Martin Van Buren was Jackson's own choice as his successor. Van Buren became our eighth president in 1836. He was doomed from the start, though, as the people thought he was only "mediocre" and the democrats hated him. He was also left to deal with some very difficult situations, such as a developing depression. Van Buren tried to do his best through such things as the controversial "Divorce Bill," but Martin Van Buren's efforts were futile, as he is not our most memorable president.