The Importance of Vice Presidential Selections: Historical Significance and Power Transfers

In U.S. history, nearly 1 in 5 of the 49 vice presidents have become president due to death or resignation. The first was John Tyler, who took over after William Henry Harrison’s death. Most recently, Gerald Ford became president following Richard Nixon’s resignation.

Both Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, and Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio are under scrutiny in 2024 due to the advanced ages of the presidential candidates and an assassination attempt on GOP nominee Donald Trump. Historically, vice presidents who have risen to the presidency have been involved in significant U.S. historical events, such as Reconstruction, the dropping of atomic bombs in World War II, and the signing of the Civil Rights Act.

Joel Goldstein, a historian and expert on the vice presidency, mentioned that succession is something that vice presidents have to think about and plan for but often doesn’t occur. The 19th-century vice presidents who became president were never elected to a full term, while in the 20th century, four out of five who ascended went on to win presidential terms.

The nine vice presidents who unexpectedly became president and their moments of power include:
– John Tyler: Became president after William Henry Harrison’s death, supporting the Confederacy during the Civil War.
– Millard Fillmore: Assumed the presidency after Zachary Taylor’s death, mediating disputes over slavery with the Compromise of 1850.
– Andrew Johnson: Rose to the presidency after Lincoln’s assassination, overseeing Reconstruction.
– Chester Arthur: Took office following Garfield’s assassination, implementing the civil service system.
– Theodore Roosevelt: Became president after McKinley’s assassination, known for his impactful presidency.
– Calvin Coolidge: Assumed office after Harding’s death, known for limited government intrusion during economic growth.
– Harry Truman: Became president after FDR’s death, overseeing the end of World War II.
– Lyndon Johnson: Rose to the presidency after Kennedy’s assassination, enacting civil rights legislation.
– Gerald Ford: Became president following Nixon’s resignation, remembered for pardoning Nixon.

Overall, vice presidents-turned-presidents have played crucial roles in shaping American history and policies.