U S presidential election

Summary

President Millard Fillmore, who succeeded to the office after the death of Zachary Taylor, was defeated in his effort to be nominated by the Whig Party in 1852.

Just as they had done eight years earlier with James Polk, the Whigs trotted out "Who is Franklin Pierce?" as part of their campaign strategy. And just as it had eight years later, it backfired.

Pierce and running mate William King would go on to win what was at the time one of the nation's largest electoral victories, trouncing Scott and his vice presidential nominee, William Graham of North Carolina, 254 electoral votes to 42.

Whig Convention

The Whigs, seeking the second coming of Zachary Taylor, pushed aside President Fillmore in a 159-133 delegate vote in favor of another Mexican War general with a heroic record, General Winfield Scott of Virginia. Scott had earned the nickname of "Old Fuss and Feathers" due to his insistence on military appearance and discipline, and while respected was also seen by the people as somewhat foppish. William Alexander Graham was chosen as the Vice Presidential nominee with no substantive opposition.

Democratic Convention

The Democrats, anticipating a loss in the general election but not wanting to re-nominate 1848 nominee Lewis Cass, instead nominated the then virtually unknown Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire. Pierce was a former Congressman and Senator known as much for his alcoholic tendencies as much as his statesmanship.

Election Results

For More Information

President of the United States, U.S. presidential election, 1852, History of the United States (1776-1865)

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