Overview

A unique examination of U.S. politics and history told through the lives and campaigns of the losing presidential candidates. As time marches on, more political history seems to get lost in American schools and homes. But the policies and beliefs of presidential candidates provide a fascinating glimpse into the entire history of the United States. In Defeated: Losing Presidential Candidates in American History, Martin Gitlin offers a unique and informative look at U.S. politics and history through the lives and campaigns of presidential hopefuls who are often overlooked because they lost their bid for the presidency. Each chapter profiles a losing candidate for a specific election--including third-party candidates who made an impact--and features an examination of key issues of the day, details of the election itself, and what happened to the candidate after their loss. Covering every election from 1796 to 2024, Defeated provides invaluable insight into the policies and personalities of presidential candidates and the history of a nation.

Full Product Details

9781538192955

Table of Contents

Reviews

What do De Witt Clinton, Henry Clay and William Jennings Bryan all have in common? They were all losers of the US Presidential election – a combined seven times. Author and journalist Martin Gitlin takes us on a fascinating journey through the campaigns, political times, circumstances and key momentum shifts of the losing candidate for every Presidential election. It’s an incredible historical journey with Gitlin playing the role of our expert tour guide. Defeated in an absolute WINNER! -- Paul Volponi, multi-award-winning, bestselling author of Black and White, Rikers High, The Final Four, Superhero Smart and SpongeBob: The Unauthorized Fun-ography Martin Gitlin’s Defeated: Losing Presidential Candidates in American History is a fascinating look at those who ran for and lost the highest political office in the United States. With essential facts about each campaign, including candidate biographies, issues of the day, slogans, and notable quotes, it serves as a reminder of the role that losing candidates can play in shaping the political environment and the future policy direction of presidents and their political parties. -- Lori Cox Han, PhD, professor of political science, Doy B. Henley Chair of American Presidential Studies, Chapman University In Defeated: Losing Presidential Candidates in American History, pop culture historian Martin Gitlin examines presidential aspirants who campaigned for the presidency and fell short. Readers will discover a treasure trove of information about a colorful cast of familiar and unfamiliar characters from the time of the Founders through the 2024 election. Written in lively, engaging prose, Defeated is a must-read for young adults interested in American politics and history. -- J. Michael Martinez, Georgia Gwinnett College, author of Demagogues: Charismatic Political Leaders in American History

Author Information

Martin Gitlin is a former newspaper journalist who won more than 45 awards, including first place for general excellence from the Associated Press. That organization selected him as one of the top four feature writers in Ohio. He has had more than 200 books published, including The Spirit of Freedom: Powerful Women of the Civil Rights Movement (2024).

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