2024 is already giving us an onslaught of plot twists that seem to rival a particularly convoluted soap opera. Oh, and shocker, President Biden has decided to hit the eject button on his campaign jet, becoming the first leader since the wild and heady 1970s modern primary process to say “Nah, I’m good” during a bid for reelection.
As unheard of as it may sound, history does have a way of repeating itself, and presidential dropout stories are not exactly shrouded in mystery. Let’s take a dive into the dusty archives and explore some eyebrow-raising parallels that might make you go, “Wait, what?!”
Dubbing Out: The Presidential Edition
Biden is the 13th president out of our illustrious 46, who thought better of soldiering on for that coveted second term. Unlike the majority of the most recent holder of this worn-out crown, Biden didn’t wait for a primary loss to bow out; instead, he just decided that the race isn’t for him anymore. Bright idea or sheer madness? You decide.
Speaking of resignation, let’s talk Lyndon Johnson. In 1968, Johnson’s “I shall not seek” drama scene after a poor showing in the New Hampshire primary was straight out of a Shakespeare play. Following up in the category of presidential “buh-byes” is Harry Truman, who, after similarly flunking New Hampshire in 1952, decided he’d had enough.
Remember good ol’ John Tyler? In 1844, this VP turned president was so at odds with his party he’d have been more popular in a rival fan club. Unable to get any major party backing, Tyler dropped his feeble third-party attempt for another’s preferable policy. Way to bow out gracefully.
Presidential Quitters: The Voluntary Edition
Some presidents left the race without being kicked to the curb. The Rough Rider himself, Theodore Roosevelt, promised no third term in 1904 – a decision he regretted so much he tried running again in 1912. Calvin Coolidge, the essence of brevity, famously declared, “I do not choose to run for president” in 1927. They left on their own terms but with a sense of “what could’ve been.”
Fast forward to Republican President Rutherford Hayes and Democratic President James Buchanan, back in the 1800s, both of whom decided not to even bother with the second-term hassle. Maybe it was the mid-50s presidential crisis before 50 turned into the new 30?
Embarrassing Nomination Defeats
Imagine losing your party’s nomination after stepping into the Oval Office. Cringe, right? Millard Fillmore faced exactly that in 1852 after 53 excruciating ballots. Franklin Pierce’s fall in 1856 was equally dramatic after his actions amidst sectional chaos made him about as popular as a cold toilet seat in winter.
Andrew Johnson, being Abraham Lincoln’s poorly matched partner, clashed with Congress and was predictably ditched by the Dems in 1868. Chester Arthur, burdened by severe illness, failed to secure the GOP nomination in 1884. As if presidential duty isn’t already taxing enough without added rejection.
Presidential Drama: Asking One to Bow Out
Biden is not the first to face the pointed “maybe you should drop out” hints. In 1992, George H.W. Bush, having survived a primary challenge, faced suggestions that he should step aside in favor of someone else who might have had a fighting chance against Democrat Bill Clinton. The GOP wanted Bush to “do the right thing” like Truman and Johnson. Unlike Biden, Bush didn’t blink. Talk about guts.
Who Decides Anyway?
Let’s stop and think: Is it truly all about what the voters want, or do party leaders play chess with our democracy? When Biden bowed out, party leaders wasted no time throwing weight behind his VP, Kamala Harris. It’s a move that feels as democratic as a medieval coronation. Remember 1968 and Hubert Humphrey, the VP who won just 2% of the primary votes but secured the nomination thanks to trusty party machinations. History might not just repeat; it might never have changed in the first place.
The Party Power Play
Biden’s exit is a loud reminder that party power still does some heavy lifting amidst this so-called political “modernity.” Both in 2020 and now, the Democrats fear more volatile candidates (Bernie Sanders before, Biden now) might squander their chance to keep Trump at bay. Hence, strategic chess moves, quick rallies around the next “chosen one,” and a swift shuffling of the political deck.
Footnotes
*Let’s not forget the 22nd Amendment of 1951, which curbed presidential terms post-FDR’s consecutive wins, though Truman was that lucky incumbent who could’ve run again pre-amendment adherence. George Washington set a good example, stopping at term two, but legal restrictions only locked in with this amendment. Talk about “Enough is enough!”
