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Did you know that some of our nation’s presidents had strange habits and quirks? From peanut farming to sleepwalking, here are five weird facts about U.S. presidents:
Introduction
The United States has a rich history of presidential leadership, but not all of it is well-known. While many people can recite basic facts about past presidents like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, there are plenty of unusual tidbits that have been forgotten over time. In this article, we’ll explore some of the strangest habits and behaviors exhibited by U.S. presidents throughout history.
1. The Peanut President: George Washington
While he may be best known for his role in leading the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, did you know that America’s first president was also a peanut farmer? That’s right – George Washington grew peanuts on his plantation at Mount Vernon. He even developed a new variety of peanut that was more flavorful than other varieties available at the time.
2. A Beardless Leader: Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is one of the most beloved U.S. presidents, but did you know that he was actually clean-shaven for most of his life? It wasn’t until he became president that he started growing a beard, reportedly because his young son Tad asked him to do so. Despite being mocked by political opponents who called him “the original gorilla,” Lincoln stuck with his facial hair for the rest of his presidency.
3. The Sleepwalker-in-Chief: Rutherford B. Hayes
Rutherford B. Hayes may not be as famous as some of his predecessors, but he still managed to make headlines with his bizarre behavior while in office. According to reports from those close to him, Hayes would sometimes get up in the middle of the night and wander around the White House while asleep. This habit earned him the nickname “the Sleepwalker-in-Chief.”
4. The First Televised President: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the first U.S. president to appear on television, which was still a relatively new technology when he took office. During World War II, FDR used radio broadcasts to address the American public directly, earning him the nickname “the Voice of Freedom.” When TV became popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Roosevelt recognized its potential as a tool for communication and made several televised appearances before his death in 1945.
5. The Jogging President: Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford may not have been the most athletic man to hold the presidency, but he was certainly one of the fittest. Ford was an avid runner who enjoyed going for jogs along the National Mall in Washington, DC. His love of exercise even led him to participate in the annual President’s Cup golf tournament, where he once hit a hole-in-one.
6. The Movie Star President: Ronald Reagan
Before becoming governor of California and eventually president of the United States, Ronald Reagan was a successful actor in Hollywood. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including starring roles in movies like “Knute Rockne All American” and “Bedtime for Bonzo.” Reagan’s acting career helped prepare him for his future job as a politician, giving him experience in front of cameras and speaking to large audiences.
7. The Basketball Fanatic: Barack Obama
Barack Obama may have been the coolest president ever, but he was also a huge basketball fan. Throughout his two terms in office, Obama frequently played pickup games with friends and colleagues, often inviting professional players to join him on the court. He even installed a full-size basketball hoop in the White House residence, making it easier for him to get in a game whenever he wanted.
8. The Social Media Savvy: Donald Trump
Donald Trump may not be everyone’s favorite president, but he definitely knows how to use social media to connect with his supporters. Since taking office, Trump has become one of the most active world leaders on Twitter, using the platform to share news updates, attack his critics, and promote his policies. Whether you agree with his politics or not, you have to admit that Trump is a master of the art of tweeting.
Conclusion
As you can see, U.S. presidents have had some pretty interesting habits and quirks throughout history. From peanut farming to sleepwalking, jogging to movie star fame, these men (and hopefully soon women) have done some amazing things both inside and outside of the Oval Office. So next time you think about the presidency, don’t just focus on the serious stuff – take a moment to appreciate the lighter side of presidential history too!