Matthew Rosenbaum is a Rochester lawyer who collects multi-partisan political buttons. He visits political conventions and his outstanding collection is respected throughout the country.
I was a Page at the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas, and worked on Ronald Reagan’s re-election campaign at my college with my father, a Republican National Committeeman.
On the last day of the convention, I found an envelope that was addressed to me under my hotel door. It was an invitation to a luncheon that afternoon. I was instructed to wear a pin to gain entrance. President Reagan and Vice President Bush were holding a thank you luncheon for people who had worked for them and senior members of the Republican Party. When we arrived, we ran into none other than Charlton Heston. This pin is yellowed, but it reminds me of that lunch. Oh, and Reagan and Bush were there too.
The 1924 U.S. presidential election was one of the most politically fragmented in American history. It featured a three-way race between Republican Calvin Coolidge, Democrat John W. Davis, and Progressive candidate Robert M. La Follette.
John W. Davis was a skilled lawyer, diplomat, and the Democratic Party’s nominee. Still, his campaign faced significant challenges as his conservative stance alienated much of his party, and he suffered a crushing defeat to Coolidge. Despite his loss, Davis remains an important historical figure, particularly for his role in shaping legal and political discourse in the early 20th century.
On September 6, 1901, newly minted Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was vacationing with his family in Vermont when he was notified that President William McKinley had been shot by an anarchist in Buffalo, New York, while attending the World’s Fair. Roosevelt immediately took a horse, a boat, a yacht, and a train to get from Vermont to Western New York.
During his travels, he was informed that although the injuries to the President were serious, prospects for a full recovery looked good. Had the medicine then been as advanced as it is today, McKinley would have indeed recovered. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and President McKinley succumbed to his wounds eight days later. Roosevelt was sworn in as the nation’s 26th President. Thus began one of the most significant eight years of leadership the United States would ever know.
A Traveling Man
AI-generated illustration of Teddy Roosevelt on his horse in the Badlands of North Dakota. ChatGPT
Roosevelt loved the outdoors, and after his wife, Alice Hathaway Lee Roosevelt, died in 1884, the same day he lost his mother, he wanted a change. Like many people who had just experienced a family tragedy, he needed to escape. He left behind his political and personal life in New York to immerse himself in the rough, healing solitude of the American West. Roosevelt traveled to the Badlands of North Dakota and bought two cattle ranches there. He spent two years living as a cowboy, rancher, and a hunter. Roosevelt stated that this period away from home helped him recover emotionally and physically.
‘Rough Riders’ Fits Him Perfectly
During theSpanish-American War in 1898, Roosevelt went to Cuba and played a key role as the leader of the Rough Riders, which was a volunteer cavalry unit. He successfully fought the Spanish in the Battle of San Juan Hill on July 1, 1898, where he led a daring charge up Kettle Hill. This victory helped the U.S. capture Santiago de Cuba, ultimately leading to Spain’s surrender and the war’s end.
Roosevelt’s bravery and leadership made him a national hero and propelled him into politics. He became Governor of New York in 1899, Vice President in 1901, and then the 26th President of the United States in September 1901. His experience in Cuba also shaped his foreign policy, emphasizing military strength, and led to the famous statement, “Walk softly and carry a big stick,” officially known as the “Big Stick“ diplomacy.
I Will Not Shoot the Bear
A 1902 political cartoon in The Washington Post spawned the teddy bear name. Public Domain
During a bear hunt in Onward, Mississippi, with Mississippi’s Governor Andrew H. Longino in 1902, Roosevelt was annoyed that he could not locate a single bear. Aware of his frustration, Longino found one and tied it to a tree. He then called Roosevelt over to shoot it. Viewing this as a weakness and not worthy of a sportsman to shoot a vulnerable animal, Roosevelt flatly refused.
Word reached a Brooklyn, NY candy shop owner, Morris Michtom, who came up with the idea to build stuffed toys, which he, with approval from the president, called “Teddy Bears.” They were a hit, and Michtom began mass-producing them. To this day, we still buy Teddy Bears for our children—a fitting credit to a man who held moral values personally and for our country.
Sagamore Hill
Although Roosevelt spent much of his time in the White House, he spent his summers at Sagamore Hill in Long Island, New York. Known as the “Summer White House,“ it was a hub for his political meetings, diplomatic discussions, and personal retreats.
