Henry Clay: The Man Who Would Be President

by James C. Klotter Narrated by James Anderson Foster

Overview

Charismatic, charming, and one of the best orators of his era, Henry Clay seemed to have it all. He offered a comprehensive plan of change for America, and he directed national affairs as Speaker of the House, as Secretary of State to John Quincy Adams—the man he put in office—and as acknowledged leader of the Whig party.

As the broker of the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, Henry Clay fought to keep a young nation united when westward expansion and slavery threatened to tear it apart. Yet, despite his talent and achievements, Henry Clay never became president. Three times he received Electoral College votes, twice more he sought his party's nomination, yet each time he was defeated. Alongside fellow senatorial greats Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun, Clay was in the mix almost every moment from 1824 to 1848. Given his prominence, perhaps the years should be termed not the Jacksonian Era but rather the Age of Clay.

James C. Klotter uses new research and offers a more focused, nuanced explanation of Clay's programs and politics in order to answer the question of why the man they called "The Great Rejected" never won the presidency but did win the accolades of history.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"It is to Klotter's great credit that he enables contemporary readers to appreciate why Henry Clay was so influential and why he remains the gold standard in managing the dance of legislation on Capitol Hill. And yes, why despite his manifold virtues as a politician, he never made it to the White House." — Michael J. Birkner, North Carolina Historical Review

"A fine exegesis...elegant." - The Wall Street Journal

"The author lays out a well-written abundance of highly german and nuanced material — the product of a master — for the reader to thoughtfully consider. This book belongs on the shelves of all who appreciate political history and its relevance for our lives today." — Steve Flairty, Kentucky Monthly

Library Journal

07/01/2018
Henry Clay (1777–1852) was one of a triumvirate of Congressmen who dominated American politics between 1811 and 1852. In this political biography, Klotter (state historian of Kentucky, history emeritus, Georgetown Coll.; The Breckinridges of Kentucky) investigates why Clay never attained his presidential ambitions. Serving in both houses of Congress and representing Kentucky for 23 years, Clay was also speaker of the House of Representatives, the youngest elected at the time. The politician played significant roles in momentous issues impacting the early republic, negotiating the treaty ending the War of 1812 and serving as President John Quincy Adams's secretary of state. Unlike his equally ambitious colleagues Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun, Clay nearly succeeded in being elected U.S. president, having run for the office five times. Thrice he was on the ballot and twice he sought the nomination of the Whig Party, in which he was most responsible for founding. Klotter explains that Clay's failure was a combination of political circumstances, miscalculations, and timing. VERDICT This well-written, interpretative account will be a must-reference for anyone interested in Clay, antebellum politics, and the early republic.—Glen Edward Taul, formerly with Campbellsville Univ., KY

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170750054
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	08/21/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged

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