1912 Presidential Election: Rise of the Progressives (IC)

[Greater Arab State]

Democratic National Convention

Clark decided to speak privately with the Idaho, Wyoming and Montana delegations. Clark argued that his support for free trade for established industries meant that farmers would have lower costs for vital machinery in addition to increased exports globally. Furthermore, Clark mentioned his support for moderate prohibition legislation, primarily the outlawing of public drunkenness, something which would benefit farmers through increased productivity. Clark concluded his conversation by emphasising his opposition to a Federal Reserve, something which would merely devolve into Federal interference towards American Farmers and the United States as a whole.

[Arlenton]

With Marshall having 15 delegates from Indiana supporting him, he is in a kingmaker position.

[Dentali]

Democratic National Convention

Harmon went to the delegation from New York, in addition to the personal appeals and patronage he had already given to the party leaders in the state AND the endorsements he had already given, Harmon promised to build a naval base in New York, bringing jobs and economic development to the region. In addition Harmon promised to enact tariffs favorable to the state.

Contacting Tammany Hall, Harmon promised to remove FDR from New York politics and give them the power of the Presidency in solidifying power over the state. Additionally all federal patronage positions based in New York would be given to them if Harmon got the support from the NY Delegation.

[Greater Arab State]

Democratic National Convention

Clark next moved onto speaking with the Senator for Illinois, J. Hamilton Lewis, Clark stressed the need for Democratic unity if they are to regain the White House in the general election and promised that if Lewis were to publicly endorse and campaign for Clark, he would be nominated for the cabinet position of Secretary of War.

[Dentali]

Democratic National Convention

Harmon publicly announces at the convention that he will pursue balanced budgets as President, and a generally fiscally conservative agenda that would cut waste in the budget and not pursue new social programs unless they were properly funded and budgeted for.

[Dentali]

Democratic National Convention

Roosevelt went around to the delegations from the Northeast, continuing his "Champ Clark cannot win a general election" Pitch and sharing his consistent values of moderation, compared to Clark who was only just saying progressive things to get elected. Additionally he pointed out Clark's history with the KKK and racism that would alienate northern voters.

To the New York delegation and Tammany Hall he pointed out that the Federal Reserve Harmon supported would directly benefit banks and interests in the Northeast, mostly centered in NYC.

[Dentali]

Democratic National Convention

Next Harmon spoke with progressive leaders in the south, pointing out the many special interests that supported Clark and the corruption rampant in his Senate campaign. Harmon pledged to reform election laws to lessen the power of political machines and special monied interests like those that supported Clark.

[Dentali]

Democratic National Convention

Harmon went to the Texas delegation to point out what Harmon promised in public, Clark had only done in private and only AFTER Harmon had promised it. He pointed out that Harmon had a strong platform, that was backed up by his time as governor, whereas Clark barely had any consistency in his views and would abandon them as soon as it was politically viable.


Harmon then had a supporter from the Illinois delegation speak, telling the story of how Harmon defused the potential riot of railway workers and brokered compromise between two warring factions. With this Harmon hoped he would be seen as the best means for uniting the party.

[Helowi]

Democratic National Convention
“Good Evening, my fellow Americans. Over the course of he last campaign, I have listened to as many people as I could across this country. I have voiced my concerns, and I have heard back of your concerns. However, over the course of my campaign, I have realized that my chances of winning are slim. Therefore, I withdraw my candidacy for the presidency, and endorse the great Mr. Harmon for President of the United States. I hope I can meet the great people of America again in the future. Thank you America, and I will see you later.”

[Dentali]

Democratic National Convention

Speaking privately with the DNC leadership Harmon makes the case that the progressives are ascendant in the current political climate, pointing to the success and popularity of the Roosevelt's programs and the backlash against Taft for being a moderate. "If this election is a Conservative vs a Progressive" Harmon tells them "The Progressive will win every time, and Clark cannot convince the American people he is a progressive now with this johnny come lately rhetoric. I have a record of fiscal conservative and Progressive values, if I am the nominee the election is now a moderate vs a radical and that is a race we can win."


