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As the Republican Party starts out the Primary season, a handful of candidates have made themselves present. Four have pushed for serious consideration while a slew of favorite sons attempt to make a name for themselves in the hope that they can earn the public’s eye.

In the onset, General Leonard Wood of Massachusetts and Senator Warren G. Harding of Ohio have been seen as the true contenders for the nomination. Behind them, Senators Hiram Johnson of California is pushing hard to become the first President of the Western States and though he isn’t the Great Rail-splitter himself Governor Frank O. Lowden of Illinois is consider by some to be the next heir of the Republican Party.

General Leonard Wood of Massachusetts

Forged from the same stock as the late Theodore Roosevelt, General Leonard Wood made a name for himself out in the frontier before earning national attention as the co-organizer of the Rough Riders. From his time as Military Governor of Cuba to Army Chief of Staff, he has always found himself drifting toward policies of reform and modernization. Foreseeing U.S. involvement in the Great War, the General led in the key effort of preparedness for when troops eventually were sent off onto European soil. Along with understanding the need for economic efficiency, he believes in a protective tariff and well organized government budget system. Despite holding a record of competence, some believe that his ties with the military establishment could bring him into conflict with the Conservative arm of the party.

Senator Hiram Johnson of California

An old name when it comes to Progressive politics, Senator Hiram Johnson has spent his career pursuing policies to better the lives of Americans. First gaining prominence as the prosecutor during the San Francisco Graft Trials, he would then gain a stronger reputation by being elected governor of California in 1910 and hold that position until he was elected Senator in 1917. As Governor, he brought legislation that better expanded the power of the people with direct democracy policies and combatting corruption among corporation. With his implementation of social welfare programs, it is no wonder that he became the rational choice to be Theodore Roosevelts running mate during his third party run in 1912. Continuing much of the same policies that he held as governor, the Senator has picked up a stronger reputation belief of isolationism and direct opposition to joining the League of Nations (leading the group of Senators known as the “Irreconcilables”). While adored by many, could his uncompromising Progressivism cause him to lose the nomination.

Governor Frank O. Lowden of Illinois

A financial minded politician with some social initiatives, Governor Frank O. Lowden is of the strand of Progressive-Conservative that homed former President William Howard Taft. Started as a respectable lawyer and law professor at Northwestern University, he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1906. Supporting agricultural and infrastructural issues, he began his pursuit of efficiency which became a hallmark of his policies in later life. Not seeking reelection to the house in 1910, he would remain outside of office until he was elected Governor of Illinois in 1916. Implementing administrative reform and fiscal responsibility, he managed to create a budgeting system that ensured taxation wasn’t needed. Supporting additional policies such as woman’s suffrage and enforcement of the Volstead Act, he isn’t afraid to give a heavy hand such as his quick actions to quell the 1919 race riots in his state which could bring some complications to his hope of inhabiting the White House.

Senator William G. Harding of Ohio

Despite being a dark horse candidate, Senator William G. Harding has built a strong coalition of the Old Guard Republicans. Starting his career as the successful owner of the Marion Star, the Senator first entered the political world in 1897 when he ran for office in Ohio. Remaining relatively since until his national emergence with his nomination address for former President William Howard Taft in 1912, Harding has come a well regarded opposite to the policies of the strong Progressive faction. A pro-business conservative, he believes in reducing government regulation and lower taxation for both corporations along with individuals. Though with regard to his time as Senator, he has been a vague advocate whom voted for the United States to enter the Great War but has been a firm isolationist. Could this vague nature of his be the downfall of his presidential hopes or could it be the perfect opportunity to grant himself power.

Those even as these candidates are vying for support, a host of favorite sons have been given for all ears to hear. From the Progressively Efficient Director of the U.S. Food Administration Herbert Hoover of California to the Silent Conservative Governor Calvin Coolidge of Massachusetts, people are attempting to bring about a possible candidate that hasn’t been as vocal. As the primaries begin, many are wondering who the initial front runner will be and how well they shall perform.

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As events transpire, 1920 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting Presidential Elections in United States history.

While the Woodrow Administration is coming to a close, the Democratic Party is searching for its next contender for the White House. Despite hope from the President that the Democratic establishment would push for a third term, it is appearing unlikely as members of his Cabinet (both current and cold) are already beginning to remove their masks and show their ambitions.

On the opposing side of the political isle, the political arena for the Republican Party is already abuzz with contenders willing to engage in a bear knuckle fight for to nomination. From seasoned military professionals to political savvy figures, the field is wide open after the Old Bull Moose passed early this year. Even while more prominent members attempt to rein in the Grand Old Party, a whole herd of Dark horse candidates are expected to break free and attempt to establish their own path.

But what is causing this election to be so highly intriguing is the action of a new force that has been at work, a collective movement that has been referred to humorously as the “Circus Tent Coalition.”

After prominent Socialist Leader and four time nominee for President Eugene V. Debs was sent to prison on April 13, 1919, members of the Socialist Party concocted an important plan. Despite calls from Labor Organizer Charles Ruthenberg to hold a solidarity parade on May 1st, the Party instead put forth its best effort to hold meetings with figures from various political organizations to establish a conference. On June 25th, members from the Socialist Party of America, the Labor Party of the United States, the Nonpartisan League, the Prohibition Party and the National Woman’s Party would convene at the headquarters of a organization called the Committee of 48 at 15 E 40th Street in New York City to discuss the possibility of joint unity.

One week of hard debates and negotiations followed, forging a grand coalition agreement for the 1920 Presidential election. Instead of running separate candidates, the parties agreed to vote for a joint inter-party candidate that will share the unified platform. Though despite this agreement, state and congressional elections are still available for individual party candidates (with the agreement of backing an opposing candidate with the better prospects in the event of a runoff election). A major point of this agreement that has raised some controversy is with regard to primaries and the prospect of multiple candidates running for office, most likely causing states to select the preferred candidate while the Convention becomes a horse trading agreement.

As primaries approach and candidates rise up among the vying powers, the nation is sitting in the edge of their seats at those who claw their way to the top. Though many more are interested in seeing whether this “Circus Tent Coalition” will remain a strong force or a short live spectacle.

Hello everyone, it’s been sometime since I last posted here. Life has been busy but things have started to slow down a bit, enough to make me wonder if I should return to my series “The People have Spoken”.

Though with regard to this idea of returning, I am at a fork in the road. I could continue the series where I left off or I could do a redux of the series, create something new from what I had created (I realize that I created a lot of things that didn’t appear to be accurate or jumped around in logic).

I thought why not create a poll for this kind of question, maybe I’ll create something completely unrelated (maybe a post WW1 series that coverages from there). What do you all think and I would love to hear your thoughts on the manner, I hope you all have a good rest of your day or night bye.

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