DeWitt Clinton was the nephew of George Clinton, who was Vice-President during President James Madison's first term. In the 1812 elections, some proposed bringing him on as Madison's new Vice-President to replace his uncle, whose health was failing rapidly. While not necessarily opposed to the concept, he eventually chose to accept the candidacy of the Federalist Party and oppose President Madison in the election. He lost the election, but he came within such a close margin that one or two States going his way could have put him in office. Pennsylvania, with twenty-five Electoral College votes, could have done it alone.
Now, suppose that happens. Let's suppose that somehow, Pennsylvania swings in his favor, and DeWitt Clinton's overal count goes from 89 to 114, five more than he needs to win, and certainly more than President Madison's recalculated total of 103.
How does American react to having a second* Federalist in office as President? Keeping in mind that Clinton was, in effect, a dissident of Madison's own party. How does President Clinton guide America's domestic and foreign business? The most glaring question of all, given that he will come into office in the midst of a war, is how does he handle dealings with the British Empire?
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* Officially. President George Washington was billed as an independent, but he was a Federalist in terms of policy decisions.
Now, suppose that happens. Let's suppose that somehow, Pennsylvania swings in his favor, and DeWitt Clinton's overal count goes from 89 to 114, five more than he needs to win, and certainly more than President Madison's recalculated total of 103.
How does American react to having a second* Federalist in office as President? Keeping in mind that Clinton was, in effect, a dissident of Madison's own party. How does President Clinton guide America's domestic and foreign business? The most glaring question of all, given that he will come into office in the midst of a war, is how does he handle dealings with the British Empire?
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* Officially. President George Washington was billed as an independent, but he was a Federalist in terms of policy decisions.