Every Tuesday from Constitution Day 2019 (September 17th, of course) to Election Day 2020, I wrote about each consecutive presidential election. A lot has been said about America’s various Commanders in Chief, but this series intended to explore the campaigns that got them there, and the electorate that supported them.
2020 – DONALD TRUMP VS JOE BIDEN, pt. II
We all knew that the story of the 2020 election was not over on November 3rd. In order to truly complete this blog series, here is a summary of what went down since my last post.
2020 – DONALD TRUMP VS JOE BIDEN, pt. I
TL;DR: Orange man bad
2016 – HILLARY CLINTON VS DONALD TRUMP
Welcome to the last fully complete Election Tuesdays blog post! Eight years after Barack Obama’s historic win, Democrats were hoping to break another significant barrier. For the Republicans… well…
2012 – BARACK OBAMA VS MITT ROMNEY
Barack Obama took office as the nation faced several crises. Four years later, were Americans happy with his performance? Or did they side with the obstructionist Republicans?
2008 – BARACK OBAMA VS JOHN MCCAIN
For the first time since 1928, neither the incumbent president nor the vice president were in the running for their party’s nomination. The presidential election was totally up for grabs! Would voters want someone who would continue the policies of President Bush? Or were they hoping for a… change? The Last Four Years Despite a promising start to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, attacks on military personnel and civilians increased dramatically in 2006. It quickly became clear that George W. Bush’s administration did not have well-planned exit strategies for either country. Bush responded to the recent uptick in violence…
2004 – GEORGE W. BUSH VS JOHN KERRY
George W. Bush took office during a relatively peaceful time in American history, but just a few months into his presidency, he was confronted with the worst act of terror ever committed on American soil. Suddenly, Bush was a wartime president. As the next election neared, was everyone still happy with his leadership?
2000 – AL GORE VS GEORGE W. BUSH
We’ve finally reached the Twenty-First Century! In the previous hundred years, America solidified its standing as a world leader. It entered the new millennium with a federal surplus and no major foreign conflicts. Who would voters pick to maintain this prosperity?
1996 – BILL CLINTON VS BOB DOLE
Bill Clinton was the first Democratic president since the Reagan Revolution of the 1980s. Could this “New Democrat” fend off the rising tide of conservatism? Or would he follow in the footsteps of Jimmy Carter and become a one-term president?
1992 – GEORGE H.W. BUSH VS BILL CLINTON VS ROSS PEROT
Americans promoted Vice President George H.W. Bush to the presidency in hopes that he would be a suitable stand-in for a third term of Ronald Reagan. The only problem? George H.W. Bush was not Ronald Reagan. His weaknesses on domestic issues opened the door for not one, but TWO, major challengers. But no candidate is perfect…
1988 – GEORGE H.W. BUSH VS MICHAEL DUKAKIS
Like the election of 1960, the outgoing President was extremely popular and the Vice President hoped to capitalize on his large base for his own candidacy. This time, a not-so-charismatic New Englander stood in his way. Was the conservative coalition strong enough to survive this challenge?
1984 – RONALD REAGAN VS WALTER MONDALE
Was America great again? Under President Ronald Reagan, the economy was improving, the Commies were losing, and there were no negative repercussions in sight! Could any Democrat take him down?
1980 – JIMMY CARTER VS RONALD REAGAN VS JOHN ANDERSON
For most Americans, the 1970s were a decade defined by economic decline and distrust in government. Many feared that American exceptionalism was dead. How would voters react as they looked toward a new decade?
1976 – GERALD FORD VS JIMMY CARTER
Happy Bicentennial, America! What better way to celebrate than with extreme distrust for the government? The 1976 election pitted the country’s two nicest politicians against each other. As it turns out, they were also two of the most gaffe-prone candidates in history! Find out which convinced the country to let them be Commander-in-Chief!
1972 – RICHARD NIXON VS GEORGE MCGOVERN
In 1968, Richard Nixon used the recent social and political chaos to win the presidency with only 43.4% of the popular vote. Four years later, he hoped to win in a landslide. Could the Democrats’ new primary system produce a suitable opponent? Was the vice presidential choice the most important factor??
1968 – HUBERT HUMPHREY VS RICHARD NIXON VS GEORGE WALLACE
Nixon’s back, baby! The 1960s were a tumultuous time in American history. How did Johnson’s 1964 blowout win lead to the resurgence of the conservative movement? Warning: you may experience audio hallucinations of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” during this post.
1964 – LYNDON B. JOHNSON VS BARRY GOLDWATER
In this election, the Democratic candidate ran on a platform of unity, his ability to make deals in Washington, and the record of his predecessor. The Republican candidate was known for racist dog-whistling, a reckless foreign policy, and erratic quotes that dominated news cycles. I bet you’d like to know how this one turned out!
