AMPU Politician Bios

vcczar · February 13, 2022

Guess the politicians!:

26th President (1901-1909), taking over after McKinley was killed. Previously served as VP and Gov of NY. A war hero following the Spanish-American War. Wrote books on history and natural history. A progressive leader within the Republican Party but did not share the isolationism of most progressives. Foreshadowed FDR with his Square Deal. Winner of the 1906 Peace Prize. Failed 3rd party bid for president in 1912. Pres. Wilson refused Roosevelt's request to lead a unit in World War I. Front-runner for President in 1920 but died in 1919. Said to have drank a gallon of coffee a day.

The Great Compromiser for his ability to find middle ground during a crisis. Speaker of the House, US Sen for KY, Sec of State for JQ Adams, and three-time nominee for President. Founder of both the National Republican Party and Whig Party, both which operated under his American System, which aimed to modernize America to compete with Europe. A leading advocate of the War of 1812 but opposed the Mexican War. Crucial in getting JQ Adams elected president, which played a role in the "Corrupt Bargain." His death certainly was a lead contributor in the death of the Whig party. Lincoln was among his many followers.

The first American celebrity, gaining notice internationally as a scientist and inventor. Founding Father. Signed and helped draft the Declaration of Independence. Crucial role as diplomat to France secured the French Alliance which arguably won America's independence. Present at the Constitutional Convention. Governed Pennsylvania from 1785-1788, and served as the First US Postmaster general, a role he held for the British Empire in British America for about 20 years. Became one of America's first abolitionists late in life. Known for the lightning rod, bifocles, Franklin stove, and Poor Richard's Almanack.

7th US President (1829-1837) who advocated popular democracy and the end of aristocratic corruption in government. First president of the Democratic Party. Lost the 1824 election in the US House despite having led in both the popular vote and electoral college. His reelection was bolstered by the "Corrupt Bargain" claim. As a general, gained fame in the War of 1812, the Creek War, and 1st Seminole war. Operated something as a warlord in and around Florida during the Monroe administration. Served as TN's firs US Rep in 1796-1797. US Senate in 1797-1797 and again 1823-1825. As president, killed the US Bank. Record rightfully tarnished for his signing and executing of the Indian Removal Act. Jackson maintained party influence until his death, playing a role in aiding in the elections of Van Buren and Polk.

jvikings1 · February 13, 2022

Interests:

Liberty Republican

Cal · February 13, 2022

I’d like to see maybe an interactive bio that has the history of politicians and important legislation they passed or actions they took.

jvikings1 · February 13, 2022

Interests:

Liberty Republican

MrPotatoTed · February 13, 2022

1 hour ago, Cal said:

I’d like to see maybe an interactive bio that has the history of politicians and important legislation they passed or actions they took.

1 hour ago, jvikings1 said:

I agree, this would be a cool feature to have. It would help track who the truly influential politicians are (by tracking major legislative changes; such as who proposed the amendment to end slavery, who proposed the bill of rights, who proposed a declaration of war, etc.)

You’re referring to their game accomplishments, right? Not real world?

jvikings1 · February 13, 2022

Interests:

Liberty Republican

vcczar · February 13, 2022

@Cal @jvikings1 @MrPotatoTed Yeah, there will probably be something similar to "Grand Tactician: Civil War" that shows in-game history of a politician.

Something like:

US Rep for NC 1789-1793

US Sen for NC 1795-1801

Sec of State for Pres. Peale 1805-1807

Failed Candidate for Pres 1808

Failed Candidate for Gov of NC 1810

Failed Candidate for US Rep 1820

Failed VP Nom for Pres Nom Sen. Benton 1824

Failed Nominee for Pres 1828

Assoc SC Justice 1831-1836

Failed Candidate for Pres 1836

Failed Candidate for Gov 1837

President of the US 1841-1841

Died in office 1841 at the age of 82 of diarrhea

I'll consider having proposals and things like that, but maybe only if they succeed in getting passed. I'll have to ask Anthony if all that date might slow down the game too much.

