If I Were President
(Si Fuera Presidente)
When I was a little boy I often wondered what the world would be like if I were President. I was intrigued by American history and each President's struggles and accomplishments of their time. Then one day I realized I was meant to journey down an entirely different path that didn't involve being the Commander in Chief. However, now that my 2 kids are both in school I find myself revisiting those "if I were President" thoughts because they are learning about them as they explore American history. So, to have a little fun, I decided to be creative and become each President of the United States to educate and entertain my kids in a photographic journey called: If I Were President.
Everyday for the next 45 days (April 3, 2017 - May 17, 2017) I am going to show my kids, if I were President (fill in the blank), this is what I would have looked like had I been (fill in the blank). I started from the beginning of Presidential history and will continue in chronological order until I have completed them all. In addition, I will include some important historical facts and information to expand their knowledge along the way.
These Presidential recreations will consist of my face (from the 8 selections  below) carefully edited into the likes of the President of the day. The idea is to maintain respect for the integrity of the image and special features of the President, while artistically adding my face.
Undoubtedly my kids will laugh and laugh and probably laugh some more... but more importantly, as we discuss each President's journey, I truly hope they will gain knowledge of something (anything) about American history, geography, creativity, respect, life, death and the significant responsibility of the President of the United States.

Here is my project if I were President...

If I Were President Joe Biden

46th President  January 20, 2021 – Present
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If I Were President Joe Biden Facts

Born

Scranton, Pennsylvania on November 20, 1942 

Living

White House
I would have been bullied as a child due to a stuttering problem.
I would have played football as a wide receiver and running back in High School.
I would have been unable to run for student body president because of too many demerits.
I would have been an accomplished Senator from 1973 to 2009.
I would have unsuccessfully run for President 2 times prior. 
I would have been Vice President serving under President Barack Obama for 8 years.
I would have been the oldest President to assume office at 78 years, 61 days old on January 20, 2021.
I would have been a huge fan of Amtrak and ridden more than 2 million miles aboard 16,000 Amtrak trains.
I would have had four children – Hunter, Beau, Naomi and Ashley. 
I would have had a wife and 1 year old child die in a car accident in 1972. 

If I Were President Donald Trump

45th President  January 20, 2017 – January 20, 2021
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If I Were President Donald Trump Facts

Born

Queens, New York on June 14, 1946

Living

Palm Beach, Florida
I would have had my own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame which was received for the reality TV show The Apprentice.
I would have been sent away to New York Military School at 13 years old because my parents thought I needed more discipline.
I would have had my own board game called Trump: the Game. It was discontinued in 1989 but reintroduced in the midst of "The Apprentice" fame.
I would have been a germaphobe, which is why I dislike shaking people's hands.
I would have filed for bankruptcy 6 times.
I would have completely given up drinking alcohol.
I would have owned 14,000 apartments by the time I was 27.
I would have been the first president without prior experience in the government or the military.
I would have been the 2nd oldest President to assume office at 70 years, 220 days old on January 20, 2017.
I would have written a best selling book "Trump: The Art of the Deal". The book spent 48 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, 13 of the weeks at No. 1.

If I Were President Barack Obama

44th President  January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017
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If I Were President Barack Obama Facts

Born

Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. on August 4, 1961

Living

Palm Beach, Florida
I would have been the first African American President.
I would have inherited the worst economic crisis in America in 2008.
I would have been awarded a Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in 2009.
I would have admitted to J.K. Rowling that I read all 7 Harry Potter books during a dinner for the G20 Summit.
I would have been named Barack, which means "blessed" in Swahili and was also my Kenyan father's name.
I would have had the largest attended inauguration in presidential history with an estimated crowd of nearly 2 million people.
I would have been the first sitting U.S. president to visit a federal prison.
I would have lowered the unemployment rate from 10% to 4.7% during my Presidency.
I would have ended the war in Iraq.
I would have been responsible for decreasing the financial deficit by almost 75% and tripling the stock market value.

 If I Were President George W. Bush

43rd President  January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009
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If I Were President George W. Bush Facts

Born

New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. on July 6, 1946

Living

Dallas Texas
I would have bought the Texas Rangers for $800,000 and sold it 5 years later for $14.9 million.
I would have been the first President to be broadcast live on the Internet in 2002.
I would have ran the Houston Marathon and finished in 3 hours and 44 minutes in 1993.
I would have been arrested for stealing a Christmas wreath from a hotel during my college years.
I would have survived an assassination atempt on May 10, 2005 when Vladimir Arutyunian cast a hand grenade towards me but never went off.
I would have been arrested for drinking and driving and fined $150 and had my driver's license suspended for 2 years.
I would have been President to one of the worst terrorist attacks the U.S. suffered: World Trade Center.
I would have been President during one of the worst economic downfalls of all time: The Housing Crisis.
I would have had both the lowest and highest approval ratings in United States history. After the September 11, 2001 attacks 90 percent.and just before the 2008 elections 25 percent.
I would have been President during one of the worst hurricanes of all time: Hurricane Katrina.

