The Republican Debate on Tuesday, Oct. 19, left us with one lasting image: Mitt Romney placing his hand on Rick Perry’s shoulder during their heated discussion. Though these two opponents kept their tempers, this hasn’t always been the case in U.S. politics. Let’s take a look at U.S. history to see what political fights have occurred and how it impacted the lives and careers of the politicians involved.
The Burr-Hamilton Duel
The most well-known physical battle between politicians in US history is the battle between Vice President Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton is known for influencing the development of America’s economy and being the nation’s first Secretary of Treasury.
The duel was a build-up of several political disagreements. However, perhaps the most influential was Hamilton’s influence in preventing Burr from winning the presidential election when he had tied with Thomas Jefferson.
The two men met on the field of honor in Weehawken, New Jersey on July 11, 1804. Though the true facts are unknown, it is believed that Hamilton took the initial shot and missed Burr completely. Burr then aimed directly for Hamilton’s torso to return fire. The bullet lodged into Hamilton’s spine and he died the next morning. Burr was never brought to trial for the incident, though it quickly ended his career in politics.
The Jackson-Dickinson Duel
President Andrew Jackson was known for conjuring up violence to defend his honor before he was elected president. One of Jackson’s most famous duels was against Charles Dickinson. Dickinson claimed that the future president had cheated on a horse racing bet between Jackson and Dickinson’s father-in-law.
The two met at Harrison’s Mill on the Red River in Kentucky on May 30, 1806. Dickinson shot into Jackson’s chest and the bullet became lodged in his ribs. Jackson hardly quivered. He then aimed and fired at Dickinson, striking him dead.
The bullet in Jackson’s chest caused a permanent case of hacking cough and other health problems that he struggled with for the remainder of his life. Despite the duel and the death of Dickinson, Jackson was elected president in 1829.
The Clay-Randolph Duel
Senator John Randolph’s unpredictable tempers influenced him to have to be involved in a series of fights starting at the age of 18.
His most memorable battle was with Secretary of State Henry Clay. The duel was influenced when Randolph accused Clay of “crucifying the constitution and cheating at cards” during a heated discussion on the Senate floor.
The duel took place on April 8, 1826. Randolph shot once, but missed his target and only punctured Clay’s coat. Clay returned fire and also missed then demanded another round. Both men fired again but no targets were hit and no injuries were made. Randolph and Clay met midfield and compromised on a handshake.
Sources:
Art of Manliness
US History
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