The Presidential Also-Rans: What Happened to the Nearly Famous?

In the annals of American politics, there are countless individuals who have sought the presidency but ultimately came up short. These presidential also-rans represent a diverse group of personalities, policies, and ambitions, yet they share a common fate: they failed to capture the White House.

Who Are the Presidential Also-Rans?

The term "also-ran" is often used to describe a candidate who finishes behind the winner in an election, but it can be applied more broadly to any candidate who fails to win the presidency. According to the New York Times, there have been over 1,500 presidential also-rans in American history, including:

• Politicians: Senators, governors, and former presidents
• Business leaders: Industrialists, financiers, and entrepreneurs
• Military leaders: Generals, admirals, and veterans
• Activists: Reformers, abolitionists, and suffragists

Why Do Presidential Also-Rans Fail?

The reasons why presidential also-rans fail are as varied as the candidates themselves. Some lack the name recognition or political experience necessary to win. Others run on unpopular platforms or alienate key constituencies. Still others simply face an insurmountable challenge in the form of a strong incumbent or a more charismatic opponent.

Here are some of the most common reasons why presidential also-rans fail:

• Lack of name recognition: Many also-rans are relatively unknown to the general public, which makes it difficult for them to gain traction in the campaign.
• Unpopular platforms: Some also-rans run on platforms that are out of step with the majority of voters. For example, General Douglas MacArthur's presidential campaign in 1952 was based on a promise to invade China, which was unpopular with the American public.
• Alienation of key constituencies: Some also-rans alienate key constituencies by taking positions that are at odds with their values. For example, Horace Greeley's presidential campaign in 1872 was damaged by his opposition to women's suffrage.
• Incumbent advantage: Incumbent presidents have a significant advantage in presidential elections. They have the power of the presidency at their disposal, which gives them a platform to promote their policies and a way to reach voters directly.
• Charismatic opponents: Some also-rans face an insurmountable challenge in the form of a charismatic opponent. For example, John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1960 was boosted by his charisma and his appeal to young voters.

The Stories of Three Presidential Also-Rans

Throughout history, there have been countless presidential also-rans who have left their mark on American politics. Here are three humorous stories about some of the most memorable also-rans:

1. The Candidate Who Ran on a Platform of "Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion"

In 1884, Samuel J. Tilden, a former Democratic governor of New York, ran for president on a platform that was widely seen as anti-Catholic. Tilden's slogan was "Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion," and he accused his opponent, James G. Blaine, of being a tool of the Catholic Church. Tilden lost the election, but his campaign helped to solidify the Democratic Party's reputation as the party of white Protestants.

2. The Candidate Who Was Defeated by His Own Party

In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt ran for president as a third-party candidate after failing to win the Republican nomination. Roosevelt's Progressive Party was a coalition of reformers, and he ran on a platform of trust-busting, social welfare, and conservation. Roosevelt's campaign was energetic and popular, but it ultimately split the Republican vote and allowed Woodrow Wilson to win the election.

3. The Candidate Who Was Defeated by a Sandwich

In 1968, Hubert Humphrey ran for president as the Democratic nominee. Humphrey was a liberal senator from Minnesota, and he ran on a platform of peace, justice, and equality. However, Humphrey's campaign was damaged by the Vietnam War and by the rise of a third-party candidate, George Wallace. Wallace's campaign appealed to white southerners who were resentful of the civil rights movement, and he siphoned off enough votes from Humphrey to allow Richard Nixon to win the election.

Lessons from the Presidential Also-Rans

The stories of presidential also-rans offer a number of lessons about the American political system. First, they show that even the most qualified and experienced candidates can fail to win the presidency. Second, they show that the outcome of an election can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's platform, the incumbent advantage, and the presence of third-party candidates. Third, they show that even those who fail to win the presidency can still make a significant impact on American politics.

Tables of Presidential Also-Rans

The following tables provide a statistical overview of presidential also-rans:

Table 1: Presidential Also-Rans by Party

Table 2: Presidential Also-Rans by Occupation

Table 3: Presidential Also-Rans by Election Cycle

How to Avoid Becoming a Presidential Also-Ran

There is no surefire way to avoid becoming a presidential also-ran, but there are a few things that candidates can do to increase their chances of winning:

1. Build a strong base of support: Candidates need to build a strong base of support among voters in order to win an election. This means reaching out to voters, listening to their concerns, and articulating a vision for the country that resonates with them.
2. Run on a popular platform: Candidates need to run on a platform that is popular with voters. This means understanding the issues that matter most to voters and developing policies that address those issues.
3. Avoid alienating key constituencies: Candidates need to avoid alienating key constituencies in order to win an election. This means being respectful of different viewpoints and avoiding making statements that are offensive or inflammatory.
4. Take advantage of the incumbent advantage: Incumbent presidents have a significant advantage in presidential elections. Candidates who are not incumbents need to find ways to overcome this advantage, such as by running on a platform of change or by appealing to voters who are dissatisfied with the incumbent.
5. Be charismatic: Charismatic candidates have a better chance of winning elections than candidates who are not charismatic. Candidates who are charismatic are able to connect with voters on a personal level and inspire them to support their candidacy.

Pros and Cons of Being a Presidential Also-Ran

There are a number of pros and cons to being a presidential also-ran.

Pros:

• Increased name recognition: Presidential also-rans often gain increased name recognition as a result of their campaign. This can benefit them in future political endeavors or in other careers.
• Influence on policy: Even if they do not win the presidency, presidential also-rans can still influence policy by advocating for their ideas and by building a coalition of supporters.
• Historical legacy: Presidential also-rans can leave a lasting legacy by inspiring future generations of activists and politicians.

Cons:

• Loss of credibility: Candidates who fail to win the presidency can lose credibility with voters. This can make it difficult for them to run for office again or to have a successful career in politics.
• Financial cost: Running for president is expensive, and candidates who fail to win the presidency can end up in debt.
• Time commitment: Running for president is a time-consuming process, and candidates who fail to win the presidency can sacrifice their personal and professional lives.

Call to Action

If you are interested in running for president, it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of becoming a presidential also-ran. There is no guarantee that you will win, but there is a chance that you can make a significant impact on American politics.