If I Were President Bill Clinton

42nd President  January 20, 1993 – January 20, 2001
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If I Were President Bill Clinton Facts

Born

Hope Arkansas, U.S. on August 19, 1946

Living

Chappaqua, New York
I would have shaken hands with President JFK when I was 16 years old.
I would have been known as the “Boy Governor” when I won the election in 1978 at the age of just 32.
I would have played the saxophone on the Arsenio Hall show in 1992.
I would have lied that I was involved with an intern named Monica Lewinsky.
I would have lied under oath which led to an impeachment by the House of Representatives.
I would have been acquitted by the senate.
I would have won two Spoken Word Grammy Awards.
I would have deported more people than any other modern president in U.S. history.
I would have had the secret service nickname of "Eagle."
I would have had a Presidential cat named Socks I would have been allergic to.

If I Were President George H. W. Bush

41st President January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993
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If I Were President George H. W. Bush Facts

Born

Milton, Massachusetts, U.S. on June 12, 1924
​

Died

Houston, Texas U.S. on November 30, 2018
Cause of Death Parkinson's disease
I would have been captain of the Yale University baseball team & played in the first two College World Series.
I would have formed the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund to help victims in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
I would have celebrated my 75th, 80th, 85th and 90th birthday by skydiving.
I would have acted as president for eight hours while President Reagan was in surgery after being shot.
I would have put a “broccoli ban” aboard Air Force One because of my disdain for broccoli.
I would have met Babe Ruth while playing baseball at Yale.
I would have been the director of the CIA.
I would have been known for wearing wacky socks.
I would have shaved my head to support the son of one of the Secret Service agents who was battling leukemia.
I would have signed a bill which established a Federal Holiday in the memory of Martin Luther King Jr.

If I Were President Ronald Reagan

40th President January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989
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If I Were President Ronald Reagan Facts

Born

Tampico, Illinois, U.S. on February 6, 1911

Died

Bel Air, California, U.S. on June 5, 2004
Cause of Death: Pneumonia
I would have appointed Sandra Day O’Connor in 1981 to the Supreme Court, making her the first female Justice.
I would have been a movie actor before turning to politics.
I would have survived an assassination attempt by a gunman named John Hinckley Jr.
I would have loved to eat jelly beans ordering 3.5 tons of red, white and blue ones for my inauguration.
I would have lost partial hearing in 1 ear after being hurt on set during a film shoot.
I would have been the first President to have been divorced and remarried.
I would have saved an estimated 77 lives in my summers as a lifeguard.
I would have originally been a part of the democratic party then switching to republican in 1962.
I would have received 525 electoral votes in 1984, the most of any candidate in U.S. history.
I would have been responsible for making GPS public.

If I Were President Jimmy Carter

39th President January 20, 1977 – January 20, 1981
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If I Were President Jimmy Carter Facts

Born

 Plains, Georgia, U.S. on October 1, 1924

Living

Plains, Georgia
I would have had family roots in the U.S. since 1635.
I would have been the first person on my father's side to graduate High School.
I would have given up my military career to save the family peanut farm.
I would have become more famous and likeable after leaving the White House.
I would have received the Nobel Peach Prize in 2002.
I would have learned how to speed read, reading 2000 words a minute.
I would have appeared in an article in Playboy.
I would have created the Department of Energy and put solar panels on the White House.
I would have been pretty positive I saw a UFO.
I would have boycotted the 1980 Olympics when Soviet Russia invaded Afghanistan in 1979.

If I Were President Gerald Ford

38th President August 9, 1974 – January 20, 1977
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If I Were President Gerald Ford Facts

Born

Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. on July 14, 1913

Died

Rancho Mirage, California, U.S. on December 26, 2006
Cause of Death: Cardiovascular disease
I would have been born Leslie Lynch King Jr.
I would have legally changed my name to Gerald Ford in 1935 because of my close relationship with my step father.
I would have signed my name as Jerry Ford and not Gerald.
I would have received 2 offers to play professional football in the NFL.
I would have nearly lost my life when a typhoon hit my Navy aircraft carrier during World War II.
I would have never actually been elected to the office of vice President or President.
I would have pardoned Nixon–even though it might have cost me reelection.
I would have been the target of two assassination attempts–both in 1975, both in California and both by women.
I would have won 10 battle stars for my service in the Navy during WWII.
I would have been married to the most famous first lady ever: Betty Ford.

If I Were President Richard Nixon

37th President January 20, 1969 – August 9, 1974
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If I Were President Richard Nixon Facts

Born

Yorba Linda, California, U.S. on January 9, 1913

Died

Manhattan, New York, U.S. on April 22, 1994
Cause of Death: Stroke
I would have lost a bid for the Presidency against JFK by the smallest margin ever: 113,000 votes.
I would have been the first and only President to resign due to the scandal surrounding Watergate..
I would have welcomed home Apollo XI astronauts after their historic 1969 Moon landing.
I would have been the first American President to make an official visit to the Soviet Union.
I would have ended the war in Vietnam by signing the Historic Paris Peace Accords.
I would have written ten best sellers on domestic and international affairs, as well as my memoirs.
I would have met the future first lady when she appeared as a leading lady in 1938 when we both auditioned for the Whittier Community Players production of “The Dark Tower.”
I would have been able to play 5 musical instruments: piano saxophone, clarinet, accordion and violin.
I would have been an avid bowler even bowling in my suit at the WH.
I would have been the first President to visit all 50 states.

