This day in history

[November 04, 2009]  (AP)  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.

In 1991, Ronald Reagan opened his presidential library in Simi Valley, Calif., with a dedication attended by President George H.W. Bush and former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Gerald R. Ford and Richard Nixon -- the first-ever gathering of five past and present U.S. chief executives.

In 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by a right-wing Israeli minutes after attending a festive peace rally.

Ten years ago: Aaron McKinney, who beat gay college student Matthew Shepard and left him to die on the Wyoming prairie, avoided the death penalty by agreeing to serve life in prison without parole and promising never to appeal his conviction. Some 10,000 Iranian students rallied outside the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran to mark the 20th anniversary of its seizure by Islamic militants.

Five years ago: Following his re-election victory, President George W. Bush pledged to aggressively pursue major changes in Social Security, the tax code and medical malpractice awards. It was announced that Elizabeth Edwards, wife of former Democratic vice-presidential candidate John Edwards, had been diagnosed with breast cancer the same day her husband and Sen. John Kerry conceded the presidential race.

One year ago: California voters approved Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriage, overturning a state Supreme Court decision that gave gay couples the right to wed just months earlier. Author Michael Crichton died in Los Angeles at age 66.

Today's birthdays: Actress Doris Roberts is 79. Actress Loretta Swit is 72. R&B singer Harry Elston (Friends of Distinction) is 71. Blues singer Delbert McClinton is 69. Former First Lady Laura Bush is 63. Actress Markie Post is 59. Rock singer-musician Chris Difford (Squeeze) is 55. Country singer Kim Forester (The Forester Sisters) is 49. Actress-comedian Kathy Griffin is 49. Actor Ralph Macchio is 48. "Survivor" host Jeff Probst is 48. Rock singer-musician Wayne Static (Static-X) is 44. Actor Matthew McConaughey is 40. Rapper-producer Sean "Diddy" Combs is 40. R&B singer Shawn Rivera (Az Yet) is 38. Actress Heather Tom is 34. R&B/gospel singer George Huff is 29.

Thought for Today: "There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free, or you are not free." -- Walter Cronkite, American news anchorman (born this date in 1916, died 2009)

[Associated Press]

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