The estate, which is now a museum, consists of 23 rooms. It was built in 1884 in Victorian style on 83 acres of land. Roosevelt used the estate to connect with nature, often hunting, hiking, and riding horses on the grounds. The home also reflects his love for adventure, with many rooms decorated with hunting trophies, books, and memorabilia from his travels.
Beyond its historical significance, Sagamore Hill symbolizes Roosevelt’s leadership, patriotism, and dedication to conservation. Sagamore Hill remains a cherished landmark, preserving the spirit of one of America’s most influential leaders while offering a glimpse into the era that shaped modern American politics and conservation efforts.
Roosevelt’s Contributions to America
During his Presidency, Roosevelt expanded our national parks and modernized them. He significantly increased the power of the US Navy, mediated a railroad strike, improved labor conditions, and generally made the United States of America the world’s superpower. In 1904, he ran for re-election with Charles W. Fairbanks, a US Senator from Indiana, as his Vice President and won in a landslide. Interestingly, Fairbanks was passed over for the Presidential nomination four years later in favor of the US Secretary of War and Yale Law Professor William Howard Taft. Fairbanks would again be nominated for Vice President with Charles Evans Hughes at the top of the ticket, but would lose to Woodrow Wilson in 1916.
Due to his popularity, thousands of Roosevelt buttons are still in existence. Some may be purchased for as little as $10, while others are worth thousands.
“Mr. Gorbachev, take down this wall!” A statement that has resonated across the world and ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
This pin is a testament to Ronald Reagan’s conservative revolution, Cold War leadership, and economic policies. He was initially a Democrat, but switched to the Republican Party in 1962 and became a popular two-term governor of California. He briefly launched a presidential campaign in 1968 and came within a whisker of taking down President Gerald Ford at the nominating convention in 1976.
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By 1980, it was all but a foregone conclusion that Reagan would be the Republican nominee. He crushed incumbent Jimmy Carter at the November polls. He won the election, initiating the Reagan Era, also known as the Reagan Revolution, when he officially entered the White House on January 20, 1981. Reagan’s peace through strength posture was a stark difference between Carter’s geopolitical policies, and the world took note, especially Iran, who the day before Reagan took office, released all the 52 hostages. His peace through strength geopolitical posture continued with his formidable stance throughout his presidency, especially against communism. A timeline summary of his most important events is below.
1981
January 20: Ronald Reagan is inaugurated as the 40th U.S. president.
March 30:John Hinckley Jr. was able to come physically close to the president and shot him in the chest. Hinckley claimed this was to impress actress Jodie Foster. Reagan survived the assination after emergency surgery. Three others were wounded. This attack on a sitting president led to a reevaluation of Secret Service protocol and, subsequently, increased security.
August 19:Gulf of Sidra Incident – U.S. Navy F-14s shoot down two Libyan fighter jets over international waters, sending a stern message to Muammar Gaddafi.
1982
June 8: Reagan labels the Soviet Union as an “evil empire,” reaffirming the ongoing Cold War hostilities.
September 1: Reagan cuts off aid to Nicaragua due to Sandinista government ties with the USSR and Cuba.
1983
Artist’s conception of Ronald Reagan’s Star Wars Initiative. Wikipedia Public Domain
March 8:“Star Wars” Initiative (SDI)—Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), AKA “Star Wars Defense,” a space-based missile defense system to deter Soviet nuclear threats; however, it faced controversy both domestically and with the Soviet Union, which viewed this initiative as a direct military threat. Additionally, there were technical hurdles to overcome, and eventually, this defense plan never materialized. In January 2025, President Donald Trump announced the construction of an Iron Dome defense shield, officially labeled “Endoruing Shield. ” He cited the success of Israel’s Iron Dome program, which has prevented over 90% of incoming missiles from reaching its shores. Trump stated that Ronald Reagan had the right idea, but the technology was not available; it is now, and he intends to take full advantage of this current technology to defend the country.
October 23: Hezbollah-linked terrorists kill 241 U.S. Marines in Lebanon, initiated by Iran, leading to a reevaluation of military presence in the region.
October 25: The U.S. military intervenes to overthrow a Marxist regime, citing threats to American citizens and regional stability.
1984
May 5: Reagan restores diplomatic relations with the Vatican, strengthening global conservative alliances.
July 27: The U.S. withdraws Marines from Lebanon after increased casualties and public pressure.
