The Little Rock Nine

In class today, we will probably be discussing Eisenhower's use of federal troops to enforce a desegregation order in Little Rock, Arkansas. Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary. They had a ceremony with the original Little Rock Nine in attendance over at Little Rock Central High School.

M. Powell

I was unable to read previous posts, so I am not sure if this blog is intended to pertain strictly to our readings, or to the presidency in general. If the latter, I would like to comment upon Ahmadinejad's visit to New York and his speech at Columbia. I was interested in his visit for many reasons, but I was curious to see President Bush's remarks on the issue. I expected Bush to come down strongly on Columbia and Ahmadinejad, but rather, he expressed his acceptance of the situation and referenced free speech in defending the Iranian leader's right to speak.
Bush's reference to free speech made me consider something. Does the Consitution apply to Americans only, or to all who are on American soil? I am curious about this because the answer would connect Ahmadinejad's visit with Minuteman Project leader Jim Gilchrist's cancelled event. Extension of the Constitution only to American citizens would have a significant legal impact on the millions of illegial aliens here now. While this does not relate exactly to the presidency, Bush's remarks prompted this consideration.

- Michael Powell

From Roosevelt to Roosevelt

In 1912, Woodrow Wilson defeated former President Theodore Roosevelt in a three-man race. Incumbent William Howard Taft ran third.

Wilson suffered an incapacitating stroke, which raised questions about presidential succession.

Calvin Coolidge starred in the first presidential sound film.

Shortly before his inauguration, FDR survived an assassination attempt. See newsreel of the inaugural.

TR

See video (with period music) and audio of Theodore Roosevelt. Notice his tenor voice. The latter is from the 1912 Progressive campaign. He re-read it from a speech at Carnegie Hall.

The Early 19th Century Presidency

If you think that the president got rough treatment...



Attack ad



War of 1812





Look here for maps showing the territorial growth of the United States.

Iraq Address

President Bush spoke about Iraq last night. (Video here.) The Washington Post and Politico.com suggest that it did not shift much opinion, either on the Hill or among the general public. A Fox News poll says that 40 percent think that the Petraeus testimony was "slanted," while 35 percent think it was "truthful."

Kokesh

Adam Kokesh, who took this course a couple of years ago, is now a major figure in protests against the Iraq War. You may listen to today's radio interview here.

John Adams Miniseries

Paul Giamatti as John Adams.

No kidding: http://www.hbo.com/films/johnadams/index.html