Who was president when you were born? What was the earliest presidential election you remember?

[IrishEyes]

Gerald Ford was president when I was born. I met Reagan and he shook my hand when he was running in 1980 but I was too young to remember. The first presidential election that I remember was 1984. I was in elementary school. My parents were big Mondale supporters and hated Reagan.

The first presidential election I was able to vote in was Clinton vs Dole.

[safeinOhio]

1. Harry S..

[Jane Austin]

50. Me, too.

And I remember my three-year-old self discussing the election very seriously, me pronouncing Eisenhower "too old" to run.

Ha!

[safeinOhio]

69. Got to see Ike in person

as a little kid. I thought he waved back at me.

[Jane Austin]

139. Oh, that's neat.

Wish I Had seen him.

ld

[BlueTsunami2018]

2. Nixon was President when I was born.

The first election I remember was between Ford and Carter. My parents were for Ford.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

3. Truman was president (but not for much longer).

The earliest election I remember was JFK's in 1960, when I was in third grade. It was a huge deal at my Catholic grade school.

[jxla]

120. Ditto n/t

[at140]

4. Abraham Linncoln?

IDK, I only attended graduate college in engineering after arriving in US at age 20, and no American history was taught there.

[at140]

34. I wish the immigration forced me to study American history

Last edited Mon Feb 17, 2020, 09:51 PM - Edit history (1)

before granting me citizenship. And Abraham Lincoln is the most famous president around the world.

[whathehell]

73. Um, the citizenship test requires a basic knowledge of it

and in any case, one needn't be "forced" to learn things one is genuinely interested in. Have a nice one.

[at140]

76. Required only basic knowledge of the US constitution in 1970 (my year of citizenship)

So please do not hold it against me for lack of American history.
But when I graduated from high school in India, I knew heckuva lot about British history
than 99% of Americans.

[IrishEyes]

97. Don't worry about it.

Sadly, a lot of people born in America lack basic knowledge of American history. I'm guessing that you were born in 1950 since you said you came over here when you were 20. If that is right then Harry Truman was president when you were born. He was president from 1945 to 1953.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. Truman.

I vaguely remember being held up on my dad's shoulders at some kind of parade or event involving President Eisenhower, but the first actual election I remember was Kennedy vs. Nixon in 1960.

[Zoonart]

33. Same for me right

down to the parade. I thought I recognized you.

[Delmette2.0]

141. Me, too!

I mostly remember being confused about the different descriptions to Kennedy's status. There was candidate, nominee, President elect. At one point I thought he was the VP. Then I remember his famous line, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for for your country."

[Kurt V.]

6. Kennedy. he was assassinated a month later. i remember the Nixon election of 72 bc my dad was

a fan but otherwise apolitical.

[whathehell]

7. Eisenhower

The first election I recall was his second term.

[flor-de-jasmim]

8. Eisenhower - first election I remember? 1960 (saw the Kennedy-Nixon debates)

[SouthernLiberal]

32. Same here

[Jarqui]

53. +1

Do not recall watching the Kennedy-Nixon debates when they happened - saw them in the years after.

Kennedy inspired my political activism which began with my first volunteer work delivering pamphlets door to door for a local campaign. I had asked people "Since President Kennedy said 'Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country' - so what can I do?" They laughed "you're just a kid" The man I campaign for won and that shut up a bunch of folks.

[customerserviceguy]

60. Same for me, too

I didn't turn five until just after the 1960 election, but my parents, being Catholic, were very excited about JFK's run for the top job. They actually spent the night on the sleeper couch in the living room to listen to returns coming in. It was like a party for me as a kid!

[IrishEyes]

100. Every presidential election, I wait on the couch for the results to come in.

Usually with friends and family. We always order takeout and cheer or boo when the results come in for different elections. I was glad that I was alone for the 2016 election. It was too sad.

[CanonRay]

9. Truman

I have a vague memory of Eisenhower meeting with Khrushchev.

[redstatebluegirl]

10. Kennedy.

My parents were very involved. I was very very young, 5 years old in 1960 but they took me with them to all the events in Chicago. I can remember bits and pieces. The same when Bobby ran, at that point I was very aware.

