The Alfalfa Club is a very exclusive social organization located in Washington D.C.. Founded in 1913, the Alfalfa Club holds an annual banquet each January to celebrate the birthday of Civil War General Robert E. Lee. The Alfalfa Club's exclusive membership includes U.S. politicians, influential businessmen and women, and several U.S. presidents.Washington Post: Alfalfa Club Hears Bush Speak... (January 27, 2008)President Barack Obama spoke at the 2009 Alfalfa Club meeting on January 31, 2009.Politico: Obama rocks the Alfalfa Club (February 1, 2009)
Presidential Tradition
It is traditional for the current President of the United States to give a speech at the annual Alfalfa Club banquet. Former President George W. Bush spoke at the annual Alfalfa Club banquet each year during his presidency and was a member of the club since his days as governor of Texas.
In accordance with tradition, President Barack Obama will give his first speech at the Alfalfa Club on January 31, 2009.ABC News: Palin to attend Alfalfa... (January 29, 2009)
Presidential Nominees
Another tradition observed at the annual Alfalfa Club banquet is for members to make mock nominations for the presidency. The nominee is then required to give an acceptance speech. Several mock-presidential nominees went on to win the actual presidency. Lawyer Vernon Jordan won the mock presidential nomination for 2009.Politico: Obama rocks the Alfalfa Club (February 1, 2009)
- 1965: Richard Nixon (elected in 1968)
- 1974: Ronald Reagan (elected in 1980)
- 1998: George W. Bush (elected in 2000)
References
Fast Facts
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The Alfalfa Club holds an annual banquet in honor of Robert E. Lee's birthdayWashington Post: Alfalfa Club Hears Bush Speak... (January 27, 2008)
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The banquet is held on the last January of the month
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2009 banquet held January 31, 2009
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Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807
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Women were not allowed until 1933
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African-Americans were not allowed as members until the 1970s
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Palin told reporters on January 28, 2009 that she was hoping to talk to President Obama about her plans for AlaskaABC News: Palin to attend Alfalfa... (January 29, 2009)
