Election Conflict, Part 1

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 288 - Election Conflict, Part 1

You are probably sick and tired of hearing and reading about election conflicts and disagreements - I know that I am.  But in this episode, the ghost of Mr. Poe and I would like to take you back to a rather dramatic and controversial Presidential election that most historians believe Edgar Poe would have known about.

Transcript

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 288 - Election Conflict, Part 1

You are probably sick and tired of hearing and reading about election conflicts and disagreements - I know that I am.  But in this episode, the ghost of Mr. Poe and I would like to take you back to a rather dramatic and controversial Presidential election that most historians believe Edgar Poe would have known about.

GHOST SOUND

Greetings. Mr. Bartley.

Hello, Mr. Poe.

Mr. Poe - I would like to talk with you about the election of 1824 - a rather unique election.  And Mr. Poe - I can’t help but believe that you were aware of the election of 1824 and its resulting conflicts, but did you write specifically about the election.

But first, let me ask if you wrote specifically about the election of 1824.

Mr. Bartley, not precisely. One might say that my political commentary was more often woven into my fiction and poetry, expressing general skepticism towards democracy and utopian political ideals rather than commenting on specific political events.

Yes, Mr. Poe - I intend to address some of those political undertones in more detail in future episodes. Now one of the most contentious elections during your lifetime was the presidential election of 1824.

Now, Mr. Poe - would you give us the main points of that disputed election.

Certainly, Mr. Bartley - The presidential election of 1824 provided an excellent example of a presidential election with a disputed result.

Mr. Poe - much like the presidential election of 2024.

Ah, Mr. Bartley - 200 years later.

Mr. Poe - would you describe the dynamics of the presidential election of 2024.

Ah, my dear friend, I was but a lad of 15 during that tumultuous election, but even in my youth, I was keenly aware of the political machinations swirling around me. And I have certainly learned based on my perspectives later in my life.  Now The final candidates in that fateful contest of 1824 were four gentlemen, all hailing from the Democratic-Republican Party.

Mr. Poe - who were those candidates. Would I be familiar with them?

Some of the candidates most definitely - some I rather doubt. You see,
first and foremost was the fiery Andrew Jackson, a military hero from Tennessee who had captured the imagination of many common folk.

Oh, yes, Mr. Poe - I am certainly familiar with Andrew Jackson.

And Henry Clay from the South.

I am certainly familiar with Henry Clay.

Then there was John Quincy Adams, the learned son of our second president and a skilled diplomat in his own right.

Finally, William Crawford, the Secretary of the Treasury, was also in the running, though his campaign was hampered by ill health.

Ah Mr. Poe, I must admit that I am not familiar with this Mr. Crawford.

Mr. Bartley, it was this peculiar election, I must say, for it marked the first time in our young nation's history that the old party system had truly begun to crumble. The Federalists were all but extinct, and the Democratic-Republicans found themselves fractured, with each candidate representing different factions and interests within the party. It was, in many ways, the death knell of the Era of Good Feelings and the harbinger of a new political landscape.

Ah, Mr. Poe - you certainly are astute.

Years of study will do that.  But let me explain more of the dynamics and issues dividing the candidates in the 1824 election. You see, one must be cognizant that the election of 1824 was indeed a most complex affair, with several key issues dividing the candidates. Allow me to elucidate on the matters that caused such fervent debate among us.

Yes, Mr. Poe - please do.

One of the primary points of contention was the approach to economic development. Henry Clay, that silver-tongued orator from Kentucky, was a staunch advocate for what he called the "American System". This plan called for protective tariffs and federal funding for internal improvements such as roads and canals. John Quincy Adams, being a New Englander, tended to align more closely with Clay's views on these matters.

What about Andrew Jackson and William Crawford?

Ah, an excellent observation. Andrew Jackson and William Crawford were much less enthusiastic about such federal involvement. They favored a more limited role for the national government, which appealed to many in the South and West who were wary of centralized power.

Mr. Poe - could you address what had to be growing sectionalism in the United States.

Certainly, Mr. Bartley. The election also highlighted the growing sectionalism in our young nation. Each candidate drew support from different regions, reflecting the diverse interests of our expanding country.  For example - Adams was strong in New England. Jackson had support in the South, West, and mid-Atlantic. Clay was popular in parts of the West. Crawford found favor in parts of the East.  Remember that this regional divide was not merely about geography, but also about the differing economic and social priorities of each area.

What about slavery and states rights?

While not as prominent as it would become in later years, the issue of slavery was beginning to simmer beneath the surface. As a Southerner, I can attest that many in our region were becoming increasingly concerned about supporting any candidate who was not a slave owner or a strong proponent of states' rights.

Mr. Poe - what about the issue of political reform?

Ah, Mr. Bartley, the very nature of our political system was in flux during this election. The old caucus system of nominating candidates was breaking down, and there was a push for more direct involvement of the people in choosing their leaders. Jackson, in particular, positioned himself as a champion of the common man, which resonated with many voters.

Did foreign policy play a part?

