The game of poker in America has been under some serious attack recently. In the spirit of helpfulness, I’d like to remind the country of its leaders’ storied history with the game. In fact, it is something of a pattern for U.S. Presidents to be poker players. After all, what better practice for national security threats and political upheavals, than keeping your game face on in a game of poker?
It’s been widely reported that former U.S. President Richard Nixon financed most of his first political campaign by perhaps not the most time honored of methods: money he won at poker games while an enlisted man. With what he took from his fellow Navy officers, Nixon successfully ran for Congress in 1946.
Unfortunately, due to public opinion, Nixon opted to put his poker game to rest as he ascended up the political chain. In 1952, he officially gave up poker when he became Dwight D. Eisenhower’s running mate.
Famous Nixon quote: “I learned that the people who have the cards are usually the ones who talk the least and the softest; those who are bluffing tend to talk loudly and give themselves away.”
Warren Harding (29th President of the United States) played poker twice a week. His great love for poker, and regular play during his days at the White House, is one of his greatest identifiers.
When Harry S. Truman played poker, games started at 8:30am. The President was known to hold briefings at 8am to make sure he and his cabinet started the game on time. Truman began playing poker as a county judge, and continued on through his days as President.
And, of course, our current President! President Barack Obama is known to be a stealthy poker player. Not an aggressive player, but a shrewd tight-aggressive player (also known as a winning poker player!). News organizations have used words such as avid, strong, and regular. He’s not a gambler and doesn’t bet his draws, and he’s never a player you’ll get extra money (or likely much information) from.
America has a long history with poker, from the leaders and politicians to the grinders and pros. Let’s hope that America’s leaders (especially the ones who play!) remember this, and the future of poker in America only gets brighter from here on out!