The Most Successful Vice President, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Vice President you think is the most successful!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:57

In the corridors of power where decisions shape the future, the role of a Vice President often garners less spotlight despite its critical importance. Understanding who excels in this understudied position can provide insights into effective leadership and governance. By ranking these influential figures, we not only appreciate their contributions but also gauge the traits that mark successful vice-presidential tenure. This ranking offers a dynamic snapshot of opinions from across the nation on who the most impactful Vice Presidents have been. Through your votes, a continuously updated list reflects current public sentiment and historical perspective, encouraging a deeper engagement with our political legacy. Cast your vote, contribute to the collective assessment, and see how your views align with others in this engaging evaluation of Vice Presidential success.

What Is the Most Successful Vice President?

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44
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

George H.W. Bush

Bush served as Vice President under Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989. He went on to become the 41st President of the United States, making him the only Vice President to be elected President since Martin Van Buren in 1836. During his Vice Presidency, Bush was known for his foreign policy expertise and played a key role in the administration's response to the Cold War.
George H.W. Bush in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous CIA Director
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person in the Navy
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous George
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32
votes
Adam Schultz · Public domain

Joe Biden

Joe Biden

Biden served as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. During his tenure, Biden was instrumental in the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the economic stimulus package, and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. He also led the administration's efforts to combat gun violence and sexual assault on college campuses.
Joe Biden is an American politician who currently serves as the 46th President of the United States. He previously served as the 47th Vice President of the United States under President Barack Obama. Biden is affiliated with the Democratic Party and has a long political career spanning several decades.

Political Party: Democratic Party

Current Role: President of the United States

Previous Role: Vice President of the United States

Presidential Term: 2021-present

Vice Presidential Term: 2009-2017
Joe Biden in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Joe
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person in Delaware
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person in Washington, DC
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous plagiarizer
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular man
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29
votes
Unknown photographerUnknown photographer · Public domain

Al Gore

Al Gore

Gore served as Vice President under Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001. He was a key player in the administration's environmental policy, including the creation of the Climate Change Action Plan and the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol. Gore was also known for his work on technology and the internet, including his role in promoting the Information Superhighway.
Al Gore is an American politician and environmentalist who served as the 45th Vice President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. He is best known for his efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

Political Career: Served as Vice President from 1993-2001

Environmentalism: Advocate for climate change awareness and sustainability

Climate Reality Project: Founder of an organization focused on educating and mobilizing action on climate change

Author: Wrote several books, including 'An Inconvenient Truth'

Nobel Peace Prize: Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his environmental activism
Al Gore in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Harvard graduate
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous liberal
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Vietnam veteran
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19
votes
Arnold Newman · Public domain

Lyndon B. Johnson

Lyndon B. Johnson

Johnson served as Vice President under John F. Kennedy from 1961 to 1963. After Kennedy's assassination, Johnson became President and went on to pass landmark civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He also initiated the War on Poverty and oversaw the expansion of social welfare programs.
Lyndon B. Johnson was the 36th Vice President of the United States, serving under President John F. Kennedy. He went on to become the 37th President of the United States following Kennedy's assassination. Johnson is known for his efforts in civil rights, economic and social reforms, and his skilled political maneuvering.

Years in Office: 1961 - 1963 (Vice President), 1963 - 1969 (President)

Political Party: Democratic Party

Civil Rights Act: Signed into law in 1964

Voting Rights Act: Signed into law in 1965

War on Poverty: Introduced various programs to combat poverty
Lyndon B. Johnson in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person born on August 27
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14
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided · Public domain

Richard Nixon

Nixon served as Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1961. He went on to become the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. During his Vice Presidency, Nixon was a key player in the administration's Cold War policy and played a major role in the creation of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization.
Richard Nixon was the 37th Vice President of the United States, serving under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1961. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful Vice Presidents in American history.

Political Career: Richard Nixon had a long and successful political career, which included serving as a member of the House of Representatives, a U.S. Senator, and ultimately Vice President.

Foreign Policy: Nixon played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in areas such as the Cold War, the United Nations, and relations with Latin America.

Domestic Policy: Nixon was an advocate for civil rights and economic stability, pushing for policies that aimed at reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth.

Accomplishments: Nixon successfully managed Eisenhower's domestic and foreign policy agendas, providing strong support to the President and playing a key role in decision-making.

