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..." - "...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.