Bush-Wilson parallel?

[seamar116]

I just stumbled across this great site today while researching the "mandate" that GWB received. And I was looking for any parallels and lo and behold, up comes the 1912 and 1916 elections.
Wilson wins in 1912 with 41% of the popular vote as TR and Taft split the Rep. vote. And in 1916 Wilson wins re-election by a whisker over Hughes. Wilson wins California and its 13 EV by 4,000 votes. Reversing those 13 votes gives Hughes the election.

My question...how did Wilson lead over those two terms? What was the make-up of Congress? Did he "reach-out" across the aisle" If so how? I'm trying to gain some historical insight into this situation. Has anyone explored this in depth or know of any resources I should check out? Thanks.

Mike

[J. J.]

At least on the League of Nations, his crossover was unsuccessful.  There were fairly substantial divisions over entry into WWI.

[DaleC76]

I've read lots of columnists talk about Truman - Bush parallels, too.

[PBrunsel]

Wilson was terrible at reaching out over the aisle when it came to the League of Nations. Republiucans (most of them) were under command of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. Wilson never compromised well, so he decalred war on Lodge. In 1916 Republicans took Congress and in 1918 they expanded their lead in Congress.

In Wilson's first term Democrats controlled the Congress so he got a lot passed in his first 3 years. These included beautufucation bills, the Income Tax Amendment, civil service reform, and tariff reduction.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

well then, according to the parallel we should win in a landslide in 2008

[PBrunsel]

well then, according to the parallel we should win in a landslide in 2008

That might happen if Bush get's into a problem as big as WWI and the "League of Nations."

[PBrunsel]

Wilson was terrible at reaching out over the aisle when it came to the League of Nations. Republiucans (most of them) were under command of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. Wilson never compromised well, so he decalred war on Lodge. In 1916 Republicans took Congress and in 1918 they expanded their lead in Congress.

In Wilson's first term Democrats controlled the Congress so he got a lot passed in his first 3 years. These included beautufucation bills, the Income Tax Amendment, civil service reform, and tariff reduction.

Don't forget about the Lion of the Senate. 

Henry Cabot Lodge

[PBrunsel]

Wilson was terrible at reaching out over the aisle when it came to the League of Nations. Republiucans (most of them) were under command of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. Wilson never compromised well, so he decalred war on Lodge. In 1916 Republicans took Congress and in 1918 they expanded their lead in Congress.

In Wilson's first term Democrats controlled the Congress so he got a lot passed in his first 3 years. These included beautufucation bills, the Income Tax Amendment, civil service reform, and tariff reduction.

Don't forget about the Lion of the Senate. 

Henry Cabot Lodge

*cough* Nevermind.

See, i'm not the keensest histrorian when i'm tired. I barely got any sleep yeaterday.

[PBrunsel]

See, i'm not the keensest histrorian when i'm tired. I barely got any sleep yeaterday.

No, you're right, most of the fight was between Wilson and Lodge.

Yes, 2 old stubborn men.