WI Winfield Scott Hancock wins the 1880 US presidential election

I'm sure plenty have been repeated several times when it comes to close US elections.

Sam Tilden probably gets some position - Attorney General most likely - though he might not serve long due to his health. Given the close nature, Garfield might well try again in '84.

Civil Service Reform probably happens pretty easily, since it was passed in 1883 OTL after a lot of trying, but it was really 1885 when Cleveland got into office that it really took off with a lot more people being appointed due to their merit.

Hancock probably runs again in '84, thus preventing Cleveland from getting int hat early; although Cleveland could actually end up as his Attorney General instead, or after Tilden leaves.

Of coruse, I mentioned Garfield - it's also possible Hancock defeats Grant if Grant does end up with the nomination. That definitely makes Garfield a possibility for 1884, though Blaine and others will also be big names. It would also make it easier for people to stomach a third term try next time because Grant has already done it, even though he failed.
 

Stolengood

Banned
Guiteau gets royally pissed even earlier, thinking Hancock stole the election despite the "rousing success" of his own campaign pamphlet, and shoots him either before he gets into office or very shortly after. As for whether Hancock survives the bullet entirely, lingers on and then dies, or dies immediately -- it's a toss-up.
 
Guiteau gets royally pissed even earlier, thinking Hancock stole the election despite the "rousing success" of his own campaign pamphlet, and shoots him either before he gets into office or very shortly after. As for whether Hancock survives the bullet entirely, lingers on and then dies, or dies immediately -- it's a toss-up.
Even better: Hendricks instead of English as the running mate (possible POD?) makes things interesting.
 
Guiteau gets royally pissed even earlier, thinking Hancock stole the election despite the "rousing success" of his own campaign pamphlet, and shoots him either before he gets into office or very shortly after. As for whether Hancock survives the bullet entirely, lingers on and then dies, or dies immediately -- it's a toss-up.

Or tries and fails? It isn't like presidential assassins were anything new.
 
Or tries and fails? It isn't like presidential assassins were anything new.

True, but Guiteau's ire was raised OTL by his not being given a job. Here, he's even more determined, seeing his beloved Republicans lose. I doubt if Hancock makes it through a year. It's convergent, I know, but still.
 
True, but Guiteau's ire was raised OTL by his not being given a job. Here, he's even more determined, seeing his beloved Republicans lose. I doubt if Hancock makes it through a year. It's convergent, I know, but still.
But there's also less reason for Guiteau to act because he won't be elevating a Stalwart to the presidency.
 
I searched for previous threads that seemed relevant, and the question has been raised multiple times - but there was very little discussion (maximum of 1 reply, iirc).

Bravo for a new and interesting point of discussion! Thanks.
 
I'm sure plenty have been repeated several times when it comes to close US elections.

Sam Tilden probably gets some position - Attorney General most likely - though he might not serve long due to his health. Given the close nature, Garfield might well try again in '84.

Civil Service Reform probably happens pretty easily, since it was passed in 1883 OTL after a lot of trying, but it was really 1885 when Cleveland got into office that it really took off with a lot more people being appointed due to their merit.

Hancock probably runs again in '84, thus preventing Cleveland from getting int hat early; although Cleveland could actually end up as his Attorney General instead, or after Tilden leaves.

Of coruse, I mentioned Garfield - it's also possible Hancock defeats Grant if Grant does end up with the nomination. That definitely makes Garfield a possibility for 1884, though Blaine and others will also be big names. It would also make it easier for people to stomach a third term try next time because Grant has already done it, even though he failed.
You also have to remember that Hancock died 1886 so he might not be healthy enough for a second term, leaving an open field in 1884. Heck, he might even die during his term. He had diabetes after all so it's not like he caught the flu one morning.
 
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