U.S. presidential election, 1884

Summary

In a campaign that featured mudslinging and personal acrimony on a level never before seen, on November 4, 1884 Democrat Grover Cleveland became the first Democrat elected to the Presidency since the Civil War, narrowly defeating Republican James Blaine. The race was decided in Cleveland's home state of New York, carried by the native son by just 1,100 votes - and awarding its electors, and the election, to Cleveland.

Republican convention

Though it could have been his for the asking, incumbent President Chester Arthur did not actively seek the 1884 nomination. Though not widely known at the time, Arthur was suffering from Bright's disease and would die less than two years later. The GOP turned instead to James Blaine of Maine as their Presidential nominee, and John Logan as its Vice Presidential choice.

Democratic convention

Grover Cleveland of New York would be chosen as the Presidential nominee by the Democratic Party at its convention, defeating a host of candidates who failed to claim the nomination in years past, including Thomas F. Bayard, Thomas Hendricks (who would be awarded the Vice Presidential nomination, Allen G. Thurman and Samuel J. Randall.

Greenback Party

The Greenback Labor Party dropped "Labor" from its name and chose Civil War hero Benjamin Franklin Butler as its Presidential nominee and Absolom West for Vice President.

Prohibition Party

What today bills itself as the nation's "oldest third party" nominates its first Presidential ticket, choosing John St. John for President and William Daniel for Vice President. The initial Prohibition Party platform was straight-forward: an advocation for the criminalization of alcohol.

Election results

See also

• President of the United States
• U.S. presidential election
• 1884
• History of the United States (1865-1918)
• Other close U.S. presidential elections: 1800, 1844, 1876, 1888, 1916, 1960, 1968, 1976, 2000, 2004

Other elections