Vice Presidents who Ran for President: A Historical Overview

The question of whether a vice president has ever run for president is a common one in political circles. Throughout the history of the United States, several instances have emerged where vice presidents have challenged for the higher office. In recent times, this has happened several times within the living memory of many Americans.

Recent Examples from the Living Generation

Recently, notable examples include Richard Nixon's 1960 run, where he served as vice president under Dwight D. Eisenhower. Nixon's campaign faced an early and critical defeat in the general election, losing to John F. Kennedy (JFK). Subsequently, Hubert Humphrey contended for the presidency in 1968, serving as Lyndon B. Johnson's vice president at the time. In 1988, George H.W. Bush, who was vice president under Ronald Reagan, secured the presidency, marking the first and, so far, only instance of a sitting vice president transitioning directly to the presidential office during my lifetime.

Another recent example is Al Gore, who served as vice president under Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001. Gore ran for the presidency in the 2000 election but ultimately lost to George W. Bush, the son of George H. W. Bush.

Al Gore's campaign was notable for its environmental themes and the use of the internet, showing how the political landscape was changing. In 2024, Kamala Harris, the current vice president, has announced her candidacy for the presidency, bringing another instance of a sitting vice president running for the highest office in the land.

Historical Context

The instances of vice presidents running for president are not as uncommon as one might initially think. Looking back at the post-war period, the mid-20th century is replete with such examples. Notably, Richard Nixon ran for president in 1960 while serving as Eisenhower's vice president. Similarly, George H.W. Bush ran for president in 1988, serving as Reagan's vice president, and then succeeded to the presidency. Al Gore ran for president in 2000, serving as vice president under Bill Clinton for two terms.

One consistent pattern across these examples is that these vice presidents remain in office until the next presidential inauguration, ensuring continuity for the party's agenda and policies.

Succession Patterns

A significant majority of former vice presidents who succeeded their former presidents did so by running in the election that ended their terms. Most recently, George H.W. Bush served two terms as vice president under Ronald Reagan, then ran and won the election for president. Al Gore, on the other hand, served two terms as vice president under Bill Clinton and then ran for the presidency but lost to George W. Bush.

There have been cases where vice presidents ran earlier in their terms or sought other roles before running, but the majority pursued their party's nomination at the end of their vice presidential tenure.

Reflection on Mike Pence's Case

Mike Pence, while serving as vice president under Donald Trump, did not run for president in the 2020 election, despite the considerable support he garnered within the Republican Party. Some have argued that Pence, with his reputation untainted by controversies like those of Trump, might have been a better candidate for the presidency. The extended period during which Pence did not challenge Trump for the nomination is often criticized, with many suggesting that Pence should have acted more decisively in pushing for Trump to concede once the results were clear.

However, the question remains: should the Republican Party, as it faced in 2020, consider running Mike Pence to present a more credible and less controversial alternative?

Conclusion

Vice presidents who run for president are not a rarity. The United States has seen several instances where a vice president challenged for the highest office, marking a significant shift in political dynamics. Whether this will continue to be a norm or an exception remains to be seen, especially as the political landscape continues to evolve. The decision-making and strategic choices of these vice presidents often carry significant weight in determining the political course of the nation for years to come.