Fonzie for President

Black and white photograph of the character Fonzie from the television show Happy Days wearing a leather jacket with his arms outstretched on a white background. Red and blue outlined stars and red-outlined speech bubble with red text surround the photograph on the top half of the button; white text on a blue banner is on the bottom. 

Arthur Fonzarelli, better known as “Fonzie" or "The Fonz," was one of the most recognizable characters on the hit TV show Happy Days (1974–1984). Portrayed by actor Henry Winkler, Fonzie quickly rose from a minor supporting role to the breakout star of the series. Known for his black leather jacket, confident thumbs-up gesture, and signature catchphrase “Aaayy!”, he became a symbol of effortless cool and charm in 1970s American pop culture. His immense popularity led to a flood of merchandise, ranging from lunchboxes and action figures to novelty buttons and posters, cementing his status as a television icon.

The slogan “Fonzie for President” wasn’t linked to any real political movement but instead reflected the humor and marketing trends of the decade. During the 1970s, it was common to feature beloved fictional or celebrity figures in parody campaign slogans, often as lighthearted commentary on fame, popularity, and politics. Fonzie’s image as the ultimate “cool guy”—tough on the outside but caring and moral at heart—made him the perfect figure for such novelty items. Buttons like this one captured both the playful spirit of the era and the lasting affection fans had for the character.