6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Watch CBS News
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Democratic strategist and former Biden adviser John McCarthy and Republican strategist T.W. Arrighi join "The Takeout" to discuss JD Vance saying Watergate would be a "12-hour news story" if it happened now, the NYC primary results earlier this week, and more.
The opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel said that because it believes the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional, President Trump does not need to comply with it.
Then-President Richard Nixon addressed the nation from the Oval Office during the 1973 energy crisis. Fueled by the Yom Kippur War, members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in the Middle East banned the sale of oil to the U.S. and other countries, sharply raising gas prices for Americans as they faced their first fuel shortage since WWII.
On Nov. 29, 1973, CBS News aired a special report titled "Making It Through This Winter," spotlighting the ways Americans were making do amid the oil crisis. Watch the program in full.
On this day in 1974, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that President Richard Nixon had to hand over tape recordings of his conversations in the Oval Office. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson explains the significance.
The new PBS Frontline documentary, "Trump's Power & the Rule of Law," goes inside the showdown between President Trump, the courts and Congress. Filmmaker Michael Kirk joins "The Takeout" to discuss the project.
Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward has covered nine White Houses going back to President Richard Nixon and Watergate. His latest book, "Fear: Trump in the White House," is revelatory in its look at chaos and discord within the current administration as witnessed by those inside the West Wing. In his first TV interview for his new book, Woodward talks with CBS News national security correspondent David Martin about the behavior of President Donald Trump and his staff that, his book suggests, may jeopardize America's national or financial security.
"The minute you get out of politics, you disappear." That's what five-term Senator Barry Goldwater tells Harry Reasoner from his home in Arizona, on the eve of retirement. The conservative icon offers his candid take on public figures -- from Richard Nixon to Jerry Falwell to Jane Fonda.
"People don't tell the truth," says Ben Bradlee, former executive editor of The Washington Post. And Bradlee knows a thing or two about lies, having helmed the Post during the Watergate scandal. Mike Wallace reports on Bradlee's life and career.
In 60 Minutes' first season, Mike Wallace talked with then-presidential candidate Richard Nixon, who said, "I hope to restore respect to the presidency"
On 60 Minutes' second broadcast, Nixon said he hoped "to restore respect to the Presidency at all levels"
A presidential pardon expert at America University compared the sweeping Hunter Biden pardon issued by President Biden to the pardon for former president Richard Nixon. CBS News' Natalie Brand breaks down the history of presidents pardoning family members.
On Sept. 26, 1960, Vice President Richard M. Nixon and U.S. Sen. John F. Kennedy met for the first ever televised presidential debate.
Fifty years ago, Richard Nixon resigned after a visit by leading members of his own party, which had abandoned him over Watergate. In today's polarized political climate, would a President Nixon survive?
Fifty years ago, President Richard Nixon – facing impeachment and removal from office amid charges of abuse of power, obstructing justice, and contempt of Congress – was visited by leading members of his own party, which had abandoned him; he resigned. But if Watergate happened today, with today's polarized politics and hot-button media environment, would a President Nixon survive? CBS News' John Dickerson talks with Garrett Graff, author of "Watergate: A New History," and historian Brian Rosenwald about a political climate change.
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on President Donald Trump's claim that he should be immune from federal prosecution for his conduct while serving in the White House. CBS News' Errol Barnett breaks down the history of presidential power limits.
Henry Kissinger, who served as secretary of state and national security adviser under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, died Wednesday at 100. Kissinger's legacy is controversial, as he shaped American foreign policy for decades but is also accused of alleged war crimes. Margaret Brennan looks back at his complicated legacy.
Henry Kissinger, the controversial diplomat who served as secretary of state and national security adviser under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, died Wednesday at age 100, his firm said. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry looks back on Kissinger's life.
Thursday saw the historic federal arraignment of a former U.S. president. Historian and University of Pennsylvania professor Mary Frances Berry joined CBS News to put Donald Trump's third arraignment in historical context and discuss how it compares to previous presidential scandals.
U.S. presidents have been entangled in scandal for centuries. But former President Donald Trump's unprecedented indictment is unchartered territory for the country. Presidential historian Andrew Rudalevige joined CBS News' John Dickerson to discuss the political and historical implications of this moment.
Ellsberg copied and leaked documents that revealed secret details of U.S. strategy in the Vietnam War that became known as the Pentagon Papers.
On January 28, 1972, Carole Feraci was invited to perform at the White House as part of the Ray Conniff Singers. She took the opportunity to protest the war in Vietnam, which earned her headlines, and a flood of death threats. Now 81, she tells correspondent Mo Rocca that standing up to the leader of the free world came naturally to a girl who'd grown up in a rough Toronto neighborhood.
On January 28, 1972, Carole Feraci, performing at the White House with the Ray Conniff Singers, took the opportunity to protest the war in Vietnam, which earned her headlines and death threats.
White House chief of staff Ron Klain is stepping down in what will be the first major change to President Biden's White House leadership team. Chris Whipple, author of "The Fight of His Life," about Mr. Biden's first two years in office, and "The Gatekeepers," about presidential chiefs of staff, joins CBS News' John Dickerson to discuss the significance for the Biden presidency.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the new measures will be the "greatest financial offensive" ever.
Historically rare, immigration arrests of military spouses and parents have become more common under the second Trump administration.