After this pitch, he heard the endorsement of Marshall on the floor. Afterwards he went up to the Governor and gave him a hug, thanking him graciously and generously.

[Arlenton]

Democratic National Convention

With Marshall throwing his support to Harmon, Indiana's delegates switch their support, giving Harmon a majority and the nomination. A running mate must now be selected by Harmon.

Second Ballot
Harmon: 273
Clark: 258

[Dentali]

Democratic National Convention

With Marshall throwing his support to Harmon, Indiana's delegates switch their support, giving Harmon a majority and the nomination. A running mate must now be selected by Harmon.

Second Ballot
Harmon: 273
Clark: 258

“Ladies and Gentleman, I humbly accept your nomination. You have entrusted me with your voice, and it is the honor of my life. With the help of god and guided by our nations founding principles we shall triumph, I ask you now to raise up House Majority Leader Oscar Underwood as my running mate.”

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon Campaign Strategy

The Judson Harmon campaign would be threefold. Firstly the plains states would be toured by William Jennings Bryan all states West of the Mississippi would be toured heavily, Chamberlain of Oregon would join Bryan in the states of Washington, Oregon and California though California would only get lip Service. VP nominee Underwood and Clark would tour the conservative south, driving up turnout and making sure no states defected, if polls were positive enough they would move to conservative areas in New England. Finally Harmon himself would hit the Midwest first then the northeast.

[Arlenton]

Polls

Ohio
Harmon 52%
La Follette 48%

Indiana
Harmon 54%
La Follete 46%

Michigan
La Follette 58%
Harmon 42%

Illinois
La Follette 53%
Harmon 47%

Wisconsin
La Follette 63%
Harmon 37%

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon General Election Stop #1
Cleveland, Ohio

Ohio, mother of Presidents... home state of Governor Harmon and the weekend lace to kickoff his re-election campaign. Theodore Roosevelt has apparently lost half his IQ since leaving office, Harmon loved Roosevelt, voted for him (secretly) and modeled much of what he did after him but him dropping out of the race and endorsing an unelectable radical... and man who lacked the energy necessary for a national campaign... he handed the election to the democrats.


“Ohio! My friends!” Harmon spoke to the roaring crowd giving his first stump speech as the successfully nominated candidate. He gave a speech highlighting is accomplishments for the state, and then focused on soaring bi-partisan rhetoric, inspirational language meant to unite a divided people. It was the language of wisdom and moderate progressivism, about what the country could be if they worked together, a message of unity and bringing the country together. It was light on policy but Harmon wanted to send out a wide net. He also devoted a section of the speech to attack LaFollettes most radical positions as socialism and proposed “responsible and American” alternatives.

After the speech Harmon met privately with members of the Republican Party who were on the conservative end of things, he detailed his more moderate stances compared to LaFollette denouncing him as a radical who would divide and damage the country. Harmon spoke of his experience finding common ground and governing a moderate state like Ohio. In the end Harmon mentioned how LaFollette had not even visited Ohio in the primary and didn’t give a damn about its people.

[Dentali]

Harmon General Campaign Stop #1
Detroit, Michigan

Heading north from Cleveland Harmon went through the industrial areas of Michigan heading towards Detroit. He toured a number of small towns and spoke with groups of labor talking about the minimum wage, the department of labor and the raising safety standards. Labor being his base, doing a dozen small to medium rallies targeted just towards them, with a more progressive pro-labor message. He took every oppertunity to point out La Follette abandoned the workers of Illinois when they went on strike while Harmon rallied to their defense

Arriving in Detroit Harmon once again shifted his stump speech towards a general and bi-partisan audience. He spoke in soaring, inspirational, pro-american rhetoric, light on actual details but attacked his opponent for being a radical while his campaign was based on bringing the country together

Harmon was unable to attack La Follette for not campaigning in Michigan because it was one of the few states he had visited, but he did make a point of speaking 1 on 1 with a few prominent conservative and moderate voices in the state, painting La Folletteas a radical who would split the country.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #2
Indianapolis, Indiana

With Thomas Marshall introducing him Harmon once again gave a massive rally in the city he had not campaigned in during the general. Keeping with the soaring rhetoric and attacks on radical La Follette who “apparently doesn’t believe the great state of Indiana is worth visiting”. The theme of unity was prevalent, with both Conservatives and Progressives joining him visibly on stage.

