The 5: Political Comebacks
This Week on the 5: Five Reasons It’s Never Over in Politics
Political comebacks used to be a rare event because it was always proceeded by failure: An election loss or worse, a scandal involving criminal activity, abuse of power, and of course, sex. But with the re-emergence of Mark Sanford (adultery), Anthony Weiner (sexting) and Elliot Spitzer (high priced whores) in the political arena, being bad is the new good. But they are not the first to come back from the Beltway brink.
1. Bill Clinton.
Easily the greatest comeback kid in modern American politics. First there was the 1988 debacle when then Arkansas Governor Clinton delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention that was so long,boring and pointless, that when he said the words ‘In closing..’, the convention audience erupted in cheers. Clinton was a national joke before he got backstage. Allegations of extra-martial affairs were rampant during his 1992 Presidential campaign, which peaked when Gennifer Flowers came forward and said that she and Clinton had a relationship dating back as far as 1977. Clinton went on 60 Minutes to defend himself against these allegations and was still able to win the election. But charges of infidelity and inappropriate behavior continued to plague him throughout his two terms as President: Paula Jones sued him sexual harassment in 1998 claiming he propositioned her and exposed himself to her. It was during the discovery phase of this lawsuit that led to the discovery that The President’s relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Clinton’s initial denial – then later admitting to ‘a relationship that was not appropriate’ – led the House to impeach Clinton for perjury and obstruction of justice charges. Clinton was under enormous pressure to resign. But Clinton, using political savvy, his strong Presidential record, and good old fashioned spin, was acquitted by the Senate, albeit along party lines. When Bill Clinton left office in 2000, the country had the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history and operated under a surplus from 1998 to 2000. Clinton also had the highest approval ratings of any President since World War II.
2. Richard Nixon.
Mainly for his tough stance against Communism, Richard Nixon was THE rising star in the Republican party, having been elected to the House, the Senate, and Vice President before he turned 40. With outgoing President Eisenhower’s approval numbers still strong, Nixon was the heavy favorite to win the 1960 Presidential election. Ironically, television – which Nixon used in 1952 with his ‘Checkers speech’ to keep his name on the Presidential ticket – was a key factor in his loss to Kennedy. In the televised debate, Kennedy looked youthful and camera-friendly. Nixon looked older (even though he was only 4 years older than Kennedy), pale and sweaty. It didn’t help that the camera also highlighted Nixon’s serious 5 o’clock shadow. That debate has been cited by many historians as the reason why he lost. Nixon’s attempt to remain in the national political scene was crushed when he was soundly defeated by Pat Brown for Governor of California. Nixon bitterly told the press, ‘You won’t have Nixon to kick around anymore because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference’. Political pundits said it was the end his political career. In 1968, sensing the growing public disapproval of President Johnson, Nixon entered the Presidential race. Pledging to restore order to a country divided by war and civil unrest, Richard Nixon became the 37th President of The United States. In 1972, he was re-elected in one of the biggest landslides in the country’s history. In 1974, well, you know the rest…
3. Marion Barry.
Marion Barry was THE major mover and shaker on the local D.C. political scene, having served on the City Council, then as Mayor from 1978 through 1991. His re-election campaigns were largely uncontested. But it was during his 2nd term that rumors of drug use began to surface. By the time, his 3rd term kicked into gear, it became crystal clear that he was in the midst of serious drug and alcohol addictions. Barry began showing up at the office at lunchtime during which he would sleep. Aides were forced to schedule his events later in the day and his speeches were slurred. During this time, unemployment soared and the so did D.C.’s debts. With the crack epidemic in full swing, the crime and murder rates in D.C. exploded. In January 1990, federal agents – who had been investigating Barry for nearly 6 years – along with local police arrested Barry and former girlfriend Rasheeda Moore at a local hotel for drug use and possession. The videotape of Barry smoking crack and yelling ‘The bitch set me up’, was replayed endless on local and cable news outlets nationwide. Barry would eventually serve 6 months in federal prison on a variety of charges. With his personal and political life in tatters, the idea of a comeback seemed highly unlikely. Wrong. Two months after being released, Barry ran for the D.C. City Council. Running on the slogan ‘He May Not Be Perfect, But He’s Perfect for D.C.’, Barry won the Council seat with 70% of the vote. Two years later, Barry stunned the nation when he ran again for Mayor – and won. After effectively being stripped of his Mayoral powers during his 4th term, Barry decided not to seek a 5th term and briefly worked for an investment firm. When he ran again for City Council in 2004, he received 92% of the vote. He was re-elected in 2008 by another overwhelming margin. Only in America…
4. Abraham Lincoln.
After serving one term in the House, Lincoln left politics to resume a law practice. He ran for the Senate in 1854 and 1856 using his opposition to slavery as the basis for his campaigns. He lost both times at detractors were put off by everything from his political views to his awkward appearance. In 1860, drawing from his previous campaign experiences, his deep intellect and convictions, Lincoln ran for President – and won. The rest, they say, is history.
5. Ronald Reagan.
Running on his record as Governor of California, Ronald Reagan looked to seek the highest office of the land in 1968. The Republican Party picked the most politically savvy Richard Nixon instead and essentially told Reagan to wait. In 1976, Reagan ran again for President looking to lead the GOP – and the nation – through the political fallout of Nixon’s resignation. Again, the GOP decided, albeit with great hesitation, to stick with then-President Gerald Ford. Once again, Reagan was the groom left at the altar. Worse, time was his enemy: The country had not elected anyone over 65 since 1856. Nevertheless, Reagan ran for President in 1980 and became the oldest person to be elected and serve at the position. In 1984, he was overwhelmingly re-elected wining 49 out of 50 states. To date, Ronald Reagan – not Abraham Lincoln – is considered by Republicans as the standard bearer of what the party represents.