If I Were President Lyndon B. Johnson

36th President November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969
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If I Were President Lyndon B. Johnson Facts

Born

Stonewall, Texas, U.S. on August 27, 1908

Died

Stonewall, Texas, U.S. on January 22, 1973
Cause of Death: Heart attack
I would have been a teacher for 4 years before changing careers and going into politics.
I would have been nearly killed in World War II. A trip to the bathroom saved my life.
I would have survived a severe heart attack at age 49.
I would have been sworn in on Air Force One 1 hour and 38 minutes after JFK was assassinated.
I would have signed Civil Rights Act of 1964 7 months after taking office.
I would have been very depressed due to the Vietnam war.
I would have asked Claudia "Lady Bird" Taylor. Lyndon to marry me on our first date. She said yes.
I would have been the first President to be sworn in by a woman, Federal District Judge Sarah Hughes.
I would have enjoyed giving electric toothbrushes as gifts and even had them commissioned with the presidents seal printed on them!
I would have died just hours away from the ceasefire agreement in Vietnam.

If I Were President John F. Kennedy

35th President January 20, 1961 – November 22, 1963
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If I Were President John F. Kennedy Facts

Born

Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S. on May 29, 1917

Died

Dallas, Texas, U.S. on November 22, 1963
Cause of Death: Assassination by Lee Harvey Oswald
I would have been the first boy scout to become President.
I would have been Americas first Catholic President.
I would have suffered poor health my whole life almost dying 2 times before becoming President.
I would have been medically disqualified from service because of my poor health.
I would have won a Pulitzer Prize.
I would have donated my congressional and presidential salaries to charity.
I would have been the only President to win a purple heart.
I would have been the first President to dance with black women at an inaugural ball.
I would have bought 1,200 high-grade Cuban cigars the day before the order to ban Cuban imports started.
I would have been the 4th and last President (to date) to be assassinated, dying at age 46.

If I Were President Dwight D. Eisenhower

34th President January 20, 1953 – January 20, 1961
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If I Were President Dwight D. Eisenhower Facts

Born

Denison, TX on October 14, 1890

Died

Washington, D.C. on March 28, 1969
Cause of Death: Congestive heart failure
I would have opposed using nuclear weapons on Japan.
I would have injured my leg in my youth and the infection became so severe that doctors considered amputation.
I would have sadly lost one of my sons at the age of 3.
I would have been a 5 star General making me the most powerful military man in the world.
I would have been the first President of the 50 states.
I would have installed a putting green at the White House because I loved golf so much.
I would have survived several heart attacks during my life.
I would have been the only US President to serve in both World War I and World War II.
I would have asked congress (in 1958) to establish NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
I would have been accustomed to being cared for. I wouldn't have driven, used a phone, or even dressed myself.

If I Were President Harry S. Truman

33rd President April 12, 1945 – January 20, 1953
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If I Were President Harry S. Truman Facts

Born

Lamar, Missouri, U.S. on May 8, 1884

Died

Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. on December 26, 1972
Cause of Death: Pneumonia
I would have been a war hero who saw action in battle.
I would have survived an assassination attempt.
I would have been given the unusual middle name "S."
I would have been kept in the dark about war matters as FDR kept everything a secret.
I would have served only 82 days as Vice President before becoming President.
I would have been the first President to have my inauguration broadcast on TV.
I would have married my sweetheart who I met at Sunday school at the age of 6.
I would have made the authoritative decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan on August 6 and 9, 1945 which ended the war.
I would have been known to be one of the top ten best dressed congress men, for this reason I was given the nickname "Haberdasher Harry".
I would have been known for 2 famous quotes: "You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog." And "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.".

If I Were President Franklin D. Roosevelt

32nd President March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945
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If I Were President Franklin D. Roosevelt Facts

Born

Hyde Park, New York, U.S. on January 30, 1882


Died

Warm Springs, Georgia, U.S. on April 12, 1945
Cause of Death: Intracerebral hemorrhage
I would have been distantly related to both my wife and 11 other presidents.
I would have been stricken with Polio at 39 years old.
I would have lost the ability to walk due to Polio.
I would have suffered a huge loss during my first run for national office.
I would have won 4 Presidential terms making me the longest serving President ever.
I would have concealed my handicap from the public and fooling them into believing I could actually walk.
I would have been the first sitting president to fly in a plane.
I would have died with my mistress by my side: Lucy Mercer.
I would have been remembered as the US president that guided America through some of the toughest crisis, including the great depression and the second world war.
I would have survived an attempted assassination when 6 shots rang out while I was giving a speech. None of the bullets would have hit me.

If I Were President Herbert Hoover

31st President March 4, 1929 – March 4, 1933
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If I Were President Herbert Hoover Facts

Born

West Branch, Iowa, U.S. on August 10, 1874

Died

New York City, New York, U.S. October 20, 1964
Cause of Death: Internal bleeding
I would have been President during the Great Depression.
I would have been the first President born west of the Mississippi.
I would have become an orphan at age nine as both of my parents died before I would have turned 10.
I would have become a self-made multi-millionaire.
I would have helped save millions from starvation after two world wars.
I would have been nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize but never won.
I would have had a medicine ball game named after me: “Hooverball”.
I would not have been invited to the dedication of Hoover Dam which was named after me.
I would have become very unpopular, many giving blame of the financial situation to me.
I would have given approval for the US national anthem the "Star-Spangled Banner".

