Election of 1828: Campaign Information

Handout 2 Election of 1828: Campaign Information

Adams Campaign Jackson Campaign Candidate John Quincy Adams Andrew Jackson Background Minister to Prussia and Russia. Authored Monroe Delegate to Tennessee State Constitutional Convention; U.S. Doctrine. Reprentative; U.S. Senator; Judge – Superior Court of Tennessee. Running Richard Rush (Treasurer) John C. Calhoun (Senator, S.C.) Mate Party National Republicans Democratic-Republicans (“Democrats”) Nickname “Old Hickory” (main) “Hero of New Orleans” “Farmer of Tennesseee” “the People’s Candidate” Symbol Oak Anything Hickory (brooms, sticks, canes etc.) Platform  Supported the National Bank  Reform government – remove office-holders who were  Supported a (high) Protective Tariff incompetent or who received their positions “against the will  Supported using federal $ for internal improvements of the people.” (roads & canals), science, & education.  Opposed federal $ for internal improvement but was willing to use federal surplus to help states build roads & canals.  Favored a moderate tariff. Attacks  Jackson was uneducated, ignorant, inexperienced in  “Corrupt Bargain” Used public affairs, reckless in personal behavior (fights,  Monarchist ( “King John the Second”) & aristocrat. duels etc), a drunk, slave trader, murderer (duels), By  Broke Sabbath – traveled on Sundays thief, liar. A “raving democrat.”  Reckless spender – bought pool tables (gambler) and chess Supporters  “Military chieftan” is not fit for the highest office. boards with taxpayers money for the “presidential palace.”  Wife Rachel was a bigamist (not divorced when  Had premarital relations with his wife. Jackson married her). Jackson was an adulterer.  Secured an American girl for the Czar of Russia while  Jackson was a gambler serving as ambassador to Russia.  Mother was a “common prostitute.”  Once stated that Congress ought not be “palsied by the will of  Distributed a “Coffin Handbill” accusing Jackson of its constituents.” ordering the unjust and unwarranted execution of 6 militiamen in 1813.

Sources: Presidential Elections and Presidential Campaigns by Paul Boller