One of the primary reasons John Adams was elected to the presidency was the prevailing notion that he was the natural and logical successor to George Washington, who’s prestige and reputation remained largely – and in historic perspective, remarkably – intact. Adams had been an ardent supporter of the revolution, was a learned gentleman, and had paid his dues by serving in the generally useless role of vice president – a role which frustrated Adams and led him to believe the presidency was due to him. Adams role in advocating for the Declaration of Independence, serving in the Continental Congress, and diplomatic missions to France and Britain gave him an impressive resume in government that further elevated his candidacy.

To this end, my video stresses Adams’ patriotism and role in the revolution. The slogan, “Continue the Spirit of Revolution,” caters to the generally positive perception of the colonies’ independence, for though the country could not determine whether it owed allegiance to France or was dependent on Great Britain, there was a definite understanding that the independence of the government in the United States of America was superior to colonial life. Adams’ extensive career as a revolutionary connects him to this cause, and due to his publications like A History of the Dispute with America, Adams’ name was often attached to the cause of independence.

Richard Stockton’s quote speaks to Adams’ integral role in gaining independence for the colonies. Stockton was a lawyer from New Jersey who was imprisoned by the British for signing the Declaration of Independence. Stockton’s quote attaches Adams’ name to the revolution, but via the use of a Greek god on whom the entire weight of the world rested, he places Adams, and Adams alone, in a spotlight that implies Adams is more than qualified for a promotion to the presidency. Further, as Stockton was a signer of the Declaration (which is unfortunately lost to contemporary audiences), the quote links Adams to the document and provides a useful transition to the next scene, which is further facilitated by the iMovie transition that appears to put the Declaration in a spotlight or magnifying glass.

The Declaration reiterates Adams’ connection to the revolution, which serves to distinguish the fact that Adams was next-in-line for the presidency from the idea of hereditary rule in a monarchy. By highlighting Adams name, it draws the focus back to the revolution before the idea of merely seceding and continuing the policies of Washington gives way to doubts about the legitimacy of such a transition. The entire ad traverses a subtle line between the idea of Adams as an heir apparent and Adams as an advocate of independence. The iMovie zoom and focus highlight Adams’ connection to the document. The blue surrounding Adams name then links the Declaration to a quote from Thomas Jefferson’s correspondence with W.P. Gardner – also presented with a blue background.  The quote again drives home Adams’ connection to the revolution, but it indicates that Jefferson – Adams’ political opponent both in the election and in government generally – admired qualities in Adams, qualities that facilitated the common goals of independence and liberty.  In addition, it attributes a positive government track record to Adams.

The next scene capitalizes on the professed leadership ability, as noted by Adams’ political rival. The image is an unfinished painting called “American Commissioners of the Preliminary Peace Agreement with Great Britain” by Benjamin West depicting John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Laurens, and William Temple Franklin at the singing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. The picture again points to Adams’ positive track record in gaining the country’s independence and indicates he has experience and skill in foreign relations – which were increasingly affecting domestic policies at the time of the election.

The next quote is taken from the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Gazette on January 14, 1789, when the Federalists were attempting to elect Adams as vice president. The quote links Adams to Washington’s administration, indicating that Adams is merely naturally progressing to the role of president. If this progression is construed as natural, it can capitalize on Washington’s dispassionate politics, which would distinguish Adams from his more partisan opponent of Jefferson. This is particularly important in the election of 1796, as the country became increasingly divided and the prospect of Washington leaving office unleashed a torrent of partisanship. While in this campaign ad, “unite in Mr. Adams” is given a new meaning of uniting the two factions rather than the delegates uniting to elect Mr. Adams, the adoption of this new meaning reinforces the connection between Adams and Washington’s dispassionate politics.

The final scene is a card of an engraving done of the two likeliest candidates for president. I regrettably, and after hours of searching, could not place the exact origin of the piece, which probably puts it off limits. The engraving of Jefferson and Adams is currently part of the American Catholic Historical Society and is the property of David Lynch. Despite its dubious citation, the role of the portraits in the movie is to pit two great patriots side-by-side. While at first one could believe that “true patriot” indicates either candidate, the Ken Burns effect makes it apparent – as should the content of the advertisement – that Adams is the true patriot and thus, the best choice for the presidency.