Richard Nixon's Poker Career Former U.S. President Richard Nixon reportedly financed his first political campaign with money he won playing poker in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The winnings helped pay for his successful U.S. Congress run in 1946.
Apparently, Nixon decided that his lucrative pastime would not sit well as his political career gained momentum, and he gave up poker in 1952 when he became Dwight Eisenhower's running mate.
Cool Fact: In his autobiography, Nixon wrote: "I learned that the people who have the cards are usually the ones who talk the least and the softest; those who are bluffing tend to talk loudly and give themselves away." |