ConservativeElector2 · February 13, 2022

Interests:

Let's do a Tom Cotton/Tim Scott ticket! 🇺🇸

ConservativeElector2 · February 13, 2022

Interests:

Let's do a Tom Cotton/Tim Scott ticket! 🇺🇸

vcczar · February 13, 2022

Alright. Guess these politicians:

6th President (1825-1829). Son of President John Adams. His greatest role was as a diplomat, serving the US in four countries before becoming arguably our greatest Sec of State during the Monroe administration. Served in the US Sen for MA during Jefferson's presidency, but he resigned his seat when he left the Federalist Party. Henry Clay and the US House handed JQ Adams the presidency in 1824, although Jackson had a stronger case for victory. As president joined Clay's National Republican Party but made no effort to lead as a party man. After a rather impotent presidency, failed in a bid for Governor of MA with the Anti-Mason Party. Later become a Whig US Representative and leading advocate for abolition and an opponent of Texas Annexation and the Mexican War. While his presidency was unsuccessful domestically, his unsuccessful domestic policy goals set the seeds for the kind of domestic government favored by Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Wilson, FDR, LBJ and others.

32nd President (1933-1945) who led the nation through the Great Depression and to the near-end of World War II before dying in office. FDR's New Deal Coalition was virtually unstoppable, leading to unprecedented policy success, especially domestically. Saw America rise to one of two Superpowers. Distant cousin of TR. Was the VP nominee for the James M Cox ticket that was demolished by Harding in the 1920 Election. Hit with polio, which bound him often to a wheelchair. Gov of NY when the Great Depression hit. Was planning on creating a 2nd Bill of Rights and converting his party into a strictly Progressive Party--free of conservatives--shortly before his death.

Leader of the more moderate, reformist Republicans known as "Half-Breeds," who wanted to move away from Reconstruction-era policies and Civil War grievances. Possibly the most charismatic and gifted orator of the Gilded Age and was given the name, "The Plumed Knight" by supporters. Consistently at odds with interparty rival Roscoe Conkling. Blaine made three attempts at the presidency, winning the nomination in 1884 but scandal cost him support, allowing Democrats to win for the first time since 1856. Served as Speaker, US Rep for ME, US Sen for ME, and as Sec of State for parts of three presidencies.

40th President (1981-1989) who, at the time, was the oldest elected president. Previously a Hollywood actor who rose to fame as an advocate for the candidacy of Barry Goldwater in 1964, a sharp departure from his previous New Deal Democrat days. His "A Time for Choosing Speech" for Goldwater helped win become Gov of CA (1967-1975). Failed in bids for president in 1968 and 1976. Became an icon of economic and social conservatives with his embrace of supply-side economics (Reaganomics) and the support of the religious right, although he was not personally very religious. Survived an assassination attempt, accelerated the end of the Cold War, but was also hit with the Iran-Contra scandal. Extremely popular when he was president and is still considered an icon among many Republicans today.

Cal · February 13, 2022

35 minutes ago, vcczar said:

FDR's

I wonder who...

vcczar · February 13, 2022

9 minutes ago, Cal said:

I wonder who...

Could be Filbert Domingo Rumplemintz

Rezi · February 13, 2022

Interests:

Economic Progressive
Civil Libertarian
Liberty/Labor Dem

MrPotatoTed · February 13, 2022

58 minutes ago, vcczar said:

Alright. Guess these politicians:

