Checkers

Checkers is the most famous dog in American political history — a cocker spaniel who saved a presidential campaign with a single speech.

In 1952, Richard Nixon was running for vice president. Then a scandal hit: people accused him of using campaign money for personal expenses. The pressure was so intense that Nixon was told to resign from the ticket. Instead, he went on national television to defend himself.

That speech became famous as the 'Checkers speech.' Nixon admitted to one gift: a cocker spaniel puppy named Checkers, given to his daughters by a supporter. 'And you know, the kids, like all kids, love the dog,' Nixon said. 'And I just want to say this right now, that regardless of what they say about it, we're going to keep it.'

The speech was a triumph. A flood of public support saved Nixon's place on the ticket. Checkers became a national celebrity overnight. The Nixons kept her, of course, and she lived with the family through Nixon's vice presidency, his 1960 presidential loss, and his 1962 defeat for governor of California.

Checkers died in 1964, before Nixon became president. But she is remembered as the dog who saved a political career — and the namesake of one of the most famous speeches in American politics.