After the event harmon held a large gathering for a number of local politicians across the political spectrum, inviting conservative and moderate Republican. Using personal charm and charisma Harmon’s party was a hit during which he spoke with a number of Republicans one on one, where he highlighted the La Follette hadn’t visited Indiana or worked for their vote, and had a radical agenda that would split the country.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #3
Chicago, Illinois

In Chicago Harmon arrived quietly 3 days before his campaign event in order to speak with the negotiators in the strike. After using his personal political capital to as the democratic nominee to help things run more smoothly and defuse any potential tensions that might crop up.

Harmon met with the Republican political machine in Chicago and elsewhere speaking of La Follette’s radicalism and commitment to dismantling the machine politics in the country. Harmon framed it as Harmon being the lesser of two evils for the party to back. Harmon also held a few private meetings with Conservative Republicans in the state who were against the far radical progressivism of La Follette.

Harmon took full advantage of his success with the railway strike and the large population of the city of Chicago to drive up turnout for his rally in the city. Beginning with his now trademark “my friends” he laid out his platform of “compromise and common ground” as well as unity for the country. He was careful not too attack La Follette too harshly on the progressive front but did attack the so called “man of the people” for never visiting Illinois to earn their vote, as well as never addressing the Railway Strike, while Harmon stood strongly for the workers.


Underwood General Campaign Stop #1
Baltimore, Maryland

Underwood would start his tour of the South with Maryland then he would swing South before hooking West, making a circuit and ensuring that the Solid South was holding firm. He held a rally in Baltimore and met with party leaders as well as rallied with candidates down the ticket, congressman, mayors, county executives and all democrats from all factions.

[Dentali]

Harmon General Campaign Stop #4
Aurora, Illinois

Continuing his tour of Illinois Harmon arrived in Aurora, there he held a rally with a number of other candidates for office in 1912 who he had promised to support. After fulfilling those promises with endorsements Harmon worked his way through the city meeting the everyday people, kissing babies, shaking hands and in general enjoying being the sensation around town, but deeper than that he was connecting with the community, being visible and available, he got a haircut at a local barer, ate at a local restaurant and spoke with small children at a local school, everywhere he went talking about unity.



Harmon General Campaign Stop #5
Joliet, Illinois

In Joliet Harmon spent the first day doing much of what he had in Aurora, shaking hands and kissing babies, but spent the second days in hardcore campaign mode. He met with the Democratic infrastructure in the state and gave them marching orders for the campaign laying out strategy and campaign materials. Afterwards Harmon gave a stump speech leaning heavily on his experience with the railway strike and viciously attacking La Follette on his abandonment of the workers of the strike.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #6
Twin Cities, Minnesota

In the Twin Cities Harmon dined privately with a number of prominent Republicans in the state speaking to them about their common ground versus the radicalism of La Follette. He made the case (to varying degrees of success) that his moderate views were closer to their own stances than La Follette. After these meetings Harmon gave a series of speeches to a number of Democratic gatherings in order to rally the base, mainly saying how he wished to unify the party, north and south and bring victory for the first time since Grover Cleveland.

Finally after 2 days of private meetings and speeches he gave one of his largest rallies to date in the heart of the Twin Cities, once again sticking with an inspirational, apolitical tone which emphasized subjects which LaFollette’s radicalism most drifted from mainstream politics. He also attack La Follette for never visiting the state, Harmon also had the benefit of being introduced by William Jennings Bryan, as he was touring the rust belt


Underwood General Campaign Stop #2
Richmond, Virginia

Underwood spent 3 days in Virginia, holding two token rallies in Richmond but for the most part Underwood met with party bosses in the state and attending parties held by influential individuals and potential donors to the campaign. Underwood once again giving assurances to any potential southern defectors that Harmon was a good man and a moderate able to bring Conservatives and Progressives together as well as finally give Democrats a win.

