History History 3 min read

Slogans that stuck

Remember "I like Ike"? 10 unforgettable campaign slogans in US history

Image: Sora Shimazaki

Election campaigns can get wild, and a big part of that is the slogans . These catchphrases stick with candidates all the way to election day—and, in many cases, long after. Few would argue with the lasting power of Eisenhower’s "I Like Ike" or Reagan’s "It’s Morning Again in America." Join us as we take a tour through 10 of the most memorable campaign slogans used by American presidents.

1
"I like Ike" – Dwight D. Eisenhower (1952)

Image: Adam Bouse

Often referenced in pop culture, "I Like Ike" was Dwight D. Eisenhower's slogan during his 1952 campaign. "Ike" was his nickname, and the slogan’s catchy and effective simplicity helped power Eisenhower to victory in '52 and again in his 1956 re-election.

2
"It's morning again in America" – Ronald Reagan (1984)

Image: Nicolas HIPPERT

In 1984, Ronald Reagan launched his re-election campaign with a slogan that was as powerful as it was optimistic: "It's morning again in America." Symbolizing a nation back on its feet, the slogan made a strong impact, helping Reagan win a landslide in the 1984 election, taking 49 out of 50 states.

3
"A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage" – Herbert Hoover (1928)

Image: John Paulsen

Herbert Hoover’s 1928 slogan, "A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage," remains one of the most memorable campaign slogans in American history. Although it wasn't official, it resonated with the middle class by promising abundance and comfort. Hoover won the election, but his administration was only a few months old when the Great Depression suddenly began in 1929.

4
"Yes we can" – Barack Obama (2008)

Image: History in HD

One of the most memorable slogans of the early 21st century is undoubtedly "Yes We Can," from Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. Short, clear, and powerful, the phrase delivered a message of unity that resonated with millions and helped secure victory for the Democratic candidate that year.

5
"Make America Great Again" – Donald Trump (2016)

Image: History in HD

When it comes to recent history, the 2016 election was unforgettable. Without a doubt, the slogan that captured the nation’s attention was "Make America Great Again." With its strong appeal to nostalgia, the phrase helped Donald Trump secure victory over Hillary Clinton.

6
"Happy days are here again" – Franklin D. Roosevelt (1932)

Image: Element5 Digital

"Happy Days Are Here Again" was the theme song of Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 presidential campaign. Though not originally written as a campaign slogan, the upbeat tune became strongly associated with Roosevelt’s message of hope during the Great Depression. The song spread quickly across the country and is still remembered today. He won the election and went on to serve four terms, the only US president in history to do so.

7
"Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" – William Henry Harrison (1840)

Image: The New York Public Library

We could say this slogan started it all. Widely regarded as the first hugely successful presidential campaign slogan in US history, its message was surprisingly powerful. On one hand, "Tippecanoe" highlighted Harrison's reputation as a war hero from the 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe. While adding "Tyler too," the slogan introduced voters to his running mate, John Tyler.

8
"Keep Cool with Coolidge"- Calvin Coolidge (1924)

Image: Will Ma

Calvin Coolidge became president in 1923 after the death of President Warren G. Harding.

Coolidge’s calm, steady demeanor was one of the most memorable aspects of his first time in office. In 1924, he capitalized on this reputation by adopting the slogan "Keep Cool with Coolidge" for his re-election campaign, and it worked!

9
"Don't swap horses in the middle of the stream" – Abraham Lincoln (1864)

Image: Ed Fr

The Civil War was far from a quiet time in American history. Amid this national division, Lincoln was leading the country and running for re-election in 1864. His iconic campaign catchphrase, "Don't Swap Horses in the Middle of the Stream," encouraged voters to give his administration more time and place their trust in his vision for the country. And they did!

10
"Not just peanuts" – Jimmy Carter (1976)

Image: Tom Hermans

When critics pointed to Jimmy Carter’s background as a peanut farmer, he didn't ignore it— he turned it to his advantage. Though not an official campaign slogan, "Not Just Peanuts" helped him connect with everyday Americans while also highlighting that he brought much more to the table. The message was clear: farming was part of his story, but Carter was also experienced and capable of leading the nation.

General General 4 min read

Have your cake and eat it too!

Beyond American Pie: these local desserts are worth trying!

