1884 Jungle Primary

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I'm including only notable candidates, not the ones that got like five delegates at the convention. Sorry. Gonna try out this model for one election, see how it flies. I know this is happening amidst uncertainty concerning the future of this series, but the best course right now is to press on, in spite of what the uppity mods think they can do to us. You all have one vote, so use it wisely. I myself am divided on what candidate to use it for.

Democratic Party Nomination
With the sun setting on the Tilden era, the Democrats are looking for a viable successor. With Tilden's presidency being judged as successful by a large part of the party, there are a number of people looking to be the carrier of the flag.
Governor Grover Cleveland of New York: Like Tilden, a machine fighting New York Governor, Tilden has nonetheless held off on endorsing Cleveland, fearing accusations of trying to set up his own "dynasty".
Senator Thomas F. Bayard of Delaware: A former Secretary of State under Tilden's administration, son of another prominent Delaware senator, and a favorite of the Bourbon Democrats, Bayard is seen as the likely other option to Cleveland.
Former Vice President Thomas Hendricks of Indiana: Despite having been booted off the ticket four years ago, Hendricks is still laying claim to Tilden's legacy.

Republican Party Nomination
After the massive collapse of party support thanks to more energetic campaigns on both sides, accusations of corruption, and inter-party feuding between the Stalwarts and the Half-Breeds, the party is looking to rebuild. Nevertheless, there appears a dearth of people willing to try to be that re-builder.
Senator James G. Blaine of Maine: The man how led his party to massive defeat four years ago, Blaine is nonetheless back, looking for the presidency. However, following 1880, the Half-Breeds have been greatly weakened within the party. Such is especially true, given that when one's party is out of power, patronage for un-elected officeholders is especially appealing.
State Senator Chester Alan Arthur of New York: Since 1879, the Stalwarts have been on the rise. Victories in the 1879 New York state elections, the collapse of the Blaine campaign in 1880, and Arthur's ascension to the head of the Stalwarts with his election to the State Senate in 1881. With Arthur having led the party well despite the strength of the anti-machine, ironically named "Tilden machine" in New York politics, he is looking like an attractive candidate.
Senator George F. Edmunds of Vermont: The liberal Edmunds, a dark horse candidate, is posing as a much cleaner potential Half-Breed nominee. A little-known Senator from the state of Vermont, he's supported by members of the party that oppose both the patronage politics of Arthur and the corruption of Blaine.

Greenback Party Nomination
Following their impressive showing in 1880, the Greenbacks are for the first time being looked at as a totally serious party from day one. That said, there are only two candidates for the nomination.
Governor Benjamin Butler of Massachusetts: The 1880 Vice Presidential candidate, Butler is seen as the heir apparent to the nomination. However, he looks like a mole.
Former Senator David Davis of Illinois: A small reform faction, looking to capitalize on the anti-machine politics of the last few years, is proposing the nomination of former Senator David Davis, who himself is a former Republican who is officially an independent.

[Goldwater]

Cleveland.

[Vazdul (Formerly Chairman of the Communist Party of Ontario)]

I've already stated my distaste for this format (I like being able to vote in each party's primary, damn hacks trying to ruin a good thing), but nevertheless I shall vote. First, I'll analyze the prospects from each party.

On the Democratic side, Cleveland is by far the best of a mediocre lot, and I'd consider him the true heir to Tilden. I wouldn't even consider Bayard or Hendricks. In an open primary, I'd vote for Cleveland and try to draft Allen Thurman for VP.

On the Republican side, Blaine is a non-starter since his corruption has come to light, and Arthur is out for being a Stalwart. Edmunds would win my vote in an open primary by default. John Logan (the default VP pick) would be acceptable.

Then there's the Greenbacks. I like Butler, but Davis has a record of nonpartisanship and is running on a platform of reform to boot. A shame he'd die in office. He'd get my vote in an open primary, hopefully with Butler as the VP nominee again

I won't be voting Democratic in the general over either Butler or Davis, but I'd consider voting for Edmunds if he wins the Republican nomination. As the other two Republicans are unacceptable, but both Greenbacks are acceptable, I cast my vote for Edmunds, and nominate John Logan for Vice-President.

