Almost president : the men who lost the race but changed the nation

As the 2012 presidential campaign begins: Profiles of twelve men who have run for the presidency and lost, but who, even in defeat, have had a greater impact on American history than many of those who have served as president—from Henry Clay to Stephen Douglas, William Jennings Bryan to Al Gore—Plus, mini-profiles on 22 "honorable mentions." Veteran political journalist Scott Farris tells the stories of legendary presidential also-rans, from Henry Clay to Stephen Douglas, from William Jennings Bryan to Thomas Dewey, and from Adlai Stevenson to Al Gore. He also includes concise profiles of every major candidate nominated for president who never reached the White House but who helped promote the success of American democracy. Farris explains how Barry Goldwater achieved the party realignment that had eluded FDR, how George McGovern paved the way for Barack Obama, and how Ross Perot changed the way all presidential candidates campaign. There is Al Smith, the first Catholic nominee for president; and Adlai Stevenson, the candidate of the'eggheads'who remains the beau ideal of a liberal statesman. And Farris explores the potential legacies of recent runners-up John Kerry and John McCain. The book also includes compact and evocative portraits of such men as John C. Fremont, the first Republican Party presidential candidate; and General Winfield Scott, whose loss helped guarantee the Union victory in the Civil War. This new edition of Almost President brings the work up-to-date with a section that explores the results and ramifications of the 2012 presidential election. As the 2012 presidential campaign begins, Almost President profiles a dozen men who have run for the American presidency and lostbut who, even in defeat, have had a greater impact on American history than many of those who have served as president. Scott Farris tells us the stories of legendary figures from Henry Clay to Stephen Douglas, William Jennings Bryan to Thomas Dewey. He also includes mini-profiles on every major candidate nominated for president who never reached the White House but who helped ensure the success of American democracy. Farris explains how Barry Goldwater achieved the party realignment that had eluded FDR, how George McGovern paved the way for Barack Obama, and how Ross Perot changed the way all presidential candidates campaign. There is Al Smith, the first Catholic nominee for president; and Adlai Stevenson, the candidate of the eggheads who remains the beau ideal of a liberal statesman. Others covered by this book include Al Gore, John Kerry, and John McCain. The mini profiles also include evocative portraits of such men as John C. Fremont, the first Republican Party presidential candidate; and General Winfield Scott, whose loss helped guarantee the Union victory in the Civil War. Profiles 12 Men Who Have Run For The Presidency And Lost, But Who, Even In Defeat, Have Had A Greater Impact On American History Than Many Of Those Who Have Served As President. An Appendix Provides Briefer Profiles On An Additional 22 Candidates. The Concession -- Henry Clay, 1824, 1832, 1844 -- Stephen Douglas, 1860 -- William Jennings Bryan, 1896, 1900, 1908 -- Al Smith, 1928 -- Thomas E. Dewey, 1944, 1948 -- Adlai Stevenson, 1952, 1956 -- Barry Goldwater, 1964 -- George Mcgovern, 1972 -- Ross Perot, 1992, 1996 -- Al Gore, John Kerry, And John Mccain, 2000, 2004, 2008. Scott Farris. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "Updated with a new section on the 2012 presidential election: Profiles of twelve men who have run for the presidency and lost, but who, even in defeat, have had a greater impact on American history than many of those who have served as president--from Henry Clay to Stephen Douglas, William Jennings Bryan to Al Gore--Plus, mini-profiles on 22 "honorable mentions."--Publisher's website