If I Were President Calvin Coolidge

30th President August 2, 1923 – March 4, 1929
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If I Were President Calvin Coolidge Facts

Born

Plymouth Notch, Vermont, U.S. on July 4, 1872

Died

Northampton, Massachusetts, U.S. on January 5, 1933
Cause of Death: Coronary thrombosis
I would have been known by my middle name Calvin. My first name was actually John.
I would have become famous with the Boston Police Strike of September 1919. (“There is no right to strike against the public safety by anybody, anywhere, any time”).
I would have been the first President to have my Inaugural Address broadcast on radio.
I would have said “I do not choose to run for president in 1928” and left the presidency in March 1929.
I would have been the first President to have my portrait printed onto a coin; the 1926 sesquicentennial half dollar.
I would have been nicknamed “Silent Cal” even refusing to use the telephone at the White House.
I would have been extremely stubborn making it difficult for people to have an easy conversation with me.
I would have had 2 pet raccoons, named Rebecca & Reuben. Sometimes they ran around inside the White House!
I would have been President during the Roaring 20s, a time when the economy was booming and people lived extravagantly.
I would have been frugal with my money, never spending more than was absolutely necessary.

If I Were President Warren Harding

29th President March 4, 1921 – August 2, 1923
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If I Were President Warren Harding Facts

Born

Blooming Grove, Ohio, U.S. on November 2, 1865

Died

San Francisco, California, U.S. on August 2, 1923
Cause of Death: Heart attack
I would have been known as one of the worst Presidents ever.
I would have formally ended World War I.
I would have been known as a gambler and hosted weekly poker games at the White House.
I would have been the first President to have a golf course named after me.
I would have had my accomplishments in office largely overshadowed by a series of scandals, many of which did not fully come to light until after my death.
I would have been the shortest-serving President of the 20th century serving a little over 2 years.
I would have been the son of 2 doctors. Both my mother and father were doctors.
I would have been involved in a number of extramarital affairs.
I would have fought for fair treatment of African Americans and ordered desegregation in the White House.
I would have died during my Presidency at 57 years of age.

If I Were President Woodrow Wilson

28th President March 4, 1913 – March 4, 1921
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If I Were President Woodrow Wilson Facts

Born

Staunton, Virginia, U.S. on December 28, 1856

Died

Washington, D.C., U.S. February 3, 1924 
Cause of Death: Stroke
I would have put the first Jewish justice on the Supreme Court.
I would have made the first live remote national radio broadcast.
I would have asked Congress to declare war in 1917 joining other countries to fight World War I.
I would have received the Nobel Peace Prize for peacemaking.
I would have tried to veto the 18th Amendment which was Prohibition but congress overruled it.
I would have helped pass the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote.
I would have learned to read at age 10.
I would have become the first President to have a Ph.D.
I would have issued a declaration of a national Mother's Day on the 2nd Sunday in May.
I would have suffered a stroke during my Presidency which ultimately was the cause of my death.

If I Were President William Howard Taft

27th President March 4, 1909 – March 4, 1913
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If I Were President William Howard Taft Facts

Born

Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. on September 15, 1857

Died

Washington, D.C., U.S. March 8, 1930 
Cause of Death: Cardiovascular disease
I would have been the last President to have facial hair while in office.
I would have debuted the Presidential first pitch.
I would have been known as the heaviest president weighing over 300lbs.
I would have tended to fall asleep at public functions.
I would have been the first President to own a car.
I would have been the last president to keep a cow at the White House to provide fresh milk. Her name was Pauline.
I would have commissioned a bath tub that was seven-feet long, and could fit four people into it.
I would have been nicknamed Big Bill because of my size.
I would have been had a skull fracture from a wagon accident at 9 years of age leaving a deep visible indent on my head.
I would have been the first President to have a funeral broadcast on radio.

If I Were President Theodore Roosevelt

26h President September 14, 1901 – March 4, 1909
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If I Were President Theodore Roosevelt Facts

Born

New York City, New York, U.S. on October 27, 1858

Died

Oyster Bay, New York, U.S. on January 6, 1919 
Cause of Death: Cardiovascular disease
I would have suffered the death of both my mother and first wife on the very same day.
I would have gone skinny-dipping in the Potomac River.
I would have been the first President to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
I would have been the first sitting President to leave the country.
I would have suffered a boxing accident leaving me virtually blind in one eye.
I would have volunteered to lead an infantry unit in World War I.
I would have witnessed the Abraham Lincoln funeral procession at 7 years old.
I would have become a grad college dropout.
I would have refused to shoot a bear that my companions tied to a tree. The story inspired a shopkeeper to make and sell stuffed bears leading to what is now known as the teddy bear.
I would have had many early physical limitations which made me adhere to a program of gymnastics and weightlifting to build up my body.

If I Were President William McKinley

25th President March 4, 1897 – September 14, 1901
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If I Were President William McKinley Facts

Born

Niles, Ohio, U.S. on January 29, 1843

Died

Buffalo, New York, U.S. September 14, 1901 
Cause of Death: Assassination by Leon Czolgosz
I would have been the first President to ride a automobile.
I would have been the first President to campaign on the telephone.
I would have been named William McKinley Junior after my father and dropped the “junior” when he died in 1892.
I would have been known as "Wobbly Willie" as my opponents thought I was an indecisive man.
I would have had my portrait featured on the $500 bill, which was discontinued in 1934.
I would have been instrumental in the Annexation of Hawaii.
I would have been shot twice in the torso while greeting guests in a receiving line at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y.
I would have had a pet parrot named Washington Post that could whistle the tune 'Yankee Doodle'!
I would have died from the infection the bullet left as doctors couldn't find it to remove.
I would have shown compassion for my assassin by shouting “Boys! Don’t let them hurt him!”

