The Path to the Presidency: How Many Times Has a Vice President Succeeded the President?

Throughout U.S. history, many vice presidents (VPs) have ascended to the presidency by succeeding their predecessors. This phenomenon is marked by both notable successes and unique circumstances. Let's explore the instances in which VPs have grabbed the top spot, and what this reveals about the electoral process and the presidency.

Historical Precedents

From the earliest days of the American presidency, there have been instances where VPs have replaced the president after their term. Here are some notable examples:

1988: George H.W. Bush

George H.W. Bush succeeded Ronald Reagan after his term, following Reagan's successful two-term presidency. Bush had served as Vice President under Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989.

1964: Lyndon B. Johnson (Special Case)

Lyndon B. Johnson, having assumed the presidency after John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, ran in and won the 1964 election. This election marked the only time a sitting VP competently ran for their own term of office without the benefit of incumbency.

1948: Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman took the presidency upon Franklin D. Roosevelt's death. Truman went on to win the 1948 election, showcasing the rarity of a VP winning a presidential election by a direct race.

1924: Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge succeeded Warren Harding after Harding's unexpected death in office. Coolidge went on to win the 1924 election, demonstrating how VPs can succeed both in the short and long term.

1904: Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt succeeded William McKinley as Vice President and later became the youngest president in U.S. history after McKinley's assassination. Roosevelt went on to win the 1904 election, indicating that having a VP succeed can lead to electoral success.

Interim Successions and Unusual Cases

While the VPs mentioned above succeeded the president in a direct election, there are instances where a VP took over temporarily, without running in the following election. These include:

1836: Martin Van Buren

After Andrew Jackson's two terms, Martin Van Buren became the VP in 1832. Van Buren won the presidency in 1836, representing a transition of power from one party to another.

1800: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

Thomas Jefferson, after serving as Vice President under John Adams, ran against Adams in the 1800 election, marking a significant shift in American politics. Jefferson won, becoming the third President of the United States.

1796: John Adams and George Washington

John Adams, who served as Vice President under George Washington, followed Washington as President in 1796. Adams lost the 1800 election to Jefferson, signaling a change in political alliances.

Modern Examples and Future Prospects

Some notable modern examples include:

1988: George H.W. Bush

Gerry Ford, as Vice President under Richard Nixon, assumed the presidency after Nixon's resignation, followed by Bush's successful 1988 campaign. This highlights the viable path a VP can take to succeed.

1960: Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon's unsuccessful campaign in 1960 followed by his victory in 1968 showcases the resilience and strategic timing needed to win the presidency after a VP role.

Recent examples include:

2008: Barack Obama

Barack Obama, having served as Vice President under President George W. Bush, won the 2008 presidential election, becoming the first African American President of the United States.

Lessons Learned

The historical record shows that VPs can indeed succeed the president by winning a subsequent presidential election. This path is not only possible but has proven to be effective. However, the clear takeaway is the importance of political acumen and electoral strategy in both the VP and presidential roles. Future generations of political leaders and party strategists would be wise to consider the lessons learned from these historical examples.