U.S. presidential election, 1852
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.
The Whigs, seeking the second coming of Zachary Taylor, for the second straight election nominated a Mexican War general with a heroic record, Winfield Scott of Virginia. Scott 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.
The Democrats, almost in anticipation of losing the election, nominated the then unknown Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire, a former Congressman and Senator known as much for his alcoholic tendencies as much as his statesmanship. 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.
Election Results
For More Information
President of the United States, U.S. presidential election, 1852, History of the United States (1776-1865)
