Bryan defeats McKinley, 1896!

[TommyC1776]

Ford wins with 286 EV's.

Ford-blue.
Cox-red.
LaFollette-green.

PV%: Ford 43% Cox 40% LaFollette 15% Others (Socialist, Prohibition, etc.) 2%.

Cox accepts defeat and states "We ran a good campaign but we lost.  I congratulate Mr. Ford for winning the Presidency.  We may have better luck next time.  Again, thanks and good luck to Mr. Ford."

Ford is happy he won.  "I just can't believe it.  It feels so amazing to win the Presidency.  I would like to state that Senator Cox and the former Vice President, Bob LaFollette on a good race.  Now let's get ready for March 4, 1921.  Thanks all and I appreciate it.  Have a good night.  Bye."

House and Senate totals later.  Excited.

[TommyC1776]

House results, 1920: 230 Dems, 201 Reps, 3 Prog., 1 FL.
Senate results, 1920: 50 Dems, 44 Reps, 2 Progs.

House Leaders:
Speaker of the House: John W Davis
House Majority Leader: William McAdoo
House Republican Leader: Warren Harding
House Progressive Leader: George Norris

Senate Leaders:
Senate Majority Leader: James Cox
Senate Republican Leader: Robert T. Lincoln.

The Democratic majority is shrinking in both Houses.  President-elect Ford plans to work well with Davis, McAdoo and Cox.

[TommyC1776]

On March 2nd, 1921: Vice President Champ Clark dies.  He will be missed.  President Bryan states "We will miss the Vice President.  He did a great job in politics.  Thank you again Mr. Vice President."

On March 4, 1921 Henry Ford is inaugurated President.
Inaugural address:
"My fellow Americans, let's start the 1920's off with a bang.  I am glad to be President of the United States.  I never thought I could do it but I did it.  Thanks to all of you we won.  God Bless America and Thank you all again."

President Ford asks the House and Senate for a bill that would make the number of immigrants to 3%.

Speaker of the House John W. Davis had reservations about this Act as he thought it was a "discrimination act" against people who wanted to come to America.  He did bring it up though and had the House vote on it.

The House voted 218-215 for the Act.  It barely passed the House.  Now it goes to the Senate where Senator Cox brings it up.  The Senate votes 48-48 on the Act.  Vice President Hughes then votes and makes the vote 49-48, so it passes.  Now the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 becomes law.

Then President Ford and Republicans wanted to relieve taxpayers by lowering them.  Democrats, who controlled both Houses, were against this, especially when it came to the rich.

They wouldn't allow this to come up for a vote.  The President planned that this could pass during the next Congress, if it had to come to that.

Senator Cox stated "We got the President here.  He can't pass this as long as we're in power."

President Ford wanted to pass a lot of business legislation.  Speaker Davis and Senator Cox wouldn't allow that as they wanted to help the little man.

The Congress took a summer recess at this time.  Ford starts campaigning for Republicans to win in the 1922 midterm elections.  He tells Americans "Vote Republican in 1922.  It's what needs to be done."

[TommyC1776]

As 1921 came to an end the President wasn't able to get much done with a Democratic Congress.

1922 saw the Cable Act of 1922 come about.  This was brought up by the House in April.  The House passed it 239-193.  Now it moved to the Senate.

The Senate passed it on May 19th.  The vote was 54-41.  The next day President Ford signed it into law.

At this time Ford was really campaigning hard for Republicans to win in the midterm elections.  House Republican Leader Warren Harding went out on the stump for Republicans too.  He hoped to be Speaker in the next Congress.

Progressives also campaigned hard for more seats.  Bob LaFollette told Americans "Progressives will really look out for you.  Let's get some Progressives in the House and Senate.  It's really a must, for sure."

It looked as if Republicans were going to gain control of both Houses in the midterm elections.  Former President Bryan told people "Keep Democrats in there.  Let's make sure President Ford doesn't get his way."

[TommyC1776]

The midterms were coming and Republicans really wanted control of both Houses.

Former President Bryan stated "President Ford just cares about the businesses while Democrats care about you and your families.  Vote Democrat in November."

As Americans went to the polls it looked as if the Republicans would get control of both Houses just by what the voters are saying.

House results, 1922: 221 Reps, 208 Dems, 6 Progs.
Senate results, 1922: 47 Dems, 47 Reps, 2 Progs.

