Hamilton was probably smarter and much more apt as a statesman, but I can't stomach his elitism and authoritarian vision of government. So Jefferson.
If anything Jefferson was more elitist than Hamilton. The difference was Jefferson was backing a paternalistic elitism of the landed elites, whereas Hamilton was backing a meritocracy rather than a pure democracy.
As for authoritarian, may I point out the embargo and the harshly authoritarian measures Jefferson employed to enforce it?
It truly does say something about Republicans that they are backing Jefferson 3 to 1 right now.
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