How often has a losing candidate for President become President later?

If Senator Obama is the candidate and loses to Senator McCain how likely is it that Senator Clinton, rather than Senator Obama, would be chosen as the Democrat candidate next time? Is it more likely yet that neither would be chosen?

How often has a losing candidate for President become President later?

Seven times: John Adams (Lost twice before becoming President), Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, Grover Cleveland (Served 2 non-consecutive terms, ran 3 times consecutively), Richard Nixon

See here.

If Senator Obama is the candidate and loses to Senator McCain how likely is it that Senator Clinton, rather than Senator Obama, would be chosen as the Democrat candidate next time? Is it more likely yet that neither would be chosen?

I doubt if Clinton would run again under those circumstances. However, she is an extraordinary woman (in many ways), so it is really a guess on anyone's part. The answer to your last questions depends on several factors: How close was the last election? How badly did McCain screw things up? Are we still fighting in Iraq? Are we still in a not strictly speaking recession? Is McCain running for a second term? Did he have any known senior moments?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

Ronald Reagan ran as a Republican in 1976 (at age 65), with incumbent President Gerald Ford winning the Republican nomination. Reagan, of course, was elected President in 1980.

I would be surprised if Mrs. Clinton does not have a higher profile position if Obama wins the election.