In the realm of politics, where established names and powerful connections often pave the way to success, the story of the underdog holds a special allure. The Democratic Party, with its rich history and diverse coalition, has seen its share of individuals who defied expectations, overcame formidable odds, and rose to prominence against seemingly insurmountable challenges. These are the stories of candidates who began their journeys on the margins, dismissed by pundits or overshadowed by more charismatic figures, yet whose determination, resilience, and connection with ordinary voters propelled them to positions of power and influence. From unlikely grassroots victories to triumphs over entrenched political machines, these underdogs embody the spirit of possibility and the enduring power of the democratic ideal.
It’s tricky to definitively say who the “greatest” are, as “underdog” can be subjective and greatness can be measured in different ways! But, here are some Democratic political figures who certainly fit the “underdog” description at some point in their careers, and went on to achieve significant things:
Harry S. Truman, perhaps one of the most classic examples, took over the presidency after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death. His early career included serving in World War I and entering Missouri politics, eventually becoming a Senator. When Roosevelt chose him as his running mate in 1944, it surprised many. Truman’s pivotal moment arrived with Roosevelt’s death in 1945, thrusting him into a role many felt he was ill-prepared for. He had to quickly navigate complex issues like the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. His greatest success was his 1948 election victory. Virtually every poll and pundit predicted his defeat by Republican Thomas Dewey. Truman’s whistle-stop campaign and appeal to farmers and working-class voters defied expectations. His presidency was marked by the Marshall Plan, the Berlin Airlift, and the creation of NATO.
Jimmy Carter, a relatively unknown former governor of Georgia when he began his bid for the presidency in 1976, defeated better-known candidates in the primaries and won the general election. James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr. was a peanut farmer and former naval officer who entered Georgia state politics, eventually becoming governor. In 1976, amidst the Watergate scandal and public distrust of Washington, Carter’s “outsider” status became an asset. He campaigned on a platform of honesty and integrity, resonating with voters. Carter’s presidency had its challenges, but notable achievements include the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with China.
Barack Obama’s rise to the presidency was meteoric. While a Senator, he was not a household name nationally, and he challenged the well-established Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. His victory was historic. Barack Hussein Obama II was a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and state senator in Illinois before being elected to the U.S. Senate. His 2004 Democratic National Convention speech catapulted him into the national spotlight. In 2008, he ran against Hillary Clinton, then a very well-known figure, for the Democratic nomination and won. Obama’s election as the first African American president was a historic milestone. His presidency included the Affordable Care Act, the stimulus package to combat the Great Recession, and the killing of Osama bin Laden.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2018 primary victory against incumbent Joe Crowley was a massive upset. She was a relatively unknown candidate who defeated a powerful figure in the Democratic establishment. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often referred to by her initials AOC, is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative for New York’s 14th congressional district since 2019. Before running for office, she was a community organizer in New York City. In the 2018 Democratic primary, Ocasio-Cortez challenged incumbent Representative Joe Crowley, who had been in office for twenty years and was considered a high-ranking member of the Democratic party. Ocasio-Cortez’s grassroots campaign and progressive platform resonated with voters, and she won in an upset. Ocasio-Cortez’s election to Congress was a significant victory for progressive Democrats. She has become a prominent voice in American politics, advocating for policies such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. Her ability to connect with young voters and use social media effectively has made her a powerful force in the Democratic Party.
Over the past several weeks, Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have held a series of rallies known as the “Stop the Oligarchy Tour.” Throughout the tour, they criticized the significant concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small number of billionaires and corporations. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez called for political mobilization and grassroots organizing to counter this oligarchy and advance a political agenda that better serves working-class and middle-class people. Based on the tens of thousands of people who have attended these rallies it’s clear they have struck a chord with American voters throughout the country.