Frank Beacham's Journal

On this day in 1961 — 62 years ago — President John F. Kennedy became the first U.S. president to hold a live televised news conference

On this day in 1961 — 62 years ago — President John F. Kennedy became the first U.S. president to hold a live televised news conference.

From a podium in the State Department auditorium, Kennedy read a prepared statement regarding the famine in the Congo, the release of two American aviators from Russian custody and impending negotiations for an atomic test ban treaty.

He then opened the floor for questions from reporters, answering queries on a variety of topics including relations with Cuba, voting rights and food aid to impoverished Americans.

Ever since his televised presidential debate with Richard Nixon in 1960, Kennedy had been aware of the media's enormous power to sway public opinion. On that day, Kennedy had appeared rested, well-groomed and in control.

Nixon, on the other hand, was not as telegenic as Kennedy and appeared sweaty and flustered. His five o'clock shadow created more of a stir than his responses to the moderator's questions.

Kennedy knew that, in a televised news conference, his appearance would count almost as much as what he said. On this day in 1961, the president exhibited a calm demeanor and responded to reporters' questions with intelligence and decorum.

Kennedy's ability to project charm, intelligence, strength and openness defined the presidential image in the age of mass media.

Thanks History.com

On this day in 1971 — 52 years ago — Sen. George McGovern announced his candidacy for president

George McGovern with Frank Beacham, 2008

Photo by Margo Re

On this day in 1971 — 52 years ago — Sen. George McGovern announced his candidacy for president during a televised speech from the studios of KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

At the time of his announcement, McGovern was ranked fifth among Democrats in a presidential preference Gallup Poll.

He won the nomination at the 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami, but was defeated by Richard Nixon.

On this day in 1961 — 62 years ago — President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned the American people to keep a careful eye on what he called the "military-industrial complex"

In his farewell address to the nation on this day in 1961 — 62 years ago — President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned the American people to keep a careful eye on what he called the "military-industrial complex" that began developing in the post-World War II years.

A fiscal conservative, Eisenhower had been concerned about the growing size and cost of the American defense establishment since he became president in 1953. In his last presidential address to the American people, he expressed those concerns in terms that shocked some of his listeners.

Eisenhower began by describing the changing nature of the American defense establishment since World War II. No longer could the U.S. afford the "emergency improvisation" that characterized its preparations for war against Germany and Japan. Instead, the United States was "compelled to create a permanent armaments industry" and a huge military force.

He admitted that the Cold War made clear the "imperative need for this development," but he was gravely concerned about "the acquisition of unwarranted influence...by the military-industrial complex." In particular, he asked the American people to guard against the "danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite."

Eisenhower's blunt language stunned some of his supporters. They believed that the man who led the country to victory in Europe in World War II and guided the nation through some of the darkest moments of the Cold War was too negative toward the military-industrial complex that was the backbone of America's defense.

For most listeners, however, it seemed clear that Eisenhower was merely stating the obvious. World War II and the ensuing Cold War resulted in the development of a large and powerful defense establishment.

The outgoing President warned that this new military-industrial complex could weaken or destroy the very institutions and principles it was designed to protect. Only now can we be begin to appreciate the truth of Eisenhower’s words.

Here, Eisenhower issues his infamous warning.

Benjamin Franklin was born 317 years ago today

In this painting by Jason Heuser, Franklin battles Zeus for lightning

Benjamin Franklin was born 317 years ago today.

One of the founding fathers of the United States and in many ways was "the First American," Franklin was a renowned polymath. He was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman and diplomat.

As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity.

As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals and the Franklin stove, among other inventions.

Franklin facilitated many civic organizations, including Philadelphia's fire department and a university. He earned the title of "The First American" for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity. He was an author and spokesman in London for several colonies and the first United States Ambassador to France.

Franklin was foundational in defining the American ethos as a marriage of the practical values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions and opposition to authoritarianism both political and religious, with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment.

In the words of historian Henry Steele Commager, "In Franklin could be merged the virtues of Puritanism without its defects, the illumination of the Enlightenment without its heat."

To Walter Isaacson, this makes Franklin "the most accomplished American of his age and the most influential in inventing the type of society America would become."

Franklin, always proud of his working class roots, became a successful newspaper editor and printer in Philadelphia, the leading city in the colonies. With two partners, he published the Pennsylvania Chronicle, a newspaper that was known for its revolutionary sentiments and criticisms of the British policies.

He became wealthy publishing Poor Richard's Almanack and The Pennsylvania Gazette. Franklin was also the printer of books for the Moravians of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (1742 on).

Franklin's printed Moravian books (printed in German) are preserved, and can be viewed, at the Moravian Archives located in Bethlehem. Franklin visited Bethlehem many times and stayed at the Moravian Sun Inn. He played a major role in establishing the University of Pennsylvania and was elected the first president of the American Philosophical Society.

