The Worst Vice President to Ascend to the Presidency: A Ranking of Historical Failures
The Worst Vice President to Ascend to the Presidency: A Ranking of Historical Failures
In the annals of American history, the transition from vice president to president has occasionally produced some of the least effective leaders. This article delves into the performance of these vice presidents, highlighting the worst of them and the impact of their ascension to the highest office.
Introduction
Among scholars and historians, one figure consistently consistently ranks number one as the worst president in American history: James Buchanan. Less discussed but no less worthy of attention is the vice president who succeeded to the presidency and barely managed to hold it together: Andrew Johnson.
Andrew Johnson, due to his actions during his presidency, is often compared to Donald Trump in terms of his demeanor and policies. However, when it comes to evaluating their historical performance, Trump does not fare as poorly as Johnson.
Criteria for Evaluation
There are two main criteria for evaluating the worst vice president who became president:
Who was the worst president who served as vice president and succeeded to the presidency on the death of the president? Who was the worst elected president who had previously served as vice president?Among the first group, two potential candidates immediately arise:
John Tyler, who took over the presidency after William Henry Harrison's death, and Andrew Johnson, who took office after Abraham Lincoln's assassination.James Buchanan: The Worst President of All Time
James Buchanan is infamous for his leadership during a time when America was on the brink of civil war. Despite his reputation, many prefer to focus on the performance of Andrew Johnson, who is equally notorious for his tenure.
Andrew Johnson: The Worst Second-Term President
Andrew Johnson was a compromise vice presidential candidate from Tennessee. Despite remaining loyal to the Union, his presidency was marked by significant controversies. He alienated members of both political parties, was impeached in February 1868, and only narrowly escaped conviction in May 1868 by a single vote.
Ranking Among Elected Vice Presidents
Among those who were elected presidents and previously served as vice presidents, a
Richard Nixon: Tragedy and Triumph
Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, is arguably the most notorious in this group. His presidency was marred by the Watergate scandal, which led to his resignation—the most ignominious end of a presidency in American history. Nixon's impeachment process and subsequent pardon also add to the controversy.
Historical Rankings and Considerations
While Nixon's presidency is undoubtedly one of the most scandalous, professional historians do not place him at the bottom of their ranking. Current rankings place him around 29th among the 45 presidents, a position reflecting his successes in his first term and his ability to navigate complex international relations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there have been many significant failures in American presidential history, the worst vice president who ascended to the presidency is a title that often falls on Andrew Johnson. His actions during the Civil War and his presidency left a lasting impact on the nation's history, making him a prime candidate for this dubious distinction.