Has Any Vice President Become President?

In the annals of American politics, only one current Vice President, Joe Biden, has ever achieved the presidency, marking a unique and historically significant distinction.

The Historical Precedent

Throughout the history of the United States, numerous Vice Presidents have ascended to the office of President. These include names such as Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush. Notably, all of these individuals had become President after a significant loss of life, whether through death (Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy) or resignation (Richard Nixon), and sadly, they are all now deceased.

Specifically, the recent Vice Presidents who transitioned to the presidency are:

Harry Truman, who took office upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. Lyndon B. Johnson, who assumed the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. Richard Nixon, who was Vice President for Dwight D. Eisenhower before becoming President in 1969. Gerald Ford, who took over after Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974. George H.W. Bush, who was Vice President to Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989. Joe Biden, who served as Vice President to Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017 and was subsequently elected President in 2020.

The Current Record-Bearer: Joe Biden

Among these figures, only Joe Biden is still alive. His transition to the presidency in 2020 made him the 46th President of the United States, following the tradition that a Vice President automatically succeeds to the presidency upon the resignation or death of the incumbent President. Biden's journey to the White House after his Vice Presidency is particularly noteworthy given the political landscape of the United States at the time.

Considering the vicissitudes of American politics, Biden's path to the presidency was uniquely informed by his extensive experience in the Senate and as Vice President under Obama. His successful campaign in 2020 not only secured the presidency but also marked a significant shift in American politics, bringing to power a leader with deep policy-making and legislative experience.

A Notable Absence in Current VP Lineup

While the current Vice Presidents have rich political backgrounds, none have yet ventured into the highest office. Interestingly, among the six living Vice Presidents today—Dan Quayle, Al Gore, Dick Cheney, Joe Biden, Mike Pence, and Kamala Harris—only Joe Biden had a direct path to the presidency.

Other Vice Presidents who have run for the presidency, such as Dan Quayle and Mike Pence, did not secure the Republican nomination in their respective years (2000 and 2024). Al Gore, representing the Democratic Party, lost the 2000 election despite winning the popular vote. Dick Cheney’s political career reached its conclusion at the end of his term as Vice President, and Kamala Harris, currently serving as Vice President, is new to this office and has not yet announced her presidential ambitions.

Conclusion

In summary, while numerous Vice Presidents have become President throughout American history, only Joe Biden retains the distinction of being both a Vice President who became President and still holds the office today. His unique position underscores the fluidity and historical importance of the transition between these two roles in the highest levels of American political leadership.