As everyone very well knows, this week is homecoming week. In order to follow the theme “Remember When … A look through the decades,” I took a look back at some trends and firsts within politics. Here is a look back through decades past.
If you thought Hillary Clinton was the first wife of a President to take a stand on political issues then first look back to Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was sometimes known to wonder in search of greener pastures. Roosevelt promoted minorities becoming involved in the political arena. She fought for equal rights for women and some even wanted her to run for political office after her husband’s term was through. Although the Roosevelt’s marriage was rocky they were known to have a good working relationship and mutual respect for each other.
President Harry Truman was known to give the press hell. He was especially angered when his daughter’s piano playing became the brunt of media attack. President Truman gained the nickname “give em’ hell Harry” for his brute honesty with the media. It appears that not much has changed concerning the press since Truman’s day.
Dwight Eisenhower was the only the second presidential candidate to be heralded by both political parties since Ulysses S. Grant. They wanted him to run for the presidency in 1948 but he didn’t to until 1952. How many of you can imagine the Republicans and Democrats unanimously agreeing on a presidential candidate?
John F. Kennedy was the first and only Catholic President in the oval office. The power that Hollywood has in politics today originates with the Kennedy administration. Of course, we all know that JFK was one of Bill Clinton’s hero’s. Bill Clinton in many ways was a carbon copy of JFK, especially in bedroom repertoire. The difference between the two was that JFK did not express the idea of taxing the pants of the American people, as President Clinton did. Wag the dog politics is not a new tactic. It started in the ’90s and was made famous by a movie of the same name.
Lyndon B. Johnson used the Vietnam War to upstart the economy. Yes, we were aiding a portion of the Vietnamese people against the spread of communism but use of all our military might could have ended the conflict much sooner. LBJ had his nose in everything – even his two daughter’s phone conversations. A book entitled Upstairs of the White House tells how thrilled his daughters were when they found out that they had separate telephone lines in the White House.
Our Vietnam troops were brought back by Richard Nixon just as he promised if elected. Nixon was known for his knack for foreign policy, and succeeded in opening the doors of talk with China. His presidency was ended by the “Watergate” scandal. By the way, if you aren’t familiar with what went on in the Watergate hotel, let it be said that Nixon had no involvement in the actual break-in. His mistake came when he helped in the cover-up. Diane Sawyer, a famous newswoman and a former assistant to Nixon, is still firm in her belief that her superior was a great president and knew nothing about Watergate.
“Mr. Gorbachev tear down that wall!” These famous words were proclaimed by President Reagan to the communist leader of the former USSR. His advisors told him to take that part of the speech out, but thank God for the “Great Communicator.” Mr. Reagan reduced our taxes, built up our military, restored patriotism and destroyed communism in Russia without firing a shot. This great man remained scandal free and stained no-dresses while in the oval office.
“I grew up during the Clinton Administration. Everyday on the news I heard of another scandal that Bill Clinton was or had been involved in. I’m going to fool most of you and take a positive outlook on Mr. Clinton. He dressed great and his $200 haircuts were the best. Being president of the most powerful country on earth while hooking up with a hot intern while your wife defends you … priceless!

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