6th President (1825-1829). Son of President John Adams. His greatest role was as a diplomat, serving the US in four countries before becoming arguably our greatest Sec of State during the Monroe administration. Served in the US Sen for MA during Jefferson's presidency, but he resigned his seat when he left the Federalist Party. Henry Clay and the US House handed JQ Adams the presidency in 1824, although Jackson had a stronger case for victory. As president joined Clay's National Republican Party but made no effort to lead as a party man. After a rather impotent presidency, failed in a bid for Governor of MA with the Anti-Mason Party. Later become a Whig US Representative and leading advocate for abolition and an opponent of Texas Annexation and the Mexican War. While his presidency was unsuccessful domestically, his unsuccessful domestic policy goals set the seeds for the kind of domestic government favored by Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Wilson, FDR, LBJ and others.
32nd President (1933-1945) who led the nation through the Great Depression and to the near-end of World War II before dying in office. FDR's New Deal Coalition was virtually unstoppable, leading to unprecedented policy success, especially domestically. Saw America rise to one of two Superpowers. Distant cousin of TR. Was the VP nominee for the James M Cox ticket that was demolished by Harding in the 1920 Election. Hit with polio, which bound him often to a wheelchair. Gov of NY when the Great Depression hit. Was planning on creating a 2nd Bill of Rights and converting his party into a strictly Progressive Party--free of conservatives--shortly before his death.
Leader of the more moderate, reformist Republicans known as "Half-Breeds," who wanted to move away from Reconstruction-era policies and Civil War grievances. Possibly the most charismatic and gifted orator of the Gilded Age and was given the name, "The Plumed Knight" by supporters. Consistently at odds with interparty rival Roscoe Conkling. Blaine made three attempts at the presidency, winning the nomination in 1884 but scandal cost him support, allowing Democrats to win for the first time since 1856. Served as Speaker, US Rep for ME, US Sen for ME, and as Sec of State for parts of three presidencies.
40th President (1981-1989) who, at the time, was the oldest elected president. Previously a Hollywood actor who rose to fame as an advocate for the candidacy of Barry Goldwater in 1964, a sharp departure from his previous New Deal Democrat days. His "A Time for Choosing Speech" for Goldwater helped win become Gov of CA (1967-1975). Failed in bids for president in 1968 and 1976. Became an icon of economic and social conservatives with his embrace of supply-side economics (Reaganomics) and the support of the religious right, although he was not personally very religious. Survived an assassination attempt, accelerated the end of the Cold War, but was also hit with the Iran-Contra scandal. Extremely popular when he was president and is still considered an icon among many Republicans today.

All four of these have their names in the clues. Haha!

vcczar · February 14, 2022

Four more bios:

3rd President (1801-1809) and primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Desired an agrarian utopia but settled on advocating a weak central government. His political philosophy and opposition to Hamiltonian economics generated a political party: Jeffersonian Republicans (Democratic-Republicans to later historians). Founding Father, Gov of VA, Minister to France, the 1st Sec of State, and VP for Adams after losing the 1796 election. Accepted being forced out of Washington's administration. Secretly wrote one of the 1798 Resolutions that opposed the Alien & Sedition Acts. As President oversaw the Louisiana Purchase and the end of the international slave trade. Owned over 600 enslaved people and fathered children with at least one of them. A religious deist who denied the divinity of Christ. Intellectual and inventor. Maintained major influence until his death.

16th President (1861-1865) who presided during the Civil War, nearly seeing its victorious resolution before his assassination. He modernized many aspects of the US economy and government, especially normalizing the federal role in the domestic sphere. Preserved the union, abolished slavery, promoted the trans-continental railroad, expanded public colleges, etc. Authored the Gettysburg Address. Prior to presidency, was a mediocre, often unsuccessful politician, having served as a US Rep for IL for one term (1847-1849) as a loyal Henry Clay follower. Gained fame through his House Divided Speech and Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858, both part of his attempt for the US Senate seat for IL. While losing the 1858 election to Stephen A Douglas, the close race made him a candidate for president in 1860, where he upset frontrunner William H Seward. The first Republican President, although liberals and progressives also claim him as a predecessor.

1st President (1789-1797), President of the Constitutional Convention, Gommander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and Father of the Country for securing victory in Revolutionary War. As president, generally deferred to Alexander Hamilton early on. While technically independent, almost all of his appointments were Federalists, including all his Supreme Court appointments. Naturally set many precedents as the first president. Resigned after two terms but served briefly as the senior general again before his death. Own 577 enslaved people. Was somewhat well-known before the Revolution for his service in the French & Indian War and for marrying arguably the wealthiest widow in Virginia (the future Martha Washington). Had no biological children.

