Videos

President George H.W Bush announced his proposed budget in his first address to a joint session of Congress. The president’s remarks were interrupted numerous times by applause. This speech …

President Ronald Reagan delivered his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. He talked about the values of work, family, religion and freedom. He set out several objectiv…

A funeral service was held at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, for former House Speaker and Representative Jim Wright (D-TX). Representative Wright died on May 6, 2015, at…

Former Speaker James Wright spoke about his new book, Worth It All. Mr. Wright served as House speaker from 1987 to 1989. He resigned as speaker and as a member of House in June, 1989 amid c…

Former House speakers gathered at a photo opportunity and answered questions from reporters.

Former Representative Jim Wright (D-TX) talked about his experiences as Speaker of the House. Following his remarks he and former colleagues talked about his speakership, political style, an…

Speaker of the House Representative James Wright, Jr. (D-TX) delivered his resignation speech on the floor of the House.

The House and Senate met jointly to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the U.S. Congress. Remarks by leaders are followed by the unveiling of commemorative stamps.

David McCullough talked about the office of the presidency and the power that the office holds. He focused on the dynamic nature of the office, both from the perspective of the presidents an…

Mr. Bradlee talked about the career and presidency of Richard Nixon. He focused on the personality of Nixon and his relationship with the press. He also talked about the 1960 presidential ca…

Mr. Beschloss moderated a panel who spoke about how presidents wielded their power. They recounted personal experiences with various presidents, related the different personal styles of lead…

Elections for the 101st Congress was shown. Rep. Jim Wright (D-TX) was elected Speaker of the House. Party leaders were announced and an election of other House officers was held.

Former Speaker Jim Wright (D-TX) spoke about his years in the House leadership and his book “Worth it All” at the Women’s National Democratic Club. Following his opening statement, he took q…

Ann Richards of Texas delivered the keynote address to delegates at the Democratic National Convention.

Former Speaker of the House Jim Wright talked about his WWII memoir The Flying Circus: Pacific War, 1943, as Seen Through a Bombsight, published by The Lyons Press. Former Speaker Wright wa…

Michael Beschloss talked about the presidencies of Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. He compared and contrasted their leadership styles and the issues they faced while in office. Aft…

Historian and Author, Robert Caro, talked about the Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. He focused on President Johnson’s effective use of political power, his civil rights record and the criti…

For the 40th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy American Perspectives featured some of the people who were in Dallas on the day of the assassination in 1963. Oral …

The former Nobel Peace Prize winners talked about the prospects for peace in war-torn areas of the world, including Afghanistan. Former House Speaker Wright served as moderator. They answere…

As part of the symposium on President Reagan, scholars and former members of Congress described President Reagan’s relations with Congress. Topics included the president’s many vetoes of leg…