President Donald Trump looks on as he departs the White House on October 24. Kylie Cooper/Reuters

When Lyndon B. Johnson wanted to take his hat out of the ring in 1968, he said this during a nationally televised address:

“I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president.”

Those comments, issued during the primary season, upended the 1968 presidential election, which ultimately ended with Richard Nixon’s win.

Compare Johnson’s clear statement with Trump’s latest tease about a third term :

“I haven’t really thought about it,” Trump told reporters. “We have some very good people, as you know,” he said, referring to potential successors Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“But,” Trump added , “I have th

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