[Arlenton]

Polls

California
La Follette 59
Harmon 41

Oregon
La Follette 64
Harmon 36

Washington
La Follette 65
Harmon 35

[Dentali]

Harmon General Campaign Stop #7
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Moving out of the the Midwest Harmon decided to hit Pennsylvania. Using his alliances with labor he gathered a massive rally in Pittsburgh which he used to flood the streets while he gave his stump speech. Directly afterwards he held a meeting with Conservatives and Moderates in the Republican party in the heart of downtown. He hoped that the display of his sway over the working class would impress and cower them, making them realize LaFollette who had still not launched his general campaign would not win. LaFollette’s strongest asset was his ties to progressive labor, and through Harmon’s intervention and gamble on the Illinois railway strike he had taken a great deal of that support away, as LaFollette did jack.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #8
Erie, Pennsylvania

Moving northward from Pittsburgh, Harmon continued his pro-labor tour, focusing on the more progressive aspects of his message and the utter failure of LaFollette legislatively and even during his presidential campaign to address labor issues. Much of politics is showing up and La Follette didn’t, Harmon went to labor meetings and rallys for the labor community. He visited the homes of immigrants and the downtrodden in the city accompanied by local democratic politicians. Finally he held a rally in Erie which portrayed himself as a Progressive who could actually get things down.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #9
Allentown, Pennsylvania

Following the advice of Bryan, Harmon moved east and stopped in a dozen small rural towns and villages on the way to Allentown. Focusing on his pro-farm messaging and ties to Bryan. Finally Harmon made it to Allentown where he met with Democrats in the party urging unity and for them to get out the vote. He gave a half hour speech to a hall full of Pennsylvania Democrats inspiring them to redouble their efforts to get Haron elected. Finally he gave a large rally and stump speech using his typical unity, compromise and common ground messaging that he hoped would unite everyone as Americans and vote for him.



Harmon General Campaign Stop #9
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Harmon entered Philly like a conquering hero, a massive celebration party atmosphere parading down mainstreet celebrating the next chapter of America. Harmon gave a record 95 minute speech to the roaring crowd, detailing his progressive platofrm and comparing it to Lafollete who was both a radical and one who abandoned the railway strike, a do nothing with no accomplishments besides empty radical rhetoric. Harmon was a governor, he got things done, when the railworkers put out the call for aid Harmon answered and got them the aid they needed. Harmon would do this for Pennsylvania and the country, bringing everyone together and moving the country forward.


Underwood General Campaign Stop #3
Charlotte, North Carolina

Underwood stopped in North Carolina and held a series of rallies in rural towns throughout the state, finally holding a large one in Charlotte. While not as polished as Harmon he was well supported by the area’s party who all joined him in the rally, many were well respected and admired by the local voters, which added legitimacy to the campaign.


William Jennings Bryan General Campaign Update

After the joint event with Harmon WJB moved through rural Minnesota and into Iowa, continuing to barnstorm at farms and rural towns across the country for Harmon.

[Arlenton]

Polls

New York
Harmon 52%
La Follette 48%

Pennsylvania
La Follette 56%
Harmon 44%

New Jersey
La Follette 53%
Harmon 47%

Delaware
Harmon 51%
La Follette 49%

Maryland
Harmon 55%
La Follette 45%

[Dentali]

Harmon General Campaign Stop #11
Buffalo, New York

Leaving Pennsylvania Harmon traveled through upstate New York, once again giving a series of small speeches and events at rural towns and dropping by unsuspecting farms. Finally Harmon arrived in Buffalo proper and was greeted by democrats from the region. New York was currently in his column but not by much, and he could lose its 45 electoral votes. Harmon held a rally and gave a stump speech targeted towards rural voters while emphasizing the need for unity.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #12
Rochester, New York

