Americas Worst Vice Presidents In Us History

The role of the Vice President of the United States is often seen as a secondary position, but it is a crucial one nonetheless. The Vice President is not only next in line to the presidency but also plays a key role in supporting the President and advancing their policies. However, not all Vice Presidents have lived up to the expectations of their office. In fact, some have been downright disastrous. Here are some of the worst Vice Presidents in U.S. history.

John Tyler: The Accidental President

John Tyler, the 10th Vice President of the United States, is often considered one of the worst Vice Presidents in U.S. history. He became Vice President under William Henry Harrison in 1841 but took over as President after Harrison's death just one month into office. Tyler's presidency was marked by controversy and conflict, including the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which he negotiated without consulting Congress.

Tyler's most significant mistake, however, was his decision to annex the Republic of Texas as a state, which led to the Mexican-American War. His presidency was so disastrous that he was expelled from the Whig Party and became the first Vice President to assume the presidency after the death of the incumbent.

Richard Nixon: The Embattled Vice President

Richard Nixon, the 36th Vice President of the United States, is often remembered for his presidency and the Watergate scandal that led to his resignation. However, his tenure as Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower was also marked by controversy.

Nixon's most notable mistake as Vice President was his infamous "Checkers speech," in which he defended himself against allegations of corruption. The speech was widely criticized for its lack of transparency and Nixon's failure to address the allegations directly. Nixon's vice presidency was also marked by his involvement in the U-2 spy plane incident, which led to the cancellation of a summit with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.

Elbridge Gerry: The Frail Vice President

Elbridge Gerry, the 5th Vice President of the United States, is often considered one of the worst Vice Presidents in U.S. history due to his poor health and lack of effectiveness in office. Gerry was Vice President under James Madison and served from 1813 until his death in 1814.

Gerry's health issues began long before he took office as Vice President. He suffered from poor circulation, high blood pressure, and other ailments that made it difficult for him to perform his duties. Despite his frail health, Gerry remained Vice President until his death, which was likely caused by complications from his health issues.

Henry Wilson: The Unremarkable Vice President

Henry Wilson, the 18th Vice President of the United States, is often considered one of the most unremarkable Vice Presidents in U.S. history. Wilson served under Ulysses S. Grant from 1873 until his death in 1875.

Wilson's vice presidency was marked by a lack of significant accomplishments or contributions to the Grant administration. He was often absent from Washington, D.C., and failed to provide effective leadership or support to the President. Wilson's death in office was likely due to complications from a stroke he suffered in 1874.

Garret Hobart: The Effective but Brief Vice President

Garret Hobart, the 24th Vice President of the United States, is often considered one of the most effective Vice Presidents in U.S. history, despite his brief tenure. Hobart served under William McKinley from 1897 until his death in 1899.

Hobart's vice presidency was marked by significant accomplishments, including his role in the 1898 Spanish-American War. He was also instrumental in shaping the McKinley administration's policies, particularly in the areas of finance and commerce. Hobart's death in office was a significant loss to the administration, and he was widely mourned by the American public.

Common Traits Among the Worst Vice Presidents

Despite their differences, the worst Vice Presidents in U.S. history share some common traits. These include:

• Poor health or physical limitations that hindered their ability to perform their duties
• Lack of transparency or accountability, leading to allegations of corruption or wrongdoing
• Ineffective leadership or failure to provide support to the President
• Unremarkable or uneventful tenures, with little to no significant accomplishments or contributions to the administration

These traits are not unique to the Vice Presidents mentioned above, but they are common characteristics among those who are considered the worst in U.S. history.

Gallery of Vice Presidents

What makes a Vice President effective or ineffective?

+

A Vice President can be effective or ineffective based on various factors, including their leadership skills, ability to work with the President and other officials, and their level of engagement in policy-making and implementation. Effective Vice Presidents are able to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, provide strategic advice to the President, and help drive the administration's agenda forward. Ineffective Vice Presidents, on the other hand, may struggle to establish trust and credibility, fail to provide valuable insights, or become mired in controversy or scandal.

How do Vice Presidents contribute to the success or failure of a presidency?

+

Vice Presidents can significantly contribute to the success or failure of a presidency through their level of involvement, expertise, and leadership. A skilled and engaged Vice President can help the President navigate complex policy issues, build relationships with key stakeholders, and manage the administration's day-to-day operations. Conversely, an ineffective or disengaged Vice President can create distractions, undermine the President's authority, and hinder the administration's ability to achieve its goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Vice Presidents?

+

Vice Presidents often face unique challenges, including navigating the complexities of the executive branch, managing relationships with the President and other officials, and balancing their own policy priorities with the administration's overall agenda. They may also face scrutiny from the media and the public, which can impact their effectiveness and reputation. Additionally, Vice Presidents must be prepared to assume the presidency at a moment's notice, which can be a significant responsibility and challenge.

In conclusion, the role of the Vice President is crucial to the success of a presidency, and their effectiveness can have a significant impact on the administration's ability to achieve its goals. While some Vice Presidents have excelled in their roles, others have struggled to make a positive impact. By examining the experiences of some of the worst Vice Presidents in U.S. history, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with this critical position.