MAY 23, 1964

Full News Archive

• Headline: Kennedy's Gratitude for France's Generous Gift. Impact: Kennedy's gratitude for France's gift sparked a tradition of politicians thanking foreign nations for gifts, leading to a bizarre future where world leaders exchange novelty keychains.. Fact: That $100,000 is probably worth about as much as a few fancy dinners for the current generation of politicians!.
• Headline: Cardinal Cushing's Firm Rejection. Impact: Cardinal Cushing's rejection of a Protestant post led to a series of inter-denominational debates that would confuse generations about who exactly is in charge of what.. Fact: Protestants and Catholics have been at it for centuries—kind of like a theological version of 'Who's Line Is It Anyway?' where everyone's rules are made up..
• Headline: RUSK WARNS REDS WAR IN VIETNAM MAY BE WIDENED; He Says This Is Possibility if Communists Persist in ‘Their Aggression’; U.S. JET HIT, OVER LAOS; Navy Reconnaissance Craft Flies Back to Carrier—Pilot Reported Unhurt. Impact: Rusk's warning about Vietnam led to the escalation of U.S. involvement, which in turn inspired countless protest songs that future generations would play at their music festivals.. Fact: If only Rusk had suggested playing some calming music instead of warning about 'aggression'—the '60s could have turned into a peaceful jam session!.
• Headline: ‘Big’ Names at President's Show Include One Lyndon B. Johnson; Richard Adler Is Producing Two Tributes Next Week for Democratic Party. Impact: Lyndon B. Johnson's appearance at the President's Show became a tradition, resulting in an annual event where politicians awkwardly try to prove they have a sense of humor.. Fact: Truman missing the dinner due to illness only fueled conspiracy theories that he just didn't want to hear another one of Johnson's jokes!.
• Headline: MICHIGAN REDRAWS CONGRESS DISTRICTS. Impact: Michigan's redrawn congressional districts set off a chain reaction that would eventually lead to more political gerrymandering debates than anyone thought possible.. Fact: Redrawing districts is basically like playing chess, except no one really knows the rules and everyone just wants to win..
• Headline: President Receives Pair of Silver Spurs At Newsmen's Fete. Impact: Receiving silver spurs at a dinner became a trend for honoring politicians, leading to a future where bizarre awards and trophies were the norm at formal events.. Fact: These spurs were probably the most exciting thing to happen at a political dinner since someone accidentally spilled red wine on the guest list..
• Headline: New Stamp to Honor U.S. Music. Impact: The introduction of the new stamp honoring American music inspired a future generation of musicians to demand their own stamps, leading to a postal revolution.. Fact: ASCAP stands for the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, but let's be real, it might as well stand for 'All Stars Celebrate Amazing Postage'!.