Originally a US Rep from NH, but moved to MA, where he became a US Rep and then one of greatest US Senators in history as one of the triumvirate, along with Clay and Calhoun. Sec of State for three Whig presidents. Had been offered the VP by both Harrison and Taylor, which means he might have become president had he accepted either time. Failed in his bids for presidents. A conservative more interested in economics than the slavery issue, which made him useful during the Great Compromise, but which gives later historians mixed views on his legacy. Nevertheless, a dominant figure.

A man from Colorado · February 14, 2022

Jefferson.
Lincoln.
Washington.
I don't know about the last one.

1 minute ago, vcczar said:

Four more bios:

3rd President (1801-1809) and primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Desired an agrarian utopia but settled on advocating a weak central government. His political philosophy and opposition to Hamiltonian economics generated a political party: Jeffersonian Republicans (Democratic-Republicans to later historians). Founding Father, Gov of VA, Minister to France, the 1st Sec of State, and VP for Adams after losing the 1796 election. Accepted being forced out of Washington's administration. Secretly wrote one of the 1798 Resolutions that opposed the Alien & Sedition Acts. As President oversaw the Louisiana Purchase and the end of the international slave trade. Owned over 600 enslaved people and fathered children with at least one of them. A religious deist who denied the divinity of Christ. Intellectual and inventor. Maintained major influence until his death.
16th President (1861-1865) who presided during the Civil War, nearly seeing its victorious resolution before his assassination. He modernized many aspects of the US economy and government, especially normalizing the federal role in the domestic sphere. Preserved the union, abolished slavery, promoted the trans-continental railroad, expanded public colleges, etc. Authored the Gettysburg Address. Prior to presidency, was a mediocre, often unsuccessful politician, having served as a US Rep for IL for one term (1847-1849) as a loyal Henry Clay follower. Gained fame through his House Divided Speech and Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858, both part of his attempt for the US Senate seat for IL. While losing the 1858 election to Stephen A Douglas, the close race made him a candidate for president in 1860, where he upset frontrunner William H Seward. The first Republican President, although liberals and progressives also claim him as a predecessor.
1st President (1789-1797), President of the Constitutional Convention, Gommander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and Father of the Country for securing victory in Revolutionary War. As president, generally deferred to Alexander Hamilton early on. While technically independent, almost all of his appointments were Federalists, including all his Supreme Court appointments. Naturally set many precedents as the first president. Resigned after two terms but served briefly as the senior general again before his death. Own 577 enslaved people. Was somewhat well-known before the Revolution for his service in the French & Indian War and for marrying arguably the wealthiest widow in Virginia (the future Martha Washington). Had no biological children.
Originally a US Rep from NH, but moved to MA, where he became a US Rep and then one of greatest US Senators in history as one of the triumvirate, along with Clay and Calhoun. Sec of State for three Whig presidents. Had been offered the VP by both Harrison and Taylor, which means he might have become president had he accepted either time. Failed in his bids for presidents. A conservative more interested in economics than the slavery issue, which made him useful during the Great Compromise, but which gives later historians mixed views on his legacy. Nevertheless, a dominant figure.

Jefferson.
Lincoln.
Washington.
I don't know about the last one.

vcczar · February 14, 2022

1 minute ago, A man from Colorado said:

Jefferson.
Lincoln.
Washington.
I don't know about the last one.

Jefferson.
Lincoln.
Washington.
I don't know about the last one.

