American Political Tradition

A Brief History of Political Drafts

Americans have long used political draft movements to encourage non-traditional candidates to run.

Dwight D. Eisenhower
1952

Dwight D. Eisenhower

In the 1952 election, future president Dwight D. Eisenhower only decided to run after his supporters registered him for the Republican New Hampshire primary.

Barry Goldwater, 1964 Republican Presidential Nominee
1964

Barry Goldwater

In 1964, future Republican Presidential Nominee Barry Goldwater also entered the race in large part due to a political draft effort.

Ross Perot, 1992 independent presidential candidate
1992

Ross Perot

In 1992, Ross Perot decided to run only after a political draft effort took place. Perot would go on to win the largest share of the popular vote of any third-party candidate since Theodore Roosevelt.

All in all, American history suggests political drafts are an effective way for Americans to help prospective candidates make a decision to run.

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