Not every politician is a polished professional. In fact, a number of them say remarkably silly things. As it’s election year, here’s a list of the biggest gaffes from presidential campaigns, along with a couple of others further down the ballot.
The gaffes had to occur during the campaign, so this does not include old comments and tweets brought up. This means things like Donald Trump’s Access Hollywood comments are not included.
Democrats- Hard cider and log cabin (1840)
An attempted attack on Whig candidate William Henry Harrison backfired spectacularly on the Democrats in 1840. A Democratic-leaning journalist published the following:
‘Give him a barrel of hard cider, and settle a pension of two thousand a year on him, and my word for it, he will sit the remainder of his days in his log cabin by the side of a ‘sea coal’ fire, and study moral philosophy.’
Other Democratic-aligned papers soon ran with it, but it soon backfired when the Whig party seized the opportunity. William Henry Harrison was soon portrayed as a down-to-earth, ordinary man who lived in a log cabin and drank hard cider like many working people. This was perhaps ironic, considering Harrison came from an illustrious Virginian political family- his grandfather had signed the Declaration of Independence. He’d nevertheless cut his teeth as a decorated military officer, and he was no rich wimp. Martin Van Buren had enjoyed a storied political career, including spells as Governor of New York, Secretary of State, and Vice President. Unlike Harrison, he’d come from relatively humble beginnings, and was seen as an effeminate, weak man.
Whilst this remark did not necessarily kill Martin Van Buren’s campaign, as other factors were at play, it’s often remembered. The idea of choosing candidates who you would have a beer with seems to have come from this.
Samuel Burchard- Anti-Catholic speech in New York (1884)
It’s incredibly important to know your audience when you’re speaking. You wouldn’t talk about how much you love beer in front of recovering alcoholics. That’s something the Reverend Samuel Burchard should have taken to heart. As a surrogate for Republican James G. Blaine, Burchard was out stumping for him in New York when he said the following:
‘We are Republicans, and don’t propose to leave our party and identify ourselves with the party whose antecedents have been rum, Romanism, and rebellion.’
This attack on Catholics was immediately ruinous for Blaine and the Republicans. The Catholic vote, especially among the Irish, was immensely powerful despite generally anti-Catholic sentiment at the time. New York in particular was home to many Catholics. They did not take kindly to this attack. Cleveland re-took New York State from the Republicans, and safely took NYC. This was despite controversy regarding him apparently siring an illegitimate child by rape.
Sir Lionel Sackville-West- Murchison letter (1888)
Americans are very strict about not letting foreigners interfere with elections, which is why non-Americans cannot contribute directly to campaigns. Such an example badly hurt Grover Cleveland. In 1888, the British Ambassador to the United States, Sir Lionel Sackville-West, sent a letter in which he essentially said that Cleveland was the preferred candidate of the British. He believed that he was sending it to a Brit named Charles F. Murchison living in America, but was actually a political operator.
Republicans released the letter. This had a major effect on how Irish-Americans voted. Whilst Cleveland has benefitted from Burchard’s ill-advised statement four years prior, he now lost that same support after the Murchison letter. Cleveland lost re-election, and New York safely returned to the Republicans.
The Chicago Tribune– Dewey Defeats Truman (1948)
It was not a candidate who managed a gaffe in this case, but The Chicago Tribune. In 1948, things weren’t looking great for incumbent Harry S. Truman. He was generally unpopular, he had to work hard to get the Democratic nomination despite being the incumbent, and was facing pressure from the third-party, conservative States’ Rights/Dixiecrats of the South. Republican Thomas E. Dewey was widely expected to win, and thus ran a rather uninspired, uncontroversial campaign.
Despite expectations from Dewey and many others, Truman won. Unfortunately for both journalistic integrity and general common sense, the Chicago Tribune printed ‘DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN’ before the polls even closed. The image of a beaming Truman holding up the newspaper is legendary.
Dwight D. Eisenhower- “If you give me a week, I’ll think of one” (1960)
The 1960 election was tighter than a duck’s bum, and Richard Nixon might have his boss Dwight D. Eisenhower to thank for contributing to his loss. When asked by reporters about anything that Nixon had suggested that Eisenhower had taken on board, the incumbent replied with a glib ‘if you give me a week, I’ll think of one.’ Eisenhower’s popularity was no doubt helpful to Nixon, so his lack of interest, despite being a joke, was not great. Nixon had asked Eisenhower to take a smaller role due to concerns about this health, something he surely regretted.
Jimmy Carter- Playboy interview (1976)
Jimmy Carter started his presidential campaign with a smashing 2% name recognition, but soon captured the 1976 Democratic nomination. During an interview with Playboy, Carter was discussing his deep religious faith and views on relationships. At one point, Carter said:
‘I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.’
Carter was paraphrasing Matthew 5:28, but the damage was done. Religious conservatives were upset by the comments, and he lost support. Fortunately for Carter, he still won the election, despite the comment essentially becoming a meme. It was a little funny, considering his length and loving marriage to Rosalynn.