[TNF]

All of the Democratic nominees are bad, but Cleveland is the least bad, and that's saying something.

I'd rank the Republicans Edmunds, Arthur, and then Blaine dead last.

Ben Butler is my candidate.

[Maxwell]

Grover Cleveland with enthusiasm.

[Vazdul (Formerly Chairman of the Communist Party of Ontario)]

Everyone, if you aren't doing so already, go over to AH.com and vote in the series there as well. Especially if you are conservative or libertarian. I'm tired of the 40-point blowouts.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Everyone, if you aren't doing so already, go over to AH.com and vote in the series there as well. Especially if you are conservative or libertarian. I'm tired of the 40-point blowouts.

They're still doing those? What year are they on?

[Vazdul (Formerly Chairman of the Communist Party of Ontario)]

Everyone, if you aren't doing so already, go over to AH.com and vote in the series there as well. Especially if you are conservative or libertarian. I'm tired of the 40-point blowouts.

They're still doing those? What year are they on?

They started a new one in Shared Worlds. They're on 1816, and the Federalists only lost once (and that was when they were split). They're split again in 1816, but Rufus King still has over 60%.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Why the change in primary format?

[Donerail]

Seeing as Cleveland and Edwards are both pretty safe, Davis is preferable (Senator, Supreme Court Justice, author of Ex Parte Milligan, got an electoral vote in '72, very independent, Senate President pro tempore).

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Edmunds but I'll support whoever the GOP nominates.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Why the change in primary format?

[Goldwater]

Why the change in primary format?

He did it because of people trying to sabotage primaries by voting for candidates they think will lose.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I actually am not liking this format since I would've supported Cleveland, Arthur, & Davis but could only pick one. It'll likely be back to normal for '88.

[Kitteh]

Yeah, I liked the other system better.

Is there going to be a runoff of some sort? Seems like there should be in this system. How's it going to work, with the top person of each party advancing, or just the top two overall?

Anyway, I voted Davis.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Yeah, I liked the other system better.

Is there going to be a runoff of some sort? Seems like there should be in this system. How's it going to work, with the top person of each party advancing, or just the top two overall?

Anyway, I voted Davis.

Top vote getter for each party moves onto the GE which will also feature John St. John on the Prohibition ticket.

[Supersonic]

Voted Bayard for the Democratic nomination.

I actually prefer this system to separate primary threads.

[Sewer]

Yeah, I liked the other system better.

Is there going to be a runoff of some sort? Seems like there should be in this system. How's it going to work, with the top person of each party advancing, or just the top two overall?

Anyway, I voted Davis.

Top vote getter for each party moves onto the GE which will also feature John St. John on the Prohibition ticket.

Awesome, I was hoping he would be there.

I want to see if he will get any votes.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Yeah, I liked the other system better.

Is there going to be a runoff of some sort? Seems like there should be in this system. How's it going to work, with the top person of each party advancing, or just the top two overall?

Anyway, I voted Davis.

Top vote getter for each party moves onto the GE which will also feature John St. John on the Prohibition ticket.

Ah, so not technically a jungle. 

[LastVoter]

I'm supporting Butler.

[JWHart]

Everyone, if you aren't doing so already, go over to AH.com and vote in the series there as well. Especially if you are conservative or libertarian. I'm tired of the 40-point blowouts.

They're still doing those? What year are they on?

They started a new one in Shared Worlds. They're on 1816, and the Federalists only lost once (and that was when they were split). They're split again in 1816, but Rufus King still has over 60%.

Thanks for the hat tip -- link to the current poll is here. Those wacky radicals are about to drive us all into a civil war...

[Goldwater]

Everyone, if you aren't doing so already, go over to AH.com and vote in the series there as well. Especially if you are conservative or libertarian. I'm tired of the 40-point blowouts.

They're still doing those? What year are they on?

They started a new one in Shared Worlds. They're on 1816, and the Federalists only lost once (and that was when they were split). They're split again in 1816, but Rufus King still has over 60%.

Thanks for the hat tip -- link to the current poll is here. Those wacky radicals are about to drive us all into a civil war...

And I though our Civil War happening in 1848 was crazy.