WI: Hearst Runs for President as Independence Nominee in 1908?

Apparently, starting from his defeat in '04, William Randolph Hearst had intended to run at the head of a Third Party ticket of his own making, with his own funds, and with this newspapers backing him. The plan was temporarily stalled when he failed to win the mayoralty of New York City in '05, but was permanently killed when while running for Governor of New York, every Independence endorsed candidate won an office, except for him; Charles Evan Hughes took it. Without its leader at its head, and despite his support, the Independence Party for the most part faded away.

Now, supposed he becomes Governor of New York. He succeeds in getting Thomas Watson to run alongside him, and thus most of the remnants of the Populist Party. How would the election play out?


William Howard Taft (R-OH) / James S. Sherman (R-NY)
William Jennings Bryan (D-NE) / John W. Kern (D-IN)
William Randolph Hearst (I-NY) / Thomas E. Watson (I-GA)

 
Which'll yer have, Bill Bryan, Bill Taft, or Bill Hearst?

Bill Bryan or Bill Taft.jpg

Bill Bryan or Bill Taft.jpg
 
That was one of the first things I noticed, yes. :p


Now, in my own view?

Hearst is going to pull a lot of votes away from Bryan, given they are essentially running on the same platforms (though Hearst is more militaristic and an imperialist). Some Taft voters may shift over, but not that many, and Hearst's message may be very popular among those poor Southern Whites that can vote. However, he isn't going to win any states; what he achieves is allowing a Taft landslide beyond the Confederate States, in addition to penetration of the Solid South (Tennessee, maybe North Carolina narrowly).

His vendetta for the most part would be achieved.
 
Imma bump this because I think this is an interesting idea, and not at all to promote my cheesy joke, no sir;):p.
 
Top