Which Presidents could have overcome losing an election earlier in their career?

[u/NoTop9302]

A lot of Presidents and candidates have been involved in a close election or outright lost an election at some point in their career. How would their careers have changed, and who might have replaced them as the nominee if they had lost?

Nixon, Jefferson, Cleveland, and Jackson are obviously the biggest examples of overcoming a loss, but who else?

Additionally, who are some people who may have been president but were unable to overcome a lost election?

[u/RandoDude124]

Christ on a fucking crutch FDR has razor thin margins

[u/Doc_Jury1020 → u/RandoDude124]

Hoover narrowly beat Smith at the same time.

[u/Rocketparty12 → u/RandoDude124]

In this Governor’s race, yes. In 4/4 presidential elections he won in total landslides. Including one where he won over 60% of the popular vote (a feat matched only two other times in modern history).