Campaign Trail Results: Game #810498
Play The Campaign Trail
This Game:
- Year: 1844
- Player Candidate: Henry Clay
- Running Mate: Millard Fillmore
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Winner Take All Mode?: No
- Game Played:
View overall results, or a specific state:
| Candidate | Electoral Votes | Popular Votes | Pop. Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|
| ---- James K. Polk | 164 | 1,426,522 | 53.27 |
| ---- Henry Clay | 109 | 1,171,308 | 43.74 |
| ---- James Birney | 2 | 79,854 | 2.98 |
| ---- John Tyler | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Answers:
- Martin Van Buren, Democrat and President until 1841, will be making a tour of the country to visit various friends and political figures. Will you extend the invitation for him to stay at your estate for a few days?It might be best if I don't appear overly friendly to leading Democrats. Especially one as unpopular as Van Buren.
- What points will emphasize in your acceptance letter, as you accept the Whig nomination for President?I will strike a middle ground on the Texas question, supporting annexation so long as it doesn't lead to war with Mexico, or to significant opposition from any section of the country.
- What position will you take on the Texas annexation issue?This discussion has grown tiresome, but let me restate that I support the annexation of Texas.
- There have recently been riots and armed clashes between nativists and Irish immigrants in Philadelphia and elsewhere. Do you have any plans to condemn the Irish violence in these episodes?It's best if we avoid making any statements on this issue.
- Cassius Clay, your cousin, has published a letter stating you are in accord with the abolitionist movement. How will you respond to this?We must put out a letter, clarifying that we only support abolition if slaveholders can be fairly compensated, with reasonable notice, and if freed slaves can be recolonized to Africa.
- There are a number of attacks which focus on your fondness for horse-racing, drinking, gambling, female conversation, and the like. Do you have a response to this?In anticipation of this attack, I've actually made some effort in the past year or so to scale back my amusements. I don't believe it is ever too late for a man to change their conduct.
- Do you plan to make any attacks against the Liberty Party, a radical abolitionist group that is fielding a third party candidate?Thomas Birney is a stooge of the Democrats, attempting to agitate emotions and divide our party. People ought to feel free to vote for him if they want to hand this election to James K. Polk.
- Do you still support the idea that the federal government should purchase the telegraph patent and manage the technology?Let's not make any divisive statements on this issue. The public is hardly clamoring for my opinion in any case.
- Was there really a bargain (a “Corrupt Bargain” to many) between yourself and John Quincy Adams which elevated him to the Presidency in 1825?I don't know how many times a man can deny an unjust allegation before fatigue sets in.
- Does it make sense to attack Northern Democrats as enablers and fellow travelers of the Southern slavery expansion?We should attack the Northern Democrats on their opposition to, or flip-flopping on, the issues of tariffs and internal improvements. They are on soft ground in that debate.
- Is there something you can do to give the Southern Whigs political cover from the incessant attacks that they are in league with an anti-slavery party?I am as much in favor of the annexation of Texas as Mr. Polk is. To insinuate otherwise is nothing but dishonesty writ large.
- What should your party's position be on the Tariff of 1842, which increased tariffs?We stand steadfast in support of this tariff. It is one of the few positive accomplishments of Mr. Tyler's so-called Presidency.
- Do you believe that some revenue should be set aside from our tariffs to finance internal improvements, such as canals and roads?I don't believe that it is constitutional or advisable for the federal government to undertake an internal improvements program.
- What is your current position on the banking system?I support our current free banking system, and I see no need for the Treasury to insulate its operations from the state-chartered banks.
- Do you support an Amendment that would limit the President to a single term in office?This is a necessary step against the overreach and abuse of power of the Executive branch.
- Do you support the lifting of the Gag Rule in Congress?Regardless of our feelings about the slavery issue, it is undemocratic for Congress to deny the people the right to petition the government. I believe the Gag Rule should be lifted.
- Aside from the issue of Texas, do you support the expansion of the United States in general? Into Oregon, other parts of Mexico, Cuba, etc.?I believe that the United States, in line with the “Manifest Destiny” ideal, should expand wherever feasible.
- Would you sign a law that lowered tariffs below the level needed to protect American industry from foreign imports?I would gladly sign such a bill into law.
- Do you support any changes to our current naturalization laws?Our current laws are in need of great revision, in light of the troubles we have had with recent immigrants.
- Do you support any effort to establish a unified, national currency?Our current system is more democratic than any alternative that could be devised. Let the private banks issue currency in line with their own strength and prosperity.
- Do you agree with Robert Walker's letter, arguing that that slavery issue will be diluted by national expansion?We won't address Mr. Walker's letter directly, but we are in favor of annexation.
- After the unfortunate death of Abel Upshur in the Princeton explosion, John Calhoun succeeded him as Secretary of State. Was this a wise appointment by President Tyler?This is one of the most ill-conceived decisions I have seen in my lifetime.
- Regardless of your personal feelings, would you sign an act which established an independent Treasury for the government's funds?I support our current banking system, and would not support any ill-conceived attempts to centralize our finances.
- What is your position on the Oregon boundary question?We need to be just as aggressive on this issue as we are anywhere else. “Fifty-four Forty or Fight!”
- Is there a particular state where your party should concentrate its resources and most talented speakers as the election draws near?Pennsylvania