PRESIDENTS

Where Did the Term ‘October Surprise’ Originate?

Its political legacy began during the Iran hostage crisis, but other kinds of October surprises had been happening for decades.

Margaret Chase Smith and Eleanor Roosevelt duked it out for their political parties.

The First-Ever Televised Presidential Debate Was Between Two Women

In 1956, two highly-regarded party figures stepped in for candidates Eisenhower and Stevenson to tackle election issues.

11 Things You Might Not Know About Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, is one of the most esteemed humanitarians ever to hold the office. He was also once chased by a wild rabbit.

President Theodore Roosevelt, the youngest U.S. president.

Who Are the Youngest Presidents Ever Elected?

Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton are among the youngest U.S. presidents.

Why Does Grover Cleveland Count as Two Presidents?

Historians suggest that while Grover Cleveland was but one person, he was actually two presidents thanks to his nonconsecutive terms.

Portraits of John Quincy Adams (left) and Andrew Jackson (right)

The Time Andrew Jackson Won the Vote But Lost the Presidency

In 1824, Jackson both won the popular vote and got the most votes in the electoral college, but lost the election anyway.

Victoria Claflin Woodhull led a very interesting life.

The First Woman to Run For President Was a Spiritualist, Wall Street Broker, and Free-Love Advocate

Long before Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris launched their presidential campaigns, Victoria Claflin Woodhull ran as a third party candidate in the 1872 election.

Abraham Lincoln just after uttering his last words.

The Last Words and Final Moments of 39 U.S. Presidents

Some presidents’ last words have been profound (“This is the last of earth; I am content”) and others have been merely practical (“Help!”).

The teddy bear has a very specific origin story.

How Did the Teddy Bear Get Its Name?

The origins of the teddy bear involve President Theodore Roosevelt, a bear hunt, a political cartoon, and the owner of a candy shop in New York.

10 Things You Might Not Know About Ronald Reagan

President Ronald Reagan served from 1981-1989 and is remembered for his Reaganomics policies, the war on drugs, and other political endeavors. He also ate a lot of jelly beans.

President George Washington delivering his inaugural address.

Why Do Presidents Serve Four-Year Terms?

Here’s the history behind four-year presidential term limits, plus answers to all your other questions about presidential terms.

Richard Nixon resigned the presidency on August 8, 1974, as a result of his involvement in the Watergate scandal.

10 Deep Facts About the Watergate Scandal

Fifty years ago today, President Richard Nixon resigned as a consequence of his role in the Watergate break-in and cover-up.

14 Gaffes That Tanked Presidential Bids

Howard Dean, Gary Hart, Richard Nixon, Rick Perry, and more made some pretty big mistakes during their presidential campaigns.

Richard Nixon flashes his trademark “victory” sign.

10 Surprising Facts About Richard Nixon

Although the Watergate scandal tends to overshadow much of his legacy, Richard Nixon almost forced a mistrial for Charles Manson.

Veeps with jobs: John C. Breckinridge (left), John Nance Gardner (center), and Schuyler Colfax (right)

How 8 Vice Presidents Made a Living After Leaving Office

Fifteen sitting vice presidents have become president. That leaves a lot of other ex-veeps in need of gainful employment. Here's what a few of them did after leaving office.

The Vice President Who Wrote a Hit Song

Long before he was Calvin Coolidge’s vice president, Charles Dawes wrote an instrumental piece called “Melody in A Major” that later became a #1 hit.

Theodore Roosevelt was all about Big Stick Diplomacy.

When Theodore Roosevelt Urged Americans to “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick”

Roosevelt launched one of his most famous sayings at the Minnesota State Fair in September 1901—just two weeks before he became president.

Painting showing Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin presenting the first draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress.

The Pursuit of Happiness: The True Meaning of the Misunderstood Phrase

When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, both 'pursuit' and 'happiness' had secondary definitions that change the meaning of the iconic quote.

Barack Obama supporters hold posters with his campaign slogan in 2008.

The Origins of 10 Presidential Campaign Slogans

You probably remember Barack Obama’s “Yes, We Can.” But do you remember Herbert Hoover’s campaign slogan? How about FDR’s?

Andrew Jackson has been on the $20 for less time than you think.

Andrew Jackson Hasn’t Always Been On the $20 Bill

America's seventh president has been on the $20 bill for less time than you might assume.

William McKinley (first row, center) and his wife, Ida (to his left), meet with the Flower Delegation.

The Presidential Candidate Who Campaigned From His Porch

Unwilling to leave his ill wife's side during a presidential campaign, William McKinley decided to run for president from his front porch.

In his House Divided speech, Lincoln feared the outcome of the Missouri Compromise would be civil war.

“A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand”: Deciphering Lincoln’s Warning About Civil War

In his famous 1858 speech, Abraham Lincoln warned that only civil war would resolve the issue of slavery in the U.S. He wasn’t wrong.

Quiz: Can You Guess the Summer Jobs of These Future U.S. Presidents?

These future presidents worked some not-so-glamorous jobs as teenagers.

Why Do We Call a President’s Wife “First Lady”?

Presidents have had a lot of titles and nicknames, but the wife of every president has one common honorific. Why do we call her “first lady”?