The Most Successful Vice President, Ranked

Choose the Vice President you think is the most successful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 28, 2024 07:29
Evaluating the success of a Vice President can provide valuable insights into their impact on governance and policy. Through assessing their contributions, policies, and leadership qualities, one can better understand their role in shaping the nation's direction. Such an evaluation helps to clarify how these individuals support not just the President, but the country as a whole. By ranking these leaders based on their achievements and effectiveness, voters can engage in a reflective dialogue about their legacies. This dynamic list, shaped by public opinion, invites everyone to contribute their perspective and vote. Your participation ensures that the ranking embodies a wide array of views, offering a richer, more comprehensive assessment of who the most successful Vice Presidents are.

What Is the Most Successful Vice President?

  1. 1
    45
    votes

    George H.W. Bush

    Served as Vice President under Reagan before becoming the 41st President.
    • Term as Vice President: 1981-1989
    • President Served Under: Ronald Reagan
  2. 2
    31
    votes

    Joe Biden

    Served as Vice President under Obama before becoming the 46th President.
    • Term as Vice President: 2009-2017
    • President Served Under: Barack Obama
  3. 3
    30
    votes

    Al Gore

    Served as Vice President under Clinton; later became an environmental activist.
    • Term as Vice President: 1993-2001
    • President Served Under: Bill Clinton
  4. 4
    19
    votes

    Lyndon B. Johnson

    Became President after Kennedy's assassination and initiated major social reforms.
    • Term as Vice President: 1961-1963
    • President Served Under: John F. Kennedy
  5. 5
    18
    votes

    John Adams

    First Vice President and second President of the United States; played a key role in the founding of the nation.
    • Term as Vice President: 1789-1797
    • President Served Under: George Washington
  6. 6
    14
    votes

    Richard Nixon

    Served as Vice President under Eisenhower before becoming the 37th President.
    • Term as Vice President: 1953-1961
    • President Served Under: Dwight D. Eisenhower
  7. 7
    1
    votes

    Harry S. Truman

    Became President during WWII after FDR's death; authorized atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
    • Term as Vice President: January-April 1945
    • President Served Under: Franklin D. Roosevelt
  8. 8
    1
    votes

    Calvin Coolidge

    Became President after the death of Warren G. Harding; known for his laissez-faire economic policies.
    • Term as Vice President: 1921-1923
    • President Served Under: Warren G. Harding
  9. 10
    -1
    votes

    Theodore Roosevelt

    Progressive President known for trust-busting and the Panama Canal.
    • Term as Vice President: March-September 1901
    • President Served Under: William McKinley

Missing your favorite Vice President?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful Vice President. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Vice President is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2369 views
  • 159 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Vice President once every 24 hours. The rank of each Vice President is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Successful Vice President

George H.W. Bush
Rank #1 for the most successful Vice President: George H.W. Bush (Source)
The role of the Vice President in the United States has evolved over time. Initially, the Vice President had limited duties. The main role was to preside over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes. Over time, the position has grown in importance.

A successful Vice President often has a strong relationship with the President. This partnership can lead to significant influence on policies and decisions. The Vice President may act as an advisor and help shape the administration's agenda. This close working relationship is key to a successful tenure.

Another factor is experience. Many Vice Presidents have served in Congress, as governors, or in other high-ranking positions. This background helps them understand the political landscape and navigate complex issues. Experience also builds credibility with lawmakers and the public.

A good Vice President is also a skilled communicator. They must be able to convey the administration's message clearly and effectively. This includes speaking to the public, working with the media, and negotiating with Congress. Strong communication skills help gain support for the administration's policies.

Additionally, a successful Vice President often takes on special projects. These can range from leading task forces to spearheading major initiatives. By taking on these roles, the Vice President can make a tangible impact. These projects often address key issues facing the country and can leave a lasting legacy.

Another important aspect is the ability to step in during a crisis. The Vice President must be ready to assume the Presidency if needed. This requires a deep understanding of the administration's policies and goals. Being prepared for this responsibility is a crucial part of the job.

The Vice President also plays a role in international relations. They may represent the country in meetings with foreign leaders. Building these relationships can help advance the administration's foreign policy goals. Diplomatic skills are essential in this aspect of the role.

Balancing loyalty to the President with personal ambition is another challenge. A successful Vice President supports the President while also building their own political future. This balance requires careful navigation and political savvy.

The Vice President's influence often extends beyond their term. Many go on to run for President themselves. Their experience as Vice President can be a significant advantage in these campaigns. This trajectory shows the long-term impact a successful Vice President can have.

In conclusion, a successful Vice President is one who builds a strong relationship with the President, has significant experience, communicates well, takes on special projects, is prepared for crises, engages in international diplomacy, and balances loyalty with ambition. These qualities help them make a meaningful impact during their tenure and beyond.

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