Has an Incumbent President Ever Chosen a New Vice President for Their Second Term?

The answer is yes, and this has been a practice observed in the history of the United States. However, it is not a common practice, especially in modern times. This article delves into the historical instances of such changes in vice presidency and explores the reasons behind these decisions.

Historical Instances

Several presidents have chosen new vice presidents for their second terms. For instance, held office and appointed as Vice President in his second term. While it turned out to be a controversial decision, Lincoln’s choice was undeniably impactful.

Another instance is when decided to replace with Wallace for his third term in 1940. This decision marked the last significant change in vice presidency for an incumbent president in over a decade.

Jefferson, for example, experienced a change when he had as his Vice President. George Clinton also served as vice president during Madison's first term. Jackson maintained Calhoun for his first term and later replaced him with VanBuren for his second term. Similarly, Theodore Roosevelt took over for who had resigned.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) had an interesting vice-presidential tenure. After and , he ultimately chose as his last vice president. FDR himself was elected to four terms and had three different vice presidents.

Constraints and Limitations

While a president can choose a new vice president, the Constitution does not grant this power directly. The vice president is ultimately chosen by the electoral college, although in practice, party conventions often follow the presidential nominee's recommendation.

It is important to note that although the president nominates a running mate, the final choice is up to the party conventions. Historical figures like Jefferson, Madison, Jackson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt all changed their running mates during their presidential campaigns.

The only constitutional requirements for a vice presidential candidate are that they must be eligible as president and must reside in a different state than their running mate.

Reasons for Changing Vice Presidents

There are several reasons why a president might choose a new vice president, especially during their second term. First, it might indicate a change in political strategy or goals. Second, it can signal a shift in party alignment. For example, if a president is facing a difficult re-election campaign, changing the vice president might help improve their image or appeal to certain voter groups.

Moreover, the choice of vice president also impacts the president's legacy and image. If a president drops a vice president and chooses a new one, it can be seen as an admission of past poor judgment. This is particularly problematic in modern politics, where the media and public scrutiny are intense. As a result, presidents are more likely to stick with their chosen vice president and avoid making significant changes.

Implications and Consequences

An incumbent choosing a new vice president is not without its implications. It can serve as a readiness measure for potential vice-presidential succession in case the president is unable to fulfill their term. This practice, while uncommon, provides an opportunity for a fresh perspective and a potential change in direction for the second term of the presidency.

In conclusion, the choice of a new vice president for an incumbent president's second term has occurred in U.S. political history, albeit rarely. The reasons behind such decisions range from political strategy to personal and ideological changes. However, the timing and nature of these changes have consequences for the president's legacy and image, making them a carefully considered decision in modern times.