Meet the Presidency

43 Turns Classy Face to 44

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:04:00 -0800

President George W. Bush this morning delivered one of the nobler welcomes for a chief executive turning over the White House keys to a member of the other party.

Color Draining Out of Modern Elections

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:07:00 -0700

If you're not already suffering from Electoral Map Fatigue, the American Presidency Project has a nifty collection of electoral maps dating back to George Washington's 69 electoral vote blowout — he got all 69 electoral votes! — of 1789. (He killed again in 1792, with all 132 electoral votes then on offer.)

Newspaper Ed Pages Flocking to Obama

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:17:00 -0700

Last week, our Tom Jacobs reported on a new study from Brown University academics that demonstrated newspaper endorsements can affect elections — if the endorsement is unexpected.

Recalling America's Boer War

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:12:00 -0700

Back when wars had endings that would be obvious to all, FDR gave a short shout out to Gen. Douglas MacArthur for landing on the Philippines during the waning years of World War II.

The Day the Chinese Got the Bomb

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:07:00 -0700

Forty-four years ago, the United States confronted a new nuclear power — Red China.

Defending the Veep Pick, 1988 Style

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:40:00 -0700

Today is the 20th anniversary of the presidential debate in which Michael Dukakis was asked whether he would favor the death penalty for a putative assailant who raped and killed his wife.

Space Race Evolves into a Relay

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:44:00 -0700

As NASA marks its 50th yea r, the space agency is looking at having Russians put Americans into space.

Start Warming Up Those Buckets

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:07:00 -0700

With the much-vaunted vice presidential debate over, and neither Sarah Palin nor Joe Biden seen with bullet holes in her or his shoes, let's take a look at the self-described role of the vice president as outlined in debates.

Voting Can Be Bad For You

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:31:00 -0700

Today we'll step away from what presidents past have done and make a prediction about voters' future — some of you won't make it out of election day alive.

Let the Games Begin — Maybe

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:21:00 -0700

Friday kicks off the debate season for the 2008 presidential race — although John McCain has asked to delay it due to the economic crisis.

A Down-Home Dog Lover vs. The Aristocrats

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:17:00 -0700

Today is the anniversary of Richard Nixon's "Checkers" speech, a long mea not really culpa about accepting illegal campaign contributions.

Lincoln's Attack on Property Rights

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:34:00 -0700

The other day we listed the Emancipation Proclamation as a bold economic event and not necessarily a bold civil rights event.

Finding the W in FDR

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:31:00 -0700

"Bold action" was the cry from many as the credit crisis continued to batter Wall Street, and bold action is what the Street got Friday.

The Fed Got Fired Once

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:01:00 -0700

Amid federal bailouts or takeovers du jour, a financially activist government was anathema to at least one past administration.

Peace Will Come (According to Plan)

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:52:00 -0700

It was 30 years ago today that Jimmy Carter asked the world to pray ...

Days of Infamy Lead to Years of Differences

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:02:00 -0700

Today is the seventh anniversary of the al-Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on another facility that was spared due to the bravery of the civilians aboard an airliner who sacrificed their own lives rather than see the terrorists kill others.

Rebounding into the Poll Position

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:27:00 -0700

Although the Sarah Palin selection has invigorated the news media covering the race for the presidency, the post-GOP convention bounce in the polls was average for major party confabs since 1964.

Pardon Anniversary and Future Prosecutions

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:42:00 -0700

Today is the 34th anniversary of President Gerald R. Ford pre-emptively pardoning Richard Nixon "for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from July (January) 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974."

"Energizing" the Base at the Convention

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:15:00 -0700

With the just-completed Republican convention now just a St. Paul memory, let's compare the acceptance speech of the GOP's 2008 presidential nominee with that of the most cited historical figure at the convention, Ronald Reagan.

A Mere Colonoscopy Away From the Presidency

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:42:00 -0700

John McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate has so far generated more discussion about her family dramas than her potential position as being a "heartbeat away from the presidency."

Democratic Bounce Par for the Course

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:11:00 -0700

The so-called bounce from the Democratic National Convention was par for the course for major party conventions, according to Gallup Poll results taken since 1964, the American Presidency Project reports.

Glass Ceiling a Touch Higher Since Ferraro

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:34:00 -0700

"When we speak of the future, the message is Geraldine Ferraro."

