Do American Military Generals Run for President?

Introduction:

The question of whether American military generals run for president is often a topic of debate and misunderstanding. This article aims to clarify the facts and debunk some common myths surrounding this issue. We will explore historical examples, the rules regarding military officers running for public office, and other factors that influence the possibility of a general seeking the presidency.

Historical Examples of Military Generals Becoming President

Contrary to popular belief, numerous American military generals have indeed run for and even won the presidency. Here are a few notable examples:

George Washington: The first president of the United States had a distinguished military career, leading the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. William Henry Harrison: He was a general in the War of 1812 before becoming the ninth president of the United States. Andrew Jackson: A general in the War of 1812 and the First Seminole War, Jackson was the seventh president of the United States. Zachary Taylor: He served as a general in the Mexican–American War, eventually leading to his election as the eleventh president. Franklin Pierce: Although not a general, he served in the Mexican–American War and ran for president in 1852. Ulysses S. Grant: The victorious general of the Union Army in the American Civil War, he later became the 18th president of the United States. Rutherford B. Hayes: A Civil War general, Hayes was the 19th president of the United States. Benjamin Harrison: Another Civil War general, Harrison succeeded Hayes as the 23rd president. William McKinley: A general in the Civil War, McKinley was assassinated during his second term and was not succeeded by a general. Dwight D. Eisenhower: A five-star general who led the Allied forces in Europe during World War II, Eisenhower became the 34th president of the United States.

Rules for Military Officers Running for Public Office

Military officers cannot run for partisan political office while serving their commissioned posts, as dictated by the Hatch Act. However, they must resign their commissions before they can seek and win an elected position. For example, Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower resigned from their military roles before running for the presidency.

Contemporary Considerations

While some military generals have run for president in recent years, they face unique challenges. For instance:

Wesley Clark: A former general and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Clark ran in the Democratic presidential primary but did not secure the nomination. Colin Powell: As a prominent military figure, Powell had potential to run in the Republican primaries but ultimately did not do so, perhaps to avoid the political attacks he might face. Petraeus: A general in Iraq, he was prosecuted under false pretenses to prevent him from running for president by the Obama administration.

The Role of Civilians in Government

America has a civilian government, and the military serves the nation, not the other way around. This independence between the military and civilian leadership is a fundamental part of the U.S. system of checks and balances. As such, former generals like Grant and Eisenhower have made successful transitions to the presidency, but the magic word in this context is "former."

Conclusion

While it is true that many American military generals have run for president throughout history, the current restrictions and the changing landscape of American political and military priorities mean that running for the presidency while still a general is not feasible. The examples of these distinguished military leaders provide a rich tapestry of leadership showcasing the unique qualifications that military service can offer to potential presidential candidates.

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