Gerald Ford- “There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe
(1976)
Despite Gerald Ford’s hugely unpopular pardon of Richard Nixon, he actually had a decent shot of winning the 1976 election. It seemed that way until the mother of all geopolitical gaffes:
‘There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe and there never will be under a Ford administration.’
That was…a choice. Whilst Ford was trying to say that the people of Eastern Europe did not consider themselves as Soviets, he did not articulate that well. One only has to watch the reactions of both the moderator and Jimmy Carter to understand it. It’s impossible to say that he lost the election on that gaffe alone, but it certainly contributed to his slight loss.
Michael Dukakis – The tank (1988)
Photo-ops are the lifeblood of any political campaign. Politicians like to be snapped doing anything, from operating forklifts and wearing helmets, to cuddling animals and cooking burgers. Some look good, others do not. Michael Dukakis falls into the latter category.
With criticism of his military and defense views high, Dukakis decided to get into a tank and be photographed. The result was interesting. Dukakis’ attempt to look strong and brave failed miserably. His somewhat dorky picture created a strong response from Republicans, who used it to portray him as looking weak and silly. Combined with the infamous Willie Horton ad, Dukakis was painted with that brush throughout his campaign.
Michael Dukakis – Response to the death penalty (1988)
During one of the 1988 debates, moderator Bernard Shaw asked Dukakis ‘Governor, if Kitty Dukakis were raped and murdered, would you favor an irrevocable death penalty for the killer?’
Dukakis responded: No, I don’t, Bernard,” he said. ‘And I think you know that I’ve opposed the death penalty during all of my life.’ He then proceeded to explain his opposition to the death penalty.
Whilst the question is still criticised for its cruelty today, Dukakis’ answer was deeply unpopular. His clinical, almost cold answer showed a lack of emotion. Had Dukakis protested the question, and showed more warmth towards Kitty’s safety, he would have been better received. Some believe that his answer lost him the election, despite other factors also being in play.
Dan Quayle – JFK comparison (1988)
During the Vice Presidential debate, Dan Quayle made an error in comparing himself to a beloved president. When discussing the criticisms he faced for not having much experience for a candidate, Quayle said ‘I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency.’
In response, Senator Lloyd Bentsen gave this famous putdown:
‘Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.’
Bentsen received huge applause and adulation for his remark. Quayle tried to protest Bentsen’s response, which he did receive applause for, but the damage was done. Democrats ran with it and Quayle was portrayed as a childlike man who would not be able to take high office. A common joke about Dan Quayle being better protection for George H. W. Bush did the rounds.
Whilst the Republicans swept to office, beating Quayle and Bentsen, the new Vice President remained a figure of fun throughout his administration.
George H. W. Bush – The Watch (1992)
Televised debates have been popular since their inception in 1960. In 1992, voters saw the buttoned up incumbent George H. W. Bush play off against the charismatic Bill Clinton and firebrand Ross Perot. Clinton had impressed with his debate skills, especially when he walked up to a woman who had asked about the economy and spoke eloquently to her. Bush was unable to match him, and this unfortunately showed when he made the error of looking at his watch.
Whatever the reason Bush did this, the optics were not good and he was widely criticised. Some argued that Bush looking at his watch was rude and made him look uninterested. This is seen as one of the many factors that lost Bush the election to a man a month younger than his son.
James Stockdale – “Who am I? Why Am I Here?” (1992)
Third-party candidate Ross Perot managed to keep the spotlight firmly on himself during the 1992 election, but it wasn’t all plain sailing. During the vice presidential candidate debate, his running mate James Stockdale made quite the error. In his introduction, Stockdale started his pitch with the rhetorical ‘Who am I? Why am I here?’
Whilst initially receiving applause, Stockdale’s performance remained poor. He was confused and rambling, having to ask for questions to be repeated due to his poor hearing. Stockdale received a similar image to Dukakis and Quayle. This was unfortunate, as Stockdale was a war hero who had been a POW for seven years in Vietnam,
Al Gore – Standing Tall (2000)
Al Gore unfortunately did not share the charisma of his boss. During one 2000 election debate, the 6’1 Gore attempted to stand up tall against the 5’11.5 George W. Bush. Without breaking his composure, Bush looked at Gore, nodded, and continued with his conversation. This made the audience laugh.
Both Bush and Gore were from political and wealthy families. Both had attended Harvard, had fathers in politics and gone to top private schools. Despite this, Bush portrayed himself as a good old boy who you’d have a beer with. This was successful, as Gore was simultaneously seen as awkward and stiff.
Howard Dean – The Scream (2004)
The Democratic field was wide open in 2004. Along with eventual candidate John Kerry, Vermont Governor Howard Dean ran. His vibrant campaign made him the initial frontrunner. Unfortunately, he came third in Iowa behind John Edward and John Kerry. In an excited speech after Iowa, Dean let out a very joyous scream.
