Theme Dreams

By Melissa August, Amanda Bower, Val Castronovo, Matthew Cooper, Randy Hartwell, Daniel S. Levy, Ellin Martens, Josh Tyrangiel and Rebecca Winters

Presidential inaugurations, like high school proms, boast evocative themes, a tradition dating back to Eisenhower's 1953 "Crusade in America." George W. Bush has selected "Celebrating America's Spirit Together" for his Jan. 20 blowout. How likely is it that partisan foes will join forces over the next four years? Here, a look at how some other terms lived up to their Inaugural promise.

JOHN F. KENNEDY, 1961 THEME "World Peace Through New Frontiers" REALITY Cuban missile crisis; Berlin Wall built

LYNDON B. JOHNSON, 1965 THEME "Peace" REALITY Vietnam

RICHARD M. NIXON, 1973 THEME "Spirit of '76" REALITY Resigned in '74

GEORGE BUSH, 1989 THEME "Peace, Prosperity and Independence" REALITY Gulf War and recession

BILL CLINTON, 1997 THEME "Building a Bridge to the 21st Century" REALITY Bill's bridge buckles in 2000 with Gore's loss