[appleannie1]

11. I can remember sitting on the floor playing with my tinkertoys in front of the floor model Zenith

while the family listened to Roosevelt give Fireside chats. Then watching Truman's daughter play a grand piano near the stairs in the WhiteHouse on the brand new Olympic television



Here she is singing

[IrishEyes]

102. Pretty song. Thank you for sharing that video.

[Watchfoxheadexplodes]

13. JFK

First I really paid attention to was Reagan vs. Carter

[dewsgirl]

14. Carter was President elect when I was born, the first

election I actually remember paying attention to was Bill Clinton's, I was in the 10th grade.

[bobbieinok]

15. FDR was president in 40. Dad had radio on constantly in 48 dem convention

[2naSalit]

16. Eisenhower, first term

when I was born. First election I recall was Kennedy, I remember watching the debate of fame on the teevee with my parents. I was well aware of many things that took place during Kennedy's term as much of it had a direct impact on my life then and thereafter... and my dad was a family friend of the Kennedys so the assassination was a major thing in our house.

[Arkansas Granny]

17. Truman was President when I was born. The first I remember was Eisenhower.

[sinkingfeeling]

41. Ditto.

[TheCowsCameHome]

18. FDR

Ike and Adlai '52.

[MaryMagdaline]

19. Eisenhower

First presidential election I remember was 1964 LBJ and Goldwater. We lived in Santa Maria, CA. Lots of Goldwater people there.

[Dave in VA]

20. Truman was President when I was born,

first election I remember was 1960.

[trixie2]

21. JFK

I vividly remember Nixon and his horrors.

[muntrv]

22. Nixon was President when I was born. 1980 election was the first one I remember.

[Srkdqltr]

23. Franklin Roosevelt

Eisenhower is the first one I remember. I particularly remember Stevensons shoe with a hole in the bottom. First one I participated in was Kennedy's. I was a poll worker although I was to young to vote.

[Sneederbunk]

25. Truman Eisenhower '56.

[elleng]

27. FDR.

Eisenhower.

[sarge43]

28. FDR

First election: Eisenhower vs Stevenson, 1952

[ProudMNDemocrat]

29. Harry S. Truman......

First election I remember.....Kennedy versus Nixon 1960.

[Generic Brad]

30. Kennedy was President

And the first election I remember was when Nixon defeated Humphrey. Humphrey was a big deal in my corner of the world when I was growing up.

[napi21]

31. FDR was President & the earliest election I remember was Harry Truman. n/t

[Just_Vote_Dem]

35. Ike was President when I was born

And I remember Humphrey/Nixon because I had a blue top with a Humphrey sticker that I either found or someone gave me (the sticker).

[alittlelark]

36. Johnson.

Got to meet Kerry 2 houses E from my dads - unexpected. My baby daughter got a pic with him!!

[dchill]

37. Truman, but we don't remember each other.

[Walleye]

38. Truman, have very vague memories of the 1952 convention on the radio

By 1956 we had a TV and I remember the conventions as being grownups carrying crazy signs and yelling at each other, in black and white. The first election I voted in was the 1972 California primary. I proudly voted for Shirley Chisholm. Didn’t give a second thought to electability, not sure it was even a word then. Still happy with that vote and I don’t think she could have done worse than McGovern.

[MyOwnPeace]

151. And the BOTH

would have been better than Nixon!!!!!

That being said, Nixon did great things: EPA (that IQ45 is trying to destroy) and foreign relations (established relations with China).

But, boy, did he work to take care of the Good Old Boys of the Repugs!!!!!

[Beartracks]

39. Hm, never thought it before, but it was LBJ.

I vaguely remember Ford being President, and Jimmy Carter being President after him. But the first election I was really aware of was Reagan vs. Carter in 1980.

My parents had been Democrats back in the day, but I think they switched parties by 1980; I remember them saying, "We didn't leave the Democratic party. The Democratic party left us."

===========

[Wellstone ruled]

40. FDR and my Dad took me to

polling Station where he voted for Truman. In Wisconsin,you vote at your Township Town Hall. Still remember my day driving his 1933 Tan ford with the Suicide doors and following the Highway Snow plow for ten miles to the Town hall.

[TruckFump]

42. Harry Truman

I remember the Eisenhower election in 1952. He ran against Adlai Stevenson.

