Attack on Adams from Jefferson
Acting as Thomas Jefferson’s campaign manager, it was essential to remind the voter of John Adams’ key weaknesses. The growth of the popular Republican movement further influenced the choosing of quotes and pictures. The opening quote immediately informs the viewer of the current inequalities and lack of power held by American citizens. Currently, the voice of the common man is ignored, overshadowed by aristocrats, and legally silenced by the Alien and Sedition acts. This quote gives an overall sum of President Adams’ term and acts as a smooth transition into the next slide.
Following the title screen, the political ad focuses on both a quote regarding Adams and a portrait of him. Both aspects play an important role in establishing Adams true character. The quote by James Callender, a prominent Republican journalist who was widely respected throughout the party, puts Adams’ character into question and his inability to control his emotions. President Adams established himself as sensitive man who frequently acted over emotional. While admirable in some, these qualities lacked the poise and confidence needed for an American president. Adams emotional showings were a stark contrast to those of George Washington, who had a place in every American’s heart. Adams could not captivate his body of people. As the quote suggests, Adam’s character was under developed.
The portrait of Adams portrays him as an aristocrat and evokes a sense of British influence. American citizen want neither in their president, and need someone they can relate to, like Jefferson. The next image presented to viewers is the original Sedition Act with a quote from Thomas Jefferson scrolling over it. In a political campaign against Adams a reference to the Alien and Sedition Act needs to be included. The controversial acts limited people’s freedoms and caused uproar throughout the nation. The Federalist could not handle the growing opposition, so instead tried to silence it. Many Americans quickly realized the injustice their government, President Adams in particular, had instated. The quote from Jefferson shows his lack of support for the act and suggests a true democratic government needs newspaper and freedom of press.
Continuing on the this theme, the next frame is a political cartoon showing Republican Matthew Lyon and Federalist Roger Griswold famous fight on the floor of the House of Representatives. The picture shows the inability to control the government Adams is supposed to be heading. The cartoon is also quite controversial because Lyon was found guilty of sedition, while Hamilton after publically criticizing Adams was never tried. The next quote, from Lyons, describes exactly what the Federalists have done. The voters need to be aware of Adams inconsistencies and biases towards aristocracy.
The following two images continue to criticize Adams attempt to create a monarchy and lack of presidential qualities. The accusation in the newspaper article is a serious threat to America and evokes a fear throughout the country. The picture of the house reminds voters of Adams continuing absence from the government. He spent must summers and other long stints of time home in Quincy, MA, instead of leading at the nation’s capital.
The closing of the commercial presents the voters with a choice with Jefferson as the obvious option. In the closing scene, it was important to remind the viewer their vote needs to be with Jefferson. Therefore, a portrait of Jefferson was essential, along with everything he stands for. Jefferson is the savior from the Federalist Party.
Sources:
Quote #1: Jefferson’s Second Revolution: The Election Crisis of 1800 and the Triumph of Republicanism by Susan Dunn
Portrait of Adams: John Adams by John Ferling
Picture of Sedition Act: http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/sedition/s-1.html
Jefferson Quote: Jefferson’s Second Revolution: The Election Crisis of 1800 and the Triumph of Republicanism by Susan Dunn
John Adams Portrait: John Adams by John Ferling
Lyons Quote: Jefferson’s Second Revolution: The Election Crisis of 1800 and the Triumph of Republicanism by Susan Dunn
Newspaper Article: Otsego Herald, published as Otsego Herald; or, Western Advertiser; Date: 09-1799; Volume: V; Issue: 233; Page: [1]; Location: Cooperstown, New York
Picture of John Adams’ Quincy house: John Adams by John Ferling
Quote: Alexander Hamilton from John Adams by John Ferling
A choice Quote: Jefferson’s Second Revolution: The Election Crisis of 1800 and the Triumph of Republicanism by Susan Dunn
Jefferson Portrait: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rembrandt_Peale-Thomas_Jefferson.jpg
Quote/ Republican pray: Vermont Gazette in Jefferson’s Second Revolution: The Election Crisis of 1800 and the Triumph of Republicanism by Susan Dunn