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The Most Consequential Elections in History: George Washington and the Election of 1789

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The first Presidential Election was in 1789. The Electors from each eligible State were selected in January 1789. The Electors then cast their votes for President in February 1789. These votes were were confirmed by Congress on April 6, 1789.
This was a very good article.

Kevin McBreen of TN 2:31PM August 07, 2008

He's right. The election was held in 1789. Only 10 states cast electoral votes as two had not yet ratified the Constitution and New York couldn't agree how to appoint its electors. Six of the states held popular votes. Four did not, with the electors being appointed by the state government.

Rick Miller of OH 2:29PM August 07, 2008

This country needs to return to it roots and a country that does not rely on lifetime politicians and politicians who do not rely on the government for their who existence.
We need people who have learned what it is like to work and be successful -- people who have gained knowledge and wisdom and want to give of themselves to their counrty -- people who have not lost contact with the everyday hard working American. Unfortunately, in today's policics it's nearly impossible for such people to come forward and take the reigns of government -- for a short while. Our political machine requires too much money for entry and only those who have amassed enormous fortunes or those who have sold their sole to special interests can play the game. Once the "special interest" politicians are "in" they have to do everything they can to stay "on the inside" since they have no where -- no livelihood -- to fall back on.
George Washingon was a special man in a special time. Let's hope that such leaders can be in our future once again.
For now, I don't see either of our Presidential Candidates being of such caliber.
I'll leave it to others to rank the current candidates.

njguardian of NJ 1:37PM August 07, 2008

We should clarify a little more. Washington was socially shy but professionally ambitious. He gave a lot of parties, but mostly as an inconvenient necessity of public life.
While not in the same ranks intellectually as his contemporaries (Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, Hamilton), he was a keen observer and natural leader. Among his greatest strengths was the ability to balance his administration’s tensions - principally between Hamilton and Jefferson - and move forward with the key precedents referred to in the article.
But, in the end, the absolute hallmark of Washington's character was his utter self-control. He worked tremendously at maintaining that control throughout his life. It is this trait that exacerbated his shyness (making him self-conscious in social settings), but, at the same time, gave him his trump card in politics. Where others would give in to their fractiousness and emotions, Washington would maintain his composure for rational decision-making.
If there is any tenuous link between Washington and Obama it would be this logical, rational approach. Even so, it is still difficult to try to fit any modern leader into such an iconic mold.

Christopher Bentley of OH 1:26PM August 07, 2008

On what planet was George Washington shy and timid? He was a well-known party-giver (interrupting the march to Yorktown to party at Mount Vernon) and a profound presence in the lives of countless young men. He was a leader of men throughout his life. He announced his presence in the second Continental Congress by deliberately wearing a uniform -- a move that a shy man could never had made. You mistake quietness and wisdom for shyness and timidity.
On what planet did George Washington lose every major engagement? He won at Princeton and Trenton, he pulled off perhaps the most brilliant retreat in U.S. history in New York and he destroyed the British at the all-important battle of Yorktown through a brilliant strategic move (flanking the entire British army in Philadelphia/New Jersey). Yes he lost battles to a much larger and more professional army, but he won the entire war -- which, I would submit, was the most major engagement of all.
Regarding the comparisons to Obama, they are absurd. No American leader comes close to GW with respect to political, military and social leadership experience.

Bill Smith of CA 1:01PM August 07, 2008

You have captured the essence of the man that made his leadership possible. His leadership and vision were essential to get this country started on the right path. I will make no comparison between the great men our founding fathers were to men running for the elections of our day.
We have lost our understanding of the founding principles of this country and we have no one to blame for the quality of leadership today but ourselves. It is not too late. We can begin by understanding how America was born. Thank you for your article which is a step in the right direction

S Insaf of MO 12:11PM August 07, 2008

Washington ran his own businesses, fought against the French, was Virginia delegate to the continental congress, signed the declaration of independence, fought and won a war against the greatest military power of his age, helped create the constitution, and voluntarily relinquished control of his army in a gesture unheard of since Cincinnatus. Then he became our first president.
Obama... what? He talk pretty one day?

Richard of NY 11:53AM August 07, 2008

Dear Mr. Walsh,
I do not know where you attended college, but I urgently suggest that you get your money back! As a historian, I am completely flabbergasted at your account of American History. First, George Washington was a very shy, timid man who hardly ever spoke out in public. As for his military career as the Commander of the Continental Army, he lost every major engagement his army was in.
As for the election of 1789, Mr. Washington did not want the job. He was bullied into taking the job only after convinced by Hamilton that as his “right hand man”, he would help Washington navigate through the political waters.
The only connection between the 2008 election and the election of 1789 is if Obama wins, he will have 16 months more political experience then Washington had when he was elected. Please be careful when you talk about our history. Many people will be reading your article, just make sure that you get it right.

John R. Boekenoogen of FL 11:28AM August 07, 2008

I doubt that George Washington could get elected today. He was a man of too much principle, and we have become a nation of selfish morons.

jack carlson of KY 10:25AM August 07, 2008

From men like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams to Barack Obama and John McCain. I hope the Founding Fathers can find it in their hearts to forgive us.

Bob in Ohio of OH 9:58AM August 07, 2008