Image: Kenrick Mills

Americans have a sweet tooth that has led to the creation of some of the most delicious desserts in the world. And yes, while the American pie reigns supreme when it comes to pointing a national favorite, there are many other contenders that are nearly as popular as this classic apple treat. The following ten desserts offer just a small taste of the rich American cookbook, yet they manage to represent quite well the sweet cravings preferred in this country. If you haven’t tried some of these, we encourage you to give them a taste—they’re all delicious!

1
Cobbler

Image: Enrique Briseno

What’s not to love about a cobbler? It’s the perfect mix between tart and sweet. The popular choices include peach, apple, and blueberry, but other fruits like pears, and rhubarb, also make great options.

This popular dessert can range from tart to sweet depending on how much sugar is added to the fruit. Cobblers vary from more cake-like to crunchy, especially with the addition of oats for texture instead of flour.

2
Cheesecake

Image: Kelsey Todd

All hail the cheesecake! This amazing dessert comes in many varieties and flavors, from rich double chocolate decadence to fluffier and fruitier options . The cheesecake base also pairs wonderfully with other sweet treats, like brownies and pies, for extra richness.

While it may seem like a very contemporary dessert, the first cheesecakes were created as early as the 5th century B.C. on the Greek island of Samos, where a dessert was created from cheese, honey, and nuts.

3
Banana Pudding

Image: Nicole Winchel Brayton

Few fruits are better companions to creamy desserts than bananas. Their texture and sweetness blend perfectly with many other ingredients. The Banana Pudding is a layered mix of creamy banana custard, fresh bananas, wafer cookies, and whipped cream —a fluffy, chilled delight straight from the icebox.

The recipe for banana pudding first appeared in Good Housekeeping in 1888 and has been a beloved classic ever since, with good reason.

4
S’mores

Image: Jessica Ruscello

This quintessential camping dessert is a truly American creation. The simple concept of graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, and chocolate has become home to a variety of innovations, including the addition of peanut butter, caramel, and other ingredients.

The recipe for s’mores first appeared in a cookbook in the 1920s, when it was already gaining popularity among campers in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. And if you’re nowhere near a campfire, you can make this classic treat in your own oven at home.

5
Lemon Squares

Image: Elena Kloppenburg

This yellow cousin of the brownie (more on that later) is perfect for anyone who loves tart and flaky treats. The most successful recipes include a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of deliciously tangy lemon curd, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Chilled in the fridge, lemon squares make an ideal summertime dessert to savor when the heat is overwhelming.

6
Frozen custard

Image: Tim Mossholder

Everybody knows custard, right? And, as tasty as it is, frozen custard is—even better for many people. This gourmet ice cream treat, made with eggs, cream, and sugar is specially celebrated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin—the so-called "Custard Capital of the World"—where it's sold more than anywhere else around the globe.

Because it contains much less air than other similar treats, frozen custard is thick, dense, and packed with flavor.

7
Key lime pie

Image: Nathan Lemon

Who doesn’t love key lime pie? This sweet and sour dessert originates from the Florida Keys. It consists of Key lime juice, condensed milk, and eggs, mixed into a creamy custard. The custard is poured into a buttery crust made from graham crackers and topped with sweet whipped cream. The acidic flavors of the limes provide a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and cream.

8
Gooey Butter Cake

Image: Olga Petnyunene

Gooey butter cake is an accurately descriptive name for this treat, a hallmark of the city of St. Louis. It’s a flat, dense cake made from wheat flour, butter, sugar, and eggs . The cake is traditionally garnished with powdered sugar and sometimes a few raspberries.

Sweet, rich, and firm, gooey butter cake was created in the 1930s by a baker who, while attempting to make a standard yellow cake, accidentally added too much sugar, butter, or shortening. Rather than discard the gooey, sticky batter, he decided to sell it—and customers couldn’t get enough.

9
Beignets

Image: Keesha's Kitchen

While this dish originated in France, America has made it its own. Beignets are squares of deep-fried pastry dough sprinkled with powdered sugar and traditionally served hot . These days, beignets are most commonly associated with the French Quarter of New Orleans, where they were declared the official state donut in 1986. These treats are often enjoyed alongside chocolate milk or café au lait.

10
Brownies

Image: NordWood Themes

Last but not least, another American favorite makes its entrance. These small chocolate cakes come in various forms, from thicker, fudge-like brownies to lighter, fluffier versions. Brownies are also perfect for pairing with other popular desserts, like ice cream and caramel sauce, and can include nuts or frosting. There’s even a "blonde" variation!

Brownies hold a special place in American culture, often associated with home-baked goods, school bake sales, and family gatherings. Everyone has a favorite type of brownie. What’s yours?

