U.S. presidential election, 1852

The U.S. presidential election of 1852 was in many ways a replay of the election of 1844. Once again, the incumbent President was a Whig who had succeeded to the presidency upon the death of his war hero predecessor; in this case, it was Millard Fillmore who followed General Zachary Taylor. Once again, the Whig party would pass over the incumbent for nomination — this time, casting aside Fillmore in favor of General Winfield Scott. Once again, the Democrats would nominate a "dark horse" candidate, this time Franklin Pierce. Once again, the Whigs would campaign on the obscurity of the Democratic candidate, and once again, this strategy failed.

Nominations

Whig Party nomination

The Whigs, seeking the second coming of Zachary Taylor, pushed aside President Fillmore in a 159-133 delegate vote, selecting another Mexican War general with a heroic record, General Winfield Scott of Virginia. Scott had earned the nickname of "Old Fuss and Feathers" due to his insistence on military appearance and discipline, and while respected, was also seen by the people as somewhat foppish. William Alexander Graham was chosen as the Vice Presidential nominee with no substantive opposition.

Related Topics:
Zachary Taylor - Fillmore - Mexican War - Winfield Scott - Virginia - William Alexander Graham

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Democratic Party nomination

The Democrats, anticipating a loss in the general election but not wanting to re-nominate 1848 nominee Lewis Cass, instead nominated the virtually unknown Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire. Pierce was a former Congressman and Senator known as much for his alcoholic tendencies as for his statesmanship.

Related Topics:
Democrats - 1848 - Lewis Cass - Franklin Pierce - New Hampshire - Alcoholic

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