The life of the President
The President is almost always busy. During a typical day, the chief executive attends several meetings and social affairs and may meet 100 or more people. The President works and lives in the White House in Washington, D.C., but makes many outside appearances and spends much time traveling.
The White House
The President’s headquarters is the Oval Office, an oval-shaped room in the White House. There, the chief executive meets congressional leaders, foreign officials, and representatives of various groups. The President also spends much time in the Oval Office studying reports from aides and agencies.
The presidential family’s main living quarters are on the second floor of the White House. The family also can relax in the mansion’s swimming pool and at its bowling lanes and motion-picture theater. The White House grounds have some beautiful gardens.
In spite of its beauty and comfort, however, the White House lacks privacy. Every week, thousands of visitors tour the rooms that are open to the public. Partly as a result, most Presidents enjoy recreation outside the White House.
Recreation
The President often spends weekends at Camp David, a retreat in the Maryland mountains that is reserved for the nation’s leader. Through the years, Presidents have favored various ways to relax. Theodore Roosevelt boxed, hiked, and hunted big game. Warren G. Harding played poker, and Dwight D. Eisenhower played golf. Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan enjoyed horseback riding.
The President’s family generally attracts wide interest. The wedding of a President’s child is a major news event. An interesting relative also draws much attention. Even unimportant activities of members of the President’s family sometimes appear in the newspapers.
Some Presidents have had children who helped make the White House cheerful and lively. John Tyler had 15 children, more than any other President. Daughters of seven Presidents were married in the White House. Grover Cleveland was the only President who had a child born in the White House.
Guarding the President
The United States Secret Service guards the President at all times. In addition, agents of the Secret Service continually check the President’s food, surroundings, and travel arrangements.
At various times, the President travels in an official car, a private airplane, or a U.S. Navy ship. The chief executive usually flies long distances in a reserved jet called Air Force One.
Even though U.S. Presidents get tight protection, four have been assassinated while in office. They were Abraham Lincoln in 1865, James Garfield in 1881, William McKinley in 1901, and John F. Kennedy in 1963. Others have survived attempted assassinations, including Harry S Truman, Gerald R. Ford, and Ronald Reagan (see Assassinations and Death).
A day in the life of the President
The President might begin a typical day by reading a few newspapers. A breakfast conference might follow with such top aides as the press secretary and the White House chief of staff. In the Oval Office, the President signs documents and reads letters, reports, and proposed legislation. Later in the morning, the President might discuss plans with congressional leaders or meet with the Vice President. In the afternoon, the President might see people from various organizations. The President also might take part in a bill-signing ceremony, officially signing into law an act passed by Congress.
In the evening, the President sometimes attends a social function. The White House might host a formal dinner for a foreign official. While dining, the leaders might discuss trade problems, environmental protection, or other issues. The President might spend the late evening reading, perhaps a speech scheduled for the next day or a report on a new foreign aid program.