Ah, Mr. Bartley - while less divisive than domestic issues, there were some differences in foreign policy approaches.   Adams, having served as Secretary of State, was known for his diplomatic skills and his role in crafting the Monroe Doctrine. Jackson, on the other hand, was celebrated for his military victories and took a more aggressive stance on territorial expansion. In truth, my friend, this election marked a turning point in our nation's history. It was the death knell of the Era of Good Feelings and the harbinger of a new, more contentious political landscape. The issues that divided us then would continue to shape our nation's discourse for years to come.

Mr. Poe - you have certainly spoken highly of Mr. Jackson.  Perhaps it would be beneficial to discuss EACH of the candidates and their backgrounds individually.

Mr. Bartley, I quite agree. That would be the fairest way to discuss the candidates - their strengths and their weaknesses.

Mr. Poe - could you comment more on Andrew Jackson?

Certainly - He was to later become the 7th President of the United States.

When did he serve?

Mr. Jackson served from 1829 to 1837.  He is perhaps best known for advocating for ordinary Americans and preserving the union. He gained fame as a general, notably for victories in the Creek War and the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.  Yes, Andrew Jackson was a most controversial figure in our nation's history. Allow me to share my thoughts on the man.

Certainly, Mr. Poe.

Certainly, my friend. As I reflect on Andrew Jackson was indeed a force to be reckoned with, both on the battlefield and in the political arena. I was but a young lad when he rose to prominence, but his reputation preceded him even during my youth in Richmond.

Mr. Poe, why is that?

Ah, Mr. Bartley, one must remember that Jackson's background as a self-made man from humble beginnings resonated with many Americans. He was born to Scotch-Irish immigrants and orphaned at a young age, yet he managed to rise to the highest office in the land. This narrative of the common man ascending to power was a powerful one, and it helped shape the democratic ideals that were taking root in our young nation.

Mr. Poe - and don’t forget his military exploits!

Mr. Bartley - how could I?  His military exploits, particularly his victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, made him a national hero. This triumph over the British, coming as it did after the War of 1812, bolstered American pride and cemented Jackson's reputation as a strong leader. However, I must admit that Jackson's presidency was marked by both significant achievements and controversial decisions. He expanded executive powers and transformed the role of the President from a mere administrator to a popular tribune. This shift in the balance of power between the branches of government was not without its critics, who accused him of overreach.

Mr. Poe - it seems that a major issue for any presidential candidate is that person’s stand on the economy.  How did Mr. Jackson feel about economic issues?

Ah, Mr. Bartley, economically, Jackson was a fierce opponent of the Second Bank of the United States, which he viewed as a corrupt institution that benefited the elite at the expense of ordinary citizens. His veto of the bank's recharter and subsequent actions to dismantle it had far-reaching consequences for the nation's financial system. Despite the controversies, Jackson's populist appeal and his message of inclusion against entrenched interests resonated with many Americans. He championed the idea that any man should be able to hold office, challenging the notion of a political elite.

Mr. Poe - looking back on Mr. Jackson - how would you summarize his achievements?

Yes Mr. Bartley, Andrew Jackson was a man of his time - a complex figure who left an indelible mark on our nation's history. His legacy continues to be debated to this day, with some hailing him as a champion of democracy and others criticizing his more controversial actions. As with many historical figures, the truth likely lies somewhere in between these extremes.

Mr. Poe - please feel free to delve into any of Mr. Jackson’s other accomplishments -

Thank you, Mr. Bartley In 1835, Mr. Jackson managed to eliminate the entire national debt, the only time in U.S. history this has been accomplished. This was a result of his strict spending controls and increased revenue. He also strengthened the role of the presidency by using the veto power more than all his predecessors combined.  He helped establish the Democrat party - the country’s most durable and successful political party, creating an electoral machine that would serve as a model for future parties.  And I would be remiss if I did not mention his resolution of the nullification crisis - the principle that U.S. states may not disregard federal law, therefore preserving the integrity of the Union. His presidency saw a significant expansion of voting rights for white males, regardless of property ownership.  And throughout his presidency, he worked to maintain the unity of the nation, opposing nullification and secession efforts.

Quite a list of accomplishments, Mr. Poe.

Ah yes, Mr. Bartley - these actions, for better or worse, had profound and lasting impacts on our nation's development.  His presidency marked a turning point in American politics, ushering in what many call the "Age of Jackson.”

Mr. Poe - I am especially curious about one area. How did Andrew Jackson's leadership style differ from his predecessors?

Ah, Mr. Bartley, in my opinion, Mr. Jackson’s approach to leadership differed quite markedly from those who came before him. Allow me to elucidate on some key aspects. Mr. Jackson was the first president to truly harness the power of popular support. Rather than relying solely on political elites, he seemed to speak directly to the common man and positioned himself as their champion against entrenched interests. And he wasn't afraid to wield the full authority of the presidency. In fact, he was to use the veto power more than all his predecessors combined. This assertive use of executive power set new precedents for the office.

Mr. Poe - what was Mr. Jackson’s attitude towards political parties.

