That makes sense.He would have to be elected as a senator or governor, or hold cabinet office (like Herbert Hoover), but for which party? A Progressive and a liberal, he voted for Hoover in 1928 and 1932, but for FDR in 1936.
Possible scenario: He is elected as a Republican as governor of New York in 1920 and re-elected in 1922. Calvin Coolidge appoints him Attorney-General in March 1924 instead of Harlan Stone. He wins the Republican nomination in 1928 instead of Hoover and is elected President.
why else?At first I was really really confused, until I saw that it was his actual name. I assume that is why you dug him up?