1804 United States Presidential Election

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

With the Jefferson years winding down, the nation searches for new leadership. The Republicans have nominated Jefferson's natural heir, his close political ally, fellow Virginian, and Secretary of State James Madison. Jefferson's party is defending their more than a decade in power, citing success overseas in seeing the securing of France from foreign invaders, reform of the Navy, and the "republican" domestic policy. The Federalists meanwhile have skipped out on last election's loser, Hamilton, and instead have nominated one of their leading Senators, the respected Rufus King, for President. They are criticizing the nation's weakened defenses and are saying that Jefferson's later improvements are not enough, claim that the Republicans would see the National Bank destroyed, and that the economy needs revitalization. George Clinton, disappointed by his loss at the caucus and his failure to be nominated for Vice President, is running a campaign in state legislators across the North, hoping to gain traction with Northern Republicans that are trapped choosing between the Federalist King and the Southerner Madison.

Three days, folks.

[Goldwater]

Madison.

[Maxwell]

Clinton

[#CriminalizeSobriety]

Clinton

[Dr. Cynic]

King

[TNF]

Tough choice between King and Clinton, ultimately went with the latter.

Madison is awful.

[Sopranos Republican]

Clinton

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Rufus

[Senator Spiral]

Clinton

[TDAS04]

Clinton

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I guess this ends like tomorrow night or something?

[Oldiesfreak1854]

King, although I'd be happy with any of them.

[Supersonic]

King, although I'd be happy with any of them.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

So I guess George Clinton has won as an Independent Republican. Who knew? This could lead to a three party system. I'll take a few seconds to work it out.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

The 1804 United States Presidential Election
Following reform of the electoral system, the nation was expecting a fairly straightforward election, especially when newspapers reported that the Federalists would be running Rufus King against James Madison, representing the debate over Jefferson's legacy. However, things would not go nearly as planned. George Clinton, a party founder who had long been denied the presidency and even the nomination of the Republicans, saw to it that a movement began among the New York State Senate to appoint electors voting for him and James Monroe for President and Vice President respectively. News escaped of the Clinton movement and other Northern Republicans in state legislatures began signing on. Clinton even found his name appearing on the ballot in several states that utilized the popular vote system. With Federalists weak even in the North, Clinton Republicans took the opportunity, handing him electors of several Federalist-leaning and tossup states. In the South, meanwhile, Southern Federalists were uncomfortable with statements King had made on the subject of slavery and not looking forward to "another four years of Jefferson", chose King as the lesser of three evils. With momentum building over the course of the election between spring of 1804 and February of 1805, Clinton managed to secure both an electoral majority and a very strong popular plurality. Madison, despite taking a pathetic amount of the popular vote, found his bedrock in the South and West and thus surpassed King in the electoral vote.

Governor George Clinton (Independent Republican-New York)/U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom James Monroe (Republican-Virginia) 90 electoral votes, 46.9% of the popular vote
Secretary of State James Madison (Republican-Virginia)/Former Senator Aaron Burr (Republican-New York) 51 electoral votes, 18.8% of the popular vote
Senator Rufus King (Federalist-New York)/Senator John Marshall (Federalist-Virginia) 35 electoral votes, 34.4% of the popular vote