Stadium Use Recalls JFK's "New Frontier" Speech

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:20:00 -0700

Barack Obama will accept the nomination as the Democratic candidate for president tonight at Invesco Field, Denver's "Mile High Stadium" having been dubbed the "Temple of Obama" by opponents of the "rock star" candidate.

Hearing a Muted Echo of 1968

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:20:00 -0700

Democratic Party unity was an issue 40 years ago, too.

Biden Selection Fits the Democrats' M.O.

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:02:00 -0700

With the selection of Sen. Joe Biden as his vice presidential pick, Barack Obama has followed a tradition of more than six decades — Democratic presidential candidates choosing a member of Congress as their running mate.

Obama's Veep Clock Right on Time

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:29:00 -0700

With the Democratic Party convention set to get under way on Monday, Sen. Barack Obama's supporters clutch their cell phones waiting for a text message announcing who will be his running mate. Is Obama cutting it close with the length of time he's taken to noodle over who he may select or is he right on schedule?

The Day Peace, Order and Tranquility Reigned

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:47:00 -0700

One-hundred-and-forty-two years ago, President Andrew Johnson let fly perhaps the most boldly titled statement ever to grace the American presidency: the "Proclamation - Declaring that Peace, Order, Tranquility, and Civil Authority Now Exists in and Throughout the Whole of the United States of America."

Prepping for the Presidential Debates

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:23:00 -0700

Surrounded by sign-waving supporters, smiling party members, and well-placed devotees, candidates for the presidency don't just look confident - they look saintly. So what happens when they leave the trappings of the campaign behind to confront each other face-to-face?

Nixonian Echo in Musharraf's Exit

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:02:00 -0700

With Pakistan's President Musharraf announcing his resignation today amid parliament preparations for his impeachment, Americans may be reminded of another high-profile resignation that took place 34 years and nine days ago - that of U.S. President Richard Nixon.

What Appears on the White House China?

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:20:00 -0700

We know their treaties, their speeches, their wars and their legacies. So what about their favorite foods?

Last, or Second from the Top

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:41:00 -0700

Despite the current media frenzy over both major party presidential candidates' searches for running mates, if ever there was an underappreciated job, it would have to be that of vice president of the United States.

Munich Still Can Drive Foreign Policy

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:09:00 -0700

With President Bush's decision today to provide humanitarian aid (delivered by U.S. military aircraft and naval forces, no less) to Georgia in its recently inflamed conflict with Russia, the tension between White House and Kremlin may seem vaguely reminiscent of the Cold War era strain.

Presidential Polling an Inexact Science

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:34:00 -0700

In America, we don't just want things, we want them now. Drive-thru McDonalds, Google on iPhones, overnight shipping more expensive than the pair of shoes... Naturally, it was only a matter of time before the national quest for instant gratification leaked into politics, and so began our obsession with the presidential preference poll.

Sports Lovers in the White House

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:33:00 -0700

Television coverage of this weekend's first Olympic match-ups seemed at times a presidential Where's Waldo, with President Bush cheering at the Water Cube for Michael Phelps' first victories, flashing a thumbs-up from the stands at the U.S.-China men's basketball game, or hitting the sand with the women's beach volleyball team.

Presidents Not Always in Olympic Spirit

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:28:00 -0700

With his decision to attend the opening ceremonies of the 29th Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, President Bush joins the string of American presidents who have added political controversy to the supposedly apolitical sports event.

Convention Speeches: What to Expect

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:06:00 -0700

The National Conventions are fast approaching, and with them comes growing anticipation for their crowning moments -- the presidential candidates nomination acceptance speeches.

A-Bomb Use Launched 'New Era'

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:29:00 -0700

Rife with "fateful risks" and swallowing over $2 billion, the fight was long and hard, but 63 years ago, the "battle of the laboratories" finally drew to a close.

The Election's Most Weighty Issue?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:23:00 -0700

Presidents employ a wide range of tactics to remind us that they are, indeed, human: shopping in grocery stores, wielding chainsaws, seemingly enjoying family vacations. Yet perhaps the most appealing sign of humanness is something that requires no careful staging: struggling to lose weight.

When Movie Stars Meet Presidents

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:09:00 -0700

The BBC's popular TV series Planet Earth may have turned polar bears and piranhas into celebrities, but eight years ago, a different "Planet Earth" brought a star to the Oval Office.

D.C. Weakness for Special Weeks

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:38:00 -0700

They hover somewhere in the back of your good citizen mind, usually accompanied by the memory of a library display: the weeks dedicated to Boy Scouts, fire prevention or Alzheimer's awareness.

