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First Black NASA Administrator Charles Bolden 'Pleaded' To Get Into Naval Academy

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks at a panel discussion on the search for life beyond Earth at NASA headquarters in 2014. Joel Kowsky/NASA hide caption

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Joel Kowsky/NASA

The Two-Way

First Black NASA Administrator Charles Bolden 'Pleaded' To Get Into Naval Academy

Bolden grew up in segregated South Carolina. One of his state senators, Strom Thurmond, blocked his efforts to get to the Naval Academy, but a Hail-Mary letter to Lyndon Johnson helped him get there.

First Black NASA Administrator Charles Bolden 'Pleaded' To Get Into Naval Academy

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How Did Strom Thurmond Last Through His 24-Hour Filibuster?

Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina after his 24+ hour filibuster in 1957. He was a Democrat then. Later, Thurmond would switch to the Republican Party. AP hide caption

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AP

The Two-Way

How Did Strom Thurmond Last Through His 24-Hour Filibuster?

In 1957, Sen. Strom Thurmond prepared for his filibuster against civil rights legislation with steam baths — to become dehydrated so he wouldn't need a bathroom break. He got at least one chance to relieve himself, however. This week, Sen. Rand Paul gave up when nature's call became too urgent.

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