13 Hilarious Quotes US Presidents Actually Said
The American people look to the President of the United States for leadership and accountability. Anything they do and utter can go into the history books.
While U.S. presidents ought to present themselves with a layer of professionalism, they sometimes slip and become goofballs for a brief moment in time. Whether it’s an act of heroism or a misguided quote of buffoonery, history refuses to forget.
John Adams
John Adams was the second president to lead the United States, in addition to serving as a Founding Father. One can assume what the Founding Fathers went through to birth a new country, though it’s clear it was taking a toll on them.
When speaking with his uniquely named son, John Quincy Adams, on his presidential election, Adams heeded a warning. “No man who ever held the office of President would congratulate a friend on obtaining it.” What an incredible way to motivate your son in his new job.
Warren G. Harding
It’s impossible to list Warren G. Harding’s commendable actions due to his short tenure as president. Serving for a little over two years, Harding saw himself as an incompetent man. Today, historians continuously reanalyze his policies to see if they fit for a time after the First World War.
Harding’s presidency may be less memorable due to his infamous quote about being president. He once admitted, “I am not fit for this office and should never have been here.” Ultimately, this is up for debate, though it’s fair to say we “hardly” hear of Harding today.
Ronald Reagan
Many attribute Ronald Reagan to various political movements, including the war on drugs and his “Reaganomics” policies. However, Reagan is also a victim of attempted assassination. This occurred on March 30, 1981, when John Hinckley Jr. shot the president, hoping to attract the attention of actress Jodie Foster.
Upon awakening in the operating room, Reagan removed his oxygen mask to make a joke. “I hope you are all Republicans,” Reagan said, causing the doctors and nurses to laugh. The chief of surgery at the time, Joe Giordano, returned with, “Today, Mr. President, we are all Republicans.” Giordano was a liberal.
Barack Obama
Before the U.S. voted for its first black president, Barack Obama’s birthplace was repeatedly questioned. Some suggested he wasn’t of U.S. origin, thus enforcing the notion that Obama couldn’t run in the race.
While running as a candidate, Obama attended the 2008 annual Al Smith Dinner event. Donning a black suit and white tie, Obama commented on the gossip of his birth: “Who is Barack Obama? Contrary to the rumors you have heard, I was not born in a manger. I was actually born on Krypton and sent here by my father, Jor-El, to save the Planet Earth.”
George W. Bush
2002 wasn’t a great time for U.S. President George W. Bush. The country faced a devastating terrorist attack the previous year, and the American people were on high alert. With this in mind, Bush needed to console American citizens in multiple ways.
When speaking on foreign issues with Iraq and the war, George W. Bush addressed the public with an extensive speech. However, one such quote sticks out: “There’s an old saying in Tennessee — I know it’s in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.” We’re still not sure where he was going with that.
Herbert Hoover
Generations today often contribute their financial issues to previous generations and their economic troubles. Financial experts who study the economy and its ever-expanding debt investigate this topic extensively.
As such, U.S. President Herbert Hoover once commented on the country’s staggering debt. At the Nebraska Republican Conference in 1936, Hoover said, “Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.” Sadly, this appears to be the case. The national debt clock represents haunting numbers that continue to climb, a manifestation of Hoover’s words.
John F. Kennedy
Many remember John F. Kennedy as the U.S. president who promised Americans to put a man on the moon. Aside from a few notable policies, Kennedy demonstrated extramarital behaviors with several women. One was actress Marilyn Monroe, supported by spicy images of the two behind closed doors.
Whether some choose to believe Kennedy was a womanizer or not, one such quote attributes to his romantic activities. Quite boldly, he’d state, “If I don’t have sex every day, I get a headache,” to multiple people. We’re surprised he didn’t implement personal taxation on Tylenol with a claim like that.
Abraham Lincoln
One quote from Abraham Lincoln stands out when discussing deceitful behavior. During the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, Senator Stephen Douglas accused Lincoln of being a “two-faced” politician. Lincoln struck back with the clever remark, “Honestly, if I were two-faced, would I be showing you this one?”
This well-known quote from a U.S. president highlights the “Honest Abe” moniker. Politicians can be two-faced individuals with dueling agendas, though it’s rare to see some sincerity bleed through them. If such were the case, we’d see more memorable political quotes across the news outlets.
Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon should be commended on the Mount Rushmore of Presidents with Embarrassing Actions. Though this spot is fictitious, Nixon would be the first to appear due to his untrustworthy leadership burdens.
Richard Nixon caught himself in distressing waters during his second term as president. The news shattered headlines when his administration broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Watergate. Dubbed the Watergate Scandal, Nixon’s involvement came to light, prompting the president to address the American people. “I am not a crook. I have earned everything I have got.” We’re sure he meant this from his honest Republican heart.
Joe Biden
President Joe Biden is often ridiculed for his age. While many recall his actions during his presidency, he once served as Vice President of Obama’s administration. The two became a force of nature, frequently parodied online with memes.
At the start of their political team-up, Biden attended a campaign rally for Barack Obama in Springfield, Illinois. Running mate Biden addressed the crowd with some motivational words. “A man I’m proud to call my friend. A man who will be the next president of the United States, Barack America!” This stands as one of the many unintentionally funny Joe Biden quotes to exist.
Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter is regarded as a president who continued working for the American people after his presidency. He is not only the oldest living former U.S. president but also an advocate for human rights. He even established the Carter Center to focus on improving the quality of life for all.
Despite this, Jimmy Carter’s honesty has its flaws. During an interview with Playboy, Carter admitted to mentally cheating on his wife. “I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something God recognizes I will do, and I have done it, and God forgives me for it.” It’s a bold confession, yet Carter stayed by his wife’s side until her death at age 96.
Bill Clinton
While it’s easy to recall Bill Clinton’s extramarital controversy, we’re looking at the former president’s stance on marijuana. Marijuana laws have gone through significant hikes, though political America was, at a time, against it. Clinton was one such opponent against marijuana’s presence in the country.
To attest to his determent, Bill Clinton admitted to trying marijuana in a foreign country. “When I was in England, I experimented with marijuana a time or two, and I didn’t like it. I didn’t inhale it, and never tried it again.” Note to Clinton: you’re supposed to inhale, as Obama once said, “I inhaled, that was the point.”
Donald Trump
As a living fossil of controversy, Donald Trump and his words are frequently troubling to swallow. He’s seen as an individual with questionable motives and ideals, with many claiming the former president is racist.
While Donald Trump hasn’t admitted being racist, he’s more open about his opinions on women. Specifically speaking, he once said, “I wouldn’t say I’m a feminist. I think that would be, maybe, going too far.” He made this remark while speaking with anti-feminist journalist Piers Morgan. It’s a claim some cannot look past or even fathom that it’s from a U.S. president in the 21st century.