1960 – RICHARD NIXON VS JOHN F. KENNEDY
Outgoing President Dwight Eisenhower was immensely popular. Vice President Richard Nixon tried to capitalize on his large base for his own candidacy, but a handsome, young New Englander stood in his way. The result was one of the closest elections of all time!
1956 – DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER VS ADLAI STEVENSON
In 1952, General Dwight Eisenhower crushed Adlai “Egghead” Stevenson to win the presidency. Four years later, Stevenson was eager to try again! Would Eisenhower live up to the hype? Or would Americans turn on him after one term?
1952 – DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER VS ADLAI STEVENSON
Harry Truman won re-election in a shocking upset, but as relations with the USSR deteriorated, Republicans were the least of his worries. How would his handling of the Cold War influence voters in the next election?
1948 – HARRY TRUMAN VS THOMAS DEWEY
As the torch passes to Harry Truman, our Month of Roosevelt reaches its end. Unfortunately, Truman was tasked with the unenviable challenge of living up to Franklin Roosevelt’s legacy, all while taking on America’s greatest rival – the damn Commies! If he wins this one, it would be the greatest polling upset of all time!
1944 – FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT VS THOMAS DEWEY
Franklin Roosevelt’s bid for a fourth term coincided with America’s first wartime presidential election since 1864. In his twelve years, he faced two of the country’s greatest challenges. Did he deserve to stay at the helm? The Last Four Years Although he maintained an official position of neutrality on World War II, Roosevelt instituted the nation’s first peacetime draft in the fall of 1940. The following August, Roosevelt met in secret with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, off the coast of Newfoundland. Together, they drafted the Atlantic Charter, an outline of unified goals for world peace. Its objectives were primarily…
1940 – FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT VS WENDELL WILLKIE
After Franklin Roosevelt served his two terms, America was eager to find out who their next president would be. Who could possibly succeed one of the most popular presidents of all time? Wait, he’s doing what now?!
1936 – FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT VS ALF LANDON
Franklin Roosevelt took office during America’s greatest financial crisis. Unemployment was at 25% and the country was in the midst of another wave of bank failures. But was the New Deal really the magic solution to America’s problems? Let’s find out!
1932 – HERBERT HOOVER VS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
In the 1920s, Republicans won three elections in a row. The economy was great and postwar conflict had been avoided! The good times would last forever! Right??
1928 – HERBERT HOOVER VS ALFRED E. SMITH
Despite their differences in personality, Presidents Harding and Coolidge shared nearly identical policy positions. Under their conservative economic agendas, the US economy was booming. Could the party’s next nominee keep the good times rolling with another blowout win?
1924 – CALVIN COOLIDGE VS JOHN W. DAVIS VS “FIGHTING BOB” LA FOLLETTE
With the end of World War I, America was ready to “return to normalcy” with President Warren G. Harding. That also meant the end of the Progressive Era and a resurgence of conservatism. Let’s see how the Roaring ’20s got their start!
1920 – JAMES M. COX VS WARREN G. HARDING – FEATURING: WORLD WAR I!
Woodrow Wilson’s second term revolved around America’s entry into the Great War. Would his leadership earn the Democrats another four years in the presidency? Or would the isolationist backlash revive the Republicans?
1916 – WOODROW WILSON VS CHARLES EVANS HUGHES
Woodrow Wilson was the first Democratic president since Grover Cleveland, and the first Southern president since Andrew Johnson. But his victory was a result of Theodore Roosevelt’s split with the Republican Party. Could Wilson hold onto power while keeping the US out of Europe’s Great War?
1912 – WILLIAM H. TAFT VS WOODROW WILSON VS THEODORE ROOSEVELT
After leaving his hand-picked successor, William Taft, in charge of the White House, Teddy Roosevelt traveled to Africa for a hunting trip. He intended to give his friend space to lead the country his own way. But keeping the progressive faction happy was more difficult than it seemed. Roosevelt’s return to the US threatened the stability of the Republican Party and changed politics forever.
1908 – WILLIAM H. TAFT VS WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN
After one of the most decisive presidential victories of all time, Teddy Roosevelt promised not to seek a third term in office. But that didn’t mean he was going away. Could Roosevelt’s influence help keep Republicans in power?
1904 – THEODORE ROOSEVELT VS ALTON B. PARKER
In 1904, Democrats were torn between their progressive and conservative factions as they faced an erratic Republican president. Sound familiar? Let’s see how this one turned out!
