This Day In 1970's History: Thursday January 20, 1977
- Jimmy Carter was sworn in as the 39th President of the United States and then, in a 17-minute inaugural address that drew on an Old Testament prophet and one of his high school teachers, declared, "I have no new dream to set forth today, but, rather, urge a fresh faith in the old dream." Walter Mondale took the oath of office as Vice President, replacing Nelson Rockefeller who, with his family, had spent the night at the White House. [New York Times]
- Walking to the White House after his inauguration, President Carter astonished and delighted thousands of well-wishers lining the mile-and-a-half route by his departure from the traditions of formality and security. With his wife Rosalynn at his side for the 40-minute stroll -- and their 9-year-old daughter, Amy, skipping along for part of the way -- the President drew cheers, waves and an escort of hundreds of youngsters who raced along the sides of the avenue. [New York Times]
- Addressing "citizens of the world," President Carter broadcast an unusual supplement to his inaugural address, vowing to work for "a world order that is more responsive to human aspirations." He stressed disarmament, said he would seek international cooperation to end poverty, hunger, disease and "political repression," and declared, "We will not seek to dominate nor dictate to others." [New York Times]
- Gerald Ford listened to his successor express the gratitude of the nation "for all he has done to heal the land in his two and a half years as President," and then with his wife Betty flew off to California convinced, as he had told his cabinet and staff earlier, that his administration was successful and one "which history will treat kindly." [New York Times]
- Taking the reins of power, Jimmy Carter and his staff moved into their White House offices and promptly got down to business. Mr. Carter had a series of late afternoon meetings following the inaugural parade and his aides tackled the first major problem of his administration -- figuring out how the telephones work. [New York Times]
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