The Senate was a tie and since Charles Hughes (a Republican) was VP that meant the Republicans had control of the Senate starting March 4, 1923.

Senator James Cox said that Democrats need to start getting some things done before the 67th Congress leaves session.

Northern Democrats wanted to bring up Civil Rights for blacks but Southern Dems said they would protest the vote.  Cox told the Senators that people shouldn't be discriminated against just because of their color.  Speaker Davis told the House that the KKK needs to be stopped.  President Ford said that he may veto legislation about discrimination.

Speaker Davis scheduled a vote for the bill in January as did Senator Cox.  The Senate and House went to recess until January.

President Ford had stated privately "Luckly Republicans will be in control of both Houses by March.  That way I can get alot done."

[TommyC1776]

January 1923 comes and the vote in the House is 230-205 against the bill.  It failed in the House.  The Democrats only had one month left and told Americans they would work hard for them to fillibuster legislation.  Bryan told Democrats whenever they could to fillibuster any legislation that was "anti-middle class or against the farmers, etc."

March 4, 1923 Republicans gain control of both Houses. (the first time in 10 years.)  Robert Lincoln is now Majority Leader in the Senate while Nicholas Longworth is Speaker of the House.  House Majority Leader is Warren Harding.

The Republicans scheduled a vote on the newly devised bill, the Immigration Act of 1923.  Republicans wanted the number of immigrants down to 2% now compared with 3% before.

The House vote was 232-195.  It passed and now it went on to the Senate.  President Ford was praised that something had passed with majority of Republican approval.  The Senate was now waiting to vote on it.

The Senate voted 50-45 on this.  It passed in the Senate and was sent to President Ford to sign.  He did sign it the next day.

President Ford was getting ready for re-election the following year.

[TommyC1776]

In July 1923 Republicans pass the Indian Citizenship Act of 1923 into law, which gives Native Americans will become citizen's of the United States.

As August 1923 gets here House Majority Leader Warren Harding dies of a heart-attack.  President Ford states "Harding was a great man.  He had great ideas and he was all around a terrific member of the House."

Meanwhile no one will challenge President Ford for the Republican nod in 1924.

On the Democratic side possible contenders are:
Senator James Cox.
Representative John W Davis.
NY Governor Al Smith.

Prospective Progressive candidates:
Former VP Bob LaFollette.
Senator William Borah.
Senator Burton Wheeler.

The Farmer Labor Party starts ceasing existence at this point.

At this time Senate Majority Leader Robert Lincoln decides not to run for re-election to the Senate.

Former First Lady Edith Roosevelt is considering a run for Congress from NY.  She states "If I decide to run it will be an exciting day in history.  Teddy would be proud of me."

Note: radio was starting to broadcast in big cities.  It was decided that the radio networks would report the 1924 President General Election.

Inventor Thomas Edison tells people that "We must re-elect President Ford as he is an honest man and we need him right now."

[TommyC1776]

President Ford asked Congress to pass the Revenue Act. This act would lower taxes to make the economy better after the war. The House decided to support it 223-208.  It passed the House.

It then went to the Senate, where most of the Democrats wanted it filibustered.  Senate Majority Leader Robert Lincoln had Republicans debate the issue for a week.  They hoped to convince Democrats that this was the right thing to do.

The final Senate vote was 46-45 against it.  The Democrats prevailed with the help of Progressive Senator Burton Wheeler.  It didn't pass the Senate.  Republicans, at this point, were frustrated that this didn't pass the Senate.  Senator Lincoln had said "We need more Republicans in the Senate at this time."

1924 is coming up quick.

[Hash]

Ford wins with 286 EV's.

Ford-blue.
Cox-red.
LaFollette-green.

PV%: Ford 50% Cox 40% LaFollette 8% Others (Socialist, Prohibition, etc.) 2%.

How does La Folette win that many EVs and only 8% of the PV? In 1924, he won one state but won something like 17% of the vote.

[TommyC1776]

Ford wins with 286 EV's.

Ford-blue.
Cox-red.
LaFollette-green.

PV%: Ford 50% Cox 40% LaFollette 8% Others (Socialist, Prohibition, etc.) 2%.

How does La Folette win that many EVs and only 8% of the PV? In 1924, he won one state but won something like 17% of the vote.

Thanks for pointing that out.

