U.S. presidential election, 1844

[A18]

No hindsight.

As the election campaign opened, the familiar Clay was expected to easily defeat little-known Polk. But Clay hurt his chances in the South by coming out against Texas annexation. This was widely viewed as an attempt to stop the spread of slavery.

Polk was strongly in favor of annexation.

In the North, Clay was undercut by James Birney of Michigan, running on the Liberty-Abolitionist ticket. Because Clay, like Polk, was a slaveowner, Birney was able to capture much of the abolitionist vote, and enough to tip the election to Polk.

The Democratic platform called for annexation of Texas and "reoccupation" of Oregon. It opposed federally funded internal improvements, resurrection of the national bank, planned surplus in the Treasury, and federal interference with slavery.

The Whig platform supported a well-regulated currency, high tariffs, distribution of the proceeds from the sale of public lands, restrictions on the presidential veto, and a one-term president.

[Emsworth]

Polk.

The Whigh platform, as usual, involved disagreeable measures such as protectionist tariffs. The Democratic platform was much sounder: it involved an independent treasury and opposed a national bank. Polk's foreign policy was also much better.

[Virginian87]

Polk.

The Whigh platform, as usual, involved disagreeable measures such as protectionist tariffs. The Democratic platform was much sounder: it involved an independent treasury and opposed a national bank. Polk's foreign policy was also much better.

Actually, at the time a national bank was a much sounder option than an independent treasury. 

This would have been a tough election for me to decide.  In hindsight, I would have chosen Polk, as he turned out to be one of the best presidents of the 19th Century.  But had I been alive at the time, I would have chosen Henry Clay, simply because I've always admired his politics and what he fought for.  He is one of my all-time favorite politicians.

[PBrunsel]

Polk because Clay was simply a fence sitter who tried to play to both sides.

Also, Clay's campaign was damn awful. The Whig Platfrom was 100-words long and their slogan was "Hooray for Clay." How dull.

[Virginian87]

Polk because Clay was simply a fence sitter who tried to play to both sides.

Also, Clay's campaign was damn awful. The Whig Platfrom was 100-words long and their slogan was "Hooray for Clay." How dull.

That is true.  They did not run a good campaign in 1844.  Clay's best campaign was in 1832.  He actually had a plan then, but he still lost in a landslide.

[MasterJedi]

Polk, for his imperialist policies.

[minionofmidas]

Depends on state somewhat, but most likely option is Birney.

[Storebought]

Hmm, considering I wouldn't have had the right to vote, I think I'll sit this election out

[Bono]

Polk, becuase the whigs were horible people.

[Democratic Hawk]

Polk

Dave

[7,052,770]

Polk for SURE

[Dave from Michigan]

Polk

[Erc]

Polk, only because I hate Clay's guts (politically--I respect the man himself greatly).