Many historians get excited about James Polk, who said he wanted only one term and then fulfilled every campaign promise, including expanding the borders of the country. But I can’t. Two terms are critical because reelection is a public validation of successful performance and connection to the American people. It is crucial to any president’s credibility and reputation.
Still, in modern U.S. history, once you’re out of the territory of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his remarkable 12-year presidency, the terrain gets rugged — if not downright hostile — for two-termers.
Of the 11 men who followed FDR, only four managed to win and complete two terms: three Republicans (Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush) and a single Democrat (Bill Clinton).
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