James Buchanan: The United States Needs to Be Governed by the Democratic Party

"...the perpetuity & prospering of the people of this union depend upon the ascendancy of Democratic principles...".

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Buchanan served as U.S. minister to Russia during Andrew Jackson’s administration, then was U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania from 1834-1845. In 1844, he and Lewis Cass challenged former President Van Buren for the Democratic presidential nomination. When it became clear that the convention was deadlocked, Jackson protege James K. Polk was put forth...

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James Buchanan

James Buchanan: The United States Needs to Be Governed by the Democratic Party

"...the perpetuity & prospering of the people of this union depend upon the ascendancy of Democratic principles...".

Buchanan served as U.S. minister to Russia during Andrew Jackson’s administration, then was U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania from 1834-1845. In 1844, he and Lewis Cass challenged former President Van Buren for the Democratic presidential nomination. When it became clear that the convention was deadlocked, Jackson protege James K. Polk was put forth as a “dark horse” candidate, and he ended up as the party’s nominee. Recognizing Buchanan’s support of the ticket and Pennsylvania’s contribution to his election, Polk appointed Buchanan Secretary of State.

Buchanan remained in office for Polk’s full term, and was closely associated with the administration’s leading measures, particularly the annexation of Oregon and the Mexican War. It was a foregone conclusion that Buchanan would seek the 1848 nomination.
Autograph Letter Signed as Secretary of State, marked “Private,” Washington, May 20, 1847, to Philadelphia Democrat George Guier (who was apparently not one of his supporters), discussing his political goals and stating his philosophy that the Democrats are the party that most benefits the nation. “I ought long ago to have acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 30th ultimo…The truth is that business of the Department is so incessant & pressing that I am compelled to neglect my private correspondents. Why did you not write to me on the subject of your son-in-law’s appointment as a second lieutenant. I should most cheerfully have sustained his application. Although you and I have not been as good friends as I could desire, yet I have always justly appreciated your services & merits as a Democrat. Of this I could long since have given you proof had I not supposed my motives might have been mistaken. I am now encouraged to drop this hint only by the kind tone of your letter. You subscribed yourself my friend, and as you have never yet been charged with hypocracy, I accept the pledge with all my heart. All I desire of you in this character is that you shall think & speak as kindly of me as I do of you. I have no ambitious aspirations beyond that of a desire to obtain & preserve the good opinion of my fellow citizens. Your friendship for me will not, therefore, cost you much. We shall never quarrel about your Presidential preferences; because I know you will never support any candidate unless he be a good Democrat. A long experience in public life has convinced me that the perpetuity & prospering of the people of this union depend upon the ascendancy of Democratic principles in the administration of their Government. I shall, therefore, be in favor of that man for President, whoever he may be, best calculated to secure this ascendancy. Let us, therefore, shake hands & be good friends hereafter.”
Failing to receive the presidential nomination in 1848 or 1852, Buchanan was appointed minister to Britain by President Franklin Pierce. This meant that he was out of the country from 1853-1856, and did not have to stake out a position on sectional flare-ups over the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the fugitive slave law, and the organization of the Kansas Territory. Having offended no one North or South, he was admirably situated to capture the Democratic nomination in 1856. So in the end, he obtained the prize he so long sought – the presidency – only to find himself at the center of the gargantuan storm of secession and its prelude, through which he was unable to navigate.
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