[rzemanfl]

44. You must be really OLD! See my post below. n/t

[TruckFump]

45. Oldie, but goodie!

I was only 4 years old, but I remember Eisenhower being elected.

[rzemanfl]

48. I would have been five. n/t

[TruckFump]

49. Well, I was actually 4.5 years old!

But who's counting!

[rzemanfl]

51. Remember when we thought half years counted for something?

Those were the days. Arguing about important stuff like Keds vs. PF Flyers.

[TruckFump]

54. Well, I am now 71.5 years old!

And...the argument in my neighborhood was black-and-white saddle shoes with black soles versus the preppy ones with orange soles! Gads, I cannot believe some of the things that were important back then. My mother votes for the ones with orange soles...so that is what I got!

[rzemanfl]

62. I am around 72 and a half. I misjudged your gender based on the Impeachment

avatar.

[MyOwnPeace]

152. Yeah, and now........

I'm happy to be able to "click" on the survey that asks: "Under 80!"

Alas, none of them do - it's all the "65 & over" bullshit - guess we should be happy we can still "click!"

[rzemanfl]

43. Truman. I was old enough to "Like Ike" because it sounded fun. n/t

[HubertHeaver]

46. Truman, 1956

[Voltaire2]

65. Er. Um. Oh never mind.

[IrishEyes]

91. I think that they were answering both questions.

Truman was president when they were born and 1956 was the first election that they remember.

[HubertHeaver]

122. Yes, that is correct.

Thank you.

[Kaleva]

47. Are you refering to our current life or previous incarnations?

[IrishEyes]

55. Whichever lifetime you would prefer.

[doc03]

52. Truman The first presidential election I remember was Nixon and Kennedy in 1960 nt

[backtoblue]

56. Jimny Carter 1980

Reagan a few months later.

The first presidential election I remember was Bush/Dukakis when I was 8 years old.

First vote was in 2000, for Al Gore. I havent forgotten or forgiven...

[vlyons]

57. Harry Truman was POTUS when I was born

My first POTUS childhood memories are of Eisenhower. I first voted for LBJ in 1968, and it was the last election in Texas that had a poll tax, which I think was about $2.50. I was a student at UT in Austin. Hook 'em Longhorns!

[UrbScotty]

58. Reagan was president when I was born.

1996 was the first election I remember. 2008 was the first in which I voted.

[Sedona]

59. 07/19/1962. JFK

At 6 years old I distinctly remember waking up my parents with the news of RFK assassination 06/05/68. I always woke first and turned on the tv for some children's show.; likely Captain Kangaroo.

We lived in suburban Boston and the Kennedys were like royalty in my house. My mother even painted JFKs portrait and it hung in our living room.

My parents thought I saw something about JFK and rolled back over to sleep. I was like no, its his brother Bobby. At six I knew the whose who of the Kennedy Clan. Crazy, I know right?

My mother came into the the livingroom, saw the tv and collapsed in sobs. It so vivid, 50+years later I remember the blue baby doll maternity nighty she had on that morning. My sister was just a few weeks away from being born.

Yeah I remember the 68 Democratic Convention & election like it was yesterday.

The sick part is, my beautiful mother who I watched paint JFK's portrait, with her That Girl flip and blue baby doll nighty is 80 now and an over the top Magat calling for the pardons of Flynn and Stone and the jailing of PBO & HRC on Facebook.

Its just as heartbreaking as losing Jack & Bobby before I was old enough to appreciate them.

Judy '68
[URL=https://app.photobucket.com/u/LisaCea/p/426239c5-71c5-4a63-a423-7c8f1874171b][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

[NoPasaran]

61. Eisenhower was president

I remember waiting in the car while my mother voted in 1960. My dad was stationed in Korea at the time.

[The Blue Flower]

63. Truman was pres

I was in 1st grade when I first heard "l like Ike."

[zipplewrath]

64. Carter

I turned 18 the year before in December. It was the first presidential election for which I was eligible.

[The Genealogist]

66. Nixon was president when I was born

And there was no vice president, as Agnew had just resigned. The first presidential election I remember is Carter-Reagan in 1980, but my memory is a bit sketchy for many details. I more vividly remember Mondale-Reagan in 1984. My dad's people were (and are) Republicans and my mother's folks are Democrats.