Daniel Webster

vcczar · February 14, 2022

More massive bios for the major figures. They'll decrease significantly in size once I get done with the top 100 or so:

4th President (1809-1817) who presided during the War of 1812. Father of the Constitution for his critical role with the Constitutional Convention. Led the passage of the Bill of Rights in the US House as a US Rep for VA, where he operated like a floor manager. Co-author of the Federalist Papers. Architect of the Jeffersonian Republican Party. Secretly wrote one of the 1798 Resolutions opposing the Alien & Sedition Acts. Sec of State fo Jefferson for two terms. Had some tension running for office in his political career as many Virginians favored the more conservative Monroe to the more moderate Madison. He presidency started slow and the War of 1812 almost proved a disaster and made reelection a close race. The war taught Madison that many Federalist policies were necessary and so he moderated. Following the war, the Era of Good Feelings was inagurated and the adoption of Federalist policies was one of many factors that slowly killed off the Federalist opposition. Maintained some influence after office.

Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court from 1930-1941. Previous had been Gov of NY, Assoc Justice of the SC, and Sec of State for both Harding and Coolidge. Lost a close race against Wilson as the GOP nominee for president in 1916. While he was able to hold together both the conservative and progressive wings of his party, he was a rather stiff speaker on campaign. Operated as the swing judge while as Chief Justice. One of many examples of a politician that might have made a great president but hadn't the personality to appeal to voters.

Both the longest serving Chief Justice of the SC and the most influential, serving from 1801-1835. As such, probably President John Adams's most lasting legacy. Also, Marshall is the last major Federalist to hold office. Marshall ensured that the judicial branch was equal to the other branches and seperate from them. Prior to service on the court, he served as a US Rep for VA and Sec of State for Adams, both briefly but he showed skill in both capacities. Occasionally, tossed around as a potential nominee for president, but he never ran.

36th President (1963-1969) taking over for the fallen JFK before winning a landslide victory against Goldwater in his own election bid. His mishandling of the disasterous Vietnam War led to him bowing out for reelection, but he had hoped to be renominated at the Convention anyway. Arguably the greatest domestic president along side FDR. LBJ saw the Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, Medicare, Medicaid, and major acts regarding gun control, housing, education, anti-poverty, etc. While some of these have had mix success, the influence of LBJ on the domestic sphere is top tier. Presided during a great economy too, but also during a lot of race riots. Prior to the presidency, served as Vice President for Kennedy, Senate Majority Leader, US Senator for TX, US Rep. Known for his manipulative but effective "Johnston Treatment" style of negotiating with allies and opponents.

28th President (1913-1921). Once considered one of the greats, but recent historians have started to sour on Wilson, generally for his backward views on race and for the Red Scare. Nevertheless, Wilsonian Democracy (liberal internationalism) is still the US mode of foreign policy. Presided during the successful World War I but failed to get his post-war policy through Congress, including entry into the League of Nations. Domestically his New Freedom platform, saw the creation of the Federal Reserve, the introduction of the permanent income tax, Free Trade with lower tariffs, and many more business regulations. Segregated the federal government as his progressivism didn't apply to racial justice. Suffered paralyzing stroke but refused to resign. Made a failed attempt to gain the nomination for a 3rd term at the convention which may have cost his son-in-law, William Gibbs McAdoo, from securing nomination. Originally a Bourbon Democrat, aligned with the ideals of Grover Cleveland but converted to Progressivism to earn the support of William Jennings Bryan and his supporter who dominated the Democratic voting base. Prior to the presidency, served as the President of Princeton University and then Gov of NJ. The first Democratic president to win a consecutive second term since Andrew Jackson.

Lincoln's home state nemesis who generally had the best of Lincoln, except in 1860. US Rep of IL at age 29. US Senator at age 33. Was one of the major influencers for the Compromise of 1850 when he was 37 years old. A one of the leading candidates for president at age 39 in 1852. Clearly his star was rising. His advocacy of Popular Sovereignty (states deciding slavery on their own) was popular among the party but it also helped lead to Bleeding Kansas. Detested by James Buchanan who used more energy trying to hurt his nterparty rival Douglas than he did trying to avert Civil War. Faced Lincoln in the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates, but defeated Lincoln for reelection to the US Senate. However, Lincoln's effective debating and Buchanan's manipulations hurt Douglas as an 1860 candidate, which helped result in a split in the Democrats as Douglas was now opposed by both anti-slavery and pro-slavery Democrats. Buchananites generally voted for Southern Democrat Breckinridge. Douglas, to his credit, campaigned mostly on preserving the Union than trying to win the election against his rival Lincoln. Douglas died a few months after Lincoln's inauguration of typhoid but not before doing much to ensure Lincoln had the support of Union Democrats.

