Before They Were Making Laws These 17 US Politicians Had Unexpected Jobs
1. Barack Obama – Ice Cream Scooper
Before becoming the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama scooped ice cream at a Baskin-Robbins in Honolulu. He’s said the job taught him responsibility and how to handle a tough crowd.
2. Bernie Sanders – Carpenter
Before his political career took off, Bernie Sanders worked as a carpenter. He built everything from furniture to entire houses, which he says gave him a deep appreciation for hard work and craftsmanship.
3. Elizabeth Warren – Public School Teacher
Elizabeth Warren started her professional life as a public school teacher. She taught special needs children before going on to become a law professor and eventually a U.S. Senator.
4. Ronald Reagan – Hollywood Actor
Long before he was the 40th President, Ronald Reagan was a Hollywood actor. He starred in numerous films and even served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild.
5. Stacey Abrams – Romance Novelist
Yes, you read that right! Stacey Abrams wrote romance novels under the pen name Selena Montgomery. She’s published eight books and has sold over 100,000 copies.
6. George H.W. Bush – Oil Businessman
Before his presidency, George H.W. Bush founded an oil company called Zapata Petroleum. His business ventures provided him with valuable experience that he later brought to his political career.
7. Kamala Harris – Deputy District Attorney
Kamala Harris began her career in law enforcement as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. She prosecuted cases involving gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual assault.
8. Mitt Romney – Management Consultant
Before entering politics, Mitt Romney was a successful management consultant at Bain & Company. He eventually became CEO of the company and co-founded Bain Capital.
9. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – Bartender
Before she became a congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez worked as a bartender and waitress in New York City. She often talks about how these experiences shaped her understanding of economic inequality.
10. John McCain – Navy Pilot
John McCain served as a Navy pilot during the Vietnam War. He was shot down and spent over five years as a prisoner of war, an experience that deeply influenced his later political career.
11. Nancy Pelosi – Homemaker
Before becoming the first female Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi was a homemaker raising five children. She entered politics later in life, inspired by her father who was a Congressman and the Mayor of Baltimore.
12. Andrew Yang – Tech Entrepreneur
Andrew Yang made a name for himself in the tech industry before running for president. He founded Venture for America, a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs create jobs in American cities.
13. Condoleezza Rice – Concert Pianist
Condoleezza Rice is not only a former Secretary of State but also a classically trained pianist. She once considered a career in music before shifting her focus to international relations.
14. Pete Buttigieg – Naval Intelligence Officer
Before running for president, Pete Buttigieg served as a Naval Intelligence Officer in Afghanistan. His military service has been a significant part of his political narrative.
15. Hillary Clinton – Lawyer
Before becoming a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was a lawyer. She worked at the Children’s Defense Fund and served as a staff attorney for the House Judiciary Committee.
16. Al Franken – Comedian
Al Franken was a comedian and writer for “Saturday Night Live” before he became a U.S. Senator. His background in comedy gave him a unique perspective on politics and communication.
17. Tammy Duckworth – Helicopter Pilot
Tammy Duckworth is a former Army helicopter pilot who lost both her legs in the Iraq War. Her military service and personal sacrifices have been central themes in her political career.
These politicians prove that you can come from any background and still make a significant impact. Who knows what unexpected job the next future leader might have had!
