The almost-presidents: 10 Americans who nearly assumed the nation's highest office

Robert F. Kennedy and Al Gore both almost reached the nation's highest office.

Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images; Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock

• Throughout US history, there have been many presidential what-ifs.
• Several presidents were nearly assassinated, meaning their vice presidents would assume power.
• Some elections were decided by thin margins, with the runner-up a hair's breadth from victory.

From Washington to Trump, 45 distinguished Americans are immortalized...