Flashback to other inaugurations.. Didya know Ike was "lassooed" at his?

[SoCalDem]

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,95268,00.html

Eyewitness to History: Hugh Sidey Looks Back at Inaugurations
From FDR's day of hope to Reagan's Hollywood image-making, says the veteran TIME contributor, Inauguration Day sets the tone for the presidency that follows
By HUGH SIDEY




Monday, Jan. 15, 2001

The most dramatic inauguration of our time was John Kennedy's in 1961, when eight inches of snowstorm first paralyzed, then joyfully relaxed the celebrants in their top hats and designer gowns. Camelot was born in cold and white beauty. Poet Robert Frost's breath came in clouds as he recited a poem on the inaugural stand and Kennedy's words echoed around the world: "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."

Nixon's back-door exit

snip....

Suddenly, Richard Nixon, the defeated candidate, now jobless, slipped out a side door alone and headed for his car. ...snip...

snip.....

Truman and Ford: No pomp and little ceremony

And remember Harry Truman, who was summoned to the White House in April 1945, rushed through the Capitol, down Pennsylvania Avenue and into the White House, where Eleanor Roosevelt told him FDR was dead and he was President. No fancy inaugural for Harry. Jerry Ford, who had never aspired to be anything but Speaker of the House of Representatives, was suddenly elevated to vice president, and in August of 1974 walked to a helicopter with his longtime friend, President Richard Nixon, who had resigned because of the Watergate scandal. Ford returned to the White House where he took his oath and told the nation, "Our long national nightmare is over." I watched Lyndon Johnson leave Parkland Hospital in Dallas in November 1963. He already was President following John Kennedy's assassination, but he was sworn in officialy in the cramped cabin of Air Force One, then flew toward Washington to assume power when the nation was totally absorbed in grief.

Let the good times roll with Ike and Reagan

Most inaugurals were far more cheery. Dwight Eisenhower brought his grin to the office. He even allowed showbiz cowboy Monty Montana to prance his horse up to the parade reviewing stand and lasso him, thereby giving history a memorable picture. (I could NOT find the pic)

The weather gods smiled when Ronald Reagan came to Washington. The sky was clear, the temperature near 60 degrees. The Hollywood crew had moved the inaugural ceremonies from the drab east side of the Capitol to the more scenic west side, which looked over the Mall toward the Washington Monument and Arlington National Cemetery. Huge United States flags draped the Capitol columns and hundreds of thousands of people assembled on the Mall. Even retiring President Jimmy Carter helped. He brought the news with him to the ceremonies that after two sleepless nights of negotiation the American hostages held for more than a year in Iran had been released. The Gipper shone. Reagan did not get the balmy weather back for his second term. The temperature dove to 7 degrees and the outdoors ceremonies, including the parade, were canceled. Hometown bands and marching groups performed inside the D.C. Armory.

Carter's everyman constitutional

Populist Carter had come into power with an old but new (for these times) inaugural wrinkle. As he and Roslyn started down Pennsylvania Avenue in their limousine, they jumped out and walked, the blustery wind whipping their overcoats and hair. It was so good an act that even George and Barbara Bush, the ultimate establisment First Couple, did it too. Thomas Jefferson walked to his inaugural, which may have inspired them all. Bill Clinton began his festivities at Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia and motorcaded to Washington, presumbly carrying with him a little of the Jefferson magic.

Because this election (2000 )was so contested and because Republicans are taking over from Democrats, there will likely be more partying and more protesting, all ingredients of a good inauguration. Finally, the new president will move into the White House, the presidency will be intact, and the country will move into 2001 with a smile and a curable hangover. (INcurable :cry:)

[Zenlitened]

1. And Bush's car was egged as it sped away from outraged protestors. n/t

[SoCalDem]

2. Found the picture

[signmike]

3. At this year's Rose Parade in Pasadena they said

Ike was lassoed by Tony during the Rose Parade -- but that pic looks like the inauguration to me. Thanks for posting. I must have been watching Fox that day.

Unless Ike & Tony made a habit of that kinky sort of play... :shrug: