How about John Boehner?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

It's not a presidential election forum almost 4 years in advance without some really stupid proposals.

LOL.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I've always found it interesting that, up through the 1930s, the Speaker was occasionally mentioned as a possible candidate.

[Blue3]

I've always found it interesting that, up through the 1930s, the Speaker was occasionally mentioned as a possible candidate.

For a while, wasn't the Speaker of the House considered more powerful and important than the President, who was more of a ceremonial figurehead?

I think it was only with Teddy that Presidents actually began to get really involved in congressional politics, pursuing and campaigning for their own legislative agenda.

[Mr. Morden]

It's not a presidential election forum almost 4 years in advance without some really stupid proposals.

LOL.

Too bad WalterMitty doesn't post much anymore.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Polk is the only Speaker to become President. Typically they are the types to prefer legislative to executive governing (the president has to be able to use the bully pulpit and must have much better PR than a congressman).

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I've always found it interesting that, up through the 1930s, the Speaker was occasionally mentioned as a possible candidate.

For a while, wasn't the Speaker of the House considered more powerful and important than the President, who was more of a ceremonial figurehead?

At least at the beginning of the Republic, the Speakership wasn't meant to be a very powerful position, just meant to be an enforcer of the House rules and a keeper of order

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It was around Teddy's time that Presidents stopped becoming complete neutered thanks to volatile mid-term results, though McKinley did start this trend. Presidents like Cleveland and Harrison could only pass their agenda in the first two years, and then lose massive amounts of seats in between presidential elections.

[Ty440]

Imagine all the tears being shed in Iowa and New Hampshire,


The Weeper in Chief, LOL

[Antonio the Sixth]

Todd Akin/Scott DesJarlais '2016!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Polk is the only Speaker to become President. Typically they are the types to prefer legislative to executive governing (the president has to be able to use the bully pulpit and must have much better PR than a congressman).

True. There are additional factors against running for President.

1. House two years term. While in some states you can run for two offices at one time it's not a case in many others. Also I suppose there would be a considerable pressure on Speaker nominated for President to surrender the gavel while campaigning. Even if you manage to hold the gavel and your seat while losing the Presidency your position is weaken, an invitation for challenging you.
2. Speakers are usually senior Representatives which means rather advanced age. While Boehner is not very old for a presidential candidate, look at Speakers like Nancy Pelosi, Tip O'Neill, Tom Foley, John McCormack, Sam Rayburn (the last was also Dean of the House while serving as Speaker).
3. Congress is rarely popular and the Speaker is it's most visible representative.

As of Polk, first times were diffrent, second he haven't moved to the White House directly from Speakership. Btw, John Tyler was the only Senate PPT to become President, something that would never happen today.

Earlier, Speakers of the House were more likely candidates for Vice President. Two were elected: Schuyler Colfax and John Nance Garner (interestingly, they were presiding officers of both chambers on one day). William Bankhead was serious candidate to replace Garner on the ticket in 1940 (was not selected and died shortly thereafter). I guess there are more examples.

[Joe Biden 2020]

No.  Just... No...

[minionofmidas]

As of Polk, first times were diffrent, second he haven't moved to the White House directly from Speakership. Btw, John Tyler was the only Senate PPT to become President, something that would never happen today.

Pat Leahy'16!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

As of Polk, first times were diffrent, second he haven't moved to the White House directly from Speakership. Btw, John Tyler was the only Senate PPT to become President, something that would never happen today.

Pat Leahy'16!

Pat Leahy stood up to Joker.