Memorable Presidential Campaign Slogans
The quirky, nonsensical and now-iconic phrases from candidates through the years
by Christina Ianzito, AARP, October 2016
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Jackie Molloy/AARP
I Like Ike
Dwight Eisenhower’s classic “I like Ike ” slogan in his winning 1952 campaign got right to the point. It was featured in a jaunty cartoon campaign ad written by Irving Berlin (“I like Ike, you like Ike, everybody likes Ike!”). Supporters declared “I still like Ike” in 1956.
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Old Politicals Auctions
Click With Dick
One of the various slogans during Richard Nixon’s failed 1960 bid for the presidency, “Click with Dick,” was printed on little metal clickers for making noise at rallies. The accompanying jingle included the lines, "Come on and click with Dick / The one that none can lick."
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Old Politicals Auctions
A Chicken in Every Pot
“A chicken in every pot, and two cars in every garage” was Herbert Hoover’s 1928 campaign slogan. He won, but his promise of prosperity rang hollow when the stock market crashed in October 1929.
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Old Politicals Auctions
Ross for Boss
When Texas billionaire Ross Perot ran for president as an Independent in 1992, supporters called for “Ross for boss.” His fans were drawn to his antiestablishment, balance-the-budget message, and he ended up with 19 percent of the popular vote, though no electoral votes.
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National Museum of American History
It’s the Economy, Stupid
“It’s the economy, stupid” was a mantra of Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 campaign. The statement was reportedly coined by Clinton strategist James Carville for staffers to remember their central message during the recession.
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Old Politicals Auctions
Let’s Make America Great Again
Ronald Reagan was famous for declaring, “It’s morning again in America,” but the more prominent slogan from his successful 1980 campaign was “Let’s make America great again.” Other candidates have used the phrase since then, including Donald Trump, who bought the rights to it.
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Robert Deutschman
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Hake's Americana & Collectibles
All the Way With LBJ
“All the way with LBJ” was the rather vague but catchy slogan during Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 run, which resulted in a landslide win against Republican Barry Goldwater. The phrase stuck with Johnson; “All the Way” was even the title of HBO’s 2016 LBJ biopic.
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AARP
Keep Cool With Coolidge
“Keep cool with Coolidge” was Republican candidate Calvin Coolidge’s laid-back slogan in 1924, a relatively optimistic time in the country. “Silent Cal,” as he was known, had been sworn in the year before as president; then vice president, he took the reins after Warren G. Harding died suddenly in office.
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Old Politicals Auctions
In Your Heart, You Know He’s Right
Barry Goldwater's slogan was "In your heart, you know he's right," in his 1964 fight against Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson. Johnson supporters’ response to the Republican candidate? “In your guts, you know he’s nuts.”
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