Brother of Pres. John F. Kennedy and Sen. Ted Kennedy. Appointed Attorney General for his brother at age 35, probably through the influence of their father. This caused controversy but RFK proved effective and courageous, such as when he combated the mafia. Was combative, a work-a-holic, and perfectionist to a fault that frequently alienated people, such as LBJ, Gore Vidal, and others. For this reason, he may have faced problems Jimmy Carter faced when working with politicians, even in his own party. Following his brother's assassination, he stayed on as Attorney General until winning election as US Senator from NY. Challenged LBJ for the nomination in 1968 but not before Eugene McCarthy jumped in first. RFK was arguably on the trajectory for victory before his own assassination at age 42, but Humphrey might have won at the Convention under the old rules anyway. Contrary to his behavior with fellow politicians, RFK presented himself to voters as a likable and unpretentious candidate. His advocacy for human rights and racial justice influence modern liberal politics, where he is often seen as a sort of liberal analogy to Ronald Reagan, even though he never become president.

ConservativeElector2 · February 14, 2022

Interests:

Let's do a Tom Cotton/Tim Scott ticket! 🇺🇸

vcczar · February 14, 2022

Four more:

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (1864-1873). Helped found three parties: Free Soil, Republican, and Liberal Republicans. Was also a member of the Whigs, Liberty Party, and Democratic Party at one time or another. Served twice as US Sen for OH and once as Gov of OH. His greatest role was Sec of Treasury for Lincoln, where he was essential to financing the war, modernizing the banking system, and issuing paper money. Chase resigned from the cabinet in 1864 as he was considering challenging Lincoln for the nomination or as a 3rd party in 1864. Nevertheless, Chase's influence was such that he was named Chief Justice that same year by Lincoln. Chase was unsuccessful in his presidential election attempts in 1860, 1868, and 1872, the last two unusually made while he was Chief Justice. He presided over the Andrew Johnson impeachment trial. Chase deserves credit for his role as an abolitionist.

Arguably the leading Republican prior to Lincoln's presidency, despite not having been a founder. Seward was the frontrunner for the 1860 election but lost nomination to the more moderate Lincoln, which came somewhat as a surprise. Along with Millard Fillmore, one of the many proteges of Whig kingmaker Thurlow Weed. Unlike Fillmore, Seward was strongly anti-slavery and supported immigrants and Catholics. Originally an Anti-Mason, but he joined the Whig Party during a failed bid for Gov of NY, which he would eventually win in 1838. US Sen of NY from 1849 the end of the 1860 election. Seward was so influential on Pres. Zachary Taylor, that the Southern Taylor was moving towards the strong anti-slavery camp of the Whig party, threatening to reject the Great Compromise and invade the South should they secede. His greatest role was as Lincoln's Sec of State, where he also served as a leading advisor. Seward survived an assassination attempt on the day Lincoln was killed. Continued as Johnson's Sec of State, purchasing Alaska. He retired from politics when Pres. Grant declined to keep him on for a 3rd term as Sec of State.

44th President (2009-2017), previous US Sen for IL and a best-selling author. Gained notice for his oratory at the 2004 Democratic Convention, which led to several predictions that he'd become president one day. First African-American president. Saw the economy recover from the Great Recession and towards a trajectory for the largest period of growth in US history until the COVID pandemic hit. Namesake of Obamacare, America's first national healthcare, a goal which alluded several presidents since Truman. Presided during the killing of Osama bin Laden, the Arab Spring revolutions and wars, and the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage. Like Andrew Jackson and Woodrow Wilson, his successful reelection was closer than his inaugural election. GOP Congress stymied many of Obama's policy goals and held up a final Supreme Court appointment (Merrick Garland), making much of Obama's later years reduced to rhetoric. Since leaving office, historians have placed Obama anywhere from the 8th to 17th best president in history--that is, Good to Above Average.