The meeting came with Democrats expected to take control of the House in the November elections, which would put Jeffries in line to become the next House speaker.
The fire apparently began Saturday and grew significantly throughout the day, fueled by strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.
Grayson, 32, was found guilty last October of second-degree murder for the shooting of Sonya Massey and was serving a 20-year sentence.
A quintuple murder suspect was found dead inside a vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington a day after the bodies of five people were discovered outside Portland, Oregon, authorities said.
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said the tariff fight with Canada could extend U.S. inflation, should the tense trade dynamic between the historically allied countries continue.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the MMR vaccine is "not a lethal vaccine," despite President Trump's claims in recent days.
A quintuple murder suspect was found dead inside a vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington a day after the bodies of five people were discovered outside Portland, Oregon, authorities said.
Historically rare, immigration arrests of military spouses and parents have become more common under the second Trump administration.
Bunny Levine worked as a school librarian for 25 years before pursuing her passion for acting and performing.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the MMR vaccine is "not a lethal vaccine," despite President Trump's claims in recent days.
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Byron Donalds and Seth Moulton join Margaret Brennan.
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
Cash drop social media accounts have people racing to find money hidden across the country. Here's what's behind the viral videos.
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
The meeting came with Democrats expected to take control of the House in the November elections, which would put Jeffries in line to become the next House speaker.
Historically rare, immigration arrests of military spouses and parents have become more common under the second Trump administration.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the MMR vaccine is "not a lethal vaccine," despite President Trump's claims in recent days.
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Byron Donalds and Seth Moulton join Margaret Brennan.
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
This year, ER visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. How can you best avoid tick bites?
This year, emergency room visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. Correspondent David Pogue looks at how residents of Martha Vineyard are addressing an epidemic of Alpha-gal, and talks with experts about how best to avoid tick bites.
Hosted by Steve Hartman. Featured: The explosion of tick bites and Alpha-gal syndrome; singer Kenny Chesney; botanist and bestselling author Robin Wall Kimmerer; origami artist Robert Lang; one artist's very quirky home; an iconic photo of Harlem jazz legends; and a retirement home for musicians in Milan.
Retired Olympic runner Jenny Simpson earned a slew of accolades for her performances in three Olympic Games — but two months ago, she nearly died after suffering a cardiac event. Simpson spoke with Errol Barnett about her diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, the rare ailment she'd unknowingly carried for four decades.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new measures will be the "greatest financial offensive" ever.
The following is the transcript of the interview with former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who is on the boards of Pfizer and UnitedHealthCare, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
The following is the transcript of an interview with Neel Kashkari, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Byron Donalds, Republican of Florida and candidate for Florida governor, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
The following is the transcript of an interview with Dr. Mehmet Oz, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Bunny Levine worked as a school librarian for 25 years before pursuing her passion for acting and performing.
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is author of the New York Times bestsellers "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry" – books that advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth. She talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about the importance of respecting both Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge, planting trees, and sharing the gifts of nature.
In his recent memoir, "Heart Life Music," Kenny Chesney describes his life's journey, from Knoxville, Tenn., to No Shoes Nation and beyond. Chesney sits down with Lee Cowan in the Florida Keys, where the country superstar is just another laid-back local, to talk about family, touring, and how he recovered from a 2009 concert which he describes as "hitting a wall." [Originally broadcast Oct. 26, 2025.]
Opera great Giuseppe Verdi, one of history's most successful composers, used his fortune to create a retirement home for professional musicians "not favored by fortune." Residents of Casa Verdi in Milan not only share their lifetimes of artistry, they also provide master classes to young musicians. Chris Livesay reports.
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including actress Hayden Panettiere, star of "Nashville" and "Heroes."
Lawmakers and lobbyists are now using artificial intelligence to draft bills, but it turns out AI is currently terrible at the technicalities of federal law and regulations. Politico Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to discuss his recent article on the topic.
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
A quintuple murder suspect was found dead inside a vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington a day after the bodies of five people were discovered outside Portland, Oregon, authorities said.
A trail of clues — including an oil leak, security video and data from a truck's onboard computer — lead S.C. investigators to a jealous man suspected of running down a romantic rival.
A Houston Uber driver found himself involved in police activity after two officers jumped into his vehicle in pursuit of a suspect. Lana Zak has the story.
Karmelo Anthony's murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence are staying in place after a Texas judge denied his request for a new trial.
A landmark trial which accuses tech giant Meta of harming children through addictive social media products is underway in Oakland. Kenny Choi has the details.
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
For generations of drivers, getting behind the wheel meant you had to be able to use a stick shift. Now, new data shows that manual-transmission cars have all but disappeared. But some are keeping the driving skill alive. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn goes on a ride.
A new generation isn't just picking up a needle and thread; they're stitching an entirely new way of life. Itay Hod has the story from California.
The last of more than 2,000 beagles from a Wisconsin facility that bred them for medical research have been rescued. Adam Yamaguchi accompanied them on their journey to freedom.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia plans to draft 300,000 more troops into the fight as the invasion drags on. On Sunday, waves of Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's economy, hitting a massive retail warehouse outside of Moscow. Holly Williams reports.
The escalating trade war with Canada has ruptured a once-close and durable alliance. It will soon have people on both sides of the border paying up. Jarred Hill has more details from New York.