The article presents a historical exploration of American presidential candidates who nearly ascended to the presidency, revealing how close history came to being rewritten by chance. It begins with George Washington's tenure as the first president from 1789 to 1797 and reflects on the succession of 45 presidents. One example discussed is Lafayette S. Foster, a senator from Connecticut who was second in the presidential line of succession during a critical moment in history following Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865. Foster's role as the temporary Senate president illustrates how easily power could have shifted while the nation was navigating the turbulent end of the Civil War.

Another individual mentioned is Benjamin Wade, who was the acting president pro tempore of the Senate during Andrew Johnson's presidency. The assassination attempt on Lincoln nearly resulted in Wade taking on presidential responsibilities during a time of intense uncertainty and reconstruction following the Civil War. The examination of these near-misses in American political history serves to underscore the precariousness of leadership roles and how historical accidents could have led to different outcomes.

Overall, the article frames these narratives within the broader context of American history, illustrating the complex interactions between chance events and the political paths available to potential leaders. By uncovering these stories, it prompts readers to consider the impact of fate and circumstance on the nation's leadership and the historical evolution of its governance, indicating that a few different choices or successful attempts could have resulted in a dramatically different United States today.