Presidential Ambitions: Nixon had aspirations to become President, which eventually came true when he won the presidency in 1968, after his term as Vice President.
Richard Nixon in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Richard
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous liar
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous cheater
6

19
votes
Walter Mondale

Walter Mondale

Mondale served as Vice President under Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. During his tenure, he was known for his work on civil rights and environmental issues, as well as his efforts to promote human rights abroad. Mondale was also the first Vice President to have an office in the West Wing of the White House, giving him greater access to the President and more influence over policy.
Walter Mondale is a political figure who served as the Vice President of the United States from 1977 to 1981 under President Jimmy Carter. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful Vice Presidents in U.S. history.

Political Career: Vice President of the United States (1977-1981)

Party Affiliation: Democratic Party

Years of Service: 1977-1981

Presidential Administration: Jimmy Carter

Advocacy: Promoted progressive policy initiatives and social justice causes
7

12
votes
Library of Congress · Public domain

Hubert Humphrey

Hubert H. Humphrey

Humphrey served as Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965 to 1969. During his tenure, he was a key player in the administration's civil rights policy and played a major role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Humphrey also led the administration's efforts to combat poverty and promote social welfare programs.
The Hubert Humphrey is a successfully designed and implemented political strategy utilized by Hubert H. Humphrey, an American politician who served as the Vice President of the United States from 1965 to 1969. This strategy played a crucial role in Humphrey's political career.

Effective Campaigning: Humphrey's strategy showcased his ability to run an effective political campaign.

Progressive Policies: Humphrey advocated for progressive policies such as civil rights, voting rights, and social reforms.

Support from Labor Unions: Humphrey built strong alliances with labor unions, gaining their support during elections and policy initiatives.

Experience in Congress: Humphrey's extensive experience as a senator allowed him to navigate the political landscape effectively.

Oratory Skills: Humphrey was known for his powerful and persuasive speeches, which helped him connect with the public and gain support.
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6
votes
Joe Loong · CC BY-SA 2.0

George Clinton

Clinton served as Vice President under both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, from 1805 to 1812. He was known for his advocacy of states' rights and his opposition to centralized government, and was a key player in the formation of the Democratic-Republican Party. Clinton was also the first Vice President to die in office.
George Clinton in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous funk singer
9

18
votes
John Trumbull · Public domain

John Adams

John Adams

Adams served as Vice President under George Washington from 1789 to 1797. He went on to become the second President of the United States, serving from 1797 to 1801. As Vice President, Adams was known for his advocacy of a strong central government and his opposition to France during the Quasi-War. He was also a key player in the creation of the U.S. Navy.
John Adams was the second Vice President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He was a member of the Federalist Party and served under President George Washington. Adams' contributions as Vice President were significant, as he played a key role in shaping the early foundations of the U.S. government.

Political Party: Federalist

Term: 1789-1797

President: George Washington

Role: Influential in shaping the early foundations of the U.S. government

Contributions: Advocated for a strong central government and a system of checks and balances
John Adams in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Federalist
10

2
votes

Seems to be his official VPOTUS portrait, and a small version is licensed as such at Wikipedia. · Public domain

Spiro Agnew

Agnew served as Vice President under Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. He was known for his controversial speeches attacking the media and political opponents, as well as his advocacy of law and order policies. Agnew resigned from office in 1973 after being charged with bribery and tax evasion.

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Discussion

Ranking factors for successful Vice President

Their impact on policy

How much did they contribute to the development and implementation of key policy initiatives while in office?
Their effectiveness as a political ally

Did the Vice President play a strategic role in helping their President win elections or build political coalitions?
Their ability to navigate their role

Did they effectively balance the ceremonial duties of the office with the demands of the job, and did they demonstrate strong leadership skills when called upon?
Their reputation and legacy

How well-respected were they by their peers, and how have their contributions to the national discourse been remembered and evaluated over time?
Their personal qualities

Did they possess the qualities of integrity, courage, and intelligence necessary to succeed in such a high-profile and demanding role?

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

2233 views
193 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.

More information on most successful vice president

The role of Vice President is often seen as secondary to that of the President, but it is an important position nonetheless. The Vice President serves as the second-in-command and is responsible for assuming the presidency in case the President is unable to fulfill their duties. Throughout history, there have been many successful Vice Presidents who have made significant contributions to the country. Some have gone on to become Presidents themselves, while others have left their mark in other ways. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most successful Vice Presidents in US history and explore their achievements and legacies.