Presidents Caught Ham-Handed

Oregon-based artist “bijijoo” has done something so simple that it's a wonder no one else thought of it before. He has decided to paint portraits of every American president holding a ham.

The artist began painting the 43 portraits in 2006, and the results of his handiwork can be seen at http://presidentialham.com. There are a number of poses. Some presidents heft the cornucopia shaped hunk of meat chest high with both arms (Lyndon B. Johnson) while others dangle it at their waist (Grover Cleveland). A few seem almost to fondle it lovingly (Millard Fillmore). Woodrow Wilson seems especially taken with the moment as he caresses the ham tenderly.

They also seem to be in different moods. George H.W. Bush looks giddy while William McKinley can't wait to get it over with. George W. Bush is smirking, Ronald Reagan is grinning, Calvin Coolidge is scowling, Rutherford B. Hayes is glaring and John Tyler seems to have gas.

Talk about pork-based politics…