NEW YORK – As Vice President Kamala Harris begins her fall campaign for the White House, she can draw inspiration from history as she aims to achieve what few have done before.

Since 1836, only one sitting vice president, George H.W. Bush in 1988, has successfully transitioned to the presidency. Others who attempted, like Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, and Al Gore, faced narrow defeats influenced by various factors including public perception, policy issues, and the dynamics of their working relationships.

To succeed, a vice president must ride on the popularity of the incumbent president and maintain a productive partnership throughout their tenure, according to Julian Zelizer, a professor at Princeton University.

In the case of George H.W. Bush, his victory in 1988 was aided by a strong economy, improved international relations, and unwavering support from President Ronald Reagan. The seamless collaboration between the two leaders played a pivotal role in Bush’s triumph over Michael Dukakis.

On the other hand, Al Gore’s distancing from President Bill Clinton during the 2000 election, following the Lewinsky scandal, was perceived as a setback, contributing to his narrow loss to George W. Bush.

Nixon, Humphrey, and other former vice presidents faced similar challenges in their bids for the presidency, highlighting the complexities and nuances of such transitions.

As Vice President Harris embarks on her campaign, she follows in the footsteps of past leaders who have navigated the treacherous path to the White House. With President Biden’s unwavering support and a unified party behind her, Harris aims to make history once again.

Stay tuned as we follow Kamala Harris’ journey to the 2024 election, charting her course through a landscape rich in triumphs and tribulations.