PRESIDENTS

7 Fictional Characters Who Ran for Office

In 1974, Mr. Peanut entered the Vancouver mayoral race and walked away with nearly 3000 votes.

Who Were Abraham Lincoln's Siblings?

Both of Lincoln's siblings helped make him the man—and president—he eventually became. Find out more about the often overlooked members of the Lincoln family.

Is It Illegal to Take a Voting Booth Selfie?

You might want to think twice before whipping out your iPhone and snapping a pic at the polls, or even from your couch, this year.

Yetta Bronstein, the Imaginary 1960s Jewish Housewife Who Ran for President

One of her slogans: “Vote for Yetta and things will get Betta.”

When Theodore Roosevelt Tried to Reform the English Language

He'd had enuf of the old way. Known for his uncompromising stance on many issues, in the early 1900s Roosevelt used the full power of his position to try to force through several hundred new spelling reforms.

Kansas Tourism via Flickr//CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Kansas Museum Pays Homage to Presidential Runners-Up

The exhibition is called “They Also Ran"—and soon, it will have a new portrait gracing its walls.

12 People Who Have Supposedly Seen or Felt Lincoln's Ghost

Many spirits have been reported roaming the halls of the White House, but the one that’s seen most often is Lincoln.

First Lady Laura Bush's favorite chocolate torte. Image credit: Life Reloaded Specialty Publishing

The special event highlights dishes served in the White House and at the historic restaurant.

How Harry Truman's Daughter Inspired a Wesley Snipes Movie

Margaret Truman Daniel had a flair for murder mysteries.

What Happens if the Electoral College Ties?

While it would be a political crisis if the Electoral College completely disregarded the will of the people, it’s not impossible.

A Socks the Cat-Inspired Video Game Exists—and You Can Own It

Gamers play as America's former First Feline, navigating a White House filled with politicians, spies, and dogs.

7 Facts About Elaine Quijano, VP Debate Moderator

The moderator of the vice-presidential debate once prompted President Obama to rethink military policy.

10 Famous Birthdays to Celebrate in October

If you were born in October, you might share a birthday with one of your favorite historical figures—including six U.S. presidents.

Courtesy of Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum, Forbes Library, Northampton, MA

Show & Tell: Calvin Coolidge’s Electric Exercise Horse

"Silent Cal" rode it three times a day for fitness—and fun.

A Book Made From “Washington’s Tree”

George Washington definitely had a thing for trees—or at least his legend did.

Up for Auction: A Piece of the Berlin Wall, Signed by Ronald Reagan

The historic object is expected to fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.

That George Washington Portrait Saved by Dolley Madison Was Just a Copy

If you’re envisioning Dolley tearing the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait down as the Red Coats closed in and the curtains burned, well, that’s not quite what happened.

8 Milestone Presidential Campaign Ads

These presidential campaign ads are proof that sometimes all you need is 30 seconds to change the course of an election.

Before He Became President, Abraham Lincoln Was a Wrestling Champion

In the years before he became a politician, Abraham Lincoln was one of the most feared wrestlers in Illinois.

The Story Behind Warren G. Harding's Mysterious Death

By the end of the summer of 1923, Harding would end up dead and his wife's reputation under attack.

John and Abigail Adams Ring, American, 1812. Gold, pearls, crystal, gold foil, hair. Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society

Hair Jewelry Celebrating a Presidential Friendship

In the early 1800s, John and Abigail Adams patched up a friendship with hair jewelry.

Could a Former President Ever Become Vice President?

It all comes down to how you like your Constitution: literal, or liberally intepreted.

8 Surprising Places That Were Once U.S. Capitals

The Founding Fathers spent a lot of time moving to safer locations.

When Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford Considered a Co-Presidency in 1980

One of the most fascinating "What if?" scenarios in U.S. political history occurred during the 1980 presidential election, when Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford considered a co-presidency.

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