[OregonBlue]

67. Truman was president. I remember my parents campaigning

for Adlai Stevenson. My Mom was president of the local Young Democrats and loved Stevenson.

[LastDemocratInSC]

68. I was born on THIS day in 1950 during Truman's presidency.

I remember seeing the 1956 political conventions on television.

[IrishEyes]

89. Happy Birthday!

I hope your next birthday, there will be a democrat in the White House.

[LastDemocratInSC]

99. Thank you for your kind thoughts. And I hope your prediction is correct.

[Chemisse]

70. Eisenhower.

I didn't pay attention to any of the elections until Nixon/McGovern. I was just days shy of turning 18, so sadly unable to vote.

[musette_sf]

71. President when I was born: Eisenhower

Earliest election I remember: 1956. One of my earliest memories is watching the 1956 Democratic Convention on TV. My parents supported Stevenson.

Earliest political event: My parents took me to see the John Kennedy motorcade on 11/7/60, when he was leaving Waterbury CT.
https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/05/nyregion/view-waterbury-nov-6-1960-day-candidate-stormed-naugatuck-valley.html

Earliest candidate meeting: I met Bobby Kennedy and shook his hand in 1964 when he was running for US Senator from New York.

First election I voted in: 1972, for McGovern, of course.

* On edit:
Biggest political thrill: Sat next to That Beautiful Woman Seen Below In My Sig Ripping Up That Damn Speech, on a flight from SFO - DCA in 2014.

[IrishEyes]

95. Wow, it must have been great to sit next to Nancy Pelosi.

Did you get a chance to talk to her? It must have ben cool to shake Bobby Kennedy's hand. My father worked on his campaign. I have a letter signed by Kennedy to my dad.

[musette_sf]

104. I waited until we landed at DCA.

She was quite busy working and I wanted to respect her space.

Before we took off, she was on the phone with her daughter Christina (name on phone screen was "Tina" ), and after she ended the call, telling her that the plane was ready to taxi, she turned to me and said "Kids! You know how it is!"

Funny moment: she was watching the news channels on the seatback touchscreen, switching back and forth between MSNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg. At one moment, all three channels had commercials running. So she moved her finger and hovered above You Know What Channel I Mean, and I'll bet she was thinking, "Oh, Christ, should I even GO there??" She forged on and pressed the icon to look at it for a minute... fortunately for her no bloviating was going on at the moment, it happened to be something live from the House.

When we landed, I shook her hand, expressed my admiration and respect, and told her that this was my biggest thrill since I'd shaken Bobby Kennedy's hand 50 years earlier.

[3catwoman3]

72. April 1951, so Truman.

I remember Eisenhower being in office, and the big deal it was when the doctors reported that he’d experienced normal bowel function after his heart attack.

I remember the Kennedy-Nixon election.

[rhiannon55]

74. Truman was president

I first paid attention to an election in 1960 when JFK and Nixon were vying for the presidency. I was 9 and clueless about the issues, but I remember seeing them on tv debating.

[rurallib]

75. Truman in 1949 - first election I remember was 1956

Actually remember it somewhat well - we had a TV and I spent a good amount of time in front of it from 4 to 6 daily which included Huntley and Brinkley

[Yavin4]

77. LBJ was the president when I was born.

The first presidential election that I could remember was Nixon/McGovern in 1972. The first one that I voted in was 1984 Reagan/Mondale.

[Va Lefty]

78. JFK when I was born. I remember being in 1st grade during "nap time"

My teacher Miss Walker had a transistor radio on that announced that Nixon had won. (1968)

[Still Sensible]

79. Ike was president when I was born in 1955...

I have little memory of the 1960 election, I was almost six. I have quite a few memories of JFK's last year, including my dad taking me to see him in a motorcade and to speak live at West Virginia's Centennial that June. Many of the JFK memories are naturally intertwined with the space program, Shepard, Glenn, etc..

My first voting for president was in Arizona in '76. I was a registrar signing people up to vote at ASU and actually met Jimmy Carter--shaking his hand as his campaign was gaining steam.

[Moostache]

80. Nixon was president...

I remember a bit of Ford-Carter in '76 and definitely remember Carter-Reagan in '80...

