Presidential Trivia

[Barnes]

Monroe, because of War of 1812?

[Barnes]

Which U.S. President did not have enough money to go to his own inauguration, causing him to borrow the money from his neighbour?

Washington.


Who took the oath early?

Hayes

Who is the supposed Acting President for a day? (Not the actual ones: Bush and Cheney)

[Barnes]

David Rice Atchinson.

Correct.

[Barnes]

Now, why did DRA have to become president for a day?

Well, it's disputable, at best.

But, basically, here it is:

James K. Polk's term ended on March 4th as usual.  However, that year, the date fell on a Sunday, the Sabbath. His successor, Zachary Taylor, was devoutly religious, and refused to take an "Oath to God" on a Sunday. Both he and his VP, Millard Filmore, were sworn in on the next day, the 5th. However, this was before the current notion that the President-elect's term begins on Inauguration day whether or not he takes the Oath.

David Rice Atchinson, who was President pro tempore of the Senate, was next in the line of succession. However, the Senate's previous term had ended on the 3rd, and didn't reconvene until the 5th (I think). In the time between, there was no PPT, so Atchison wasn't really in the line of succession.

Anyway, everyone (then and now) considers Taylor's term to have commenced on the 4th, so the point is null.

[Barnes]

I can only think of George W. Bush. Who else?

[Barnes]

oh! Jefferson, because the White House wasn't built yet.

The White House was actually finished in November, 1800. Making John Adams the first President to reside there.

[Barnes]

Probably too easy, but:

Why did the early frontrunner for the 1988 Democratic nomination not win?

"Monkey Business"

Who was the longest-lived Presidential candidate? (restricting it to those who won a state)

Strom Thurmond?

[Barnes]

What future President, once elected to the U.S. House, complained about "Rebel influences . . . ruling the White House"?