1880 U.S. Presidential Election

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1880 U.S. Presidential Election

« on: March 16, 2014, 11:10:57 AM »

The 1880 conventions would lack the excitement and closeness of the 1876 election. Vice President Cassius Clay, though not a particularly conspicuous figure in the Tilden administration, was nominated decidedly on the first ballot. Though claiming to continue with Tilden's agenda, he made many of those who supported him uneasy during his acceptance speech. "We must continue with the policies of tight budgets, peace on the continent, and the end to patronage. However, to have a truly prosperous America, we must also cease the paralyzing influence that America's railroad trusts have on our government." The remark was met with some rancor, but the convention eventually settled. To balance out some of Clay's more radical views, the convention selected Arthur Sewall as his runningmate.

The Whig convention initially held more promise. John O'Sullivan, a once renowned newspaper editorialist, delivered a fiery speech at the convention floor. "There are still American citizens exploring the Great Frontier, shielded from barbaric Indians and bigamists with only their own spades and rifles. It is unconscionable for us not to provide them statehood, protection, and representation in Congress," O'Sullivan would bellow. Denis Kearney, a long-time Governor of California, would take a slightly different tack. "While we give great priority to settling new lands, we forget upon their general welfare after statehood. There are still injustices to be dealt with in the East, in the post-frontier America." Keaney's remarks were met with less applause. However, for all the dramatic flair and theater, the convention would settle on Governor Benjamin Harrison, uanimously. The convention, moved by O'Sullivan's speech, selected him as Harrison's Vice-Presidential candidate.

The Radical Party had received the most interest, given its renewed viability, but also had some growing pains to adjust to. Many Radicals were expecting Walter Gibson, the hero of 1876, to be nominated with little contention. However, balloting initially showed a deadlock between David Davis, Van Wyck (both of whom were Sumnerites) and John Lee, an adherent of both camps. Some speculate that the Radicals were bearish on the idea of Gibson, and that his nomination would make him the least in favor of civil service reform, given his indifference on the issue. However, with some arm-twisting and horse-trading, Walter Gibson would narrowly secure the nomination, hand-picking Charles Van Wyck to consolidate the party and make a play at Nebraska.

Three days.

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