Who would you say are the most well known presidential loser to never make it

[WillK]

How about John Quincy Adams. He didn't even receive the plurality of the electors.

He still won the presidency, so he doesnt fit the subject. 

[WillK]

to the White House?

I might have to go with Al Gore but Ross Perot, Bob Dole, John McCain, Barry Goldwater, George McGovern, Stevenson and Thomas E Dewey are up there. Henry Clay but I'm not convinced any pre 20 century candidate would come to mind in most people since most people tend to be ignorant about subjects such as history and politics.

I think Henry Clay is more well known to the average person than Stevenson or Dewey, and for younger people Goldwater and McGovern arent that well known.

I'd go with Dukakis, Kerry and Gore from recent years.  Burr and Clay from the past.

[WillK]

to the White House?

I might have to go with Al Gore but Ross Perot, Bob Dole, John McCain, Barry Goldwater, George McGovern, Stevenson and Thomas E Dewey are up there. Henry Clay but I'm not convinced any pre 20 century candidate would come to mind in most people since most people tend to be ignorant about subjects such as history and politics.

I think Henry Clay is more well known to the average person than Stevenson or Dewey, and for younger people Goldwater and McGovern arent that well known.

I'd go with Dukakis, Kerry and Gore from recent years.  Burr and Clay from the past.

AARON BURR! Sorry if I'm acting like Boss Tweed but I think the Burr-Hamliton feud was one of the greatest of all time. Why Kerry and Dukakis? Not to say they are unknown but not two of the most widely known presidential candidates of the past.

Kerry losing to Bush doesnt seem that long ago, so i figured it would still be remembered.
Dukakis... I don't know, maybe its just that i'm from Massachusetts.