Ah, Mr. Bartley - he was quite an organizer. In fact, he helped forge the Democratic Party into a formidable political machine, creating a model for future party organizations. This was a departure from the more loosely organized political factions of the past.

And unlike his predecessors, he often bypassed his official cabinet, instead relying on an informal group of advisers and newspaper editors known as the "Kitchen Cabinet" to help shape policy.  Mr. Jackson also introduced the practice of rewarding political supporters with government positions, which came to be known as the "spoils system". This was a significant shift from previous administrations. Mr. Bartley, some might say that Mr. Jackson brought a fiery temperament and forceful personality to the office of President, often personalizing political disputes in a way my predecessors had not.

Mr. Poe - I could see where this might contribute to the polarization of opinion about Jackson’s presidency.

Mr. Bartley - this is quite true.  I believe that he positioned himself as a man of the people, challenging the notion that only the elite could govern effectively. This populist stance was a departure from the more aristocratic bearing of earlier presidents. And as the first president from west of the Appalachians, he brought a frontier sensibility to the office that was quite different from the more easterly outlook of my predecessors - a sensibility that I personally found problematic. But in essence, Mr. Jackson’s presidency marked a shift towards a more democratic, populist style of leadership that emphasized executive power and direct appeal to the citizenry. This approach, while controversial at the time, helped shape the modern conception of the American presidency.

One thing that I would like for you to comment on is President Donald Trump’s fascination with and admiration for Mr. Jackson - you are certainly aware that Mr. Trump is quite fascinated with Mr. Jackson.

As the ghost of Edgar Poe, I must say that President Trump's fascination with Andrew Jackson is quite intriguing, though perhaps not entirely substantive. Allow me to share my thoughts on this matter. Trump's admiration for Jackson seems to stem largely from superficial similarities and a romanticized view of Jackson's presidency, rather than a deep understanding of Jackson's complex legacy. While it's true that both men positioned themselves as populist outsiders challenging the political establishment, there are significant differences in their backgrounds and the contexts of their presidencies. From what I understand, Jackson was a self-made man who rose from humble beginnings, while Trump was born into wealth and privilege. Jackson had extensive military and political experience before becoming president, while Trump had none.

Trump appears to be drawn to Jackson's image as a strong, decisive leader who expanded presidential power and challenged institutions he saw as corrupt. However, this overlooks the more controversial aspects of Jackson's presidency, such as the forced relocation of Native American tribes and his opposition to the national bank. In essence, while there may be some surface-level similarities between the two men's political styles, Trump's admiration for Jackson seems more based on a selective, simplified version of history rather than a substantial understanding of Jackson's presidency and its long-term impacts on American society.

Yes, Mr. Poe - and it can be argued that both Jackson and Trump were portrayed as outsiders challenging the political establishment. Trump's team highlighted how both men positioned themselves as champions of ordinary people against elite interests.  I know that advisors have drawn comparisons between Jackson and Trump's brash, abrasive, and confrontational approaches to politics. And Trump's team emphasized how both Jackson and Trump railed against the corruption of Washington elites and promised to represent the common people.Some advisors have even seen parallels in how both Jackson and Trump sought to expand presidential authority and challenge other branches of government. And Trump himself has drawn connections between his "America First" slogan and Jackson's approach to leadership. Rudy Giuliani, a Trump adviser, even compared Trump's victory to Jackson's, describing it as "the people beating the establishment”.  Oh yes, I don’t want to forget the Trump administration making symbolic moves to associate Trump with Jackson by hanging Jackson's portrait in the Oval Office.  However personally, I believe it is worth noting that some historians have criticized these comparisons as superficial or based on a limited understanding of Jackson's complex legacy. The parallels drawn by Trump's team often focused on Jackson's populist image while downplaying or ignoring more controversial aspects of his presidency.  Both have been described as brash, abrasive, defensive and quick-tempered. But I digress …

Yes, Mr. Bartley - it is true that they both used a combative and confrontational approach. and both were described as brash, abrasive, defensive and quick-tempered. And some historians have said that they both sought to expand presidential authority and challenge other branches of government. Jackson used the veto power extensively, while Trump relied heavily on executive orders.

Ah, Mr. Poe - I mentioned at the beginning of this episode that the subject of this podcast would be the presidential election of 1824.  But we have only really discussed one of the candidates - Andrew Jackson - and he was not the actual winner of the 1824 election.   So in the following episode, I would like to talk about the other 3 candidates in that 1824 Presidential Election - and how the winner did not receive the most votes.

Yes, Mr. Bartley - a most interesting development.

Mr. Poe - some things never change.

Join Celebrate Poe for Episode 289 Election Conflict, Part 2

Sources include: perplexity.ai, Edgar Allan Poe: A Critical Biography by Arthur Hobson Quinn, The Poe Log: A Documentary Life of Edgar Allan Poe by Dwight R. Thomas and David K. Jackson, and the Baltimore Edgar Allan Poe website.

Thank you for listening to Celebrate Poe.