Early life and Achievements
Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens in 1835 in Missouri, had an idyllic childhood that was full of laughter and pranks. One of his enduring gifts was an acute observation of people, which served him well when he started writing column and stories for magazines. He also became a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River, one of the most prestigious professions at the time.
As his success began to take off, he penned some of America’s most universally known literary gems, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. His work was a reflection of his own life, giving readers insight into the complex web of humanity.
Twain had a great sense of humor, which he often used to talk about taboo subjects such as racism. After becoming a millionaire in his own right, Twain used his fame and fortune to become a passionate advocate for civil rights, without alienating or offending any of his followers.
Twain As A Presidential Candidate
In April 1867, the press began to report Twain’s bid for the Presidency. He had all the trappings of a good candidate—charisma, confidence, ambition—but he had no real intention of winning, or even running.
His campaign was satirical, but it highlighted the flaws of a young democracy. Twain suggested that politicians in America no longer fit the people, who were being greatly neglected by the government. He eloquently pointed out the obvious: absent a legal technicality preventing him from running, Twain would have become a major contender.
Rather than the Party-focused approach of traditional campaigns, Twain’s campaign was based on something called “Civil Justice”. According to “The Campaigns of Mark Twain,” a book published by Georgetown University Press in 2011, Twain’s view of Civil Justice was that the government should “address grievances across the divide of class or race without prejudice or injustice”. Put simply, Mark Twain was ahead of his time, advocating for a more inclusive and less divided nation.
Widespread Support
Though he never officially filed papers to run, Twain’s campaign gained a lot of traction, even without a party. Supporters admired his wit, his message, and his ambition, and the campaign gained even more ground as the election date approached.
Twain’s campaign would have been seen as a refreshing change of pace from the traditional politicking of the era. In an era when politics were centered on parties rather than principles, Twain’s platform of civil justice was an attractive option for many voters.
Though his campaign never made an official stance on the issues of the day, Twain’s civil justice platform resonated with many. He thought the public deserved relief from their everyday impoverishment and felt the government had the obligation to assist.
The Presidential Election of 1870
Twain’s campaign gained momentum in the months leading up to the 1870 presidential election, and it was widely accepted that he would be a serious contender. Both parties were interested in his candidacy and he was invited to speak in several key cities.
On Election Day, near the end of the day, Mark Twain received 621,000 votes. While it was a respectable showing for a third-party candidate, it wasn’t enough to unseat the incumbent, Ulysses S. Grant, who easily won a second term.
Though he didn’t win, Twain’s short-lived campaign had made a lasting impression. Not only did it raise important questions about the ways in which American democracy functioned, but it also highlighted the importance of recognizing the struggles of those who are impoverished and underrepresented.
Legacy
Twain’s campaign marked a momentous shift in politics, and the seeds he planted continued to bear fruit in the years after his death. His message of inclusivity and civil justice struck a chord with many Americans, and his legacy as a political influencer is still celebrated to this day.
Twain believed in fairness and equality, and he saw his campaign as a way to bring attention to the plight of those who were not being heard. Though he never won the presidency, his campaign helped to usher in a new wave of progressive reform, one that would eventually lead to a more equitable society.
The Impact On Politics Today
The legacy of Twain’s campaign and principles of Civil Justice can still be seen in American politics today. Though many of the issues and debates remain the same, it’s worth noting how Twain’s liberal and progressive views still resonate with many Americans.
For example, the Socialist Party, which started in the early 1900s, has become increasingly popular in recent years and there is a similar emphasis on fairness and equality. Even presidential candidates such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been heavily influenced by Twain’s messages of civil justice, advocating for a more equitable society.
Conclusion
Mark Twain’s influence as a presidential candidate cannot be overstated, and his message has continued to shape American politics for generations. His platform of civil justice highlighted the plight of those who were being overlooked and his advocacy for a more inclusive society pushed the boundaries of what a successful presidential candidate should look like. Twain’s bid for the presidency will forever remain an important moment in U.S. history, one that continues to inspire Americans to this day.