[TommyC1776]

George Norris endorsed LaFollette in the beginning of 1924.

the 1924 primaries are next.  Republicans wont have any as Ford is going to unopposed.  (Note: an estimate on the delegates)

New Hampshire: March 11th.

Democrats: 14 delegates
Smith 47%-7 delegates
Cox 41%-6 delegates
Davis 12%-1 delegate.

Smith told supporters "We won New Hampshire.  Now, let's go on."  Cox reportedly said "I am not worried.  I didn't do that bad."

Progressives: 9 delegates
LaFollette 54%-5 delegates
Borah 39%-3 delegates
Wheeler 7%-1 delegate.

North Dakota: March 18th

Democrats: 16 delegates
Cox 49%-8 delegates
Davis 34%-5 delegates
Smith 17%-3 delegates.

Progressives: 11 delegates
Wheeler 51%-6 delegates
Borah 38%-4 delegates
LaFollette 11%.-1 delegate.

There isn't a clear frontrunner for either the Dems or the Progs.

[TommyC1776]

Total delegates so far:

Democrats:
Cox-14 delegates
Smith-10 delegates
Davis-6 delegates.

Progressives:
Wheeler-7 delegates
Borah-7 delegates
LaFollette-6 delegates

The Progressive candidates are close in the delegates.  LaFollette tells Progressive that he is the candidate they need, as he can get more votes than either Borah or Wheeler in the general election.

[TommyC1776]

South Dakota: March 25th

Democrats: 13 delegates
Cox 50%-7 delegates
Davis 40%-5 delegates
Smith 10%-1 delegate

Progressives: 10 delegates
Wheeler 52%-5 delegates
Borah 36%-4 delegates
LaFollette 12%- 1 delegate

Wisconsin: April 1st

Democrats: 29 delegates
Cox 53%-15 delegates
Smith 40%-13 delegates
Davis 7%-1 delegate.

Progressives: 22 delegates
LaFollette 61%-13 delegates
Borah 30%-8 delegates
Wheeler 9%-1 delegate.

Total delegates so far:

Democrats:
Cox-36 delegates
Smith-24 delegates
Davis-12 delegates.

Senator Cox is the Democratic frontrunner.  Representative John Davis jumps out of the race and endorses Senator James Cox.  Davis tells his supporters "I urge you all to support Senator Cox as I am going to step aside in this race and endorse him."

Progressives:
LaFollette-20 delegates
Borah-19 delegates
Wheeler-13 delegates.

This is still a close race.  get excited ok?

[TommyC1776]

Representative (and Progressive House Leader) George Norris is going to run for the Senate as a Progressive this year.

Bob LaFollette states "This is a great man.  Nebraskans I urge you to support him for the Senate.  He will help keep the Progressive movement alive."

Also, most of Davis's delegates go to Cox at this time.

Democratic delegates at this time:
Cox-43 delegates
Smith 24 delegates
Undecided, 5 delegates.

Senator Cox feels confident he can be nominated by the Democrats.  Meanwhile, Al Smith is doing all he can to defeat Cox.

[TommyC1776]

Michigan: April 7th

Democrats: 38 delegates
Cox 56%-21 delegates
Smith 44%-17 delegates.

Progressives: 31 delegates
LaFollette 54%-17 delegates
Borah 38%-12 delegates
Wheeler 8%-2 delegates.

At this point Burton Wheeler decides to dropout and endorse LaFollette.

Illinois: April 8th

Democrats: 54 delegates
Cox 54%-29 delegates
Smith 46%-25 delegates

Progressives: 47 delegates
LaFollette 56%-26 delegates
Borah 44%.-21 delegates.

Nebraska: April 8th

Democrats: 23 delegates
Cox 53%-12 delegates
Smith 47%-11 delegates.

Progressives: 17 delegates
LaFollette 50%-9 delegates
Borah 46%-8 delegates
Wheeler (write-in) 4%.

Total delegates so far:

Democrats:
Cox-109 delegates.
Smith-78 delegates.

Cox says "We're on our way to the nomination.  Let's go on and beat Governor Smith."  Smith states "Let's go on and win in New Jersey and Pennsylvania next."

Progressives:
LaFollette-87 delegates
Borah-60 delegates.

Borah tells his supporters "It's not over yet.  Let's go forward."

Senator Cox is campaigning hard in both PA and NJ.  He hopes to win one of them to keep Smith from getting ahead in delegates.

