11 of the Most Bizarre Elections in American History

Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, but throughout American history, some electoral contests have unfolded in truly peculiar ways. From unconventional candidates to quirky campaign tactics, here are 11 elections that left an indelible mark on the tapestry of American politics.

1. The 1872 Election – The Equal Rights Party

Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for president, represented the Equal Rights Party in 1872. Her campaign was groundbreaking, advocating for women’s suffrage and labor rights, though it faced intense opposition due to societal norms of the time.

2. The 1920 Election – The Battle of Billionaires

Two wealthy businessmen, Warren G. Harding and James M. Cox, clashed in the 1920 election. With both candidates being millionaires, it was a battle of financial prowess rather than political ideologies, showcasing the influence of money in politics.

3. The 1968 Election – The Third-Party Upset

George Wallace, running as a third-party candidate, shocked the nation by winning five Southern states. His segregationist stance and populist appeal garnered significant support, making it one of the most unexpected outcomes in modern American politics.

4. The 1948 Election – The Chicago Tribune’s Blunder

In a famous gaffe, the Chicago Tribune prematurely declared “Dewey Defeats Truman” on its front page. The actual winner, Harry S. Truman, held up the erroneous headline in a famous photograph, highlighting the unpredictability of elections.

5. The 2000 Election – Hanging Chads and the Supreme Court

The contentious Bush vs. Gore election of 2000 saw a legal battle over the counting of votes in Florida, ultimately leading to a Supreme Court decision that decided the presidency. The focus on hanging chads and legal intricacies made it one of the most bizarre and polarizing elections in recent memory.

6. The 1836 Election – The Whig’s Multiple Candidates

The Whig Party’s unconventional strategy in 1836 involved running multiple candidates from different regions to prevent a majority for Martin Van Buren. This tactic failed, leading to Van Buren’s victory and highlighting the challenges of a fractured opposition.

7. The 1928 Election – The Influence of Religion

Al Smith faced strong opposition in 1928 due to his Catholic faith, revealing the deep-seated religious biases at the time. The election underscored the challenges of breaking religious barriers in American politics.

8. The 1992 Election – Ross Perot’s Independent Run

Billionaire Ross Perot’s independent candidacy in 1992 captured the nation’s attention. His use of charts and folksy appeal made him a unique presence, earning him a significant portion of the popular vote despite not winning any electoral college votes.

9. The 1856 Election – The First Republican Candidate

John C. Frémont, the first Republican nominee, ran in 1856. His anti-slavery stance marked a turning point in American politics, laying the foundation for the party’s future prominence.

10. The 1904 Election – Theodore Roosevelt’s Unorthodox Campaign

After assuming the presidency due to McKinley’s assassination, Theodore Roosevelt ran for a full term in 1904. His energetic campaigning style and unconventional approach made the election memorable.

11. The 1960 Election – Nixon’s 5 O’Clock Shadow

The first televised presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960 had a profound impact. Nixon’s refusal to wear makeup led to a noticeable 5 o’clock shadow, affecting his image and highlighting the growing influence of television in shaping public perception.