Odd People And Parties Who Never Should Have Run For Political Office

Gracie Allen Is The Original Female Candidate

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Part of the comedy duo Burns and Allen, Gracie Allen took her run at political office in 1940. One of the first women to run for President, her campaign may have started out as a joke to gain viewers, but quickly took on a life of its own. Allen charged forward with her campaign. As a member of the newly formed Surprise Party, she ran on a platform believing in equal rights between men and women.

Although her campaign was unsuccessful against the conservative culture of the time, Allen did manage to win an endorsement from Harvard University as well as the Mayoral vote of Menominee, Michigan. She was ultimately disqualified for not being a resident and returned to her very successful comedy career.

While it’s hard being a woman in politics, it’s impossible to run for President if you’re under 35 years old!