Noting the persistence of presidential "story" despite its critics, this paper maintains that presidential storytelling involves rhetorical skill and yields rhetorical benefits, and thus qualifies as strategic discourse. Initially examining presidential stories disguised as reports, termed "presidential episodes," the paper analyzes President Johnson's discourse during the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, showing how astute use of rhetoric allowed him to address a broader issue, United States involvement in Vietnam. Next, the paper addresses "presidential anecdotes," defined as narratives that highlight deliberative principles. Furnishing examples from speeches of Presidents Reagan and Johnson, the paper makes the point that the presidential anecdote is highly participative, engaging the public actively in meaning creation and reinforcing the president's dominant and advisory role while maintaining a positive presidential image. The paper then considers the third story type, "presidential romances," which celebrate values through heroic actions of common people. Less controversial than the other two types, the "romance" emphasizes character and permits the president to adopt a personal, and often inspiring rhetoric. Finally, the paper explores the way story types overlap in presidential discourse, furnishing an illustrative diagram of strategic interaction. The paper's conclusion reiterates that presidential stories are more than witty diversions from other political rhetoric, and are in fact a rhetorical alternative in situations where presidents need to justify past action, generate support for present and future policy, and promote particular values through public identifications. (NKA)