The hostage crisis was one of the first political stories that I really paid attention to, but I remember my dad more than anything really saying how bad Reagan would be for the country...the old man was right! Love ya Dad...but you have lived long enough to see something much worse now.

[Niagara]

81. Gerald Ford was president

The first presidential election that I remember and paid attention to was Bush vs. Dukakis in 1988.

In 1992, I remember watching interviews with Bill Clinton and playing his saxophone.

I got to vote in my first presidential election on Nov. 5th, 1996, Clinton vs. Dole.

[DeeDeeNY]

82. Truman in 1949

The first election I remember was 1956, when my loyal Democratic parents taught me the rhyme “Ike and Dick Make Me Sick” and my 7-year old self recited that to just about everyone!

[Cornus]

83. FDR

First election I remember is Truman's. Voted first time in 1960 for JFK, of course.

[Liberty Belle]

84. Eisenhower.

I saw Kennedy when I was 5 and he was assassinated a couple of months later. First election I remember was Lyndon B. Johnson who defeated Goldwater; I remember the mushroom cloud nuclear commercial.

First one I voted in was 1976 when Ford got elected after Nixon's resignation.

[GP6971]

85. Truman

1960 Kennedy / Nixon. Nixon's motorcade came through our town.

[subterranean]

86. 1) JFK and 2) Carter-Ford in 1976.

I may have vague recollections of Nixon-McGovern in '72, but the 1976 election was the first one I can clearly recall.

[Glorfindel]

87. Harry S Truman was president when I was born

The earliest election I remember was that of 1952. My parents were impressed by Eisenhower ["I shall go to Korea"] but were disappointed that he chose to be a rePuke. They voted for Stevenson, of course. The first time I voted for president was for Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

[Gore1FL]

88. Born with Johnson. I remember McGovern v Nixon but Carter v Ford is probably a better answer.

My first vote was in 84.

[jimfields33]

90. Nixon when I was born

Carter vs. Reagan first I remember.

[young_at_heart]

92. FDR

My earliest memory of a presidential election was Truman in 1948 and my first time to vote was 1960 for Kennedy. I'm old!!

[IrishEyes]

98. You are young at heart. That is what matters.

[relayerbob]

93. Eisenhower when I was born in 1957

First I recall anything of, was Johnson/Goldwater. Watched 1968 closely

[Laffy Kat]

113. March, 1957 here, too. Yikes.

[relayerbob]

121. I know, what happened to the time?????

[cannabis_flower]

126. Eisenhower here two, I was born Dec. 1958

First election I remember Nixon/Humphrey/Wallace were running.

[lastlib]

142. Ike for me too (also born '57--great year for Chevys!)

First election I really remember was '68--I was originally a Bobby Kennedy fan (still am!), and got to be "Humphrey" in 5th-grade mock election (I lost to both Nixon and Wallace--humiliating!). Got to meet Jimmy Carter in '76 when he came to our college (I was treasurer of campus Dems). Then came Reagan, and life went to hell......

[UTUSN]

94. One of the best: Harry S (no period) TRUMAN!

[Hangingon]

96. FDR was President when I was born.

I remember the ‘52 election. My Dad drove the nuns from my parochial school to the polls. When they came out they had all voted for Ike. Dad was not happy.the

[IluvPitties]

101. Reagan was president when I was born, but

Bill Clinton was the 1st president I truly remember.

[oswaldactedalone]

103. Eisehhower

Kennedy Nixon.

[colsohlibgal]

106. Harry Truman

I have vague memories of the 1956 Election, more complete memories of the JFK/ Nixon 1960 race. I do remember when Truman was still alive and around.

[emmaverybo]

107. I like Ike and I did because his name could be rhymed. That's how you vet candidates at age five.

[madamesilverspurs]

108. Truman

Eisenhower v Stevenson

My third grade teacher saved one of my spelling tests and gave it to Mom. On the back I'd scrawled "Yay Ike! Boo Stevenson!" She said we apparently had some interesting dinner table conversations.


.

[exboyfil]

109. John F. Kemmedu

Probably 1972, but I think I have a few memories of the 1968 Chicago Democratic convention. Also I think I saw news stories about Robert Kennedy being killed.

