WI: Tilden Presidency

SpaceCowboy

Banned
Also, note: Garfield's support primarily came from Blaine's and Sherman's delegates in 1880. Initially, the 1880 GOP race was between Grant and Blaine, with Sherman being a distant third.
 
Was Sherman the most reformist of the 1880 GOP candidates?
Yes. It's ultimately what cost him the nomination and it's why Garfield's speech on his behalf was supposed to have had a different result. Stalwarts versus half-breeds. Garfield arguably walked the line between both camps.
 

SpaceCowboy

Banned
Yes. It's ultimately what cost him the nomination and it's why Garfield's speech on his behalf was supposed to have had a different result.
OK.

Also, if Sherman wins in 1880 in this TL, is he likely to get assassinated by Charles Guiteau?

If so, who would his VP pick have been? (After all, it's important when the VP becomes President just several months after becoming VP.)
 
OK.

Also, if Sherman wins in 1880 in this TL, is he likely to get assassinated by Charles Guiteau?

If so, who would his VP pick have been? (After all, it's important when the VP becomes President just several months after becoming VP.)
No, probably not. Guiteau was a madman, but he had a specific grievance which may or may not be in play in this timeline. The assassination is likely butterflied away entirely. The VP is probably a Conkling man; a stalwart to counterbalance the half breed.
 

SpaceCowboy

Banned
No, probably not. Guiteau was a madman, but he had a specific grievance which may or may not be in play in this timeline. The assassination is likely butterflied away entirely. The VP is probably a Conkling man; a stalwart to counterbalance the half breed.
Guiteau was pissed off at Garfield for not being grateful at his (Guiteau's) "help" in securing his victory. Why exactly would this change in this TL?

After all, if Guiteau still writes a speech titled "Grant v. Hancock" and then changes it to "Sherman v. Hancock" and delivers it once or twice, wouldn't he feel entitled to some government post if Sherman wins? Also, once Sherman will refuse him, wouldn't he want to install the Stalwart VP (who might or might not be Chester Arthur in this TL) as President?
 
Guiteau was pissed off at Garfield for not being grateful at his (Guiteau's) "help" in securing his victory. Why exactly would this change in this TL?

After all, if Guiteau still writes a speech titled "Grant v. Hancock" and then changes it to "Sherman v. Hancock" and delivers it once or twice, wouldn't he feel entitled to some government post if Sherman wins? Also, once Sherman will refuse him, wouldn't he want to install the Stalwart VP (who might or might not be Chester Arthur in this TL) as President?
He may very well. Conversely, the reformist tenor of the Tilden era may push him towards other pursuits. Or, he still goes on that cruise, but is not lucky enough to survive it.
 

SpaceCowboy

Banned
He may very well. Conversely, the reformist tenor of the Tilden era may push him towards other pursuits. Or, he still goes on that cruise, but is not lucky enough to survive it.
David T said that Tilden is no more likely to achieve civil service reform that Hayes was in our TL, though.
 
David T said that Tilden is no more likely to achieve civil service reform that Hayes was in our TL, though.
True, but the issue would probably be larger. It would be discussed in the papers if the president pushed for it, even without success.
 
I would say Grant would be renominated, as a failure to procure the presidency in 1876 would be viewed by the delegates as what happens when you "Rock the boat" as it were. Not to mention Grant is still pretty popular around this time still I believe
 
I would say Grant would be renominated, as a failure to procure the presidency in 1876 would be viewed by the delegates as what happens when you "Rock the boat" as it were. Not to mention Grant is still pretty popular around this time still I believe

But a third term would still be controversial, esp as there is no 1940-type emergency to justify it. Even a few disgruntled voters could be enough to cost Grant the election.
 
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