Clinton's successor was John Kerry, a five-letter word, and George W. BUSH, a four-letter word. John Kerry was the Democratic nominee in the 2004 presidential election, running against incumbent President George W. BUSH. Kerry served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1985 to 2013. He was also the 68th United States Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017. George W. BUSH was the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009. He is the eldest son of former President George H. W. BUSH.