Rehnquist's wry aside, which broke the tension, was typical of the man affectionately known to his fellow justices as "the Chief." Rehnquist was quick and funny, and he made his job look easy.

As vice president, Lyndon Johnson was known as an effective parliamentarian with a flare for barnyard humor. The first time he entered the hall to “Hail to the Chief” he seemed taller than his ...

Amid drummed ruffles and bugled flourishes, “Hail to the Chief” will be played twice in ear-ringing succession at this January’s inauguration, once for outgoing President Joe Biden and then ...