John Tyler
The presidency is one of the coveted positions in the world and defines the highest achievement of a political leader. Politicians aim to climb the political ladder until they reach the presidency. Such a political rise is an achievement, and most individuals become popular across the continent and respected. However, one’s fame is dependent on the country and their performance. For instance, most US presidents are famous across the globe and face global challenges. Such challenges require skills of equal measure. One such president of the US is John Tyler.
John Tyler rose to the presidency after the death of William Henry Harrison, who ruled for a month and succumbed to pneumonia. The death of William signalled the need of elected a capable vice president who could take over the presidency. Many were opposed to the move even though it was constitutional. The opposition faced by Tyler from political foes could have led to the negativity that surrounded Tyler’s tenure as president of the US states.
As fate would have it, both William and Tyler were from the same county, and their fathers were governors of Virginia. There was nothing to liken about the two except for the hope that people had in steering the presidency wheel in the right direction. The controversies surrounding Tyler’s tenure included his marriage to an older lady. He also had an intimate engagement with a 22-year-old (Maddox 57). According to political historians, these are ones personal life choices that should not play any role in the judgement of their dispensation of duties (Maddox 59). However, individual character, discipline, and demeanour are a vital ingredient to political success.
John Tyler was accused of being stubborn and noncommittal on matters relating to the policies of the party. The rejection from both his party and the Whigs led to his declaration as an independent candidate (Nevins et al. 33). Vice presidents have been known to drive the policies of their predecessors, unlike the case of Tyler. According to historical scholars, his stubbornness was one of the key attributes that made him one of the best presidents (Nevins et al. 42). He could stand against the grain without fear and drive agendas that he considered necessary.
Tyler is considered to have had the greatest contribution in office and claimed the right to fully functioning presidency. He never accepted the limits to his powers in the highest office and set a precedent for inter-branch checks and balances. It is common knowledge that when one follows their principles, they are alienated. Tyler was alienated and in most cases was at loggerheads with the congress. However, being the first vice president to take over the office of the presidency, he set the pace as being fearless. Such a trait is important in not politically compromising agendas for the majority.
The fact that Tyler had faced a difficult childhood and rose to be the president in his own right is an achievement. His mother died of stroke when he was on seven, and this did not deter his political ambitions. He eventually got monition into political office before attaining the age 30. The challenges, coupled with the manner of acquiring presidency, made him develop a thick skin during his tenure.