Franklin became a national hero in America when as agent for several colonies he spearheaded the effort to have Parliament in London repeal the unpopular Stamp Act.

An accomplished diplomat, he was widely admired among the French as American minister to Paris and was a major figure in the development of positive Franco-American relations. His efforts to secure support for the American Revolution by shipments of crucial munitions proved vital for the American war effort.

For many years, he was the British postmaster for the colonies, which enabled him to set up the first national communications network. From 1785 to 1788, he served as governor of Pennsylvania. Toward the end of his life, he freed his own slaves and became one of the most prominent abolitionists.

His colorful life and legacy of scientific and political achievement, and status as one of America's most influential founding fathers, have seen Franklin honored on coinage and the $100 bill; warships; the names of many towns; counties; educational institutions; corporations and countless cultural references.

On Jan. 16, 1993 — 30 years ago today — at President-Elect Bill Clinton’s 1993 Inaugural Concert, Bob Dylan outwardly and musically expressed his feelings at a political gathering

While often the focus of critics who ruminate about his lyrics, exaggerate his love interests or question his political affiliation, Bob Dylan continuously keeps friends and foes guessing.

However, in a rare move on Jan. 16, 1993 — 30 years ago today — at President-Elect Bill Clinton’s 1993 Inaugural Concert, Dylan outwardly and musically expressed his feelings at a political gathering.

Standing stoically in front of the Lincoln memorial and armed only with an acoustic guitar, Dylan preformed a truncated but striding version of “Chimes of Freedom” for the massive crowd.

With the backing musicians placed in a pit behind him, Dylan stood center stage, and sped his way through an updated version of some of his finest lyrics. The expression on President Clinton’s face is evidence enough of the positive bipartisan effect the songwriter’s performance had on the assembled politicians.

Interestingly enough, Dylan had stood in exactly the same place thirty years prior for the Washington Civil Rights march. There he performed a three song set consisting of “With God On Our Side,” “Only a Pawn In Their Game” and “Keep Your Eyes On The Prize.”

While the 1993 performance may not be as poignant, its statement is just as powerful and definitive.

Jim Hightower, syndicated columnist, progressive political activist and author, is 80 years old today

Photo by Caleb Bryant Miller

Jim Hightower, syndicated columnist, progressive political activist and author, is 80 years old today.

From 1983 to 1991, Hightower served as the elected commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Born in Denison in Grayson County in north Texas, Hightower came from a working class background. He received a Bachelor of Arts in government from the University of North Texas in Denton, where he served as student body president. He later did graduate work at Columbia University in New York City in international affairs.

In the late 1960s, he worked in Washington, D.C., as legislative aide to U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough. After managing the presidential campaign of former Senator Fred R. Harris of Oklahoma in 1976, he returned to Texas to become the editor of the The Texas Observer magazine.

In 1982, Hightower was elected Agricultural Commissioner, having unseated fellow Democrat Reagan V. Brown, who had ordered a quarantine of fruit coming into Texas from California. He served as agriculture commissioner until he was unseated in 1990 by the Democrat-turned-Republican, Rick Perry, later the governor of Texas.

His tenure was noted for fostering organic production, alternative crops, direct marketing by small farmers and strong gross materials regulations. During that time, he also became a leading national spokesman for Democrats and endorsed Jesse Jackson for president in 1988. Soon after Bill Clinton was elected president, Hightower became a critic.

He criticized Clinton for having accepted corporate soft money contributions, his support of NAFTA, his health care plan and his refusal to crack down on "corporate welfare." He also criticized Clinton’s inadequate efforts at fighting unemployment and poverty.

In 2000, he joined with talk show host Phil Donahue and actress Susan Sarandon to co-chair the presidential campaign of Ralph Nader. He also appeared at Nader's "super-rallies" and stumped across the country for him.

Since 1993, Hightower has produced "Hightower Radio," a daily two-minute commentary carried by over 130 affiliates. He also hosted a weekend talk show on the American Broadcasting Company radio network and a weekday midday talk show on the United Broadcasting Network (later called America Radio Network). The show aired in thirty-eight markets around the United States.

Hightower had endorsed Bernie Sanders for President in 2016, actively campaigning for the Democratic candidate. Despite the Democratic party losing each house of power in the United States, Hightower talked of his optimism toward a greater progressive revolution after meeting with Sanders.

Hightower cites the large number of progressive initiatives passed to counter the idea that Donald Trump and far right rhetoric is surpassing progressive ideals.

Hightower currently writes a nationally syndicated column carried by seventy-five independent weekly newspapers and other publications through Creators Syndicate. He also writes for The Progressive Populist.'

