'Delusions of grandeur': Why people run for president despite having no chance of winning

The 2024 Republican presidential primary contest has ballooned to more than a dozen hopefuls jockeying for sufficient polling to qualify for the debates, the first of which is scheduled for August 23rd, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Former President Donald Trump is the clear frontrunner, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis maintaining a distant second place. And while some of the individuals have established national reputations, most do not. On Tuesday, Politico's Adam Wren delved into why political unknowns launch campaigns that are destined to fail.

"All but two of them are polling below 10 percent. Even candidates who would typically appear viable have other motivations to run," Wren wrote, noting that people do this not because winning the White House is within their grasp, but due to their deep-field view of personal ambition.

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"There are incentives for running for president as a longshot," Wren explained. "Just look at Pete Buttigieg. The former mayor of the fourth largest city in Indiana vaulted over better-known rivals to win the Iowa caucuses, going from someone whose last name tripped up even seasoned news anchors to parlaying his run into a six-figurepodcast deal, a book deal, and guest hosting a late night show. Not to mention a Cabinet spot in the Biden administration."

Wren drew parallels between Buttigieg and millennial biotech millionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, who makes frequent media appearances. Speaking to Politico, however, Ramaswamy "denied that a campaign was a vehicle for something other than the presidency, saying there are a 'lot of ways to change this country, but [running is] a tremendous sacrifice.'"

On the other hand, Wren pointed out, "There are more traditional presidential candidates who have been accused of running sheerly to angle for the vice presidency or an administration post."

These include United States Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, ex-South Carolina governor-turned-US United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, and former Vice President Mike Pence.

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Politico's article continues at this link.