Presidential Free Association: Martin Van Buren

This is part of a series called Presidential Free Association. I post the first word that comes to mind when I hear the name of the president, along with a brief explanation if necessary.

Magician


Martin Van Buren was known as "The Little Magician" thanks to his political savvy and the fact that he was 5'6". Prior to becoming president, he worked behind the scenes as a leader of the New York political machine, and was one of the major forces behind Andrew Jackson's election in 1828. Jackson returned the favor by naming Van Buren as his Vice President after a falling out with his previous Vice President John C. Calhoun (he threatened to hang him during the Nullification Crisis). Van Buren managed to not raise his boss's ire, and was handpicked by Jackson to be his successor.