The architect of the US Economic system. Born in the Caribbean as the iillegtimate son of a Scotsman. During the Rev War, served as one of Washington's most faithful staff officers. Advocated a government more resembling a monarchy at the Constitutional Convention. One of the co-authors, along with Madison and Jay, of the Federalist Papers. The first Sec of Treasury, which he believed should act as Prime Minister. Arguably led policy during the early years of Washington's presidency. He resigned after one-term to work behind the scenes, including drafting Washington's farewell address. Tried to manipulate both the 1796 and 1800 elections to get another Federalist elected over the independent-minded Adams, who would later fire Hamilton cronies from his administration. First major political figure to be hit with a sex scandal. Wanted to take the Louisiana Purchase by force. Became Senior General of the US following Washington's death. Had ambitions to form a new party to replace the weakening Federalist Party, but he was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, with whom a lasting rivalry--which had become ever-personal--had existed over NY politics. While his ideological rival Jefferson was more popular during his day, Hamilton's industrial vision of America and the concept of a strong executive has won long-term.

vcczar · February 15, 2022

And four more:

Three-time Democratic nominee for president (1896, 1900, 1908), dominating the party's progressive wing, which was at odds with the Bourbon Democratic wing of the party, which was much more conservative. Gained fame as an orator with his "Cross of Gold Speech" in 1896. US Rep for NE, failed in a bid for the US Senate. Operated more as a party leader and kingmaker than an officeholder. Both Woodrow Wilson and Champ Clark fought for his endorsement in 1912. Bryan's endorsement of Wilson arguably sealed the 1912 nomination. In exchange, the isolationist Bryan was made Sec of State but he ultimately resigned as Wilson was leaning towards entry into World War I. He spent his later years opposing the theory of evolution and advocating prohibition. FDR urbanized Bryan's rural progressivism to create the present incarnation of the Democratic Party.

Influential US Speaker (1995-1999) who was the first GOP Speaker since 1954. Architect of the "Contract with America" and of a combative form of conservatism that laid the foundation for the hyperpartisanship of the 21st century. Influential in the government shutdown showdown with Pres. Clinton and in Clinton's impeachment. Gingrich was forced to resign for ethics violations. US Rep for GA for twenty years. Candidate for president in 2012. Considered for VP by Trump in 2016 and supported Trump's disproven election fraud claims following the 2020 election. Former professor of history and geography. Disruptive but his influence on US politics is indisputable.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (1953-1969) who sparked a liberal constitutional revolution in jurisprudence, most notable for Brown v. Board of Education. One of the leading figures of the liberal Republican faction, which probably played a factor in Pres. Eisenhower's nomination as he needed to consolidate support. His rulings helped defeat McCarthyism. Led the Warren Commission that investigated the JFK assassination. Supported the Japanese internment camps while serving as Attorney General of CA but was otherwise a strong defender of racial justice. Gov of CA for 10 years prior to appointment to the Supreme Court. 1948 VP nominee on the Thomas Dewey ticket that lost to Truman in an upset. Often considered the 2nd greatest Chief Justice after John Marshall.

