United States Presidential Election of 1808
James Madison defeated Charles Pinckney 122 to 47 amid embargo discontent.
Overview
Nominated behind the scenes by Jefferson, Madison secured the Democratic-Republican caucus nod over James Monroe and Vice President Clinton, then beat Federalist Charles Cotesworth Pinckney 122 to 47. The unpopular Embargo Act, Jefferson's answer to British and French seizures of American shipping, cost the Republicans New England and votes elsewhere, but the Federalist revival fell far short. Madison's win kept the Virginia dynasty in the White House as the country drifted toward war with Britain.
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