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Democratic nominee James K. Polk campaigned vigorously, surprising many with his stalwart support of westward expansion, an issue that Whig nominee Henry Clay and others attempted to deflect. Polk's boldness paid off with his election on November 5, 1844, garnering 170 electoral votes to Clay's 105.
Despite his relative obscurity, historians today see Polk as one of America's best Presidents. In his four years in office (he refused to seek re-election), he accomplished every major goal he had established during the 1844 campaign.
The Democrats met in Baltimore and nominated Polk, their first " dark horse" candidate, on the ninth ballot. Former President Martin Van Buren was an early favorite, but lost support due to his opposition to the annexation of Texas, a position was seen as unacceptable by southern delegates. The Democrats chose Silas Wright as Polk's running mate, but Wright refused the nomination. George Mifflin Dallas, who had finished a close second to Wright in the balloting, was then offered a spot on the ticket, and he accepted.
When advised of his nomination via letter, Polk replied: "It has been well observed that the office of President of the United States should neither be sought nor declined. I have never sought it, nor should I feel at liberty to decline it, if conferred upon me by the voluntary suffrages of my fellow citizens."
The Whigs chose Clay, the party's greatest congressional leader, despite his having lost two prior presidential elections: in 1824 to John Quincy AdamsFor other people named John Adams, see John Adams (disambiguation). John Quincy Adams Order 6th President Term of Office March 4, 1825 March 3, 1829 Followed James Monroe Succeeded by Andrew Jackson Date of Birth July 11, 1767 Place of Birth Braintree, Ma as a Democrat-RepublicanThe Democratic-Republican party was a United States political party, which evolved early in the history of the United States. In addition, some refer to the party as the Jeffersonian Republicans since Thomas Jefferson belonged to the party and had a major, then in 1832Summary Despite opposition from the universally respected Henry Clay of Kentucky, the election of 1832 served as little more than a coronation for President Andrew Jackson. A split within the National Republicans resulted in the nomination of two presiden to Andrew JacksonAndrew Jackson ( March 15, 1767 June 8, 1845) was the seventh President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. Sometimes nicknamed "Old Hickory," Jackson was the first president not born an aristocrat. Early life Andrew Jackson's Scotch-Irish pa as a National RepublicanThe National Republican Party was a United States political party that existed in the first half of the 19th century. During John Quincy Adams's presidency the United States Democratic-Republican Party began to split, those who supported Adams became know. Theodore FrelinghuysenTheodore Frelinghuysen ( March 28, 1787 April 12, 1862) was a U. political figure. He became Attorney General of New Jersey in 1817, resigning in 1829 to become a United States Senator, serving in that capacity until 1835. He was Mayor of Newark, New Jers was nominated as Clay's running mate.
The Whigs played on Polk's comparative obscurity, asking "Who is James K. Polk?" as part of their campaign to get Clay elected.