YORBA LINDA : Nixon Library to Host Inaugural Event

Those not satisfied with hearing television commentators pontificate on the inauguration can go to the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace on Wednesday, where experts--including former Senate candidate Bruce Herschensohn--will discuss the Clinton Inauguration in person.

In an event that is a cross between a town hall forum and a debate, Herschensohn will be joined by UC Irvine Associate Prof. Mark Petracca in discussing various aspects of the inaugural, including Bill Clinton’s address.

Herschensohn and Petracca will also field questions from about 200 Orange County high school students who are scheduled to attend.

“Both these men are at opposite ends of the political spectrum. It will be lively but very balanced,” said Kevin Cartwright, spokesman for the Nixon library.

“It’s a chance to get an insider’s view of the inauguration and what it means to the American people.”

The audience will view the inauguration from a big-screen television.

The event gets underway about 8:15 a.m. in the library’s theater. Admission is free.

The library is also offering special guided tours at 3 p.m. daily through Friday highlighting museum exhibits that are related to presidential inaugurations.

The tours will include peeks at the top hat Vice President-elect Richard Nixon wore during the 1953 inauguration of Dwight Eisenhower and the telegram actor Bob Hope sent to Nixon before the 1957 Eisenhower/Nixon inaugural.

Nixon was elected president in 1968 and reelected in 1972, before resigning in 1974.