For awhile now, I've had some qualms about political incumbents, re-elections, and multiple terms. The whole concept just doesn't sit well with me.
For all intents and purposes, I'm going to focus on the problems concerning presidents who are embarking on their second term in office, as that's where the problems are most evident.
Unlike other political offices, a president's second term (with the exclusion of the one and only Franklin Delano Roosevelt) will always be their last.
With that in mind, here are some interesting facts on our past executives. A total of 22 presidents have only served one term.
Five presidents died during their first terms, and therefore didn't have the opportunity to run for re-election (Harrison, Taylor, Garfield, Harding, and Kennedy). Five succeeded from the vice-presidency, but did not get re-elected following their own campaign for office (Tyler, Fillmore, Johnson, Arthur, and Ford). Last, but not least, 12 presidents have served just a single elected term, no ifs, ands, or buts (Adams, Van Buren, Polk, Pierce, Buchanan, Hayes, Harrison, Taft, Hoover, Carter, and Bush Sr).
Now, assassinations and resignations aside, the following are reasons as to why second term presidencies make me uneasy.
When candidates begin their initial campaigns for the presidency, they are full of idealistic platforms and spirited ammunition for change. Although these individuals may be making statements and portraying certain standards with the intention of pleasing voters across the country, the public/individuals ultimately voice their own opinion when entering the voting booth on election day.
Then, throughout the elected candidate's first term, his/her efforts are a culmination of their attempts at "making good" on their ambitious campaign promises while further attempting to keep things steady so as to secure their chances of re-election.
In other words, a lot of candidates seem to be on their "best behavior" from the day they announce their plans to run to the day their fate is decided for a second time by the population of the United States.
After they've finished celebrating their re-election to another term in office, the veil disappears and the true motives are displayed. They no longer have anything to lose. There will not be a next term or new national campaign -- they've peaked, in a sense.
Herein lies my question -- upon being re-elected, who is left for the president to impress? Sure, there's the threat of low approval ratings and impeachment (which realistically isn't a threat at all since only three presidents have faced impeachment -- one resigning and the other two having the impeachment overturned by the Senate), but does the country's dissatisfaction really even matter?
There is a concise divide between a president's first term and their last term. As I've previously stated, initially the elected president is busy trying to "please" everyone and not making enemies who will ruin their future. Towards the end, they set out to accomplish all of the slightly less-reasonable goals that they mentioned in that one debate in a small-town six years ago that everyone in attendance gaffed at. I mean, why not? Again, the worst that can happen is impeachment, but that has only happened during the terms of Johnson, Nixon, and Clinton.
Next to that, what role does a low approval rating even play? So what, a few people are unhappy... but that has little impact when viewing the greater picture.
I doubt I'm the only person in America who has had these thoughts. Seriously, a president's second elected term in office is just asking for radicalism or inaction.
Alright, I've finished my rant -- I swear.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.