From Rhetoric to Railroad to Radio: Ohio’s Presidential Campaigns

Often referred to as the “Mother of Presidents”, Ohio has produced eight of our nation’s commanders-in-chief. Although each of their roads to the White House have been different in scope, their presidential campaigns have helped shape the “modern presidential campaign” practiced today. Starting with Virginia born but Ohio claimed president William Henry Harrison, his campaign broke new ground in American politics. He held rallies of unprecedented size at which he gave speeches, and the carnival-like atmosphere of the rallies attracted voters for entertainment. His unofficial campaign motto, “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too,” would become one of the most famous in American history. The rallies and slogans are some techniques still used in presidential races today.

Ulysses S. Grant’s campaign, coming on the heels of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, was the first time African Americans could vote for president. Although not very active himself, as it was considered improper at the time for the candidate to be in the public eye, Grant set the theme for the campaign with the words. "Let us have peace," as expressed in his letter of acceptance. Using that ideal, the Republican Party focused heavily on how Reconstruction should be conducted.

Rutherford B. Hayes’ campaign was also run primarily by his party members.
Hayes carrying Ohio as a crucial swing state, however, was key in what is considered the most contentious presidential election. Although outpolled in the popular vote, the Compromise of 1877 gave Hayes the electoral win with the agreement to withdraw troops from the South.

James A. Garfield broke the mold with the first front porch campaign for the
presidency. From his Mentor farmhouse, Garfield spoke to over 17,000 visitors who visited during the months-long campaign, including members of the press who covered his speeches. Garfield’s campaign created a new standard for the now expected presence of presidential candidates among the American people.

Benjamin Harrison also campaigned from his front porch. With his opponent sticking to tradition and not campaigning for himself, and further forbidding his cabinet from doing so, Harrison gained the advantage and won the presidency.

William McKinley continued the front porch campaign tradition, but
the funding and education strategy for his campaign was similar to methods used
today. McKinley’s campaign managers thought a drive to “teach” the American
voters would be best, but would not be a cheap endeavor. Instead of asking officeholders to return a cut of their pay to finance the campaign as was common, the party went to financiers for funding. Moving beyond partisanship and campaign rhetoric to a businessman's desired result proved successful.

William Howard Taft brought two new approaches to presidential campaign
strategy. Taking advantage of the locomotive technology, Taft traveled from city to
city by train, giving speeches off the back of the train cars to crowds that came to see and listen. He also played up his distaste for campaigning and politics and took the position as one who refused to say anything negative about his opponent.

Warren G. Harding’s campaign on the heels of WWII and the ratification of the
19th amendment sought a “return to normalcy” in the U.S. while also attracting
women voters. Harding chose to go back to a traditional front porch campaign when he spoke to thousands from his home in Marion, Ohio. The new technology of the radio was additionally influential in Harding's election as his victory was broadcast live. He later would use the radios for speeches during his presidency, and future presidential candidates would use them as a way of campaigning broadly.

Interested in learning more about our Ohio presidents visit www.nps.gov/jaga.