Representative John W Davis goes campaigning for Cox in Pennsylvania telling voters "Cox can represent you better than Smith can.  Cox has a proven record for the people."

Smith comes back with an attack "Senator Cox was the nominee in 1920 and he lost.  He might lose again as our nominee.  We need someone like me who's in the middle on some of the issues.  I can and will work with Republicans.  So, come on and let's win here and win here big.  Thank you all.  God Bless."

[TommyC1776]

William Borah of ID decides to drop out and endorse Bob LaFollette for the Progressive nomination.  Therefore, LaFollette is once again the Progressives nominee.

LaFollette states he will consider either Hiram Johnson or William Borah as his running mate in 1924.

LaFollette starts calling President Ford "The man who mostly cares about big businesses."

Senate Leader Robert Lincoln states "I don't why Bob is running again.  He hasn't got a chance.  I still say he should just endorse President Ford in 1924."

Meanwhile on the Democratic side, Al Smith is still determined to fight for the nomination.  He is expected to win both New Jersey and Pennsylvania on April 22nd.  Cox knows this but would like a good showing in both states.

Note: I know they didn't have polls back then but I am going to maybe do a couple.

polls for President, 1924: (with Cox as Dem nominee)
Ford 51%
Cox 39%
LaFollette 10%

polls for President, 1924: (with Smith as the Dem nominee)
Ford 48%
Smith 41%
LaFollette 8%
Undecided 3%.

Governor Smith sees these numbers and is happy that he does better than Cox.  He says that "I do better than Cox because I am more moderate in my views."  "Vote for me in Pennsylvania and New Jersey on April 22nd."

[TommyC1776]

Pennsylvania: April 22nd

Democrats: 75 delegates
Smith 56%-42 delegates
Cox 44%-33 delegates

New Jersey: April 22nd

Democrats: 37 delegates
Smith 55%-20 delegates
Cox 45%-17 delegates

NY Governor Al Smith states "We did it.  We beat Senator James Cox in both of the primaries that were held today.  Let's show the Senator we mean business."

Cox tells supporters "We did a fine job in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Now on to Massachusetts and Ohio next week."

Massachusetts: April 29th

Democrats: 45 delegates
Smith 52%-23 delegates
Cox 48%-22 delegates

Ohio: April 29th

Democrats: 52 delegates
Cox 63%-33 delegates
Smith 37%-19 delegates.

Total delegates so far:

Democrats:
Cox-214 delegates
Smith-182 delegates.

Governor Smith decides that he will drop out and endorse Senator Cox for the Democratic nomination in 1924.

Senator Cox states "I want to tell you supporters that Governor Smith dropped out and endorsed me so therefore I am the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States in 1924."

Next up: the conventions.

[TommyC1776]

Progressive National Convention:

Bob LaFollette is nominated on the first ballot.  He selects Hiram Johnson of CA as his running mate.

LaFollette tells delegates "We can and we will win.  With Hiram Johnson at my side we can do well in the West.   We will beat President Ford and Senator Cox.  This will be a great campaign.  I look forward to it."

George Norris speaks at the Convention saying "It's a must for us to win or do really well in this election.  We need more Progressives in Congress.  Please Elect LaFollette/Johnson President and Vice President in November."

Democratic National Convention:

Senator James Cox is nominated on the first ballot.  Senator Cox decides to pick Al Smith as his running mate.

Cox tells Democratic delegates "President Ford hasn't looked out for the smaller people.  He's more interested in helping the big businesses.  Governor Smith and I will fight for you and your family."

Former President (and Senator) William J Bryan speaks and says "What has our President done?  Has President Ford really looked out for the little guy?  No he hasn't.  Vote for Senator James Cox and Governor Al Smith in November."

Republican National Convention:

President Ford is nominated on the first ballot.  Vice President Hughes is nominated on the first ballot for VP.

Ford says "Americans, Vice President Hughes and I will continue our way forward.  Now, Democrats say I dont look out for the common man.    Remember Republicans help make Native Americans official citizens of the United States?  Now lets go forward and elect more Republicans in November.  Thanks and God Bless."

[TommyC1776]

Campaign 1924:

This campaign is very similar to 1920 as all three of the major candidates are the same.

Senate Majority Leader Robert Lincoln and Thomas Edison go on the stump for the President.  Lincoln states "Our President has been a great leader for this country.  He will continue the next four years to do the same.  Let's make sure he's re-elected."