On this day in 1970 — 52 years ago — a stretch limousine carrying Elvis Presley pulled up outside the White House in Washington, D.C.

On this day in 1970 — 52 years ago — a stretch limousine carrying Elvis Presley pulled up outside the White House in Washington, D.C.

The driver handed over a letter from Elvis addressed to President Nixon requesting a meeting to discuss how the King of Rock and Roll could help Nixon fight drugs. Nixon agreed to meet Elvis.

According to Smithsonian.com, the story began in Memphis a few days earlier, when Elvis' father, Vernon, and wife, Priscilla, complained that he'd spent too much on Christmas presents — more than $100,000 for 32 handguns and ten Mercedes-Benzes.

Peeved, Elvis drove to the airport and caught the next available flight, which happened to be bound for Washington. He checked into a hotel, then got bored and decided to fly to Los Angeles.

"Elvis called and asked me to pick him up at the airport," recalled Jerry Schilling, Presley's longtime aide, who dutifully arrived at the Los Angeles airport at 3 a.m. to chauffeur the King to his mansion there.

Elvis was traveling with some guns and his collection of police badges, and he decided that what he really wanted was a badge from the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs back in Washington. "The narc badge represented some kind of ultimate power to him," Priscilla Presley would write in her memoir, Elvis and Me. "With the federal narcotics badge, he [believed he] could legally enter any country both wearing guns and carrying any drugs he wished."

After just one day in Los Angeles, Elvis asked Schilling to fly with him back to the nation’s Capitol. "He didn't say why," Schilling recalls, "but I thought the badge might be part of the reason." On the red-eye to Washington, Elvis scribbled a letter to President Nixon: "Sir, I can and will be of any service that I can to help the country out," he wrote.

All he wanted in return was a federal agent's badge. "I would love to meet you," he added, informing Nixon that he'd be staying at the Washington Hotel under the alias, Jon Burrows. "I will be here for as long as it takes to get the credentials of a federal agent."

After they landed, Elvis and Schilling took a limo to the White House, and Elvis dropped off his letter at an entrance gate at about 6:30 a.m. Once they checked in at their hotel, Elvis left for the offices of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. He got a meeting with a deputy director, but not approval for a bureau badge.

Meanwhile, his letter was delivered to Nixon aide Egil "Bud" Krogh, who happened to be an Elvis fan. Krogh loved the idea of a Nixon-Presley summit and persuaded his bosses, including White House Chief of Staff Bob Haldeman, to make it happen.

Krogh called the Washington Hotel and set up a meeting through Schilling. Around noon, Elvis arrived at the White House with Schilling and bodyguard, Sonny West, who'd just arrived from Memphis. Arrayed in a purple velvet suit with a huge gold belt buckle and amber sunglasses, Elvis came bearing a gift — a Colt .45 pistol mounted in a display case that Elvis had plucked off the wall of his Los Angeles mansion.

The Secret Service confiscated the gun before Krogh escorted Elvis — without his entourage — to meet Nixon. "When he first walked into the Oval Office, he seemed a little awe-struck," Krogh recalls, "but he quickly warmed to the situation."

While White House photographer Ollie Atkins snapped photographs, the president and the King shook hands. Then Elvis showed off his police badges. Nixon's famous taping system had not yet been installed, so the conversation wasn't recorded.

But Krogh took notes: "Presley indicated that he thought the Beatles had been a real force for anti-American spirit. The President then indicated that those who use drugs are also those in the vanguard of anti-American protest."

"I'm on your side," Elvis told Nixon, adding that he'd been studying the drug culture and Communist brainwashing. Then he asked the president for a badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

"Can we get him a badge?" Nixon asked Krogh.

Krogh said he could, and Nixon ordered it done. Elvis was ecstatic. "In a surprising, spontaneous gesture," Krogh wrote, Elvis "put his left arm around the President and hugged him."

Before leaving, Elvis asked Nixon to say hello to Schilling and West, and the two men were escorted into the Oval Office. Nixon playfully punched Schilling on the shoulder and gave both men White House cuff links. "Mr. President, they have wives, too," Elvis said. So Nixon gave them each a White House brooch.

After Krogh took him to lunch at the White House mess, Elvis received his gift — the narc badge. At Elvis' request, the meeting was kept secret. A year later, columnist Jack Anderson broke the story — "Presley Gets Narcotics Bureau Badge" — but few people seemed to care.

In 1988, years after Nixon resigned and Elvis died of a drug overdose, a Chicago newspaper reported that the National Archives was selling photos of the meeting, and within a week, some 8,000 people requested copies, making the pictures the most requested photographs in Archives history.

