Thomas Jefferson, our third president was born April 13, 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia. Although he became a leader in politics in our young nation, he was responsible for bringing about so many fundamental elements of our modern government. His vision was tremendous.
Thomas Jefferson was known for his lack of drive and focus when it came to campaigning. Although Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence, he nonetheless came into the office of Vice President in an indirect way. In Thomas Jefferson, it is written that as a reluctant candidate for President in 1796, Jefferson came within three votes of election. Through a flaw in the Constitution, he became Vice President”. Thomas Jefferson ran against Aaron Burr which ended in a tie. The House of Representatives settled the tie. Were he to run for President today, his opponents would use this flaw to discredit him. Furthermore, Thomas Jefferson had many interests about which he felt deeply committed. In today's political arena, successful candidates for higher offices are many times, career politicians who groom themselves for votes. Jefferson would have shunned this practice wholeheartedly.
His independent approach to the issues at hand at the time would also detract from his ability to win votes. During his term as Secretary of State, he opposed a centralized government. He opposed Federalist policy and fought for the rights of individual states. By doing so, he was essentially calling for the reduction or even elimination of a part of the political machine that most candidates today seem to be eager to buy into.
Aside from his lack of focus when it came to elections, Jefferson owned slaves at his plantation Monticello, although he supported abolishing slavery. The fact remains that his credibility with the black vote would have precluded any black voter support.
Thomas Jefferson undoubtedly helped form our government and is a man to admire in our history. However, with detractors that would leave his character open for criticism by opponents and his disinterest in national politics, it is doubtful that he could successfully run for President today. Ironically, it would not be because he was not a good man, but because he did not fit into the political machine mold.
