1880 for me, though I probably care about trade and monetary policy more than most. Garfield was an extreme hard money conservative who had led opposition to the Bland-Allison Act in Congress. IDK why people who would switch in 1896 over Bryan and free silver would vote for Garfield over Hancock.
Blatant "State's Rights" Apologia, whereas Bryan was considerably more apathetic.
That said, Greenbacks were a thing at the time as an alternative to either party, just as Populists had 1892, Readjusters had the 1880s, etc, etc.