[sakabatou]

110. Reagan was president when I was born.

Earliest election I remember was '96. First presidential election I participated in was the 2008 election.

[COLGATE4]

111. FDR. First election: Dewey v Truman

[Laffy Kat]

112. Ike, my god, it was Ike.

I am so freakin' old.

[Olafjoy]

114. LBJ

Nixon vs McGovern

[Chipper Chat]

115. FDR

I remember the folks listening to him talk on the radio. In 1948 my grandparents came home from voting and announced they voted for Dewey. I was confused when Truman won because "he wasnt supposed to"

[nancy1942]

116. F.D.R.

I remember the 1952 race between Dwight Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson and I first voted in the 1964 Johnson vs Goldwater election.

[DAMANgoldberg]

117. LBJ was president

1980 Carter/Reagan is when I started paying attention. 1984 was my 1st vote for Walter Mondale. Oh well.

[KBlagburn]

118. Johnson was President when I was born...

I missed Kennedy by 5 months. Carter was really the first campaign I was really interested in. Mondale was the first I was able to vote for.

[Iggo]

123. Kennedy. '68.

[MFM008]

124. Eisenhower

But i didnt pay attention till 72 and McGovern simply because we had the same name.
Never voted republican again after 1984.

[pansypoo53219]

125. my grade school + i voted for carter vs reagan?. 3rd grade?

[Mike 03]

127. John F. Kennedy was president, but only for a couple more days.

By the time I was brought home from the hospital, Lyndon Johnson was president. My mother always recalls those first days home from the hospital: "Nobody paid any attention to us because the president had just been assassinated."

I have the vaguest recollection of Watergate but barely understood it.

My first vivid memories are of Jimmy Carter, but I remember going with my dad to get the car filled up during gas rationing under Ford and WIN ("Whip Inflation Now&quot . I went with my mother when she voted for Carter but was too young to vote, but I thought it was really exciting to go to a polling place.

You'd think I'd have clearer memories of Watergate, but I really don't.

[rampartc]

128. truman

I remember Eisenhower and jfk. my first vote was for McGovern.

the greatest president of my lifetime? I'm very proud of jimmy carter.

[Turin_C3PO]

129. Reagan.

My first political memory is the night in 1992 that Clinton won.

[hedda_foil]

130. Truman and Truman.

The first election I recall is Eisenhower v Stevenson in '52. I was 7 and remember reading about the Republican candidates in Parade magazine before Joe decided to run as a Republican. The rest of them sounded deadly boring to me. I wasn't quite sure which party was which but I remember watching both conventions on tv and the Dems had a lot more fun. Lots of floor demonstrations. By the election, I had the parties figured out and was a confirmed Democrat. Of course my entire family was and remains solid blue.

[Freddie]

131. Eisenhower

Don’t remember him as president. Have a vague recollection (I’d just turned 4) of my parents bringing me home a Nixon balloon in 1960.

[WhiteTara]

132. Truman was president

and JFK was the first election. I was 13 when he was assassinated.

[Fla Dem]

133. Harry S. Truman was president for the first 7 years of my life. Guess that's why I'm a Democrat.

But seriously, with limited tv, no social networks and only the newspaper, which I couldn't read yet, I have no recollection of any political news in my early youth. There was never any political conversations in my immediate or extended family. I certainly knew at some point Eisenhower was the president, but it really didn't mean much to me.

Became interested in JFK's run for President in the 1960.

[lark]

134. Nixon vs. Kennedy is my first memory of an election.

My parents were very unhappy with the way that one went and I was too young to really have an opinion.

[Harker]

135. Eisenower. First memory was of JFK having been

reported shot while I was watching Bozo the Clown in suburban Chicago.

When I told my mom about it she said, "no, Harker, it was President Lincoln who was shot."

[The King of Prussia]

136. John F. Kennedy

had been President for a few months when I was born. The first election I remember was 1968 - specifically the murder of Bobby. I'm English, and the first General Election I remember was 1970 - I actually shook Ted Heath's hand. In the course of the next 50 years I have not touched another politician.

[MissMillie]

137. Lyndon Johnson was President when I was born.

The first election I remember was Ford vs. Carter in 1976.

The first election I was eligible to vote in was Reagan v. Mondale. (1984)

[liberaltrucker]

138. Ike (born in 1954)

Was 6 when JFK was elected. Remember it vaguely.