If I Were President Grover Cleveland

24th President March 4, 1893 – March 4, 1897
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If I Were President Grover Cleveland Facts

Born

Caldwell, New Jersey, U.S. on March 18, 1837

Died

Princeton, New Jersey, U.S. on June 24, 1908
Cause of Death: Heart attack
I would have been quoted as saying, "Whatever you do tell the truth."
I would have been related to the founder of Cleveland Ohio: General Moses Cleveland.
I would have had to quit school many times in order to help bring in money.
I would have fought corruption as mayor of NYC.
I would have served 2 non consecutive terms as President.
I would have taken office the second time during an economic depression.
I would have been known as a courageous and pugnaciously honest statesman.
I would have been involved in a scandal involving Maria Halpin who ultimately gave birth to my child.
I would have secretly had surgery to remove the cancer in my mouth.
I would have had cancer but died from a heart attack.

If I Were President Benjamin Harrison

23rd President March 4, 1889 – March 4, 1893
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If I Were President Benjamin Harrison Facts

Born

North Bend, Ohio, U.S. on August 20, 1833

Died

Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. on March 13, 1901
Cause of Death: Pneumonia
I would have been the grandson of President William Henry Harrison.
I would have been the first president to use electricity in the White House.
I would have made 140 different speeches in 30 days.
I would have lost the popular vote by 90,000 votes but won in the Electoral College by a margin of 233 to 168.
I would have been the first President known to have my voice recorded and preserved In 1889.
I would have been known as "The Human Iceberg" because my character was cold and unfriendly.
I would have been the first President to appoint the first African-American in a high ranking role in government. Frederick Douglass became minister to Haiti in 1889.
I would have been the first and only President to lose the election to a former President.
I would have saved our forests by signing the Land Revision Act.
I would have spoken up for Civil Rights.

If I Were President Grover Cleveland

22nd President March 4, 1885 – March 4, 1889
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If I Were President Grover Cleveland Facts

Born

Caldwell, New Jersey, U.S. on March 18, 1837

Died

Princeton, New Jersey, U.S. on June 24, 1908
Cause of Death: Heart attack
I would have been known as Grover but my real name would have been Stephen.
I would have had a career as a teacher before becoming President.
I would have been accused of fathering an illegitimate child in 1874.
I would have paid $150 for a Polish immigrant George Brinske to serve in the Civil War in my place.
I would have been the only President to have a wedding ceremony held in the White House.
I would have been the first President to be filmed.
I would have appeared on the $1000 bill until its discontinuation in 1945.
I would have disallowed over 300 bills, more than the rest of the other twenty-one Presidents combined!
I would have been nicknamed "Big Steve" and "Uncle Jumbo”, due to my generous size.
I would have dedicated the Statue of Liberty on October 28, 1886.

If I Were President Chester A. Arthur

21st President September 19, 1881 – March 4, 1885
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If I Were President Chester A. Arthur Facts

Born

Fairfield, Vermont, U.S. on October 5, 1829

Died

Manhattan, New York, U.S. on November 18, 1886  Cause of Death: Cerebral Hemorrhage
I would have been named for the doctor who delivered me: Chester Abell.
I would have helped throw the school bell into the Erie Canal as a prank.
I would have represented Lizzie Jennings, who was forcibly removed from a streetcar in 1854 because of her skin color.
I would have been diagnosed with Bright’s Disease not long after becoming President.
I would have been in the habit of staying up until at least 2 a.m. every night.
I would have hired Louis Comfort Tiffany to redecorate and furnish the White House.
I would have had no vice president for the entire four-year term.
I would have owned at least 80 pairs of pants.
I would have been the first President to have my citizenship questioned.
I would have made no Inaugural Address.

If I Were President James A. Garfield

20th President March 4, 1881 – September 19, 1881
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If I Were President James A. Garfield Facts

Born

Moreland Hills, Ohio, U.S. on November 19, 1831

Died

Elberon, New Jersey, U.S. on September 19, 1881  Cause of Death: Assassination by Charles J. Guiteau
I would have been the first left handed President.
I would have been the last President to be born in a log cabin.
I would have been the only President to ever have been a preacher.
I would have been the first President to campaign in multiple languages.
I would have been the second President to be assassinated.
I would have signed an extradition paper as my only official act before being assassinated.
I would have achieved Major General by Age 32.
I would have been a big supporter of Civil Rights.
I would have loved eating squirrel soup.
I would have been an athletic man who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

If I Were President Rutherford B. Hayes

19th President March 4, 1877 – March 4, 1881
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If I Were President Rutherford B. Hayes Facts

Born

Delaware, Ohio, U.S. on October 4, 1822

Died

Fremont, Ohio, U.S. on January 17, 1893
Cause of Death: Heart attack
I would have been wounded many times during the Civil War.
I would have been the first President to actually graduate law school.
I would have eliminated booze at the White House.
I would have been the first President to visit the west coast in a 71 day trip.
I would have started the tradition of the Easter egg roll.
I would have signed legislation that allowed women to plead cases before the Supreme Court.
I would have lost the popular vote by about 250,000 but won the electoral vote by one vote.
I would have been nicknamed 'Granny Hayes' because there was no drinking, smoking or gambling in the White House.
I would have been the first President to talk on the telephone at the White House speaking with inventor Alexander Graham Bell, 13 miles away.
I would have been the first President to secretly take the oath of office in the White House due to bitter feelings about the outcome of the election.

