WI: 1881, No One in the US Presidential Line of Succession

After reading about Roosevelt's views on Blaine, I wonder how the country would do under acting President Blaine, however short it is.

If you believe Harry Turtledove, not well at all. He's portrayed as a warmongering idiot in that book. :p

In real life, he would probably have a lot of fights in Congress. He disliked both Hayes and the Stalwarts, and being a pro-Reconstruction Republican, he would have difficulty with the Southern Democrats as well. He supported a strong dollar, and favored gold over even a modest bimetal system. He also supported a stronger navy than existed at the time.

*Note: All this information comes from a quick glance at the Wikipedia article. Blaine is NOT my area of expertise.*
 
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What were Roosevelt's views on Blaine?

A corrupt venal old man, Roosevelt supported Edmunds for President in 1884 as opposed to Arthur (who he never forgave for his father failure to be Port Inspector of New York) or the perenially shift Blaine. Edmunds main attraction was his honest politics and reform credentials. No history of shady dealings known. Roosevelt did not bolt for Cleveland like the Mugwumps, but his hothead comments after the convention would haunt him down the line
 
Interesting POD. Such a clusterfuck could lead to some fun (probably ASB) 19th century version of A World of Laughter, A world of Tears. Instead of President Disney you get President Edison:The Wizard of Washington :D.
 
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