Harmon decided to keep up an optimist theme in New York. For the first time people threw around the term “Harmon Democrat” which was a Progressive that favored, civility, compromise and law and order. In his speech Harmon presented his “New Freedom” platform, using soaring rhetoric to paint a picture of what America could and should be. Afterwards he met privately with local conservative and moderate republicans who Harmon embraced warmly, Harmon emphasized his history of working across the aisle in Ohio and his success getting business and labor to work together as in Illinois.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #13
Albany, New York

Arriving secretly in Albany Harmon met with members of the Republican machine in the state. The machine was much more conservative than La Follette which Harmon highlighted at length while touting his own moderation and success in the state. Harmon also emphasized La Follete’s rhetoric against the Republican machine and how he would tear the party apart attempting to remove the machine from power, while Harmon wanted to work with the machines of both parties.

After this meeting Harmon left the city and arrived again the next day to all the typical fanfare before delivering his American Unity Stump Speech


Harmon General Campaign Stop #14
New York City, New York

Harmon had spent a great deal of political and financial capital on this rally, they had promoted it for weeks, called in favors to boost turnout, had free food and drinks available and did everything possible to attract a crowd. It worked well as the massive crowd flocked to the Harmon event, perhaps not the turnout Roosevelt would have gotten but he wasn’t running anymore.

Harmon gave a 45 minute speech about American Unity, about helping the common people, about turning away from radicalism and supporting American Values. It was an inspiration speech, light on policy but heavy on celebrity, with every democratic name in entertainment there, some giving short speeches and others just providing eye candy. In the week prior local democratic politicians had been giving their own speeches to their districts, promoting Harmon’s upcoming rally. With this Harmon reached a massive audience, one he may not have reached otherwise, the rally was broadcast on radio, Harmon gave interviews with newpapers before and after and put on a full media blitz, for a brief moment Harmon had taken over NYC.


Underwood General Campaign Stop #4
Atlanta, Georgia

In the deep south Underwood continued to reinforce the democratic establishment making sure the local republicans were suppressed and the democrats were energized. Private meetings and speeches to gentlemens club and small rural town across Georgia culminating with a large rally in Georgia helped Underwood confirm the strength of the ticket.


William Jennings Bryan General Campaign Update

After a conference with Democrat in plains state William Jennings Bryan is next heading to do events in Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

[Arlenton]

Robert La Follette picks Governor of California Hiram Johnson as his running mate.

[Dentali]

Harmon General Campaign Stop #15
Jersey City, New Jersey

Harmon crossed over from New York to New Jersey taking the ferry and arriving like Washington Crossing the Delaware. He gave a short address to the assembled crowd as he shook hands with Governor Wilson who graciously welcomed him to his state. Harmon gave a short address to the assembled crowd where he spoke warmly about his love for the state.

Afterwards Harmon and Wilson took questions from reporters and went to a large rally where Wilson introduced Harmon. Once against Harmon spoke of unity and against radicalism, talking about the ‘do nothing candidacy’ of La Follette who he mentioned had never even bothered to visit Jersey.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #16
Newark, New Jersey

In Newark Harmon met with the Republican Conservative and Moderate establishment in private, he brought in a Newspaper with the headline “HIRAM JOHNSON SELECTED AS VP ON REPUBLICAN TICKET” and began to talk about La Follette picked another progressive to join the already radical La Follette, Harmon comparatively made a VP pick that demonstrated a commitment to moderation and balance, compromise and common ground. La Follette was further ideologically from the moderate republicans than Harmon was.

Harmon then held a large rally in Newark which he invited many republicans to, the speech was his “Compromise and Common Ground” Stump speech, emphasizing unity and a apolitical pro-american message, with some moderate progressivism and highlights of his successful tenure as Governor of Ohio versus the do nothing tenure of La Follette.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #17
Paterson, New Jersey

In Paterson, Harmon met with Labor groups emphasizing his pro-labor message and inability of La Follette to pass meaningful legislation as Senator. Additionally he spoke of La Follette unwillingness to support the railway strike in Illinois versus the strong support Harmon gave.

