LIFE - Polarizing Politicians

http://www.life.com/images/logo.png LIFE - Polarizing Politicians http://www.life.com/image/first/in-gallery/22947/polarizing-politicians Huey P. Long (1893-1935) http://www.life.com/image/2695737

The one-time Louisiana governor and U.S. senator won over voters with his charisma and populist speeches, but made enemies with his autocratic style. He was assassinated in 1935. ]]> 2695737 Wed, 01 Jan 1930 03:00:00 EST

Joseph R. McCarthy smirked, but the 1954 hearings were the beginning of the end for the infamous commie hunter who was determined to rout the "Reds" from government. He was later censured himself by Congress, and died in disgrace. ]]> 50393395 Tue, 01 Jun 1954 03:00:00 EDT

The Governor personally blocked two black students from registering at the University of Alabama. Wallace, who ran for president four times, was revered by some for his stance, but reviled by more. ]]> 3243478 Tue, 11 Jun 1963 03:00:00 EDT

Nixon stands triumphant with his wife on the campaign trail in 1968. For some, his first term's successes still define the man; for others, the infamy of Watergate and his resignation eclipse them. ]]> 50540200 Mon, 01 Jan 1968 03:00:00 EST

The only senator to reach 100 in office, Thurmond held another, less noble record -- the longest filibuster. He spoke for more than 24 hours in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1957. ]]> 1671590 Wed, 04 Dec 2002 03:00:00 EST

The last living Kennedy brother, the Massachusetts senator and liberal standard bearer has withstood personal scandals (Chappaquiddick), health crises (including a brain tumor), and bile from the Right. ]]> 51829475 Mon, 06 Dec 2004 03:00:00 EST

The president-elect smiles before his 1981 inauguration. Reagan enjoyed a broad appeal among Americans for restoring national optimism, but in his second term, the Iran-Contra affair took some luster off the shine. ]]> 3208391 Thu, 01 Jan 1981 03:00:00 EST

Helms made a career of opposing social issues like abortion, integration, and gay rights, often with inflammatory arguments. Despite his controversial stands, he had the support of voters and served five terms. ]]> 81823211 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:00:00 EDT

Barry, now on the D.C. City Council, rebounded after a widely-televised 1990 drug sting that caught him smoking crack on camera with an FBI informant. Barry's loyal followers re-elected him mayor in 1995. ]]> 1302443 Mon, 16 Oct 2000 03:00:00 EDT

Hillary was a polarizing figure during her husband's presidency but a respected work horse in the U.S. Senate. In the 2008 campaign, however, many felt that she again proved herself a too-divisive figure to be on a national ticket. Barack Obama's nomination and subsequent election may have finally proven those voices right. ]]> 80782244 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EDT

A baptist minister and enormously charismatic politician, Sharpton frequently inserts himself into racial and criminal controversies, firing up his supporters and enraging his foes. For many voters who might otherwise support him, however, his role in the hugely divisive Tawana Brawley hoax of the late 1980s and the subsequent circus-like civil trial of the late '90s have permanently tainted his career.]]> 2814927 Tue, 16 Dec 2003 03:00:00 EST

The "Governator," seen here on a visit to Japan, had a rocky Sacramento start. (Remember his "girlie men" moment?) But when he moved to the center, his approval ratings improved and he secured another term. ]]> 51728972 Thu, 11 Nov 2004 03:00:00 EST

Giuliani makes a point at the 2004 Republican convention. Named Time magazine's 2001 "Person of the Year" for his post-9/11 leadership, his national appeal rapidly fizzled, and his 2008 presidential bid went nowhere. ]]> 51247730 Mon, 30 Aug 2004 03:00:00 EDT

The GOP's right-wing darling during the 2008 presidential election -- perceived by some as the Republicans' attempt to go after swing Hillary voters -- has proved more polarizing than any Clinton. Despite the McCain-Palin ticket getting trounced by Obama-Biden, the Republican base continues to celebrate Palin's self-professed small-town values and her vocal attacks on "big government," while Democrats never cease hammering away at her lack of experience and her seemingly endless series of ethical laspes (Troopergate, anyone?).]]> 83886680 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST

President Bush laughs at a press conference, but his final months in office offered little mirth -- for the president or the nation. He enjoyed broad popular support immediately after 9/11, but his eight-year White House sojourn ended absymally with the lowest approval ratings in history; ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; international outrage over what the International Red Cross ultimately called "torture" employed by U.S. interrogators at Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere; and an economic crisis as dire as any the nation has confronted since the Great Depression.]]> 81585656 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EDT