Election years seem to just drag on and on, don’t they? I’m sure you’re as tired as I am of political ads and campaign news. But the 2020 cast of rambunctious candidates has nothing on the 1972 election. You probably know about the major party candidates, but did you know that one candidate campaigned at Disneyland?
Source: OC Register
Winnie the Pooh’s presidential dreams began in 1968, but his campaign didn’t get far off the ground. So in 1972, Pooh regrouped, and with the help of his friends, he launched his run for president. Sears, which owned merchandising rights for Pooh at the time, partnered with Disney to host a convention for the “Children’s Party” in Walt Disney World on October 1. Drawings at Sears stores around the US determined the delegates who would vote at the convention. Winnie the Pooh’s 1972 presidential campaign officially began in Orlando, as Pooh ran unopposed in the party.
After securing the nomination on a platform of free ice cream and “hunny in every pot”, Pooh took his campaign to Disneyland. He hosted exciting parades on Main Street and met with potential voters in the park. After a 3 day stop in Disneyland, Pooh toured the US, traveling on Amtrak in a joint marketing campaign effort for both Sears and Disney.
Source: D23
Sadly, Winnie the Pooh’s 1972 presidential campaign did not end in victory. Perhaps he overlooked a slight issue – most members of the Children’s Party are too young to vote. But his message of free ice cream and “hunny” is timeless, so who knows – maybe he’ll toss his hat in the ring again someday!
Source: Los Angeles Daily News
Note: for even more great pictures and campaign stories, check out this OC Register article.