George Washington's Precedents

George Washington's
inauguration took place on April 30, 1789

at Federal Hall in New York City.

As the first man to take the oath of
office,

Washington added the words,
"So help me God,"

establishing the very first Presidential
precedent.

"So help me God."

"So help me God."

- "So help me..."
- "...help me God."

"So help me God."

There were many questions about
this new job, this "President" person.

People wondered, "What do you say?"
How do you describe

this person, this man, who was going to
head the United States of America?

[crowd cheering]

[William H. Fowler, Jr.] But think for a
moment what it would be like in our own

time if the sergeant-at-arms had to
introduce the President today as

"His Mightiness."

"His Excellency."

"His High Mightiness."

"The President of the United States and
Defender of Our Liberties."

That, in fact, was one of the titles
suggested for the president.

And then he said, "No, no,
no, call me 'Mr. President.'"

Hmm, I mean, that's a nice gesture.

It doesn't mean much,
but it's a nice gesture.

[narrator] It was all part of establishing

the image of the presidency.

One example is how Washington projected
his physical being.

[James C. Rees] George Washington was
the most athletic, the most robust, the

most dynamic of all the founding fathers.

He was the action hero, if you will,
of the 18th Century,

who was considered by Jefferson the best
horseback rider the entire period.

[narrator] Washington usually rode a
white horse named Nelson.

And Nelson became a vital part of
Washington's public relations package;

his version of a tailhook landing.

[Rees] When he would visit towns
during the presidency, sometimes he

would travel comfort of the carriage
most the distance between towns.

But, in many cases, he would hop out of
that carriage and get onto Nelson

and ride into town looking like that
war hero, that "man among men,"

looking like someone who could lead
anyone.

[Carol Berkin] Washington understood
very clearly that everything he did as the

first President of the United States
would be watched by nations abroad

and by people at home and would set a
precedent.

Well, the main precedent,
the one that he's known the

most for, is that he left.

[Richard Brookhiser] He decides at the
end of his second term that he wants to

step down.

Partly, I think he's feeling
the approach of age.

He's in his mid-60s.

I think he also wants to teach the country
a lesson on the passing on of power.

[Fowler] Grace is in knowing
when to leave.

Washington left after two terms.

I think that was his finest moment.