If I Were President Ulysses S. Grant

18th President March 4, 1869 – March 4, 1877
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If I Were President Ulysses S. Grant Facts

Born

Point Pleasant, Ohio, U.S. on April 27, 1822

Died

Wilton, New York, U.S. July 23, 1885
Cause of Death: Esophageal cancer
I would have accepted the name “Ulysses S. Grant” but my real name would have been Hiram Ulysses Grant.
I would have been really bad at business and would have gone bankrupt.
I would have won the first major Union victory of the Civil War.
I would have struggled with alcohol addiction my whole life.
I would have hated wearing army uniforms.
I would have had no political experience before becoming President.
I would have been responsible for dismantling the KKK during Reconstruction.
I would have had Mark Twain publish my memoirs.
I would have tried to annex the Dominican Republic to the U.S.
I would have invested in an unsuccessful venture on Wall Street, leaving me a debt of over $16 million.

If I Were President Andrew Johnson

17th President April 15, 1865 - March 4, 1869
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If I Were President Andrew Johnson Facts

Born

Raleigh, North Carolina on December 29, 1808

Died

Elizabethton, Tennessee on July 31, 1875 
Cause of Death: Stroke
I would have escaped indentured servitude from a tailor named James Selby.
I would have never attended school at all.
I would have become a mayor of Greeneville Tennessee at age 22.
I would have been the first President to be impeached but never removed from office.
I would have gotten married at 18. The youngest of any President to date.
I would have never had pets but found a family of white mice at the White House that I would have cared for and fed.
I would not have learned to read until I met my wife.
I would have suffered the death of my father at age 3.
I would have not have agreed to the release of slaves even though President Lincoln signed an executive order called the Emancipation Proclamation.
I would have vetoed the Civil Rights Bill, but Congress would have overrode the veto in an unprecedented move.

If I Were President Abraham Lincoln

16th President March 4, 1861 – April 15, 1865
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If I Were President Abraham Lincoln Facts

Born

Sinking Spring Farm, near Hodgenville, Kentucky, U.S.on February 12, 1809

Died

Petersen House, Washington, D.C., U.S. on April 15, 1865
Cause of Death: Assassination by John Wilkes Booth 
I would have been the only president to have a patent: A device to free steamboats that ran aground.
I would have wanted women to have the right to vote.
I would have been a wrestler being defeated only once in approximately 300 matches.
I would have hated being called Abe.
I would have been the first President who was assassinated.
I would have been shot on Good Friday @ 10:15pm and would have died the following day at 7:22am.
I would have been photographed with John Wilkes Booth in attendance during my 2nd inauguration.
I would have loved cats.
I would have kept my most important documents inside my hat.
I would have invited Ulysses S. Grant (18th President) to join me at the theater but he would have cancelled at the last second.

If I Were President James Buchanan

15th President March 4, 1857 – March 4, 1861
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If I Were President James Buchanan Facts

Born

Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, U.S. on April 23, 1791

Died

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S. on June 1, 1868 
Cause of Death: Respiratory failure
I would have been the only President who never married.
I would have suffered from poor vision.
I would have been considered one of the worst Presidents because of the Civil War.
I would have believed the federal government did not have the right to force a state to remain in the union.
I would have supported the right to have slaves and freed 2 slaves during my lifetime.
I would have nearly been kicked out of college for getting into trouble.
I would have told Abraham Lincoln that I was the "happiest man on Earth" to be leaving the White House.
I would have been called "Ten-Cent Jimmie" because I claimed that ten cents was enough for a working man to live on each day.
I would have been engaged to Anne Caroline Coleman but she would have broken off the engagement a week before her death.
I would have spent the last years of my life defending myself from public blame for the Civil War.

If I Were President Franklin Pierce

14th President March 4, 1853 – March 4, 1857
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If I Were President Franklin Pierce Facts

Born

Hillsborough, New Hampshire on November 23, 1804

Died

Concord, New Hampshire on October 8, 1869 
Cause of Death: Liver cirrhosis
I would have been a heavy drinker and alcoholic.
I would have defeated my old commander in the Presidential election.
I would have had 3 sons all who would have died by age 12.
I would have retired to take care of my grieving wife.
I would have been opposed to the Civil War.
I would have been the son of a General.
I would have been the first President to give a 3000 word inaugural speech by memory without notes.
I would have been the 2nd President to never have a Vice President during my term.
I would have been the first president to introduce a Christmas tree within the White House.
I would have witnessed a fatal train injury to my son.

If I Were President Millard Fillmore

13th President July 9, 1850 – March 4, 1853
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If I Were President Millard Fillmore Facts

Born

Moravia, New York, U.S. on January 7, 1800

Died

Buffalo, New York, U.S. on March 8, 1874 
Cause of Death: Stroke
I would have been extremely poor growing up.
I would not have had a Vice President during my term.
I would have personally fought a fire at the Library of Congress.
I would have lost badly in another attempt at the Presidency gaining only 22% of the popular vote.
I would have gone down in history as one of the worst Presidents.
I would have been known for having great dress sense.
I would have married Abigail Powers who was my teacher at one time.
I would have been the first to establish a permanent library in the White House.
I would have protected the Hawaiian Islands from being taken over by France.
I would have opposed Abraham Lincoln's policies during his Presidency.

