that consists of everything House-related — from wonky photos to vintage furniture to congressional baseball cards….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on February 1, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in American History, Congress, Featured Historians, Historians News, History Profiles, History Websites, House of Representatives, Political History, Presidential History, US History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 1, 2013

http://historymusings.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/history-buzz-january-31-2013-matt-wasniewski-house-of-representatives-historian-launches-website/

History Buzz January 21, 2013: Doris Kearns Goodwin, Robert Caro, Michael Beschloss & Douglass Brinkley: Four Historians Have Some Thoughts About Barack Obama’s Second Inauguration

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

These Four Historians Have Some Thoughts About Today’s Inauguration

Source: WH, 1-21-13

Collectively, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Robert Caro, Michael Beschloss, and Douglass Brinkley have written more than a dozen popular and thoughtful books about American presidents ranging from Abraham Lincoln to John F. Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan. They’ve won Pulitzer Prizes, the National Book Award, and even an Emmy.

So we asked them to sit down and discuss the historical significance of a Presidential Inauguration and what it means for President Obama to begin second term.

The video is worth your time. Check it out

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by bonniekgoodman on January 21, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in History Buzz, History Quotes, Inauguration 2013, Obama Administration, President Barack Obama, Presidential History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 21, 2013

http://historymusings.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/history-buzz-january-21-2013-doris-kearns-goodwin-robert-caro-michael-beschloss-douglass-brinkley-four-historians-have-some-thoughts-about-barack-obamas-second-inauguration/

History Buzz January 20, 2013: David McCullough: Gerald Ford among greatest presidents, famed historian says as Obama inauguration nears

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

Gerald Ford among greatest presidents, famed historian says as Obama inauguration nears

Source: MLive, 1-20-13

gerald r. ford.JPGGerald R. Ford announcing the pardon of Richard M Nixon from the Oval Office Sept. 8, 1974. The pardon has led one historian to deem Ford one of the greatest presidents. AP File Photo

The decision by Grand Rapids native and former President Gerald R. Ford to pardon his disgraced predecessor after the Watergate scandal has put him in the pantheon of great presidents.

That’s according to noted historian David McCullough, speaking to CBS News’s Barry Petersen, who cited Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon as “one of the bravest decisions ever” as reason for his claim….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on January 20, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Historians News, History Quotes, Presidential History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 20, 2013

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History Buzz January 20, 2013: David McCullough: Leading the Way: Presidential Leadership & History

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

History Buzz

HISTORY BUZZ: HISTORY NEWS RECAP

Leading the way: Presidential leadership

Source: CBS News, This Morning, 1-20-13

LEADING THE WAY is what we expect of our presidents. How successful any individual president has actually BEEN is a matter of debate historically, as is the entire question of what constitutes great leadership in the first place. 

We laugh with them, we cry with them . . . and with Hollywood’s help from movies like “The American President,” we heap on them our greatest expectations.

Presidential leadership is Colorado College professor Thomas Cronin’s specialty, and he is struck by America’s perhaps too-perfect wish list for a president.

“It seems like an amalgam of wanting Mother Teresa, Mandela, Rambo, the Terminator and Spider-Man all wrapped into one,” he said. “It’s a pretty outlandish job description.”

David McCullough has written extensively on our greatest presidents, among them, John Adams….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on January 20, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in History Features, History News, History Transcripts & Excerpts, President Barack Obama, Presidential History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 20, 2013

http://historymusings.wordpress.com/2013/01/20/history-buzz-january-20-2013-david-mccullough-leading-the-way-presidential-leadership-history/

Featured Historians January 20, 2013: Julian Zelizer: Obama’s speech: Learning from Lincoln, Wilson, FDR

FEATURED HISTORIANS

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HISTORY OP-EDS

Obama’s speech: Learning from Lincoln, Wilson, FDR

Source: Julian Zelizer, CNN, 1-20-13

Watch this video

1865: Lincoln talks of ‘sin of slavery’

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

    • Julian Zelizer: Second term inaugural addresses are always a challenge
    • He says the public has had four years to make a judgment about the president
    • Obama can learn from second term speeches of Lincoln, Wilson, FDR
    • Zelizer says they did a good job of unifying America and sketching vision of the future

Editor’s note: Julian Zelizer is a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. He is the author of “Jimmy Carter” and of “Governing America.”

The second inaugural address is always more difficult than the first. When a president-elect first steps onto the national stage, he still enjoys a certain degree of innocence and hope. Americans are waiting to see if the new president will be different. When a new president delivers his speech, voters don’t yet have a record that might make them cynical.

But by the second term, voters are familiar, and often tired, with the occupant of the White House. Even though they liked him more than his opponents, the president has usually been through some pretty tough battles and his limitations have been exposed. It becomes much harder to deliver big promises, when the people watching have a much clearer sense of your limitations and of the strength of your opponents.

So President Barack Obama faces a big test when he appears before the nation Monday….READ MORE

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by bonniekgoodman on January 20, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Featured Historians, History Op-eds, Inauguration 2013, Obama Administration, President Barack Obama, Presidential History
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Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 20, 2013

http://historymusings.wordpress.com/2013/01/20/featured-historians-january-20-2013-julian-zelizer-obamas-speech-learning-from-lincoln-wilson-fdr/

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