 The Ross Perot presidential campaign of 1992 began when Texas industrialist Ross Perot opened the possibility of running for President of the United States in the election of 1992 as an independent candidate on the February 20 , 1992 edition of Larry King Live . Though he had never served as a public official , Perot had experience as the head of several successful corporations and had been involved in public affairs for the previous three decades . Spawned by the American dissatisfaction with the political system , grassroots organizations sprang up in every state to help Perot achieve ballot access following his announcement . James Stockdale , a retired United States Navy vice admiral , was Perot 's vice presidential running mate . 
