It’s weird.

Over the years many children’s book characters have tried running for President of the United States. They announce their candidacy on the covers of books. You’ve seen them. Yet not one has successfully become President of the United States.

And now none of them even mention politics at all.

Who ran? What caused their political careers to come to a crashing halt? Let’s take a look.

Candidate: Bad Kitty

Election Year: 2012

% of Popular Vote Received: 0%

Lost To: Barack Obama

Possible Reason: Candidate focused resources on neighborhood cat club election rather than national election.

Candidate: Clifford 

Election Year: 2004

% of Popular Vote Received: 0%

Lost To: George W. Bush

Possible Reason: Attack ads alluding to the Big Red Dog’s ties with Russia

Candidate: My Teacher

Election Year: 2004

% of Popular Vote Received: 0%

Lost To: George W. Bush

Possible Reason: Teacher wasn’t interested in the job.

Candidate: Babymouse

Election Year: 2012

% of Popular Vote Received: 0%

Lost To: Barack Obama

Possible Reason: Doubts over her “A cupcake in every locker” campaign promise.

Candidate: Duck

Election Year: 2004

% of Popular Vote Received: 0%

Lost To: George W. Bush

Possible Reason: Candidate was a duck

Candidate: Madam President

Election Year: 2008

% of Popular Vote Received: 0%

Lost To: Barack Obama

Possible Reason: Voters unclear on candidate’s name.

Candidate: Max

Election Year: 2004

% of Popular Vote Received: 0%

Lost To: George W. Bush

Possible Reason: Class president election didn’t translate to national election.

Candidate: Ellie McDoodle

Election Year: 2014

% of Popular Vote Received: 0%

Lost To: No presidential election that year.

Possible Reason: It was a mid-term election. Ellie should have set her sights on one of the 33 senate seats up for grabs that year.

Maybe one of the 2016 candidates will break through?