If I Were President Zachary Taylor

12th President: March 4, 1849 – July 9, 1850
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If I Were President Zachary Taylor Facts

Born

Barboursville, Virginia, U.S. on November 24, 1784

Died

Washington, D.C., U.S. on July 9, 1850 
Cause of Death: Likely Stomach flu
I would have been known as a national war hero for the battles in the Mexican War.
I would have had a bout with yellow fever forcing a temporary retirement.
I would have been nicknamed Old Rough and Ready.
I would have been related to another President: James Madison.
I would have owned many slaves, angering many as I actively tried to ban the expansion of slavery.
I would have been nominated President without even being told.
I would not have wanted my daughter to marry a military man because of the difficulties.
I would have spent 25 years in the army.
I would have been considered the most popular man in America in 1850.
I would have voted for the very first time casting a vote for myself at age 62.

If I Were President James K. Polk

11th President: March 4, 1845 – March 4, 1849
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If I Were President James K. Polk Facts

Born

Pineville, North Carolina, U.S. on November 2, 1795

Died

Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. on June 15, 1849 
Cause of Death: Cholera
I would have extended the territory across the continent for the first time by more than 1/3.
I would have reduced taxes called tariffs.
I would have been known as the dark horse candidate: Unknown.
I would have led the nation into the Mexican war.
I would have kept my campaign promise not to run for reelection.
I would have survived a major operation for urinary stones during my teens.
I would have achieved all my goals as President: Cut tariffs, Reestablish an independent U.S. Treasury, Secure the Oregon Territory & Acquire California and New Mexico from Mexico.
I would have been the only president who also held the position, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
I would have placed a ban on alcohol, liquor and dancing in the White House!
I would have started the tradition of the annual White House Thanksgiving dinner.

If I Were President John Tyler

10th President: April 4, 1841 – March 4, 1845
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If I Were President John Tyler Facts

Born

Charles City County, Virginia, U.S on March 29, 1790

Died

Richmond, Virginia, Confederate State of America. on January 18, 1862
Cause of Death: Likely due to a stroke
I would have been the first vice president to succeed to the Presidency without being elected to the office.
I would have been the only one in Presidential history not to be officially recognized in Washington, because of allegiance to the Confederacy.
I would have been unpopular and called "His Accidency" because I accidentally became President.
I would have annexed Texas into the union and have Tyler Texas named after me.
I would have been playing marbles when I found out I became President.
I would have been the first President to include Florida into the union.
I would have had a great nephew become President 104 years later: Harry S. Truman.
I would have been the first President to become married in office.
I would have been a talented musician.
I would have had the entire Harrison-appointed cabinet resign, and had to fight an attempted impeachment because I was so despised.

If I Were President William Henry Harrison

9th President: March 4, 1841 – April 4, 1841
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If I Were President William Henry Harrison Facts

Born

Charles City County, Virginia, British America on February 9, 1773

Died

Washington, D.C. on April 4, 1841
Cause of Death: His doctor listed his cause of death as Pneumonia of the lower lobe of the right lung. In 2014 doctors concluded from medical records, Harrison likely died of septic shock due to enteric fever.
I would have been the last President born before the United States became independent from Great Britain.
I would have given the longest inauguration speech of 8,445 words.
I would have given my oath for Presidency in freezing weather without wearing adequate clothing; A contributing factor that caused an early death.
I would have been the first President to die in office.
I would have had the shortest Presidency in American history: 31 days.
I would have won the election of 1840 with 80% of the vote.
I would have dropped out of medical school.
I would have been a military hero earning the nickname "Old Tippecanoe" for winning the battle of Tippecanoe.
I would have purchased 50 million acres of land as Governor of the Indiana Territory costing $2.00 per acre.
I would have said these dying words: "Sir, I wish you to understand the true principles of the government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more."

If I Were President Martin Van Buren

8th President: March 4, 1837 – March 4, 1841
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If I Were President Martin Van Buren Facts

Born

Kinderhook, New York on December 5, 1782

Died

Kinderhook, New York on July 24, 1862
Cause of Death: Asthma
I would have been the first American born President.
I would have resigned as secretary of state due to scandal.
I would have helped popularize the expression O.K. from my nickname Old Kinderhook.
I would have written an autobiography leaving out my late wife and Presidency.
I would have been governor of New York for only 3 months resigning to become secretary of state.
I would have denied Texas into the union because slavery was legal in Texas.
I would have been known as a man of many contradictions.
I would have tried to become President 3 more times without succeeding.
I would have spoken English as a second language. Dutch would be the first.
I would have been the first President to serve without a wife. 

If I Were President Andrew Jackson

7th President: March 4, 1829 – March 4, 1837
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If I Were President Andrew Jackson Facts

Born

Waxhaw Settlement between North Carolina and South Carolina, British America on March 15, 1767

Died

Nashville, Tennessee on June 8, 1845
Cause of Death: Tuberculosis
I would have been called Old Hickory for being so strict as an officer in the War of 1812.
I would have been the only President to pay off the national debt.
I would have been the first President to ride on a train.
I would have killed a man in a duel.
I would have been the first target of an attempted assassination.
I would have married my wife before she was legally divorced.
I would have been the only President to have served in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
I would have been the only President to be a former prisoner of war.
I would have adopted 2 native American boys.
I would have detested paper money but ironically end up on the $20 bill.

