William Randolph Hearst is often remembered for helping to make the American newspaper industry what it would eventually become, for both good and ill. Often cited as the pioneer of what would become known as "yellow journalism" Hearst would forgoe the more factual headlines of men like Joseph Pulitzer and instead offered his readers lurid stories of crime, corruption and sex which allowed him to amass the largest newspaper and magazine business in the world.
But what many people may not know is that Mr Hearst had a brief stint as a politician being elected to the house in 1902 to represent New York's 11th district and being reelected in 1904. But if Hearst had his way he would have been running for a different office in the '04 election.
At the 1904 Democratic National Convention Hearst was nominated to be the party's candidate for President. Positioned on the left wing of the Progressive movement Hearst entered the Convention with the Illinois delegation already pledged to him several other states promising their support.
Though he was unsuccessful, the Convention nominated Alton B Parker on the first ballot after a shift, Hearst performed well, getting 200 votes in the original count placing him 2nd in a field of 12 nominees. For context the third highest vote share went to Missouri senator Francis Crockwell who got 42 votes.
But let's say that Hearst is able to synch the nomination, how does that affect the 1904 election? Who is Hearst's running mate & how does he fair against Teddy Roosevelt?
But what many people may not know is that Mr Hearst had a brief stint as a politician being elected to the house in 1902 to represent New York's 11th district and being reelected in 1904. But if Hearst had his way he would have been running for a different office in the '04 election.
At the 1904 Democratic National Convention Hearst was nominated to be the party's candidate for President. Positioned on the left wing of the Progressive movement Hearst entered the Convention with the Illinois delegation already pledged to him several other states promising their support.
Though he was unsuccessful, the Convention nominated Alton B Parker on the first ballot after a shift, Hearst performed well, getting 200 votes in the original count placing him 2nd in a field of 12 nominees. For context the third highest vote share went to Missouri senator Francis Crockwell who got 42 votes.
But let's say that Hearst is able to synch the nomination, how does that affect the 1904 election? Who is Hearst's running mate & how does he fair against Teddy Roosevelt?