Would a president survive divorce in an election year?

[President Johnson]

In 1964, Nelson Rockefeller's divorce and remarriage killed his ambition to become the Republican nominee. However, back then social norms were different from today. What do you guys think, would a president in our time survive divorce from his wife during an election year while running for reelection? And would there be a different set of standards between a Democratic and a Republican president? I know Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump remarried as well, but long before they ran for office.

Background for my question is the novel I'm writing. It's spring 2016 and the sitting Democratic president, who seeks election to a full term in office, is done with his wife and decides to break up. Actually because he's in a relationship with a former staffer, but the public is not aware of that as the election approaches. However, there were rumors about affairs in the past.


_{Btw, I'm not sure this is the correct board, if not, mods should feel free to move the topic.}

[brucejoel99]

It certainly wouldn't help, that's for sure.

[Grassroots]

It's the same today.

[Democrat 2028]

Depends on how their presidency went. I think a more popular president would take a hit, but survive. A less popular president would lose reelection.

[Morgan Kingsley]

I actually would not be too sure, although I would definitely say it would if said divorced person was in the republican party

[morgieb]

Popularity and how it happened is key. If it was just their relationship falling apart it probably wouldn't kill them, an affair on the other hand would hurt big time.

[หมูเด้ง]

Why did the divorce happen? What if they are leaving an abusive or unfaithful spouse?

[Adjective-Statement]

Why did the divorce happen? What if they are leaving an abusive or unfaithful spouse?

Unfortunately, I could see many weaponizing that to make the politician appear weak, whether openly or subtly.

[หมูเด้ง]

Why did the divorce happen? What if they are leaving an abusive or unfaithful spouse?

Unfortunately, I could see many weaponizing that to make the politician appear weak, whether openly or subtly.

Especially with people calling people cucks.

[Orwell]

Why did the divorce happen? What if they are leaving an abusive or unfaithful spouse?

Unfortunately, I could see many weaponizing that to make the politician appear weak, whether openly or subtly.

Especially with people calling people cucks.

Triggered Soyboy Cucks Anarcho-Statism and Whereever you want me to go you can't go there! Libcucks at their finest people conservatives breed commies seethe /s

[The '90s' Last Champion]

I don't think it would hurt them too much, but it depends on the circumstances. For instance, if it was known that their relationship was rocky, it wouldn't, but if there was an affair, it would hurt them. Basically, it would probably come down to whether or not said divorce was necessary or inevitable, and if the reason for the divorce was the politician or their spouse. If the politician was the problem, it would hurt them. If the spouse was the issue, then it probably doesn't. But, something like this probably would also be influenced by media coverage. This question is simply too open-ended for me to give a proper answer.