The 2024 Election: A Reflection of the Past
By: David Preston, author of 1828
As we approach the 2024 election, the United States once again finds itself at a crossroads, much like it did in 1828 when Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams faced off in one of the most consequential elections in American history. Jackson, the war hero and populist, battled Adams, the more established statesman, in an election marked by intense personal rivalries and stark ideological divides. The parallels between then and now are striking, and the themes that shaped the political climate of 1828 echo in today’s political landscape.
In 1828, my novel, I explore how the intense rematch between Jackson and Adams threatened to tear the country apart. What makes that election so fascinating—beyond the scandal, political maneuvering, and regional divides—is how the people felt that the nation’s very soul was at stake. In 2024, similar tensions arise, with concerns over the country’s future direction, growing political polarization, and a strong desire for change driving voters to the polls.
Candidates and Political Climate of 2024
In 2024, the nation is deeply divided, much as it was nearly two centuries ago. On one side, a candidate is representing the establishment, pushing for stability, international alliances, and incremental reform. On the other side is a populist figure, vowing to dismantle the status quo, reinvigorate the middle class, and put “America First” in a way that recalls Andrew Jackson’s appeal to the common man in 1828.
Just as Jackson rallied the disenfranchised and painted his opponent as an out-of-touch elite, today’s populist candidates are capitalizing on similar themes. They argue that the traditional political class has failed ordinary Americans and that only a radical shift can restore the country’s greatness. Meanwhile, their opponents—like Adams in 1828—stress the importance of maintaining stability, strengthening democratic institutions, and pursuing policies that work for all Americans, not just a select few.
Corruption, Political Maneuvering, and Public Perception
One of the defining features of the 1828 election was the allegation of a “corrupt bargain” between Adams and Henry Clay, which Jackson and his supporters used to paint Adams as a manipulative insider. While the nature of political accusations may have changed, the rhetoric surrounding corruption and backroom deals continues to be a potent tool in 2024. Candidates are quick to accuse one another of being beholden to special interests, casting doubt on their integrity.
In 1828, Jackson’s sense of betrayal—believing the will of the people had been subverted—fueled a deep desire for justice and revenge. In modern times, we see similar narratives taking hold, with candidates asserting that the political system is rigged against them, fanning the flames of distrust in the electoral process.
The populist energy that drove Jackson’s campaign in the 19th century is present in today’s political climate, as many voters feel alienated by the current system and yearn for a leader who will “shake things up.” On the flip side, the calls for unity and preserving the fabric of American democracy, which Adams championed, are echoed by today’s candidates who argue that the country cannot afford to be torn apart by extremism.
Regional Tensions and Secession
In 1828, the South and West were rallying behind Jackson, while Adams found his strongest support in the Northeast. The regional divisions were so pronounced that after Jackson lost the contested election of 1824, there was serious talk of secession among Southern states. While the specifics differ, today we are witnessing a similar fracturing of political consensus, with some states pushing back strongly against federal policies, and the idea of states asserting greater independence remains a topic of discussion.
The stakes in both 1828 and 2024 seem high because of the belief that these elections could alter the course of the nation’s future. In my novel, I explore what happens when political conflicts push the boundaries of democratic norms and threaten to upend the balance of power in the country. The question facing the nation in 2024, much like in 1828, is whether the political institutions can withstand these tensions and come out stronger—or whether the divisions will only deepen.
A Reflection on History
The 2024 election is not just a battle of ideas; it is a struggle for the very identity of the United States, much like in 1828. My novel 1828 delves into the high-stakes nature of that election, drawing on themes of corruption, betrayal, and the fight for the soul of the nation—elements that are equally relevant today.
As we watch the political drama unfold in 2024, it’s worth remembering that these debates are not new. History has shown that democracy is resilient, but it is also fragile. The lessons from Jackson’s and Adams’ time remind us that while elections can divide us, they also present an opportunity for renewal and for the nation to chart a new course forward.
The question, as in 1828, remains: which path will America choose?