1985
March: Mikhail Gorbachev becomes leader of the Soviet Union, opening dialogue for potential thawing of tensions.
June: Reagan begins covert arms sales to Iran (part of what becomes the Iran-Contra scandal).
November 19-21: Reagan and Gorbachev meet at the Geneva Summit, the first significant U.S.-Soviet dialogue in six years.
1986
April 5: A terrorist bombing linked to Libya kills U.S. soldiers in Germany.
April 15: The U.S. launched airstrikes against Libya in retaliation for the Berlin bombing.
November: The Iran-Contra Affair is exposed, revealing that the Reagan administration secretly sold arms to Iran and funneled proceeds to Nicaraguan rebels.
1987
June 12:“Tear Down This Wall” Speech – Reagan, in West Berlin, challenges Gorbachev to dismantle the Berlin Wall.
December 8: INF Treaty Signed—Reagan and Gorbachev signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, reducing nuclear arms for the first time in the Cold War.
1988
May 29 – June 3: Reagan visits Moscow, marking a symbolic thaw in U.S.-Soviet relations.
July 3:Iran Air Flight 655 – A U.S. Navy warship mistakenly shoots down an Iranian passenger jet, worsening tensions in the Persian Gulf.
November: Reagan supports U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, helping Mujahideen forces against the Soviets.
1989
January 20: Reagan leaves office, succeeded by George H.W. Bush. His foreign policy legacy includes heightened military spending, the Iran-Contra scandal, and improved U.S.-Soviet relations, which led to the Cold War’s end.
Summary
Reagan became one of the most popular two-term Republican Presidents in US history. This pin beautifully captures his sunny disposition and shows his optimism and courage against powerful adversities during the Cold War of the 1980s.
The 1950s belonged to the “Hero of D-Day,” General, then President Dwight David Eisenhower. “Ike” was unstoppable, first as head of the allied WWII armies and then as Commander in Chief during the beginning of the Cold War. However, a popular and academically minded Governor of Illinois, Adlai Stevenson, tried twice to unseat him. In 1956, still lagging in the polls, the Democrats held a televised fund-raising campaign. Donors received the button below as a “thank you.” Still, “Ike & Dick” bested Stevenson and Senator Estes Kefauver of Tennessee with a thorough thrashing. People happily “backed” Eisenhower and Nixon.
Background
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) was the 34th President of the United States from 1953–1961 and a five-star general in the U.S. Army. He was born in Denison, Texas, the third of seven sons. His family moved to Abilene, Kansas, in 1892, which he considered his hometown. Early on, Eisenhower developed a strong interest in military history, as he was influenced by his mother’s collection of history books.
He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1915. Eisenhower was stationed in the United States during World War I and, subsequently, did not see combat. He held various positions between the wars, including serving under General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines.
During World War II, Eisenhower became the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe. He planned and executed the D-Day invasion in 1944, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
After the war, Eisenhower served as Army Chief of Staff, president of Columbia University, and the first Supreme Commander of NATO. In 1952, he was elected President as a Republican, promising to combat “communism, Korea, and corruption.”
As President, Eisenhower ended the Korean War through an armistice in 1953. His foreign policy focused on containing communism and supporting coups in Iran (1953) and Guatemala (1954) to install pro-American regimes. Domestically, he launched the Interstate Highway System in 1956, transforming American infrastructure.
Eisenhower’s presidency also addressed civil rights; in 1957, he sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce school desegregation. He was re-elected in 1956 and, in his 1961 farewell address, warned against the “military-industrial complex.” Eisenhower passed away in 1969, leaving a legacy as a military leader and President.
More Eisenhower History
Photo: Joe Sachs
This photo is a snapshot of history through the lens of photographer Joe Sachs. It notes the Eisenhower parade along Union Square in New York City on June 19, 1945, honoring his leadership as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II.
While the 1960s were known politically for the Kennedys, it was, without a doubt, the decade of Nixon as well. In 1960, Vice President Nixon stepped out from President Eisenhower’s shadow and became the Republican Party nominee for President.
He picked UN Ambassador and former Senator Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts as his running mate. Nixon lost that race in a squeaker to JFK. He then lost in his bid to become Governor of California in 1962.
Most people thought Nixon wouldn’t emerge from two massive defeats in two years, but six years later, he took on a bevy of Republican challengers and won the nomination. The Democrats were a split ticket, and Nixon came up the middle to take the prize he so desperately wanted. Only Watergate would undo him another six years later.
