Democrats Harry Truman in 1952 and Lyndon Johnson in 1968 were eligible for another presidential term but chose not to run.
It’s a shame and a national tragedy that Barack Obama’s conciliatory governing style has failed in the face of republican intransigence. But the fact is that his presidency has been marginalized.
Talk broke out this week about a Hillary Clinton primary challenge but that probably can’t work.
I’ve been thinking lately about the possibility of this president taking the Truman / Johnson route.
Even though Mr. Obama’s base would probably hold in 2012, there seems to be almost no faith left in his leadership.
So he tells the nation that he wants to spend all his energy rebuilding the economy, not fighting for re-election.
His one-term presidency – spared a humiliating defeat – is seen as a great and noble historical transformation.
This gives Hillary Clinton – or any other democrat – a clean slate and a clear shot.