The scream was repeated constantly in the media. One month later, Dean dropped out of the election. The ‘Dean Scream’ is believed to have greatly contributed to ending a campaign that was already fractured and failing.
Sarah Palin – The Bridge to Nowhere (2008)
The so-called ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ was a proposed bridge in Alaska that would connect the small Gravina Island to the mainland. This bridge was to replace a ferry, but would have cost nearly $400M. During the 2008 election, Sarah Palin remarked ‘I told Congress, thanks but no thanks on that bridge to nowhere.’
Whilst Palin had initially supported the bridge, she eventually changed her mind. Despite this, some believed that Palin was a hypocrite and had overplayed her opposition. Palin’s candidacy for vice president was seen as a failure, and some argue that she was the biggest reason for the ticket losing.
Martha Coakley – Fenway Park (2010)
This is the first of the two gaffes that don’t come from presidential elections. In 2009, the ‘Lion of the Senate’ Edward Kennedy died. This necessitated a special election. The Democrats put up Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley. State Senator Scott Brown was the Republican candidate. Despite the generally liberal nature of Massachusetts, as well as the reverence towards the Kennedy family, Brown led in the polls.
Coakley’s gaffe came in the same month as the January 2010 election. She had been criticised for going to a glittering Washington fundraiser. When asked about this in a Boston Globe interview, Coakley replied with ‘As opposed to standing outside Fenway Park? In the cold? Shaking hands?’
This comment made Coakley appear out of touch and almost snobbish. Barack Obama would famously call it ‘one of the greatest gaffes in modern American politics.’ Brown won the election with over half of the votes. He would later lose in 2012 to Elizabeth Warren, who remains Senator. Coakley was the Democratic candidate for the 2014 gubernatorial election, but lost to Republican Charlie Baker.
Todd Akin – “Legitimate rape” (2012 )
This is the second of the two gaffes that don’t come from presidential elections. In 2012 Missouri, Republican Todd Akin was attempting to unseat Senator Claire McCaskill. Less than twelve days after receiving the Republican nomination, Akin was asked if abortion should legally available to victims of rape. Akin responded:
‘First of all, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something. I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.’
The uproar was immediate and furious. Both Republicans and Democrats called for Akin’s resignation. Akin apologised and attempted to justify what he meant. Unfortunately, he lost the election in a landslide. He probably would have won without this, as Missouri has since gone exclusively Republican in Senate elections.
Akin later defended his comments and swore that he had been correct, citing research he believed showed that stress prevented fertilisation. He also attacked fellow Republicans who had criticised him and called for his resignation. Akin died in 2021.
Mitt Romney – 47% (2012)
Mitt Romney became the Republican candidate for president in 2012, hoping to beat incumbent Barack Obama. In May 2012, a video of Romney at a dinner was released. In it, he gave the following remarks:
‘There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. That’s an entitlement. The government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what. And I mean the president starts off with 48, 49… he starts off with a huge number. These are people who pay no income tax. Forty-seven percent of Americans pay no income tax. So our message of low taxes doesn’t connect. So he’ll be out there talking about tax cuts for the rich…. My job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.’
Critics immediately accused Romney of snobbery and classicism, especially as he came from a very wealthy family and had never struggled. Whilst Romney initially attempted to defend his remarks, he later said that he’d been wrong.
The dinner was recorded by a member of the kitchen team who was apparently annoyed that Romney had ignored them. That worker had apparently met Bill Clinton and had remembered him for greeting the staff. Ironically, Romney’s vote share was 47%.
Mitt Romney – Binders Full of Women (2012)
During the debate in October 2012, Romney was asked about pay equity, this was part of his response:
‘I had the chance to pull together a cabinet, and all the applicants seemed to be men. […] I went to a number of women’s groups and said, ‘Can you help us find folks?’ And they brought us whole binders full of women.’
This comment provoked much mockery regarding Romney’s views on gender equality. Romney’s 47% comment was surely more damaging, but his next comment was more cringe than anything.
Hillary Clinton – Basket of Deplorables (2016)
The 2016 election campaign between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump was a fiery one. In September 2016, Clinton was at a fundraising event. She spoke to the crowd:
‘You know, to just be grossly generalistic, you could put half of Trump’s supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right? They’re racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic – you name it. And unfortunately, there are people like that.’
Hillary Clinton almost immediately apologised for the comments, while critics attacked her being insulting and rude to potential voters. Donald Trump supporters decided to make the phrase their own, and proudly labelled themselves as ‘deplorables.’ This comment is believed to be one such reason for Clinton’s surprising loss.
Gary Johnson – Aleppo (2016)
During an interview on MSNBC, Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson was asked what he’d do about Aleppo. Aleppo, the second-largest Syrian city, was the centre of extremely bloody fighting. Johnson responded by asking ‘And what is Aleppo?’
This foreign policy error became an immediate meme. Johnson passed it off as a brain fart, but people were concerned about voting for a man who didn’t have his facts straight. The Libertarians nevertheless got 3.28% of the vote, and nearly 4.5 million votes overall.
