Ahh, the People's Party. While successful in the short time they existed, they never really expanded their base of support beyond their rural core, and were later swallowed up by the Democrats. What I wonder is what if the Populists managed to survive and gain the support of organized labor and become a sort of farmer-labor party?
In 1896 Eugene Debs, with his strong ties to labor, was considered for the nomination before his endorsement of Bryan. Some Populists like Mary Lease also believed in cooperation between the Populists and the labor movement, but Samuel Gompers opposed this, ending hope of cooperation with the AFL.
So my question is how could this be achieved (POD of around 1885)? Could Gompers be replaced (and with who?) and have the AFL become affiliated with the party in the early 1890s? Could the Democrats stay gold instead of turning to a Silverite? Would the Populists have a realistic shot at the presidency in 1900?
In 1896 Eugene Debs, with his strong ties to labor, was considered for the nomination before his endorsement of Bryan. Some Populists like Mary Lease also believed in cooperation between the Populists and the labor movement, but Samuel Gompers opposed this, ending hope of cooperation with the AFL.
So my question is how could this be achieved (POD of around 1885)? Could Gompers be replaced (and with who?) and have the AFL become affiliated with the party in the early 1890s? Could the Democrats stay gold instead of turning to a Silverite? Would the Populists have a realistic shot at the presidency in 1900?