Which U.S. Presidents Would You Like To Have Dinner With?

With a brand new President in office and President’s Day nearly upon us, this week we asked the crew which US Presidents, of any era, they would like to have dinner with.

Cody Sandusky

Host of the Home Stretch
Notre Dame Basketball Play-by-Play Analyst

I have a response for each scenario, so I will start with deceased: Theodore Roosevelt. I debated back and forth between Franklin D. Roosevelt and his cousin, but I think Theodore Roosevelt would be wildly intriguing. History notes that the “Bull Moose” possessed ample levels of energy, a love of sport and nature (despite his push to ban football at one time), and charisma beyond most in the political sphere of the time. Discussing the current nature of sports, politics, and the world itself with Teddy Roosevelt would be great interview material and a great life experience.

The living US Presidents afford a wide spread of options and perspectives, but I would be remiss not to have dinner with Barack Obama. I am intrigued in discussing leadership in a social media society and the continually changing global landscape in light of advancing technology and “flattening” of the world. The chance to talk shop on basketball most definitely does not dampen my desire, either.

Rusty Hendricks

Sikeston Sports Broadcast Announcer

There are a number of presidents I respect and would have liked to meet and chat with. Ronald Reagan, George Washington, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Jimmy Carter. But two stick out to me. Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

As a child I remember doing an assignment on Theodore Roosevelt (maybe 5th grade). I was fascinated by his ruggedness. I thought it was so neat that he was an avid hunter, particularly bears. He was a real cowboy! He was very popular at the time of his election and seemed to live a full life. He would be really fun to talk to I am sure.

But I also have a strong connection to Abraham Lincoln. I am actually related to him! My mother’s maiden name is Lincoln and because of our genetic ties he has always been of interest to me as well. One think I didn’t receive from him is my height. (I have attached a picture of myself on a family trip to his museum in Springfield, IL 8 years ago). Lincoln did so much for this country. He really grew as a person and had to make a ton of tough decisions as president. But he had humble beginnings which I have a lot of respect for.

I guess if I had to pick just one, I would choose Lincoln. But why not have both at the table for dinner?

Stephen K

Digital Manager & Webmaster

Franklin Delano Roosevelt would be my first pick as he served as our President through some of our country’s major historical events in the 20th century including the Great Depression and World War II, as well as spearheading the New Deal. I’d like to hear his stories about his meetings with Churchill and Stalin, his experiences in being elected a record four times as president, and just his general experiences in his 12 years as President.

What about you? Which Presidents would you like to have over for dinner and what would you like to talk about with them? Or would you rather have a political party?! Join in on the fun and let us know your answer in the comments below!