If I Were President John Quincy Adams

6th President: March 4, 1825 – March 4, 1829
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If I Were President John Quincy Adams Facts

Born

Braintree, Massachusetts Bay, British America on July 11, 1767

Died

Washington, D.C.on February 23, 1848
Cause of Death: Intracerebral hemorrhage
I would have been the son of the 2nd President of the U.S John Adams.
I would have been very well educated.
I would have become a lawyer without going to law school.
I would have been the only ex-President to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
I would have argued a case before the Supreme Court—and won.
I would have been an avid swimmer.
I would have written in my diary that I suffered depression most of my life.
I would have married the first foreign born first lady Louisa Catherine Johnson.
I would have had a stroke while defending a no vote bill on the floor of the House of Representatives.
I would have suffered the death of my father during my presidency.

If I Were President James Monroe

5th President: March 4, 1817 – March 4, 1825
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If I Were President James Monroe Facts

Born

Monroe Hall, Colony of Virginia, British America on April 28, 1758

Died

New York City, New York, U.S on July 4, 1831
Cause of Death: Heart failure and tuberculosis
I would have established the "Monroe Doctrine" a policy of opposing European colonialism in the Americas.
I would have been the last President who was a Founding Father of the United States.
I would have been President through the first economic depression lasting 3 years.
I would have been the first President to travel by way of steamboat.
I would have held more elected public offices than any President before or after me.
I would have had one of my Presidential portraits painted by Samuel Morse, the inventor of the Morse Code.
I would have initially opposed the Constitution of the US.
I would have been fired as lieutenant by George Washington.
I would have bought Florida for $5 million.
I would have been the 3rd and last President to die on July 4th.

If I Were President James Madison

4th President: March 4, 1809 – March 4, 1817
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If I Were President James Madison Facts

Born

Port Conway, Virginia, British America on March 16, 1751

Died

Orange, Virginia, U.S. on June 28, 1836
Cause of Death: Heart failure
  1. I would have been America's smallest President at 5' 4".
  2. I would have been the oldest of 12 children.
  3. I would have been Princeton University’s first graduate student.
  4. I would have had both of my Vice Presidents die in office during my Presidency.
  5. I would have retired for 4 years during the height of my political career then return again.
  6. I would have asked congress for a declaration of war against England starting the war of 1812.
  7. I would have left to be with my troops 2 days before the White House was burned down.
  8. I would have loved ice cream.
  9. I would have had my face appear on a $5000 bill which is no longer printed.
  10. I would have been President when Francis Scott Key wrote the anthem"Star-Spangled Banner".

If I Were President Thomas Jefferson

3rd President: March 4, 1801 – March 4, 1809
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If I Were President Thomas Jefferson Facts

Born

Shadwell, Virginia, British America on April 13, 1743

Died

Charlottesville, Virginia on July 4, 1826
Cause of Death: Unknown causes
  1. I would have been the first Secretary of State.
  2. I would have loved to read eventually selling over 6500 books to the Library of Congress.
  3. I would have taken violin lessons as a child and played it to court my future wife, Martha Skelton.
  4. I would have been 1 of 2 founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence to later become President. John Adams was the other signer turned President.
  5. I would have been the main author of the Declaration of Independence.
  6. I would have been able to speak 5 languages. English, French, Italian, Latin, Greek, and Spanish.
  7. I would have been the first President to introduce the custom of shaking hands to greet guests rather than bowing.
  8. I would have had 6 children with only 2 surviving past childhood.
  9. I would have founded the University of Virginia.
  10. I would have verbally attacked the British for sponsoring the slave trade to the colonies but owned hundreds of slaves throughout my adult life.

If I Were President John Adams

2nd President: March 4, 1797 – March 4, 1801
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If I Were John Adams Facts

Born

Braintree, Province of Massachusetts Bay, British America on October 30 [O.S. October 19] 1735

Died

Quincy, Massachusetts on July 4, 1826
Cause of Death: Congestive heart failure
  1. I would have been the first Vice President of the United States.
  2. I would have created America's oldest band: United State Marine Band.
  3. I would have been 1 of 2 founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence to later become President.
  4. I would have been without a single family member at my inauguration.
  5. I would have slept in the same bed as Benjamin Franklin.
  6. I would have been the first President to live in the White House which was originally called "President's Palace," the "President's House," and the "Executive Mansion." .
  7. I would have had my personal diary read aloud and laughed at in Congress.
  8. I would have been a hopeless romantic.
  9. I would have been a bad dancer.
  10. I would have died on the same day as Thomas Jefferson.

If I Were President George Washington

1st President: April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797
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If I Were George Washington Facts

Born

Westmoreland County, Virginia, VA on February 22, 1732 (actual birthday was February 11, 1731)

Died

Mount Vernon, VA on December 14, 1799
Cause of Death: Epiglottitis and hypovolemic shock
  1. I would have worn false teeth made of ivory set in silver.
  2. I would have been unanimously voted in as President and served 8 years.
  3. I would have been 6' 2" which was pretty tall at that time.
  4. I would have worn a whopping 13 size shoe.
  5. I would have given the shortest inauguration speech consisting of 133 words.
  6. I would have made a 2% salary of the total U.S. budget.
  7. I would have suffered many sicknesses throughout my life. 
  8. I would have fought for the British before fighting the British.
  9. I would have lost more battles than I won.
  10. I would have fallen in love with my best friend's wife (Sally Fairfax).