IS THERE A PRESIDENT IN THE HOUSE? (PART X)

In a surprise upset, Yarborough was defeated in the Democratic primary by former Representative Lloyd Bentsen. With Yarborough out of the race, the Nixon administration diverted its resources to other races. That and a strong Democratic turnout led to Bush’s second defeat for the Senate. Discouraged, Bush almost decided to leave politics. He went on to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief U.S. Liaison in China and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. He had become the Republican Party’s trouble shooter, taking difficult jobs when there was a problem. In 1980, after running second to Ronald Reagan for the Presidential nomination, he accepted the second spot on the ticket and was elected Vice President. In 1988, he succeeded Reagan as President, but served only one term.

Our most recent Presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush (the current President), never served in Congress, although both of them lost a race for the House of Representatives earlier in their careers. In modern times, service in Congress has provided valuable experience for those Presidents who served there. Lack of experience may or may not have been a liability. Such lack of experience seemed to be a liability for Carter but not for Reagan.

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