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While browsing in a flea market several years ago, Alex Forman came across a box of little plastic men. The gentlemen, all 2" tall and exquisitely dressed, made up an uninterrupted set of American presidents from George Washington to Richard Nixon. Alex was struck by how "even in miniature, their gestures belied attitudes of entitlement; their poses, perfect public bearing." He set out to capture their photographic likenesses, and the results challenge the presidential veneer of control. The images are often dark and moody. Shadows play across the men's faces. In some cases, they appear to be clenching their fists. Alex paired the portraits with brief, well-crafted glimpses into each man's character. Here are three of our favorite excerpts...

 

• Thomas Jefferson: "A gangling, freckled, hazel-eyed redhead, he was a sloucher and a lounger."
• Woodrow Wilson: "Wilson's handshake was described as a ten-cent pickled mackerel in brown paper."
• Harry S. Truman: "Truman always drove too fast."

 

Did President Kennedy really say that? You betcha! We're all familiar with how presidents speak in front of the media, but what do they really say behind closed doors? Here's your chance to eavesdrop on some of the most critical conversations ever held on the taxpayer's dime. Three U.S. presidents -- John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard M. Nixon -- willingly bugged the Oval Office and tapped White House phones, leaving behind an audio legacy that captured thousands of conversations from our country's most critical and mundane hours. See how each worked the phones using their verbal weapons: Kennedy his charm, Johnson his forcefulness, and Nixon, well...he was prolific in his taping. It's said while Kennedy was usually a smooth talker, a lot of quick "yeahs" and "uh-huhs" signaled apprehension. Vietnam presented some of Johnson's most tense talks, and Nixon's choice of William Rehnquist provides fascinating insight into High Court hijinks. Ready to hear how your leaders kept office hours? Roll tape!