[jpak]

140. Eisenhower

I remember seeing him on the TV news.

Watched the Kennedy-Nixon debate too with my Dad - even tho I was a wee lad....

[Aristus]

143. LBJ.

I was too young to remember the 1972 election. But I remember in 1974 when my mother showed me a newspaper picture of Gerald Ford, and she told me "He's going to be our President now." I kept hearing the word 'Watergate', but had no idea what it meant. I saw the boring televised Congressional hearings with all those drab, grey-faced men saying boring things. I had only the vaguest idea who Nixon was. My father read his books, but neither of my parents cared very much for him.

I remember the election of 1976. I think that was the first year they used the electronic board with states colored red or blue. I didn't really know who was running, or really much of anything about politics. But I remember not long after the election, the peanut farmer jokes started.

[bikebloke]

144. Eisenhower

But I remember Kennedy being elected.

[MerryBlooms]

145. a) JFK 06/23/1963 b) Carter/Ford 1976 n/t

[MountCleaners]

146. LBJ

Born near the end of LBJ's second term, and my parents named me after him. First election I remember was '72, we watched every Democratic Primary on TV, and those were my favorite memories.

In '76, we traveled to Plains and met the Carters. First election I voted in was 88. I campaigned for Jesse Jackson.

[DFW]

148. Truman

It was his last full year in office.

I have a vague childhood memory of a Stevenson rally my parents attended in 1956. There was a big white house, and it was somewhere in Virginia.

The first election I have specific memories of was 1960. My dad was sent out to L.A. to cover the convention, and took the family.

I had no idea who Hubert Humphrey was (a family friend, but that meant nothing to me at age 8). My dad told me to tell him "hope you get the nomination," and I remember asking my dad "what's a nomination?"

[xmas74]

149. Ford just assumed office a few months before I was born

(Born end of 1974.)

I was in kindergarten in 1980 and remember our Weekly Reader had us vote for either Reagan, Carter or Anderson. My father voted for Reagan, mother no one (first ever vote was 2016) and I voted for Carter. I showed my paper to my favorite Aunt Piggy and she asked why I chose Carter. My answer? "He looks kind and like he wants to help people." She agreed and said she was voting for him.

I campaigned for Clinton in 1992 and even met both Bill and Hillary but I missed the vote by one month. I voted for city council in April of 1993, voted in my first major race in 1994 (Ike Skelton for Congress) and voted for Clinton in 1996. I've never missed an election.

[tblue37]

150. Eisenhower. I remember the 1960 Nixon-Kennedy election quite well. nt

[GanjaGrower]

153. Reagan was president when I was born.

The first election I remembered was Clinton beating Bush. I was 6 and was fascinated by Chelsea because her dad was the new president (and my parents liked him a lot). In my imagination I pictured her getting to eat all the ice cream she wanted, watch all the cartoons she wanted, and never having to take a nap or do homework.

[radical noodle]

154. Truman but

I really don't remember him. The first president I remember is Eisenhower. I had an "I Like Ike" button that my grandmother gave me on my coat. My family never discussed politics that much (although they always voted) and I didn't understand the difference in parties until JFK/Nixon in 1960 when we discussed it in 7th-grade history class.

[catbyte]

155. Eisenhower. And the first election I remember was JFK in 1960.

I was born in 1955

[dawg day]

156. Eisenhower--

First election I remember was 1960. We were for Nixon. That's why I got annoyed with people who yelped about Secy Clinton as a "Goldwater Girl." For many of us, parental Republicanism is something we quickly outgrow.

[eppur_se_muova]

157. JFK. I remember '68, when Wallace ran third-party.

My classmates and I thought we were supposed to vote for Wallace, because we were in AL and he was from AL. How simple politics seemed to us -- you just voted for 'one of us'! Good thing most people learn better than that by the time they're old enough to vote !

[KY_EnviroGuy]

158. Truman (1947). First election I recall was Johnson vs Goldwater in '64.

Oddly enough, the only specific thing I remember from '64 was the very few Republicans in town passing out cans of Goldwater soft drink.

We were far more worried about the draft and Vietnam than anything as teenage boys.

The first president I remember was Ike.

KY............