Could Hamilton have won in 1796?

by Oliver5366

If Alexander Hamilton had run for president against Adams and Jefferson in 1796 (rather than supporting Pinckney), could he have won the election? Was he popular enough at that time to get elected? And if he had, who would have been his VP, Jefferson or Adams?

RadicalNonComformist

Given that he was born in the Island of Nevis in the Caribbean, he would be unable to run for President according to the constitution. As far as popularity was concerned, he was close to George Washington, (who was very popular,) and he was allied with the Federalists, who were one of two viable parties along with democratic republicans. Since there wasn't any polling, (and most Americans couldn't even vote,) we really can't determine what would happen for sure.