I've noticed there is sometimes dispute over the term "reelected" with presidents (or govs) who came into office via succession when they win the next regular election. Is this considered a reelection or just an election? For example Truman in 1948 or Johnson in 1964. It can be argued that reelection is not acurate because they were not elected prez before and this is the first time, but can also be argued it is a reelection because they already held the office they ran for. Is there a clear definition or is this just a point of view?
Those who succeeded from the vice-Presidency to the Presidency after being elected President were elected vice-President but had not been elected President. The VP slot is offered for various reasons, from being a sort of minister without portfolio (Dick Cheney) to being someone who creates no problems (Joe Biden) to an attempt to win over a shaky constituency or flip a state (geographic balance -- the Presidential nominee is from California so he thinks that he needs someone from New England or the South to create a 'balanced ticket') -- or even pick someone for ideological compatibility (Clinton picking Gore, who is from a similar state). The exception is Gerald Ford.
Some Veeps show that they could be President if elected (I suggest Gore and Nixon -- the latter if one ignores his character faults well hidden in the 1950s); some suggest otherwise.
Go figure.
