Today is Wednesday, Nov. 4, the 308th day of 2009. There are 57 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: One year ago, on Nov. 4, 2008, Democrat Barack Obama was elected the first black president of the United States, defeating Republican John McCain; Democrats gained seats in the Senate and House. On this date: In 1884, Democrat Grover Cleveland was elected to his first term as president, defeating Republican James G. Blaine. In 1922, the entrance to King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in Egypt. In 1924, Nellie T. Ross of Wyoming was elected the nation's first female governor to serve out the remaining term of her late husband, William B. Ross. In 1939, the United States modified its neutrality stance in World War II, allowing "cash and carry" purchases of arms by belligerents, a policy favoring Britain and France. In 1942, during World War II, Axis forces retreated from El Alamein in North Africa in a major victory for British forces commanded by Lt. Gen. Bernard Montgomery. In 1952, Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected president, defeating Democrat Adlai Stevenson. In 1979, the Iran hostage crisis began as militants stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran, seizing its occupants; for some, it was the start of 444 days of captivity. In 1980, Ronald Reagan won the White House as he defeated President Jimmy Carter by a strong margin. Continued... |