Led and founded the Conservative Coalition that existed from about 1937 to 1963. Arguably the figurehead of all Southern Conservatives opposed to the Civil Rights Movement. Co-authored, along with Strom Thurmond, the pro-segregationist Southern Manifesto. Often effective in filibustering civil rights legislation and it took the equally-skilled parliamentarian LBJ to circumvent Russell's strategies. Despite traditionalist inclinations, he generally supported FDR's New Deal and efforts at anti-poverty. While an advocate of a strong military, he advised LBJ against entering the Vietnam War. Gov of GA (1931-1933) and Sen of GA (1933-1971). The Russell Senate Office Building is named after him, but it seems a likely candidate for a name change.

vcczar · February 15, 2022

Four more bios:

Namesake for "Rockefeller Republicans," the liberal faction mostly located in the Northeast. Grandson of the famous John D. Rockefeller of Standard Oil fame. Served as a sub-cabinet officer in the administrations of FDR, Truman, and Eisenhower before becoming Gov of NY from 1959-1973. Failed in three bids for the presidency. Was crucial in moderating the conservative Nixon's 1960 platform. In 1964, he was the frontunner but lost the nomination to Goldwater partially because he married a divorcee a year after his own divorce. Booed off the stage by conservatives in 1964 when he called for a moderate platform. Ran again in 1968 but didn't put his heart into it. Pres. Ford made Rockefeller his VP in 1974 to help with domestic policy but Ford's Chief of Staff, Donald Rumsfeld, thwarted Rockefeller's efforts. With most liberals fleeing to the Democratic Party, Ford dropped Rockefeller as VP for the conservative Bob Dole in his failed 1976 election bid.

The leading Progressive Senator of the Progressive Era, frequently butting heads with fellow Republican, the conservative Nelson Aldrich. Began as a US Rep for WI. Served as Gov from 1901-1906 when he controversially appointed himself to the US Senate but he maintain high popularity in WI nonetheless. Opposed Teddy Roosevelt's nationalistic and interventionist progressivism in 1912, but the opposition may have been more about Roosevelt overshadowing his own candidacy in that election. Lost much of his influence by opposing Roosevelt but this didn't prevent him from running a somewhat strong 3rd party showing in 1924 when both major parties nominated conservatives. Opposed Pres. Wilson's foreign policy and Red Scare tactics domestically. His sons continued his progressive legacy in WI following his death. JFK named La Follette as one of the five great US Senators, along with Clay, Calhoun, Webster, and Robert Taft.

Two-time Democratic nominee, getting landslided by Eisenhower in both 1952 and 1956. Despite this, had strong support, including by Eleanor Roosevelt, for a 1960 run. Often called an "egghead" for his pronounced intellectualism. Many argue that he played the key role in transitioning the Democratic Party away from the FDR coalition and more into the urban-focused, Civil Rights-focused mold of the current Democratic Party. Gov of IL from 1949-1953 and was somewhat effective at anti-corruption efforts. His influence was still influential enough that JFK named him UN ambassador, and he was kept on by LBJ. His grandfather was Adlai Stevenson I, the VP for Grover Cleveland's second non-consecutive term.

Failed Democratic nominee for president in 1848. The first major politician from MI and the leading advocate of Popular Sovereignty, the belief that a territory should determine the status of slavery, prior to Stephen A. Douglas's more notable championing of this philosophy. Served as a general in the War of 1812 before governing Michigan Territory for 18 years. Named Sec of State by Jackson and holds present-day notariety for being the prime mover of executing the Indian Removal Act. Later US Amb to France and then Sec of State under Pres. Buchanan, but he was too old to put in full-time work. He resigned in 1860 over Buchanan's incompetence following Southern secession, despite himself having had pro-Southern Sympathies prior to Southern secession. His defeat for the presidency in 1848 was due in part to Martin Van Buren's 3rd party bid which helped Zachary Taylor win the election. Cass had failed bids for nomination in 1844 and 1852. His great-great grandson, Cass Ballenger, served as a US Rep for NC.

Kitten · February 16, 2022

George McGovern and Mike Dukakis bios please? 🙂

vcczar · February 16, 2022

21 minutes ago, Kitten said:

George McGovern and Mike Dukakis bios please? 🙂

I'm going in a specific order, but they'll be up here at some point.

Kitten · February 16, 2022

2 hours ago, vcczar said:

I'm going in a specific order, but they'll be up here at some point.

Very good! 🙂 thanks can't wait to read em haha.

AMPU Politician Bios

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