U.S. presidential election, 1916

[A18]

No hindsight.

As the election of 1916 grew near, the war in Europe raged on.

Wilsonians reminded voters that, "He kept us out of war." The Democratic platform called for military preparedness, a world association of nations, Pan-American unity, health and safety standards and a retirement system for federal employees, a ban on child labor, creation of a federal bureau of safety, strengthening the bureau of mines, establishment of federal tuberculosis sanitariums for the needy, women's suffrage, and prison reform.

The Republican platform condemned the Wilson administration's failure to protect American interests abroad. It called for a "strict and honest neutrality," establishment of a world court, restoration of friendly relations with Mexico, closer ties with Latin America, retention of the Philippines, a stronger national defense, a higher tariff, a ban on child labor, workmen's compensation insurance, and women's suffrage.

Heading into election day, Hughes was widely considered the favorite. But Wilson pulled off a narrow victory, winning California, and with it, the election.

[PBrunsel]

Had Hughes simply met with Hiram Johnson when they were in the same hotel he would have had his endorsement and the election.

[Emsworth]

With hindsight, I would have voted for Hughes. However, at the time, I would probably have voted for Wilson.

There are several disagreeable aspects of Hughes' platform. In particular, I object to the destruction of national sovereignty through the establishment of a world court. Similarly, Hughes supported high tariffs.

As to labor regulations, the two platforms were largely indistinguishable. Both, unfortunately, proposed an expansion of the federal government's authority over the economy. However, on the basis of the tariff and world court planks, my vote would most likely have gone to Wilson.

[Yates]

I would have narrowly supported Hughes.  His tenure as Justice helped his chances of receiving my vote.

[Cubby]

What did the Republicans mean by a World Court?

Those are the 2 most identical major party platforms I've ever seen. Whats the difference between "Pan-American Unity" and "Closer ties with Latin America"!

At the time, I probably would have voted for Hughes, since I have a feeling I would have been a Republican before 1928.

[A18]

I believe the World Court was a place where the U.S. could go, but no one could take it.

[Erc]

Don't like Hughes on the tariff, but he's better than Wilson.

[jokerman]

Wilson

[Virginian87]

Any other election I would have voted for Hughes.  He was a very respectable politician in his day and should have been nominated in 1920 instead of Harding.  That said, I would have voted for Wilson.

[Schmitz in 1972]

Those are the 2 most identical major party platforms I've ever seen.

^^^^

I would probably vote for Hughes based on dissapointment with the Wilson administration but I cannot say for sure

[AkSaber]

I probably would have voted for Wilson.