Edison then states "I have known our President for a long time and he really is a terrific man.  He will help all Americans and not just the business owners and such.  That's why I will be voting to re-elect the President in November.  Thanks."

Meanwhile, Senator Cox is campaigning hard in all of the states and telling voters "President Ford may have done some good things but he still has been looking out for the business community.  Democrats must stop this and win in November.  Let's go forward and fight for the middle class.  This will be the campaign where we win."

Bob LaFollette is going out on the stump stating "Americans we need a third party in America and the Progressive Party is the way to go.  I plan to do very well this election.  Also, we must elect more Progressives to the House and Senate.  God Bless you all and let's go win.  Thanks."

The Election will soon be here.  Get ready.

[TommyC1776]

1924 Presidential Election

Ford-blue
Cox-red
LaFollette-green.

PV%:
Henry Ford/Charles Hughes 44%
James Cox/Al Smith 41%
Bob LaFollette/Hiram Johnson 15%.

President Ford states "Thank you supporters.  We now will have another 4 years of in the White House."

Senator Cox states "First off I want to thank my supporters.  Secondly I would like to congratulate the President.  I now plan to just go back to the Senate.  Thanks again supporters."

Bob LaFollette states "This was my last campaign for President.  I want to thank all of my supporters throughout the years."

House: 230 Reps, 200 Dems, 5 Progs.
Senate: 50 Reps, 43 Dems, 3 Progs.

Leadership: (Next session)
Senate Majority Leader: Charles Curtis
Senate Democratic Leader: James Cox
Senate Progressive Leader: George Norris

Speaker of the House: Nicholas Longworth
House Majority Leader: Frank Gillett
House Democratic Leader: John W. Davis

[TommyC1776]

As the 68th Congress comes to an end, Senate Majority Leader Robert Lincoln makes a statement on the floor "I want to thank all of you for helping me throughout my 24 years in the White House and Senate.  It's been a pleasure to be in Washington and I am sorry that I now will be leaving but I am getting older.  I am going to miss all of you and I will be thinking of you all too.  Thanks again and have a nice day."  (He ends up shedding a few tears).

President Ford and VP Charles Hughes issue a statement about Robert Lincoln "He is a very good man and he did a great deal for this country.   Thanks again Senator Lincoln."

Newly elected Senate Leader, Charles Curtis, will have to fill big shoes.

Curtis plans to meet with both the President and Speaker of the House Longworth.  They want to get work done in Washington.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Newly elected Senate Leader, Henry C Lodge, will have to fill big shoes.

Henry Cabot Lodge died on November 9, 1924 so that rules him out from being Senate Majority Leader in the 69th Congress.

[TommyC1776]

Newly elected Senate Leader, Henry C Lodge, will have to fill big shoes.

Henry Cabot Lodge died on November 9, 1924 so that rules him out from being Senate Majority Leader in the 69th Congress.

I guess i didnt research enough on that.  thanks.

[TommyC1776]

On March 4, 1925 President Ford is inaugurated for his second term.

Ford states: "Americans, we are going to countinue the great progress we have made in the last 4 years.  I am glad to be President at such a prosperous time called the Roaring 20's.  We have more to do in the coming years but we really have got alot done.  Just think when the election of 1920 got here Native American's weren't US citizens but because of Congress and my approval they are now.  Now let's go forward Americans.  Thank you and God Bless."

[TommyC1776]

A few months after Inauguration the Scopes Trial came up in court.  (A teacher in TN had taught evolution when he wasn't supposed to according to TN law.)

Former President and Senator Bryan was one of people who attended the trial.  He had believed the Bible was right about creation.  This debate went on for awhile.


Meanwhile at the end of June 1925, Former VP and Progressive Presidential candidate, Bob LaFollette died at the age of 70.

President Ford said "America has lost a great man.  He stood up for what he believed in.  He was against the war in Europe before alot of people in Congress were.  He was really a fighter. God Bless Bob LaFollette."

Then at the end of July it was decided that Professor John Scopes had the right to teach evolution if he wished.  Thus, after three months it was over.

A few days later Bryan died.  President Ford and VP Hughes said "It's a sad day for America.   The former President and Senator was a great man.  He really accomplished alot in his life.  William Jennings Bryan, you will be missed.  God Bless you."

Democrats we're very upset.  Senator Cox stated "Democrats have lost a leader.  We always turned to Bryan whenever we needed advice.  He surely will be missed."