Which US Presidents Most Successfully Fulfilled Their Campaign Promises?
The enduring legacy of U.S. presidents is often judged by their ability to fulfill their campaign promises. However, the complexity of governance means that success is rarely straightforward. In this article, we will explore which presidents most successfully navigated their campaign intentions, with a special focus on Rutherford B. Hayes and his campaign to reform the government for the better.
Rutherford B. Hayes: The Idealist in Action
Rutherford B. Hayes ran for president immediately following one of the most corrupt administrations in history: that of U.S. Grant. Despite the corruption, Grant was a great man and a man of integrity. However, his presidency was stained by the actions of his advisors, a situation that Hayes sought to rectify.
Hayes' campaign platform was marked by the promise to bring about significant reform. He pledged to limit his presidency to one term, appoint cabinet officials from both parties, and end the "spoils system," which awarded office based on political connections rather than merit. Even his camp knew he would make an ideal president, but they preferred to nominate the corrupt Chester Arthur as vice president in an attempt to undermine Hayes.
Upon taking office, Hayes immediately made good on his word by appointing officials from both parties to key positions. He refused to play the , unwaveringly working towards civil service reform. His ideas were sound, and his intentions were noble, but he faced insurmountable opposition from his own party.
The Complexity of Campaign Promises
It is essential to recognize that campaign promises are more often than not wish lists that politicians use to garner support rather than binding commitments. The term "promises" is somewhat of a misnomer as it implies that the elected official would follow through with their campaign pledges. Campaign lists are often unrealistic and unachievable.
Even with a sound platform and strong intentions, Hayes faced significant challenges due to political infighting and the entrenched power of the spoils system. His reforms could not be carried out as planned, and the two parties worked against him instead of supporting him.
The Ideal vs. the Reality
To understand the challenges faced by politicians like Hayes, it is important to acknowledge that in the real world, a politician cannot fulfill even a fraction of what they promise. Obama, for instance, faced enormous opposition from the congressional Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, who vowed to oppose anything he tried to accomplish, regardless of its merit.
Trump, on the other hand, attempted to "clean the swamp," but the extent of the corruption and the nature of the political landscape proved to be more insurmountable than his campaign implied. Despite his intentions, he found that the swamp ran deep and the political landscape was far more complex than he anticipated.
Legacy and Impact
Despite the challenges, the legacy of Hayes and his campaign promises remains significant. His pursuit of integrity and reform laid the groundwork for future presidents to aspire to. The determination to put some integrity into the presidency made a lasting impact, influencing the way future leaders approach governance.
James Garfield, after being elected, was assassinated, and Chester Arthur, who was maneuvered into office by his party, implemented some of Hayes' civil service reforms. The legacy of Hayes and his ideals can still be seen in the continued discussions and efforts towards government reform today.
Conclusion
The quest to fulfill campaign promises is a complex and often futile endeavor. Campaign lists are more teases to win votes than concrete commitments. Yet, there are examples of presidents like Rutherford B. Hayes who, despite the realities of politics, made substantial efforts to realize their intentions. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the impact that a single leader can have on the trajectory of the nation.