1900 – WILLIAM MCKINLEY VS WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN, pt. II – TWENTIETH CENTURY REMATCH!
So long, 1800s! The century of Jefferson, Jackson, and Lincoln was coming to an end. William McKinley’s decisive victory in the last election affirmed the Gold Standard as voters’ preferred solution to the latest economic depression. Would they want McKinley to stay and lead them into the Twentieth Century?
1896 – WILLIAM MCKINLEY VS WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN
Right at the end of Benjamin Harrison’s term, the US entered yet another economic depression. The Panic of 1893 sent American life into a tailspin, deepening the monetary debate. Free Silver threatened to tear apart both parties. Could gold supporters hold out?
1892 – GROVER CLEVELAND VS BENJAMIN HARRISON, pt. II (ALSO VS JAMES WEAVER)
Don’t worry, you didn’t click the wrong post! In 1892, Grover Cleveland was back for revenge against the man who dethroned him. But the real action was in the People’s Party, whose army of farmers aimed to disrupt the status quo!
1888 – GROVER CLEVELAND VS BENJAMIN HARRISON
It had been twenty years since a Democrat last occupied the White House. Grover Cleveland ran on a platform of integrity and reform. Would his vision be popular enough for the Democrats to win two presidential elections in a row?
1884 – GROVER CLEVELAND VS JAMES BLAINE – ALSO FEATURING: ARTHUR’S REDEMPTION!
The Half-Breed reformers in the Republican Party had another win with the election of President James A. Garfield. He was ready to finish the job President Hayes started on civil service reform. But Stalwarts like Vice President Chester A. Arthur were intent on maintaining the morally questionable Spoils System. Meanwhile, the Democrats were preparing to make their case as the true party of integrity.
1880 – WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK VS JAMES A. GARFIELD
In 1876, the Republican Party bargained the end of Reconstruction for the presidency. Now faced with a solidly Democratic South, and fracturing within their own party, was their political dominance finally coming to an end?
1876 – SAMUEL TILDEN VS RUTHERFORD B HAYES – THE COMPROMISE OF 1877
It was America’s hundredth year of independence! How did the nation celebrate? With the most controversial election in American history!
1872 – ULYSSES S. GRANT VS HORACE GREELEY
Reconstruction was in full swing! But just because the Republicans had a lot of power, didn’t mean that everyone in the party was happy. Would President Grant’s status as a war hero be enough to win him a second term?
1868 – ULYSSES S. GRANT VS HORATIO SEYMOUR
The end of the Civil War was in sight. But, of course, that wouldn’t be the end of America’s sectional crisis. Reconstruction posed its own set of challenges. Let’s find out how Americans faced this new era!
1864 – ABRAHAM LINCOLN VS GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN – CIVIL WAR!
More Americans lost their lives in the Civil War than in any other war. Every decision weighed heavily on Lincoln, which had visible effects on his appearance. 1864 was the first election held during wartime since 1812. Allowing the election to be held at all was a crucial, frankly underrated, decision by Lincoln. Many believed the election should be postponed, but Lincoln insisted it was necessary to preserve our democracy, even if he might lose. But hey, he’s the greatest president of all time for a reason.
1860 – ABRAHAM LINCOLN VS STEPHEN DOUGLAS VS JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE VS JOHN BELL
Understandably, we mostly think about Abraham Lincoln as a wartime president, and rarely as a candidate. Believe it or not, voters in 1860 didn’t know he was the greatest president ever! Before Lincoln could put the country back together, others had to tear it apart. It’s time for the most consequential election in American history.
1856 – JAMES BUCHANAN VS JOHN C. FRÉMONT VS MILLARD FILLMORE
Tensions were rising in America and things were looking pretty grim. The Whigs got obliterated in the last election. Could the remnants of their party pick up the pieces before the Southern Democrats enacted their pro-slavery vision?
1852 – WINFIELD SCOTT VS FRANKLIN PIERCE VS 3RD PARTIES
Once again, the Whigs were in control of the presidency. Last time, William Henry Harrison died after a month and John Tyler went rogue. But that’s not going to happen this time, right? RIGHT?!
1848 – LEWIS CASS VS ZACHARY TAYLOR VS MARTIN VAN BUREN
The last election featured the first real dark horse winner, James K. Polk. He pledged to complete his agenda in one term. Is a successful, one-and-done president possible? And where does that leave the parties?
1844 – HENRY CLAY VS JAMES K. POLK
Uhh, good luck, Democrats! I can’t imagine how they will overcome the fired up base that William Henry Harrison built, especially after he cleans up the mess Van Buren left him. He will surely have the most successful presidential term ever! 1844, here we come!
