Johnson attempts to break the Radical Republicans'…

Johnson attempts to break the Radical Republicans' power in the congressional elections of 1866 by uniting all moderates and by going on an extensive eighteen-day speaking tour in the Midwest, which he calls “a swing around the circle”, in order to explain and defend his policies and defeat congressional candidates opposing them.

His speeches are often rabble-rousing and ill-tempered as he tries to deal with hecklers sympathetic to the Radicals.

In Indianapolis, Indiana, a confrontation with a crowd leads to violence in which one man is killed.

In response to Johnson's intemperate outbursts against the opposition as well as to several reactionary developments in the South (e.g., race riots and passage of the repugnant black codes severely restricting rights of blacks), the North awards a resounding victory to the Radical Republicans.

With strong majorities in the House and Senate, they now have sufficient votes to override any presidential veto of their bills.

Johnson will be unable to block legislation that tips the balance of power to the Congress over the Executive.