These days, the Archives gift shop sells T-shirts, coffee mugs, refrigerator magnets and snow globes emblazoned with the image. And Chris DerDerian, the Archives' director of retail, is thinking of adding an Elvis-Nixon souvenir charm.

Ramsey Clark, U.S. Attorney General in the turbulent 60s, was born 95 years ago today

Ramsey Clark, U.S. Attorney General in the turbulent 60s, was born 95 years ago today.

Clark was a progressive. After leaving senior positions under John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, he became an attorney and activist. He was attorney general from 1967 to 1969.

As Attorney General, Clark was known for his vigorous opposition to the death penalty, his aggressive support of civil liberties and civil rights and his dedication in enforcing antitrust provisions.

Clark supervised the drafting of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Civil Rights Act of 1968. Since leaving public office, Clark led many progressive activism campaigns, including opposition to the War on Terror.

When I was working on the legacy of the Orangeburg Massacre — the killing of seven college students in South Carolina by white state officials — Clark broke the story open for me during a visit to his office in New York City.

He didn’t buy S.C. Gov. Robert McNair’s story at all. Over time, he learned that FBI agents purposely misled the Justice Department about important details in the Orangeburg case; that key evidence was severely compromised by FBI agents friendly with South Carolina’s corrupt head cop, Pete Strom, and his men; and that his own U.S. Attorney, based in Columbia, would not cooperate with the investigation.

Then Clark cut to the chase about the governor and his friends in South Carolina.

“They committed murder. Murder...that’s a harsh thing to say, but they did it. The police lost their self control. They just started shooting. It was a slaughter. Double-ought buckshot is what you use for deer. It’s meant to kill. One guy emptied his service revolver. That takes a lot of shooting. The [students] are running away. Pow, pow, pow, pow, pow, pow! My God, there’s a murderous intent there. We are lucky more weren’t killed.”

Clark minced no words when he described what happened in Orangeburg. He helped me nail the story, like no former public official had before.

Eighty-nine years ago today, prohibition ended in the United States

Pierre du Pont, a leader to end prohibition

Photo by Herber Gehr

Eighty-nine years ago today, prohibition ended in the United States.

On Dec. 5, 1933, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, enough to end national Prohibition.

Bars across the U.S. are celebrating Repeal Day. They might also consider honoring its unlikely hero: Pierre du Pont.

One of the wealthiest men in the world, du Pont was also among the most prominent “wets” — as opponents of Prohibition were called. He helped lead a powerful lobbying group with a not-so-hidden agenda: Bring back booze, and make income taxes unnecessary by renewing levies on legal alcohol.

He succeeded, to a point. The end of Prohibition injected millions of dollars into the federal treasury. But income and corporate taxes went up, too.

Du Pont’s folly was America’s gain — and a reminder that in politics, things rarely turn out the way you want, no matter how much money you have.

Thanks New York Times!

On this day in 1947 — 75 years ago — the U.S. House of Representatives voted 346 to 17 to approve citations of contempt against ten Hollywood writers, directors and producers

On this day in 1947 — 75 years ago — the U.S. House of Representatives voted 346 to 17 to approve citations of contempt against ten Hollywood writers, directors and producers.

These men had refused to cooperate at hearings dealing with communism in the movie industry held by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). The "Hollywood 10," as the men were known, were sentenced to one year in jail. The Supreme Court later upheld the contempt charges.

The contempt charges stemmed from the refusal of the ten men to answer questions posed by HUAC as to whether they were or had ever been members of the Communist Party. In hearings that often exploded with rancor, the men denounced the questions as violations of their First Amendment rights.

Albert Maltz, Dalton Trumbo, John Howard Lawson, Samuel Ornitz, Ring Lardner, Jr., Lester Cole, Alvah Bessie, Herbert Biberman, Edward Dmytryk and Robert Adrian Scott were charged with contempt of Congress.

The chairman of HUAC, J. Parnell Thomas, dismissed the arguments raised by the men, claiming that Congress had every right to ask people what their political affiliations were. "The Constitution," he declared, "was never intended to cloak or shield those who would destroy it."

The Hollywood 10 responded with a joint statement in which they argued that HUAC had succeeded in having the Congress cite the Bill of Rights for contempt. "The United States," the statement concluded, "can keep its constitutional liberties or it can keep the Thomas committee. It can't keep both."

The impact of the charges against the Hollywood 10 was immediate and long-lasting. Hollywood quickly established the so-called "blacklist," a collection of names of Hollywood personalities suspected of having communist ties. Those on the list rarely found work in the movies.

The contempt charges also created a chilling effect on the Hollywood film industry, and producers, directors and writers shied away from subject matter that might be considered the least bit controversial or open them up to charges of being soft on communism.

The blacklist was not completely broken until the 1960s.

Thanks History.com