Summary

Chapter 28 focuses on Grant’s election as President in 1868 and his transition into power. In the summer of 1868, Grant was officially nominated for President by the Republican Party. Chernow argues that this was the result of a life spent quietly setting himself up for opportunities without seeming overly ambitious. During the campaign, Grant spent most of his time at home in Galena. Though it was customary for Presidential candidates to mostly avoid campaigning on their own behalf, Grant was particularly absent, likely due to his limited public speaking abilities. In contrast, the Democratic candidate ran an openly racist campaign, arguing that Republican Reconstruction policies would lead to black dominance in the country. Further, a significant number of Southern blacks were barred from voting through violence and intimidation. Grant eventually won a convincing victory in the popular vote and electoral college. During the transition...