They longed for the Presidency: Benjamin Butler

Published on January 20, 2005 By Gideon MacLeish In History

Benjamin Butler began his political career as a Democrat, winning the office of Massachussets state rep. in 1853, and state senator in 1858. He served the Union in the Civil War, and served in Congeress afterwards from 1867-75, and from 1877-79. He gained a reputation in the House when he authored the tenth article of impeachment against Andrew Johnson, and served as the lead House prosecutor in Johnson's removal trisl (his poor performance is often cited as a factor in Johnson's acquittal). In 1884, the Greenback Party selected him as their candidate for president, and he gained 2% of the popular vote.

Comments

Dr Guy

on Jan 20, 2005

He gained a reputation in the House when he authored the tenth article of impeachment against Andrew Johnson, and served as the lead House prosecutor in Johnson's removal trisl (his poor performance is often cited as a factor in Johnson's acquittal).

Thank god he was such an idiot! That was a railroad case if ever there was one!

Gideon MacLeish

on Jan 20, 2005

Yeah, and probably would have led to 3 or 4 successful 20th century removals had it succeeded. That would have made the office of president virtually powerless.

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