alternatehistory.com

Now we all know the story of the 1824 Presidential election, and the varied support between Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay. William H Crawford and John C Calhoun. Now we all know that these five men were practically rivals of one another, and all of them wanted the top job, and nothing else, and they all didn't want to be placed in the Vice-Presidency behind one of their rivals. This was alleviated by Crawfords incapacity and also by the corrupt Bargain, in a manner of speaking

So, what if Jackson is in the one who is incapacitated/dead instead of Crawford? All of his supporters were practically anti-his rivals and pro-jackson. where exactly does his support go? who would they vote for?

Crawford only had support in some of the minor southern states as well as by Van Buren's newspapers in New York. the most significant problem is that he was a radical states-rights proponent, even more than Calhoun at this stage. And it is not really that much of a popular opinion, so i do not see him getting Jackson's supported because jackson's men were practically anti-Crawford.

Clay is a Westerner, and may have a chance at getting Jackson's supporters, but the question would be whether he would be popular enough. there is also the fact that he was for a strong central government, and that was not popular either.

Adams is only confined to the New England states and New York. he didn't have much support at all elsewhere in the US besides some scattered votes. He is also the most qualified, and he had been trying to butter-himself up to Jackson when he defended him against the spanish.

now Calhoun. There was not much support for him out of South Carolina and Pensylvania. It was only when he became Vice-president that Jackson and Adams solicited his support. And even besides that he is a ardent rival of Crawford, as they seemed to banter/duel with each other for supporters before the election. And although a Crawford/Calhoun ticket might work, with pro- states rights gist, they might actually be fighting one another too much.
Top