US Presidents Who Chose Not to Run for a Second Term

Many assume that all US presidents seek a second term. However, there have been notable cases where presidents chose not to run again, even after being initially elected. This article explores some of these instances, with a specific focus on Richard Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Richard Nixon and the Fall of a President

The most prominent example of a US president who did not serve a second term is Richard Nixon. Nixon was initially elected in 1968 and re-elected in 1972 with a decisive victory. However, his presidency faced a significant challenge in the form of the Watergate scandal.

Nixon was re-elected in 1972 with overwhelming margins. The election was marked by one of the largest vote shares and electoral college victories in US history. Despite his victory, Nixon's administration soon became embroiled in the Watergate scandal, a series of illegal activities associated with his re-election campaign, including a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and cover-ups that extended to the highest levels of the government.

By the end of 1973, the scandal had reached a critical stage. Congressional leaders informed Nixon that he would likely face impeachment in the House and conviction in the Senate. Recognizing the inevitability of his downfall, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, becoming the only US president to leave office before the completion of his first term.

Lyndon B. Johnson: A Case of Voluntary Exit

Another president who did not seek a second term was Lyndon B. Johnson. Johnson had initially served as Vice President under John F. Kennedy and, following Kennedy's assassination in 1963, he became the 36th President of the United States. Johnson was elected to serve a full term in 1964, and technically, he could have run for a second term in 1968.

However, Johnson announced his decision not to run for re-election in March 1968. This decision was made for personal and political reasons. Johnson was confronted with the divisive issues of the Vietnam War, civil rights, and the unrest in American society. Not wanting to be associated with the continued escalation of the war, Johnson chose to rest his legacy on his domestic policies, particularly the War on Poverty and the civil rights legislation.

Johnson's decision not to run for a second term made him the last president to serve a full term after Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served four terms. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, further reinforced this limit by prohibiting anyone from serving more than two terms as president.

Implications and the Modern Presidency

The cases of Nixon and Johnson highlight the significant challenges modern presidents face and the potential risks of not being fortunate enough to avoid these challenges. The presidency requires a substantial commitment, both in terms of time and personal and professional life. For many, the prospect of navigating such challenges while also facing a difficult re-election process makes serving two terms an uncertain and daunting task.

While other presidents, such as Martin Van Buren and Thomas Jefferson, also served only one term, the modern criteria for a one-term president often translates to those who choose not to run for a second term. This has implications for the continuity of the presidency and the dynamics of American politics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choices of Richard Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson serve as important case studies in the history of the US presidency. While no president has been definitively excluded from seeking a second term, these examples illustrate the complexities and risks involved in making such a decision.