Today in History

What went down and why you should care.

jul 18 Learn More FDR Nominated for a Third Term


On this day in 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated for a record third term. At the time, there was nothing on the books that said someone couldn't keep being elected president; everybody had always just bowed out after two terms because that's what George Washington did. Roosevelt, meanwhile, said, "Listen! We're at war! The country needs me. Also, if I did everything George Washington did, I'd have a ridiculous haircut and no teeth!" Ultimately, Roosevelt was elected to four terms, and died in office in 1945. In 1951, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution officially prohibited anyone from serving more than two terms as president.

CLICK HERE to learn more.