The Sphinx

Strangely enough, the names "The Sphinx" were given to two American presidents. The initial one is rather simple. Silent Cal, Cautious Cal, and, oddest of all, the Sphinx of the Potomac were some of the nicknames that Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, acquired due to his reputation as a man of few words.

The origin of the second moniker, which refers to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the only American president to hold office for three terms while having actually won four, is rather more intriguing. The nickname actually refers to his elusive third term as president. FDR seemed prepared to step down in 1939 when his second term ended, as is customary for presidents to do after serving two terms as head of state. However, after the start of World War II, there was much conjecture that Roosevelt may seek reelection for a third time to help the nation through this difficult time.

In the run-up to the election, FDR said very little on this subject and kept his cards close to his chest. As a result, drawings of Roosevelt as the Great Sphinx of Giza refusing to divulge the "third term question" to anybody else were published in a number of newspapers.

Then, on December 9, 1939, FDR was a guest of honor at the Gridiron Club's winter dinner. The highlight of the evening was when Washington journalists brought out an 8-foot-tall papier-mâché monument of Roosevelt dressed as the Sphinx, mocking politicians in skits they had performed. It continues to be displayed in a prominent location inside the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum since FDR cherished it so much.

• 30th President of the United States

In office: August 2, 1923 – March 4, 1929
Vice President: None (1923–1925), Charles G. Dawes (1925–1929)
Preceded by: Warren G. Harding
Succeeded by: Herbert Hoover