Background
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th president of the United States (1969–1974) and remains one of the most controversial figures in American history. His presidency had accomplished significant foreign policy achievements, but ended in disgrace with the Watergate scandal.
Born in 1913 in California, Nixon built a political career as a strong anti-communist, serving in Congress and as vice president under Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961). After losing the 1960 presidential election to John F. Kennedy, he made a comeback, winning the presidency in 1968.
Nixon Family Portrait with Julie and David Eisenhower; President Richard Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, Tricia and Edward Cox, 12/24/1971. WikiPedia Public Domain
Nixon’s most significant accomplishments were in foreign policy. He improved U.S.-China relations and pursued détente with the Soviet Union, leading to arms control agreements. He also ended U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War through “Vietnamization,” where he implemented a peace through strength policy, withdrawing US troops gradually instead of all at once, as he believed it would make America look weak. Domestically, Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and enforced school desegregation.
Ironically, the relationship with China is currently taking a turn for the worse, as President Trump is presently in a tariff war with the communist regime. Hopefully, a deal will be worked out, and this bottleneck with China will loosen.
In 1972, operatives linked to his campaign were caught breaking into Democratic offices. Investigations revealed Nixon’s involvement in covering up the crime. Facing impeachment, he resigned on August 8, 1974, becoming the first U.S. president to do so. His successor, Gerald Ford, later pardoned him.
❌ What Nixon Did Wrong – The Breakdown
Watergate Scandal
The most talked about scandal of the decade or even century. Nixon approved and attempted to cover up a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
He outright lied about the corruption he knew about; specifically, Watergate, illegal wiretaps, and the use of federal agencies against political enemies. This eroded public trust within the American public, which further led to his demise.
Secretly expanded the war into Cambodia and Laos without Congressional approval.
Nixon was the only U.S. president to resign from office in order to avoid possible impeachment and removal.
✅ What Nixon Did Right
Foreign Policy Wins
Although Nixon failed due to corruption, he was a die-hard patriotic American, and his time in office led to significant accomplishments.
Opened diplomatic relations with China (1972) This is one, if not the highest, accomplishment. He essentially erased the tensions of the Cold War and paved the way for modern U.S.-China relations. How can you ignore 1.7 billion people was his rationale.
Detente with the Soviet Union He signed the SALT I treaty to limit nuclear arms.
Ended American involvement in the Vietnam War Under enormous political and public pressure, Nixon gradually withdrew U.S. troops and transferred combat to South Vietnamese forces.
Established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) A significant move in federal environmental protection is still in existence to this day.
Desegregated Southern schools Despite the racial upheaval in the mid-1960s, Nixon made more progress in school desegregation than any previous president.
Despite his achievements, Nixon’s legacy was tarnished by Watergate, which damaged public trust in the government. While his foreign policy shaped global relations, his presidency served as a warning about the consequences of political corruption.
Harry S. Truman’s road to the presidency was anything but predictable. His journey was filled with resilience, determination, and some astonishing victories. Born in Missouri in 1884, he grew up in a working-class family, spending much of his early life on a farm. Before stepping into politics, he held various jobs, including running a small business and serving in World War I. Eventually, he entered public service and was elected a U.S. senator in 1935. Known for his no-nonsense attitude and integrity, he quickly made a name for himself in Washington.
Overview
Independence, Missouri. Home of President Truman. iStock
Truman wasn’t exactly the first choice for Vice President in 1944, but he was seen as a safe, middle-ground candidate to run alongside Franklin D. Roosevelt. At the time, Roosevelt was in his fourth term and was in declining health, but few expected Truman to take over as president so soon.
That all changed in April 1945, when Roosevelt died suddenly, thrusting Truman into the most powerful job in the world. He had barely been in the loop on major decisions, including the development of the atomic bomb, yet he had to lead the country through the final stages of World War II. It was Truman who made the fateful decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing the war to an end.
Nuclear scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, coined the “father of the atomic bomb,” met once with President Truman in October 1945. The meeting didn’t go as planned. Oppenheimer, who was feeling guilty about the deaths that occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was reported to have said, “I have blood on my hands.” Truman, who knew he had no choice but to give the order to drop the bombs, otherwise run the risk of losing hundreds of thousands of allied troops who would have had to take on a D-Day approach to Japan, was very insulted. He said he never wanted to see Oppenheimer in the White House again.