Presidents Shying Away From Press

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:21:00 -0700

In the era of instant access to updates from the White House via the Web and cable news shows continuously regurgitating the latest presidential sound bites, it would follow that presidents would cater to increased media demand by giving a greater number of news conferences than ever before.

Least Used Constitutional Amendment?

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:33:00 -0700

On July 21, 2007, Dick Cheney officially became the president of the United States.

No End in Sight to Federal Debt

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:23:00 -0700

With the news this week that the next president will begin his term facing a record federal budget deficit, it's clear that the national debt, which has been climbing steadily since 2001, isn't about to slow down any time soon.

Where Harry Met George: At the Extremes

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:55:00 -0700

Despite what your parents may have said about life not being a popularity contest, a host of stale reality TV shows — and a few well-suppressed high school memories — will always clamor otherwise.

D.C. Press Corps: To Peck or to Flock?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:21:00 -0700

They may rarely give us the answers we most want to hear, but White House press conferences certainly make one thing clear: The Washington press corps is a rowdy bunch.

Bill Clinton Presidential King of Travel Miles

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:03:00 -0700

With his nine-day venture out of the country this week to meet with leaders in the Middle East and Europe, presidential hopeful Barack Obama seems to be hinting that trips overseas can play a key role in improving the U.S image abroad. Historically, however, the role of travel in American presidents' lives has been fairly moderate — with one notable exception.

Today's Pay Hike Recalls Great Depression

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:56:00 -0700

On June 16, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Industrial Recovery Act — and the first federal minimum wage was established at 25 cents an hour.

And What Were the Roaming Charges on That One?

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0700

What was, in one president's words, the "most historic telephone call ever made from the White House"?

Seeing Double on the Surname List

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:44:00 -0700

Browse down the list of America's presidents, and you're bound to begin seeing double — only 38 of the 43 last names are different.

SI Remade as Wonky Policy Journal

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:19:00 -0700

When you picture an American president deciding to contribute to a magazine, chances are Sports Illustrated isn't the first publication that comes to mind.

Dubya No Grover Cleveland in Veto Department

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:33:00 -0700

While the powers of the executive branch may have increased substantially from George Washington to George W., there is one feature of presidential authority that has always been in play — the veto.

Offshore Antics Reverses Two Presidents' Pledges

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:25:00 -0700

With gas the costliest it's ever been in the U.S., it's hardly a surprise that George W. Bush has oil on his mind. Still, it's important to note that the president's move of support for offshore drilling reverses a trend set by his two closest predecessors — Bill Clinton and his father.

Fuel Efficiency Remains Just a Talking Point

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:48:00 -0700

With gas prices soaring (at least until this week), SUV sales plummeting, and Toyota's announcement of plans to start building their popular hybrid Prius model in the U.S., it's a good time to be — or drive — a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Inaugural Addresses: Brevity a Plus

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:15:00 -0700

A note to the victor of this year's presidential election: While the sentiments of an inaugural address may be long lasting, that doesn't necessarily mean the word count should follow suit.

G8 Grows With a Little Help From Its Friends

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:25:00 -0700

While the 34th G8 Summit wrapped up today amid the usual mix of congratulation and disappointment that follows the participating nations' lukewarm commitments to issues like global warming, there was one particular aspect of the July 9 meeting that was altogether unprecedented.

When The Tickets Might Become Complete

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:41:00 -0700

The pundits are on the edge of their seats, and their short wait may be rewarded shortly.

Party Platforms Reflect Some Eternal Truths

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:52:00 -0700

Party platforms often take a backseat to the real object of national nominating conventions: the highly publicized event of uniting behind the presidential candidate in a frenzy of signs, balloons, and party pride. Yet looking back, it is the platforms that give us the most insight into where our political parties have been — and what has and hasn't changed along the way.

Meet the Presidency on Your Own Terms

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:00:00 -0700

As Miller-McCune.com launches a new blog on the American presidency, we look at the university site that will provide the raw material for our posts.

An Experiment Reaches 232nd Birthday

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:35:00 -0700

On April 30, 1789, the first President of the United States was sworn into office amid the strange mixture of uncertainty and resolve that characterized the tumultuous birth of our nation. Yet with as much that has changed in regard to presidential rhetoric over the past 219 years, it seems fitting to begin with a reminder that the sentiments expressed by Washington on the day of his inauguration have remained constant — sometimes right to the very word.