1840 – MARTIN VAN BUREN VS WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, Pt. II
For the last few elections, Henry Clay and the Whigs have been scrambling to respond to the Democratic coalition that Andrew Jackson built. But they’ve finally learned how to campaign and are ready to go after the Average Joe vote. Can William Henry Harrison out-Jackson the Democrats?
1836 – MARTIN VAN BUREN VS WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON + HUGH LAWSON WHITE + DANIEL WEBSTER + WILLIE PERSON MANGUM
By 1836, it was clear that the Jackson Revolution was here to stay. The Democrats had totally transformed American politics, specifically the electoral process! But could they benefit a candidate other than Andrew Jackson? Martin Van Buren was ready to put the party organization to the test.
1832 – ANDREW JACKSON VS HENRY CLAY VS WILLIAM WIRT VS JOHN FLOYD
The election of 1828 served as the white, rural laborer’s revenge on the big-government establishment. While the Jackson years made a lot of other people’s lives worse, the recognition of popular vote was an area of progress. But now that he was in charge, Jackson had a lot of hype to live up to. Could he could hold it all together and earn another win?
1828 – JOHN QUINCY ADAMS VS ANDREW JACKSON – REVENGE OF THE DEMOCRATS!
People were pretty pissed about the way the election of 1824 ended. After the Corrupt Bargain between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson immediately started campaigning for the next election and built up a coalition of supporters, ready to oppose the new administration at every turn. Would he get his revenge in 1828?
1824 – JOHN QUINCY ADAMS VS ANDREW JACKSON VS HENRY CLAY VS WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD
In the first two decades of the 1800s, the Democratic-Republicans out-president’ed the Federalists so bad, they didn’t even exist anymore. In the Era of Good Feelings, everyone belonged to the same party. But as James Monroe’s second term was ending, it was clear that the good feelings wouldn’t last forever. That brings us to the most exciting election yet!
1820 – JAMES MONROE VS NOBODY – THE ERA OF GOOD FEELINGS (OR WAS IT???)
James Monroe shares a distinction with George Washington as the only presidents to run for office unopposed. The Democratic-Republican Party was so dominant (and Americans were feeling so patriotic) that no one challenged Monroe for reelection. BUT there were some deep, deep divisions bubbling under the surface. Issues that are a footnote in this election made the Civil War inevitable, 40 years later.
1816 – JAMES MONROE VS RUFUS KING (kinda)
America’s first declared war was fought almost entirely in James Madison’s second term. Would the Republicans look like heroes? Or would they be remembered as the idiots who got us into the country’s most boring war?
1812 – JAMES MADISON VS DEWITT CLINTON
Our favorite Constitution author, James Madison, was going for a repeat win. But, as you may be aware, the War of 1812 started in 1812! It’s America’s first wartime election! And you better believe it complicated Madison’s chances.
1808 – JAMES MADISON VS CHARLES COTESWORTH “THIS GUY AGAIN?” PINCKNEY
It’s finally time for another election without an incumbent president! The two pillars of American partisanship, Hamilton and Jefferson, were gone. What was next for America?
1804 – THOMAS JEFFERSON VS CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY
After years of fighting with Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson finally had his chance to control the federal government. Will 1804 prove his policies were more popular? Or will the political dominance of the Pinckney brothers finally be established? Let’s find out!
1800 – JOHN ADAMS VS THOMAS JEFFERSON – THE REMATCH! – AKA THE REVOLUTION OF 1800!
I’ll be honest, I didn’t really think there would be an interesting presidential election until Andrew Jackson formed the Democratic Party in 1824. But this one is a doozy! There were some pretty serious issues on the table, and lots of highly partisan, ugly campaigning. So buckle up! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!
1796 – JOHN ADAMS VS THOMAS JEFFERSON
Finally, the first contested presidential election! After two terms (the perfect about of time), George Washington is stepping down. But seriously, how do you follow that guy?!
1792 – GEORGE WASHINGTON VS STILL NOT REALLY ANYONE II
It’s the rematch of the century! Washington is looking at another easy win. But what was going on behind the scenes? There’s more to this election than you might think!
1788/1789 – GEORGE WASHINGTON VS NOT REALLY ANYONE! (plus a bunch of dudes fighting for 2nd place)
Alright, time for the first presidential election under the Constitution! Washington wins unanimously! Done! This blog stuff is easy!
1787 – THE CONSTITUTION!
Congratulations, new nation! You just won independence from the evil Great Britain! But… what do you do next?
The Election Project
So maybe my love of Constitution Day has gone a little too far when my coworkers buy me a cake for it. Just kidding, that’s impossible!