General General 3 min read

On the road

Driving us crazy: Traffic rules too strange to be true (But they are!)

Image: Wolfgang Eckert

We all recognize the red octagon of STOP signs or notice the speed limits, but that’s not all to traffic laws. America’s roads are full of surprises, and if you don’t believe us, just read this article! Today, we’re taking a scenic (and slightly absurd) drive through some of the oddest traffic laws in the country. Buckle up: You won’t believe what’s technically illegal out there!

1
Florida – Meter feeding for elephants

Image: AJ Robbie

Florida’s traffic code once required that if you tied your elephant, goat, or alligator to a parking meter, you had to pay the fee, just as you would for a car. It sounds wild today, but it’s rooted in a time when people actually rode animals into town.

Though it’s not actively enforced (we checked), the law technically still lingers on the books. So, you'd better leave your pet elephant behind from now on!

2
Idaho – Seniors and motorcycles don’t mix

Image: Harley-Davidson

In Idaho Falls, it’s long been rumored that a local ordinance makes it illegal for anyone over 88 to ride a motorcycle. That sounds oddly specific—and a bit ageist. Whether it was meant to encourage safety, misinterpreted, or inspired by one daredevil granny, no one’s quite sure.

While there's no sign of active enforcement (or even proof it still exists), the message seems clear: once you’re nearing 90, it might be time to stick to the golf cart.

3
Arizona – Don’t even think about driving in reverse

Image: Jerry Kavan

Arizona doesn't mess around when it comes to driving in reverse. On public roads, moving backward is a big no-no. While it’s unlikely you’ll get arrested for backing out of a driveway, pulling a full-speed reverse cruise down Main Street might land you in hot water. Arizona wants you to move forward in life—literally.

4
Illinois – You need a steering wheel to drive

Image: Zach Wiley

Well, isn’t that obvious? Apparently not—because Illinois actually has a law stating that you can’t drive a car without a steering wheel.

Even if it seems like common sense, laws like this were created during the early days of car modifications, when people got creative (and sometimes reckless). So, if you were planning to steer your car using a rope-and-pulley system… maybe don’t.

5
Maine – No Sunday car shopping

Image: Hilbert Hill

In Maine, it’s illegal to buy a car on Sunday. Dealerships are closed by law, making it impossible to seal the deal on the most relaxing day of the weekend. Why? The rule has roots in so-called "blue laws," which were designed to preserve Sunday as a day of rest. So in Maine, if you get a wild urge to car shop after church, you’ll have to wait until Monday.

6
Michigan – Streets are not for reading

Image: bruce mars

Michigan has a law that says you can’t sit in the middle of the road and read a newspaper. Yeah, no joke!

We know—it’s hard to imagine someone actually doing this (unless it was a very juicy headline), but the law’s goal is clearly about safety. Still, you have to admit the mental image is pretty great—just don’t try it unless you want to make the evening news.

7
New Hampshire – Bus fumes are not a high

Image: Lizgrin F

New Hampshire takes a hard stance on inhaling bus fumes "with intent to cause euphoria." That’s a legal phrase, not a band name. It’s part of the state’s broader anti-huffing laws, aimed at curbing substance abuse.

Well, that’s odd!

8
Vermont – Backfiring is a no-go in Rutland

Image: RoonZ nl

In Rutland, Vermont, letting your car backfire could technically get you in trouble. This law was probably put in place to cut down on noise or prevent panic during quieter times in history.

Today, it’s unlikely to get you arrested, but a surprise backfire might still earn you some serious side-eye from the locals. If you ask us, this should be a law everywhere!

9
Wisconsin – Hands off the handlebars? Not allowed

Image: Darko Pribeg

In Wisconsin, you’re not allowed to ride a bicycle with no hands. Even if you’re showing off your balance skills from the 1970s, the law says at least one hand must stay on the handlebars.

It’s all about safety—but if you’re feeling rebellious, maybe show off at the park. Just don’t do it on public roads. Keep it hands-on!

10
South Carolina – No trash hoarding in Hilton Head

Image: Alireza Mirzabegi

In Hilton Head, it’s illegal to store trash in your car. That’s right—your vehicle can’t double as a mobile garbage can. The law aims to keep the area clean and tourist-friendly, but it also sounds like a not-so-subtle jab at anyone using their backseat as a trash bin. Hilton Head wants pristine beaches and clean cars!

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