Sizzling Throwback Featuring 13 Presidents And Presidential Hopefuls In Their Youthful, Heartthrob Days

The swoon-worthy early years of America's finest leaders.

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• April 7, 2024

Imagine, if you will, a world where the leaders of the free world are not just making history through their policies and decisions but also by setting heartbeats racing with their dashing good looks. 

Yes, you read that right. Before they were busy running countries, signing bills, and navigating international diplomacy, some of our favorite presidents and presidential hopefuls were busy being drop-dead gorgeous and, dare we say, super hot.

We’ve decided to take you on a stroll down memory lane. But not just any stroll. This is the kind of walk that requires a double-take because, frankly, you might not believe your eyes. 

Forget about the wrinkle-laden, gray-haired, bespectacled personas that dominate our currency and history textbooks. We’re about to unveil a side of these leaders that could very well rewrite history books or, at the very least, spark a frenzy on social media feeds everywhere.

From beach bods to chiseled jawlines that could cut glass, we've spun the wheels of time and unearthed photos that show a side of these iconic figures you never knew existed.

So, buckle up as we take you on a journey through a gallery of presidents and presidential candidates as you've never seen them before – young, vivacious, and, yes, absolutely swoon-worthy. 

Bill Clinton

Before 'President Bill Clinton', there was a young Clinton with a charm that could light up a room. No innuendos needed; that charisma speaks volumes all on its own.

Ulysses S. Grant

Behold those commanding eyes, without the iconic beard—Ulysses S. Grant before the world knew him as a general or president. Turns out, he was a heartthrob before becoming a war hero.

William Henry Harrison

Admire a man in uniform? William Henry Harrison is your historical heartthrob. A soldier so stunning his enemies might have just surrendered to his good looks. His stint fighting the British was short, but his allure in uniform? Timelessly captivating.

Donald Trump

Check out Donald Trump, sporting his unique hairstyle long before becoming POTUS. Even in youth, he was setting the stage for a lifetime of being unapologetically himself. Some things never change, and that’s okay!

John F. Kennedy

This one's a no-brainer, especially when you see him flashing that royal charm well into his prime. Yep, the Bay State heartthrob himself, John F. Kennedy, proving that some things, like that dazzling smile, just get better with age.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Towering in stature and subtly sipping water, who could this be? None other than Franklin Delano Roosevelt turning the temperature up to Dela-HOT.

George W. Bush

Meet George W. Bush, the life of the party, with a smile that could disarm any political opponent. Yale never knew what hit it.

Barack Obama

Behold the dimpled, youthful charm of Barack Obama, a reminder that before leading the free world, he was simply irresistible.

Bernie Sanders

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a rock star from The Black Keys, fresh off a New Hampshire victory. Oh no, it’s only the amazing Bernie Sanders, former presidential candidate. With that youthful zest, it's hard not to feel the "Bern."

Ronald Reagan

Ever fantasized about being an object of affection? Well, gaze upon Ronald Reagan and his pipe, and you’d wish you were the one enveloped in the smoky allure of this future president.

Hillary Clinton

Captivating as ever, here's Hillary Clinton, turning heads and possibly the natural order. This beauty was stirring up storms long before the email saga. Proof that controversy has never looked this good.

Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes may not have left the most significant mark as president, but those soulful eyes? Absolutely unforgettable. Who needs effectiveness with a gaze like that?

Theodore Roosevelt

For those who fancy a walk on the wild side, here's a glimpse of Theodore Roosevelt, exuding rugged charm in cowboy regalia. Those bedroom eyes confirm he was indeed the original rough rider.

This peek into the youthful exuberance of those Presidential aspirants and those who would go on to lead the nation proves one thing—before they were in the business of running countries, they were unwittingly stealing hearts.

So, which heartthrob-in-chief left you swooning or utterly surprised? Drop your favorites in the comments below!

Jesse