The 2024 election: Reflecting on the past
Author: David Preston, author of 1828
As the 2024 election approaches, the United States once again finds itself at a crossroads, one that bears strong resemblance to 1828, when Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams faced off in one of the most crucial elections in U.S. history. Jackson, a war hero and populist, faced off against Adams, a more established politician, in an election marked by bitter personal conflict and clear ideological division. The parallels between then and now are striking, and themes that shaped the political landscape of 1828 are reflected in today's political landscape.
My novel, 1828, describes how a bitter rematch between Jackson and Adams threatened to tear the nation apart. What makes that election so fascinating is that beyond the scandals, political maneuvering, and sectional divisions, people felt the very soul of the nation was at stake. In 2024, similar tensions will emerge, with concerns about the country's future direction, growing political polarization, and a deep desire for change driving voters to the polls.
2024 Candidates and Political Landscape
In 2024, the country is as deeply divided as it was nearly two centuries ago. One candidate represents the establishment, promoting stability, international alliances, and incremental reform. The other is a populist, vowing to challenge the status quo, revitalize the middle class, and put forward Andrew Jackson's 1828 appeal to “America First.”
Just as Jackson rallied the disenfranchised and portrayed his opponents as unrealistic elites, today's populist candidates use similar themes. They argue that the traditional political class has failed ordinary Americans and that only fundamental change can restore the country's greatness. Meanwhile, their opponents, like Adams in 1828, emphasize the importance of maintaining stability, strengthening democratic institutions, and pursuing policies that work for all Americans, not just a few.
Corruption, politics and public opinion
One of the hallmarks of the 1828 election was the allegation of “foul dealing” between Adams and Henry Clay. Jackson and his supporters used the allegations to paint Adams as a manipulative insider. The nature of the political accusations may have changed, but the rhetoric around corruption and backroom deals remains a powerful tool in 2024. Candidates are quick to accuse each other of being beholden to special interests and question their sincerity.
In 1828, Jackson's sense of betrayal, of the will of the people being subverted, fueled a burning desire for justice and revenge. In modern times, similar narratives have taken hold, as candidates claim the political system is rigged against them and stomp on distrust in the electoral process.
The populist energy that drove Jackson's 19th century campaign is still present in today's political climate, with many voters feeling alienated from the status quo and yearning for a leader to “shake things up.” But Adams's call for unity and preserving the fabric of American democracy is echoed by today's candidates who say the country cannot be torn apart by extremism.
Regional tensions and divisions
In 1828, the South and West rallied behind Jackson, while Adams had the most support in the Northeast. Regional divisions were stark, and secession was seriously discussed among southern states after Jackson lost the 1824 election. Though the specific circumstances are different, we are witnessing a similar fragmentation of the political consensus today, with some states strongly rebelling against federal policies and the idea of states asserting greater independence remaining controversial.
The stakes seem high in both the 1828 and 2024 elections, as they are seen as having the potential to change the future course of the country. In my novel, I explore what happens when political conflicts cross the limits of democratic norms and threaten to upend the balance of power in the country. The question facing the country in 2024, as in 1828, is whether our political institutions can withstand these tensions and come out stronger, or whether divisions will only deepen.
A look back at history
The 2024 election is not just a battle of ideas; like 1828, it is a battle for America's very identity. My novel, 1828, explores the momentous nature of that election, addressing themes of corruption, betrayal and the battle for the soul of the nation that are just as relevant today.
As we watch the political drama of 2024 unfold, it's worth remembering that these debates are not new. History shows that democracy is both resilient and fragile. The lessons of the Jackson and Adams eras remind us that while elections can divide us, they also offer opportunities for renewal, an opportunity for the nation to chart a new course.
As in 1828, the question remains: Which path will America choose?
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