Today in history: November 18

(Image credit: (National Archives/Newsmakers))

last updated 8 January 2015

Nov. 18, 1886: Chester Arthur died. He was the 21st president, serving between 1881 and 1885. Arthur had been vice president for just six months when he became POTUS after the assassination of President James Garfield. He was also known for his long mutton chop sideburns. Of Arthur it was said, "No man ever entered the presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted — and no one ever retired more generally respected." Even Mark Twain, who was deeply cynical about politicians, said: "It would be hard indeed to better President Arthur's administration."

Nov. 18, 1963: During a Florida motorcade, President John F. Kennedy ordered Secret Service agents off the back of his open limousine — so people could get a better view of him. Kennedy, who liked to be seen by the voters, grew weary of having agents so close to him all the time. "Keep those Ivy League charlatans off the back of the car," he said, in jest. Kennedy liked the agents — he was close to many of them — but sometimes thought his own security was a bit much. Kennedy also had the roof of his limousine (which wasn't bulletproof) taken off that day — and four days later in Dallas.

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