James K. Polk proved a president can be both a big-picture visionary and an effective manager. Elected as a Democrat from Tennessee, Polk has long been characterized as a dark horse. In fact ...

In 1844, James K. Polk became the first dark horse candidate to win the presidency, beating Henry Clay. Polk promised that he would be a one-term president. Challenges: James K. Polk was an avowed ...

Born: November 2, 1795, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina... James K. Polk, the original "dark horse" candidate, laid out his foreign policy and domestic aims early, achieved them in one term ...