The Election of 1800

The History and Legacy of America's Most Controversial Presidential Election

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: Scott Clem

The voters must have been happy after the election was over. For months, they had endured vicious attacks made by members of two warring parties against each other as time and time again issues were ignored in favor of personal attacks. One party was seen as caring more about the interests of the wealthy and supporting bankers and businesses. The other party was supposed to favor the working man, the farmer, and small businessman trying to eke out a living. The first party was said to be in the back pocket of America's most recent enemy, while the other party was much to devoted to the nation's first, even though many of its policies had changed since their first alliances ended. Then there were the candidates. One was the incumbent, a staid fellow of middle class origins who was known to ruthlessly weed out his enemies. Another candidate had no federal experience and very little political experience at the state level. Having been born into a wealthy, politically active family, he vocally supported a strong military and insisted that American must stand strong against anyone who rattled a saber in her direction. The third candidate was popular and good looking, with extensive political experience at the state and federal level. Highly intelligent and well-educated, he was rumored to have loose morals and at least two mistresses. The final candidate was a hot head, known to shoot off his mouth at the least provocation. So wild were some of his ideas that even some of the members of his own party shunned him. Though people characterize politics as nasty today, this election took place more than 200 years ago during a time when America was supposedly a kinder and more gracious place.

©2016 Charles River Editors (P)2017 Charles River Editors