Some say the Presidency, in modern times, requires a set of skills and a level of adaptability that far exceeds reasonable norms. The most powerful single job on earth is so complex, so pressure-filled, one wonders how the incumbents find ways to manage it all.
One overlooked factor might be whether they’re right-handed or left-handed. Surprisingly, seven of our last 16 presidents have been left-handed. At 44%, that’s way above the 12% average representation of lefties in the world. This is a new trend among presidents, as the first 19 presidents were right-handed.
Those seven left-handed presidents are Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
Why this rise of lefties in the presidency?
Researchers who have studied the general population of right-handers vs. left-handers conclude that left – handers may be more adaptable, since from an early age they’re faced with a right-handed world that forces them to learn how to navigate, get along, and thrive. Unlike right-handers, they must adapt to using scissors and bottle openers, figure out the best place to sit at a table when dining out, find a comfortable desk position, open doors and so much more.
It’s also said that left-handers are quicker thinkers since they engage both hemispheres of the brain more often than right-handers. It’s even said they’re more creative thinkers as well. These adaptable left-handed presidents can only swear on a bible, salute the flag, and shake hands with their right hands.
James Garfield was ambidextrous, meaning he could write with either hand equally well. It’s said that he could write Latin with his right and Greek with his left at the same time.
Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan were natural lefties who were forced at an early age to write use their right hand instead, since for hundreds of years myths and superstitions about the evils of being left- handed had persuaded families to turn left-handed children into right-handers.
Lest you think this trend is only for those who win the office, all these recent candidates for president were also left – handed: John McCain, Al Gore, Bob Dole (due to war injury), and Ross Perot.
Whenever a president signs a bill, his writing hand style is obvious. In modern times, presidents use multiple pens to carefully sign these signature bills, surrounded by important politicians and players who supported the passing of the legislation. It’s believed that Lyndon B. Johnson holds the record, using 72 pens to sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964, handing out the pens he used to those crowded around him, including Dr. Martin Luther King.
Its hard to say if this recent trend is predictive one way or the other. With the next presidential election coming up in 2024, it will be interesting to see if any left-handed candidates appear on the final ballot. If they do, clue in on their adaptability. It just may reveal a critical factor to the benefit of us all.
