Oh, Tom

In today's column on our fracturing political system, Thomas Friedman asks, "Could we have our first four-party election in 2020 [?]"

Uh, no we could not, given that our first four-party election already occurred in 1860, when the presidency was contested by Abraham Lincoln (Republican), Stephen A. Douglas (Northern Democratic), John Breckinridge (Southern Democratic), and John Bell (Constitutional Union). 

There was also a four-party race in 1848, with Zachary Taylor (Whigs), Lewis Cass (Democrats), Martin Van Buren (Free Soil), and John Hale (Liberty). Perhaps this one doesn't count, as only Taylor and Cass received electoral votes. On the other hand, Van Buren was a former president and Hale was a sitting U.S. senator, so their candidacies were certainly legitimate.

Comments

[Anymouse]

In fairness, Tom Friedman isn't really known for being that bright.

[anon]

Great spot, Steve! Very interesting as well.

And, perhaps needless to say, I agree 100% with Anymouse.

Friedman is overrated.

[PaulB]

There was a one party race in 1824 (the Federalists had disappeared) with four different candidates, all of whom won electoral votes. Quincy Adams, Jackson, Crawford and Clay.