After the public meeting Harmon held a rally alongside non-radical labor leaders and local politicians once again introduced by Woodrow WIlson. He gave a standard Progressive stump speech highlighting his successes working for labor in Ohio and his Illinois negotiations.


Harmon General Campaign Stop #18
Elizabeth, New Jersey

Harmon continued to barnstorm in Jersey, arriving in Elizabeth and spending 2 full days walking the streets, touring the city and speaking to everyday people. He took questions and asked them, getting a better understanding of everyday life, he was photographed speaking with those stuck in poverty.

He held a rally emphasizing pro-american themes and uniting the country in moving forward to end poverty and tackle the domestic issues in the country.


Underwood General Campaign Stop #5
Nashville, Tennessee

Underwood and his staff were confident in the Solid South and decided to focus their efforts on the border states of Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri. Missouri was a worry as the popular Republican governor was seen by the Democrats as the single biggest threat that La Follette could add to the ticket, but instead they doubled down on the progressivism with the choice of Johnson. Harmon would lose the West coast, but he never intended to win it.

Underwood held a rally in Nashville to an enthusiastic crowd, borrowing parts of Harmon’s “Compromise and Common Ground” speech, Afterwards Underwood whipped democratic organizations, activists and individuals into a frenzy getting them to energize and turn out the vote. “Our best chance of winning since Cleveland.”


William Jennings Bryan General Campaign Update

WJB is continuing events in Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

[Arlenton]

Polls

Ohio
Harmon 54%
La Follette 46%

Indiana
Harmon 55%
La Follette 45%

Kentucky
Harmon 61%
La Follette 39%

Michigan
La Follette 56%
Harmon 44%

Pennsylvania
La Follette 55%
Harmon 45%

Maryland
Harmon 57%
La Follette 43%

Delaware
Harmon 53%
La Follette 47%

West Virginia
Harmon 56%
La Follette 44%

Virginia
Harmon 68%
LA Follette 32%

[Arlenton]

Results



Harmon/Underwood: 270
La Follette/Johnson: 261




National
D 51%
R 49%

Alabama
D 79%
R 21%

Arizona
R 55%
D 45%

Arkansas
D 61
R 39

California
R 59%
D 41%

Colorado
R 53%
D 47%

Connecticut
R 54%
D 46%

Delaware
D 51%
R 49%

Florida
D 74%
R 26%

Georgia
D 73%
R 27%

Idaho
R 65%
D 35%

Illinois
R 53%
D 47%

Indiana
D 54%
R 46%

Iowa
R 61%
D 39%

Kansas
R 60%
D 40%

Kentucky
D 57%
R 43%

Louisiana
D 89%
R 11%

Maine
R 64%
D 36%

Maryland
D 56%
R 44%

Massachusetts
R 57%
D 43%

Michigan
R 63%
D 37%

Minnesota
R 71%
D 29%

Mississippi
D 93%
R 7%

Missouri
D 55%
R 45%

Montana
R 58%
D 42%

Nebraska
R 56%
D 44%

Nevada
R 59%
D 41%

New Hampshire
R 58%
D 42%

New Jersey
R 51%
D 49%

New Mexico
R 53%
D 47%

New York
D 51%
R 49%

North Carolina
D 64%
R 36%

North Dakota
R 70%
D 30%

Ohio
D 53%
R 47%

Oklahoma
D 53%
R 47%

Oregon
R 68%
D 32%

Pennsylvania
R 60%
D 40%

Rhode Island
R 58%
D 42%

South Carolina
D 95%
R 5%

South Dakota
R 68%
D 32%

Tennessee
D 62%
R 38%

Texas
D 76%
R 24%

Utah
R 60%
D 40%

Vermont
R 73%
D 27%

Virginia
D 66%
R 34%

Washington
R 69%
D 41%

West Virginia
D 54%
R 46%

Wisconsin
R 70%
D 30%

Wyoming
R 63%
D 37%