Post World War II
After the war, Truman faced a tough road ahead. The economy was shifting from wartime production, labor strikes were on the rise, and tensions with the Soviet Union escalated, marking the beginning of the Cold War. On top of that, his approval ratings were sinking, and many within his own party were turning against him. By the time the 1948 election rolled around, few believed he had a real shot at winning. Even the Democratic Party was divided, with Southern conservatives (the “Dixiecrats”) breaking away in opposition to his civil rights policies.
His Republican opponent, Thomas E. Dewey, was widely expected to win. Dewey was polished, confident, and already a national figure as Governor of New York. The press, the polls, and even some of Truman’s advisors assumed he was headed for defeat. But Truman wasn’t one to back down. He hit the campaign trail hard, traveling thousands of miles by train on his famous “Whistle-Stop Tour.” Speaking directly to ordinary Americans, he called out the Republican-led Congress for blocking progress and failing to support working people. His fiery speeches resonated, especially with farmers, laborers, and African Americans.
Truman’s presidency included the following:
Start of the Cold War
Communism was an ever-growing threat to the United States and Europe, and many Americans were frightened of the potential dangers of a potential nuclear war between America and the Soviet Union. President Truman played a central role in the early development of the Cold War. The rivalry was intensified by political, military, and ideological differences between the two nations, namely, democracy vs. communism.
The Berlin Airlift
MS CoPilot autogenerated illustration of the Berlin Airlift
Then there was the Berlin Airlift, which was Truman’s response to flying food, fuel, and supplies by air to West Berlin after Stalin blocked all roads, railways, and canals into West Berlin. This move showed the U.S. would stand firm against Soviet aggression without direct conflict. This airlift continued for a year, starting in June 1948.
The Truman Doctrine
Truman’s suspicion of Joseph Stalin’s intentions to control Eastern Europe was the impetus to start of the Cold War. In 1947, he created the Truman Doctrine, which stated that the United States would provide political, military, and economic assistance to any country threatened by communism. Greece and Turkey were the first to receive American support, facing communist pressures and internal instability after World War II. In a broader sense, the Doctrine set the tone for Cold War U.S. foreign policy.
The Marshall Plan
In 1948, he initiated the Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, provided economic aid to help rebuild Western Europe after the war, but the Soviets predicted this as a threat and responded by clamping down on Eastern Europe.
Proposed by Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the plan provided over $13 billion in economic aid to European countries struggling with hunger, poverty, and destroyed infrastructure after World War II. The goal was to spur economic recovery and prevent the spread of communism by stabilizing governments that followed democratic principles. Of course, the. The Soviet Union and its allies refused the help, viewing it as a threat to their influence.
The Marshall Plan was a significant success. It revived European economies, strengthened U.S. / European ties, and marked a key moment in the early days of the Cold War. It also reinforced America’s role as a global leader in promoting democracy, stability, and free-market economies.
NATO
NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium
Truman has been noted as a prominent force in helping to establish the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949, a military alliance to defend against Soviet threats. Years later, the Soviets responded with the Warsaw Pact.
Ironically, we are now facing a similar threat from none other than Vladimir Putin, who attacked Ukraine in 2020, claiming that this land is part of Russia. President Trump is currently trying to work out a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, but time will only tell the final result.
Truman’s Next Election
Election night in 1948 was a rollercoaster. Early reports suggested Dewey was winning, and the Chicago Daily Tribune famously printed the incorrect headline, “Dewey Defeats Truman.” However, as the final votes were counted, Truman emerged victorious in one of the biggest political upsets in U.S. history. His unexpected win proved that grassroots campaigning and direct engagement with voters could overcome even the most formidable odds. Truman’s legacy remains one of perseverance, bold leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the American people.
During the
The 1950s belonged to the “Hero of D-Day,” General, then President Dwight David Eisenhower. “Ike” was unstoppable, first as head of the allied WWII armies and then as Commander in Chief during the beginning of the Cold War. However, a popular and academically minded Governor of Illinois, Adlai Stevenson, tried twice to unseat him. In 1956, still lagging in the polls, the Democrats held a televised fund-raising campaign. Donors received the button below as a “thank you.” Still, “Ike & Dick” bested Stevenson and Senator Estes Kefauver of Tennessee with a thorough thrashing. People happily “backed” Eisenhower and Nixon.
