Ten-Cent Jimmy

"There's an old saying in Tennessee that goes, Fool me once, shame on — shame on you. I know it's in Texas, but it's definitely in Tennessee. You won't be able to trick me again. George W. Bush's slip-up taught him that as President of the United States, everything you say is under scrutiny, and your political rivals are more than glad to condemn you anytime you slip up.

This is particularly true during elections, when one mistake could cost you the election, as James Buchanan nearly discovered to his own peril. James Buchanan, a presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, offended the working classes during the 1856 election when he stated that he believed that 10 cents.

When he said that ten cents per day was a fair wage for manual laborers during the 1856 presidential election, Democratic Party nominee James Buchanan angered the working classes. The Republicans seized the chance to insult Buchanan by calling him "Ten-Cent Jimmy," a moniker that stuck with him at rallies throughout the election campaign.

The fact that Buchanan played the slavery card and argued that each state should determine for itself whether or not to eliminate slavery—as opposed to his Republican opponent, John C. Frémont—could have cost him the election. Despite his "Ten-Cent Jimmy" faux pas, Buchanan was able to capture the southern support and win the election as a result.

• 15th President of the United States

In office: March 4, 1857 – March 4, 1861

Vice President: John C. Breckinridge
Preceded by: Franklin Pierce
Succeeded by: Abraham Lincoln