When Presidents Choose Not To Run: Biden, Harris, and History
President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he will not seek re-election and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor is a significant moment in U.S. political history.
While this story is unique, there are several historical precedents where sitting presidents chose not to run for another term and, in some cases, endorsed their vice presidents or other successors.
Harry S. Truman (1952)
In 1952, President Harry S. Truman decided not to seek re-election. Although he did not formally endorse a successor, his Vice President, Alben W. Barkley, initially sought the Democratic nomination but later withdrew due to age and health concerns. Ultimately, Adlai Stevenson became the Democratic nominee.
Lyndon B. Johnson (1968)
In March 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced that he would not seek re-election amidst the turbulent political climate and growing opposition to the Vietnam War. While he did not formally endorse a candidate during the primary process, his Vice President, Hubert H. Humphrey, ran for and secured the Democratic nomination. Johnson supported Humphrey in the general election against Richard Nixon, although Humphrey was ultimately unsuccessful.
James K. Polk (1848)
President James K. Polk honored his campaign pledge to serve only one term and did not seek re-election in 1848. He supported Lewis Cass, the Democratic nominee, as his successor. However, Cass was defeated by Whig candidate Zachary Taylor in the general election.
Rutherford B. Hayes (1880)
President Rutherford B. Hayes chose not to seek re-election, adhering to his promise to serve only one term. He did not have a clear endorsement for a successor within his party. James A. Garfield emerged as the Republican nominee and won the presidency.
Calvin Coolidge (1928)
In 1928, President Calvin Coolidge decided not to run for another term. Although he did not explicitly endorse a successor, his Secretary of Commerce, Herbert Hoover, became the Republican nominee and won the presidency. Coolidge’s decision paved the way for Hoover’s ascension to the presidency.
Theodore Roosevelt (1908)
After serving nearly two full terms, President Theodore Roosevelt chose not to seek re-election in 1908. He endorsed his Secretary of War, William Howard Taft, who secured the Republican nomination and won the presidency. Roosevelt’s strong endorsement was a key factor in Taft’s success.
James Buchanan (1860)
Amidst the rising tensions leading up to the Civil War, President James Buchanan chose not to run for re-election in 1860. He did not endorse a successor, and the Democratic Party was deeply divided. The election saw Abraham Lincoln of the Republican Party win the presidency, marking a pivotal moment in American history.
Andrew Jackson (1836)
President Andrew Jackson did not seek a third term and instead endorsed his Vice President, Martin Van Buren. Van Buren won the Democratic nomination and the presidency, largely due to Jackson’s strong support and influence.
Conclusion
While the direct endorsement of a vice president by a sitting president has been rare, Biden’s clear support for Kamala Harris finds some precedent in U.S. history.
These historical instances illustrate various contexts in which presidents have chosen not to run for another term and have sometimes supported a successor.
Biden’s endorsement of Harris adds a modern chapter to this tradition, reflecting the evolving dynamics of presidential succession and political strategy in the United States.
