"First Laddie" Diplomat

During Bill Clinton's recent trip to London, he told The Guardian that his Scottish friends suggest he be referred to as "first laddie" if his wife, Hillary, is elected president. In interviews released to the press in Britain, Clinton said Hillary envisions his potential role in the White House as a diplomatic one, in order "to restore America's standing" in the international community.

The possibility of having a First Gentleman in the White House (especially a former president) presents some interesting questions.

CMCers may remember, when President Clinton spoke in Bridges Auditorium last spring he was singing the same tune--he would gladly serve as US Ambassador to the world--and he reminded us that he will do whatever Hillary tells him. Who knows if that will include picking the presidential china.

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Nixon to Clinton

President Nixon sought to rally the "silent majority" for his Vietnam policies. Gerald Ford was an experienced lawmaker with a detailed knowledge of government -- but Americans remember him via Chevy Chase. Carter had a pedestrial inaugural, and his presidency stayed that way. Reagan was a stronger communicator. Dana Carvey nailed Bush 41. Clinton, alas, will go down for an unfortunate phrase.

Speaking freely

Peggy Noonan had an interesting piece in The Wall Street Journal over the weekend entitled "Hear, Hear" - - talking about how we are limiting ourselves by controlling whom we do and do not talk to. Near the end, she urges both Republicans and Democrats to stop avoiding possible negative interactions while campaigning. She argues, I believe correctly, that if a candidate is serious about a certain policy issue it is necessary for him or her to talk to the dissenters. Politicians cannot afford to be scared of a few boos.

Check it out. The link above should work, but searching for it in the WSJ database pulls it up as well.

Ike Through Nixon

In early 1961, Ike gave his Farewell Address, famously warning of the military-industrial complex. Days later, the torch passed to JFK, who took a distinctly militant tone in the Cold War. Kennedy took full advantage of new technology, starting the practice of holding press conferences on live TV. His successor, Lyndon Johnson, had an earthy way of expressing himself.

In future weeks, we shall discuss Nixon in greater detail. But this brief clip gives a sense of his hard-edged view of international politics.

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.